Estate planning that is drafted, not filled in.
Robert J. Kolasa, Ltd. Estate planning, probate and trust administration in Lake Forest, Illinois.
Practicing since 1983 · CPA, Illinois
Former IRS attorney · ACTEC Fellow
His policy is a no-cost initial consultation with most clients who request it.
Strike the boilerplate.
Tap an underlined clause on the draft. See what the form leaves out.
A standard form.
Four places to reconsider.
Robert J. Kolasa · About the firm
Illustrative sample. Not legal advice, and not the firm's language.
The four things I do
Robert Kolasa’s practice, as he describes it in his welcome video.
Estate planning
Wills, living trusts and powers of attorney for the decisions a family needs to make.
2Estate and gift tax preparation
Estate and gift tax returns, including Form 706.
3Trust and probate administration
Administration of trusts and probate estates, including work in Lake and Cook County.
4Asset protection
Planning with trusts, business entities and other legal arrangements to address creditor risk.
What an estate
plan decides
In his words, “Estate Planning can be described as making sure that:”
WHAT you own
goes to WHO you want
WHEN you want
HOW you want.
Robert J. Kolasa · Estate planning
The Illinois
estate tax
“Illinois estate taxes can be lowered, sometimes dramatically, through lifetime gifts.”
Robert J. Kolasa’s published conclusion
“The Illinois estate tax is complex and breeds confusion because it is comprised of two separate calculations.”
His analysis became articles and seminars for other estate planning lawyers.
Published analysis, presented in its original context.
These materials are not advice for a particular estate.
Who you are dealing with
Robert J. Kolasa
- 1979
- B.S. Accounting, magna cum laudeUniversity of Detroit
- 1982
- J.D., University of Detroit
- 1983
- LL.M. TaxationGeorgetown University Law Center
- 1983
- Attorney, IRS Office of Chief CounselIRS National Office, Washington, D.C.
- 1983
- Admitted to practice; practicing law since
- 1993
- Founded the firm in Lake Forest, Illinois
- 2020
- Elected an ACTEC FellowAmerican College of Trust and Estate Counsel, described on his site as more than 2,500 peer-elected lawyers
- CPA
- Licensed in Illinois
- Former
- President, Lake County Estate Planning Council
“I painstakingly take my time in the interview process to explain ALL reasonable and practical drafting options to my clients.”
“I would have it no other way.”Robert J. Kolasa · About the firm
The writing
Selected articles and seminar materials. A record of the questions he has spent his career working through.
Wrapping Your Head Around the Illinois Estate Tax
Illinois Bar Journal
Making Gifts can Reduce Illinois Estate Taxes
Illinois Bar Journal
The Illinois QTIP Election to the Rescue
Illinois Bar Journal
Problems in Springing the Delaware Tax Trap
Trusts and Estates
Formula General Powers of Appointment to the Rescue
Trusts and Estates
Stepped-up Basis for Credit Shelter Trusts Using PEG Powers under Illinois Law
ISBA Trusts & Estates Newsletter
The Expanded Scope of Section 189
The Journal of Real Estate Taxation · From his Georgetown LL.M. thesis
2010
The 2010 Tax Act has (GULP!) Arrived
Lake County Estate Planning Council
2015
How to Control Your Wealth after Death (if you want to)
Estate Planning Seminar · Gurnee, Illinois
Start with a conversation.
His policy is a no-cost initial consultation with most clients who request it.
Estate Planning Questionnaire (PDF), provided for clients who want a written questionnaire to organize their thoughts. It is optional.
Schedule a no-cost consultation