There's more to wealth than money
Life happens to all of us. And if you aren’t prepared for the possibility of death, divorce, or disability, it could devastate the people you love most. This is an attorney’s guide to planning your life so you can build a foundation for your family’s future — one that will withstand whatever comes.
Written for wherever you are in life
Wherever you are in life, this book meets you there — so you can plan ahead instead of scrambling when the unexpected arrives.
- You're thinking about marriage and want to start it on the right foundation
- You keep meaning to get an estate plan done, but don't know where to start
- You have children and want to be sure they're protected no matter what
- You're facing divorce and want a calmer, more dignified path forward
- You want to leave a legacy — not a mess — for the people you love
- You're ready to stop worrying about the “what ifs” and take control
Practical answers, not legal jargon
Prepare your estate plan with confidence
Learn the basics and your options so you can design a plan that actually works to protect your family, wealth, and legacy.
Approach divorce with dignity
Discover alternatives that offer privacy, faster resolution, lower cost — and far less stress for your kids.
Hire the right attorney
Know what qualifications to look for and how to find someone you can trust to represent your best interests.
Protect the people you love
Whatever your age or stage, get the practical advice that prepares your family for anything.
“My mission for this book is to inspire you to take ownership of your life — to shift your focus to what you can control, and confidently take action to protect your family’s future.”
The care behind the pages
Michael Biederstadt
Michael Biederstadt is the founder of Family, Wealth & Legacy Legal Solutions, serving families throughout Illinois. An attorney, author, speaker, and certified mediator, he helps individuals and families plan for life’s biggest legal challenges, including death, disability, and divorce.
After nearly 20 years in family law, Michael shifted his focus to estate planning, mediation, and collaborative law to help clients avoid unnecessary conflict and protect what matters most. He is dedicated to providing practical legal guidance that helps families preserve their wealth, protect their loved ones, and create a lasting legacy.