Estate Planning Engagement Agreement

Updated: May 19th, 2026

This Estate Planning Engagement Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by and between Chicagoland Legacy Group, LLC, a Wyoming limited liability company doing business as Chicagoland Trust ("Chicagoland Trust," “we,” “our,” or “us”), and the undersigned client (“Client,” “you,” or “your”).

This Agreement governs Client’s engagement with Chicagoland Trust for estate planning coordination, educational support, organizational guidance, and related services associated with the estate planning process.

 


 

1. Purpose of Engagement

Chicagoland Trust provides estate planning coordination, educational guidance, organizational support, and facilitation services designed to assist Clients in navigating the estate planning process.
 
Chicagoland Trust’s role is intended to support Clients through structured education, planning organization, document coordination, and trust stewardship support in connection with estate planning objectives.
 
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2. Nature of Services

Chicagoland Trust is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, legal representation, tax advice, financial advice, or accounting services.
 
Legal services, including the drafting, review, modification, or execution of trusts and related legal documents, are performed solely by independent licensed attorneys engaged separately in connection with Client’s estate planning needs.
 
Chicagoland Trust may assist with intake coordination, scheduling, educational materials, process organization, communication facilitation, and related support services; however, Chicagoland Trust does not independently practice law..
 
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3. Independent Attorney Relationship

Any attorney involved in Client’s estate planning process is an independent legal professional and is not an employee, partner, or agent of Chicagoland Trust.
Any attorney-client relationship exists solely between Client and the independent attorney providing legal services.
Chicagoland Trust does not supervise or control the legal judgment, recommendations, or legal services provided by any attorney.
Client acknowledges that legal advice may vary based on jurisdiction, individual circumstances, and evolving laws.
 
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4. Client Responsibilities

Client agrees to:
    • Provide complete, accurate, and timely information
    • Review all legal documents carefully prior to execution
    • Consult directly with legal, tax, or financial professionals regarding individualized advice
    • Respond promptly to requests for information or documentation
    • Notify Chicagoland Trust and applicable legal counsel regarding material changes in circumstances
 
Client acknowledges that estate planning outcomes depend upon the completeness and accuracy of information provided by Client.
 
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5. Trust Funding & Document Timelines

Client acknowledges that properly funding and transferring assets into a trust or estate planning structure is an essential part of the overall estate planning process.

Client understands and agrees that Client bears ultimate responsibility for completing any required asset transfers, beneficiary updates, title changes, account alignments, or related funding activities associated with Client’s estate plan.

Chicagoland Trust and any independent attorneys involved in the estate planning process may provide general guidance, coordination assistance, educational materials, or recommendations relating to trust funding; however, neither Chicagoland Trust nor any affiliated independent attorney guarantees the completion of asset transfers or funding activities unless separately agreed in writing.

Client further understands that preparation timelines for estate planning documents are dependent upon the timely submission of all required information, documentation, and responses requested during the planning process.

Estimated document preparation timelines, if provided, are approximate and may vary based on complexity, responsiveness, attorney scheduling, jurisdictional requirements, and other factors outside Chicagoland Trust’s control.

 
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6. Estate Planning Tiers

Chicagoland Trust currently offers multiple estate planning coordination tiers, including but not limited to:
  • Silver Trust Planning 
  • Gold Trust Planning 
  • Platinum Trust Planning

Pricing may vary depending on complexity, scope, jurisdiction, and planning requirements.
Specific pricing, services, and attorney fees, if applicable, will be separately communicated to Client prior to engagement.

 
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7. Membership Services

Membership services offered through the Chicagoland Trust Membership Program are governed separately under the applicable Membership Agreement.
 
Membership participation does not create legal representation and does not replace the need for independent legal counsel.
 
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8. No Guarantee of Outcomes

Chicagoland Trust makes no guarantees regarding:

  • Probate avoidance
  • Tax outcomes or tax savings
  • Asset protection outcomes
  • Legal enforceability of documents
  • Future changes in laws or regulations
  • Financial outcomes or preservation of wealth

Estate planning results depend upon numerous factors beyond Chicagoland Trust’s control, including changes in laws, family circumstances, asset structures, and Client actions.

 

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9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Chicagoland Trust shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, punitive, or exemplary damages arising out of or related to this Agreement or Client’s estate planning process.
 
Chicagoland Trust’s total liability arising under this Agreement shall not exceed the total fees paid directly to Chicagoland Trust by Client under this engagement.
 
Client acknowledges that independent attorneys are solely responsible for legal advice and legal services provided to Client.
 
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10. Indemnification

Client agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Chicagoland Trust, its owners, officers, contractors, affiliates, and representatives from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, costs, or expenses arising from:
  • Inaccurate or incomplete information provided by Client
  • Client’s failure to review legal documents
  • Actions or omissions of independent attorneys or third parties
  • Client’s misuse or misunderstanding of educational materials
  • Changes in laws or regulations affecting estate planning outcomes

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11. Confidentiality & Information Handling 

Chicagoland Trust will use reasonable administrative and operational measures designed to protect Client information and maintain professional confidentiality practices.
 
Client acknowledges that Chicagoland Trust utilizes third-party technology providers and platforms for communication, scheduling, document delivery, and Membership services.
 
While Chicagoland Trust takes reasonable steps to utilize reputable service providers and industry-standard security practices, no electronic system can guarantee absolute security.
 
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12. Termination

Either party may terminate this engagement upon written notice.
Termination does not relieve Client of responsibility for fees already incurred or obligations arising prior to termination.
 
Any ongoing legal representation with independent counsel shall be governed separately between Client and the applicable attorney.
 
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13. Dispute Resolution

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Wyoming, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved exclusively through binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). The arbitration venue shall be conducted in the State of Illinois unless otherwise agreed by the parties.
Each party shall bear its own attorneys’ fees and costs unless otherwise awarded by the arbitrator.
 
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14. Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties relating to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior discussions, representations, or understandings.
No modification of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both parties.
 
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15. Acknowledgement

By signing, Client acknowledges that:
  • Client has read and understood this Agreement
  • Chicagoland Trust is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice
  • Independent attorneys provide all legal services separately
  • Client has had the opportunity to ask questions regarding this Agreement
 
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15. Contact Information

 

If you have questions or concerns about this Agreement, please contact:


Chicago Legacy Group LLC
Email: membership @ chicagolandtrust.com
Mailing Address: 4320 Winfield Rd, Ste 200, Warrenville, IL 60555