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Curt William Ferguson

Estate planning Attorney at Salem, IL

5.0   41 reviews
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  • State Years
    Missouri - MO 19 years
    Illinois - IL 33 years
  • Licensed for 19 years
    State MO
    Acquired 2004
    Status
    Good Standing, Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 33 years
    State IL
    Acquired 1989
    Status
    Active and Authorized to Practice Law No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Estate Planning - The Best!
anonymous
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Peace of Mind
Chris and Vicki
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
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About Curt

Learn Curt’s areas of practice.

2
Practice areas
  1. Estate planning
    90%
    Through a unique, proactive estate planning process we help people control their future and direct their assets in such a way as to make the greatest positive impact on the lives of the people they love. It's not a document; it's a plan that works!

    34 years, 1,000 cases

  2. Business
    10%
    Your small business (corporation, LLC, etc.) must be operated with proper formalities, or it will not serve it's intended purposes. With our help, you can realize tax and asset protection benefits, then (coordinated with your estate plan) transfer the business to your chosen successor.

    27 years, 100 cases

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Contact Curt

Curt W. Ferguson, P.C.
The Estate Planning Center
919 West Main
Salem, IL, 62881-1303
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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0
  41 customer reviews
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Posted by anonymous | March 22, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate Planning - The Best!
Curt and his team know how to plan and execute an estate plan. My husband and I thought we had done this several years ago and after attending his workshop we realized the other attorney had not funded anything in our estate plan which meant it was rather useless. Thanks for Curt and his team we are comforted to know our heirs and our wishes will be taken care of when we are gone.
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Posted by Chris and Vicki | January 19, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Peace of Mind
Curt set up our trusts and some very involved estate planning. Very through, very detailed. He listened to our concerns and presented many things that hadn’t occurred to us. All in all, we are relieved to have our affairs in order for the next generation.
Posted by Ruth | August 25, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Personal, friendly, understandable, compassionate service
Curt Ferguson has been an amazing partner as our family plans to pass on our Centennial Farm to our children. Not only is he very knowledgeable and up-to-date on all the legal aspects of estate planning, he provides newsletters and workshops multiple times a year to keep us updated as well. He is a master at explaining difficult concepts in a way that is understandable and entertaining. Curt Ferguson also relates to his clients with compassion, offering personalized assistance with difficult topics. We have recommended Curt Ferguson to many of our friends.
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Posted by Jerry and cathy | June 26, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate planner
Curt wrote our trusts and was very detailed oriented. He was very concerned that our concerns were expressed correctly. It is very important to us that our trusts do what we want for our heirs. We are very happy we found Curt at Estate Planning. The entire staff is excellent.
Posted by Ron & Sherrie | January 14, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best planning for Seniors
My wife and I set up our trust years ago and we thought we did everything right. As years past we begin to think differently about what we wanted our trust to accomplish. We've known Curt for many years and he has helped many of my clients set up their trust to perfection. We called Curt to explain that we needed a complete review of our current trust. What surprised me the most was his next comment, (I would be happy to help you and your wife but I would recommend that you both attend our Truth About Estate Planning work shop). We agreed to his advice and set our dates to attend these meetings at his office in Salem,Il. My wife and I attended a total of five meetings and all I can say we were so pleased with the information we received and the total dedication by Curt and his staff to meet our needs. We are now part of the LifeSpan program and we are convinced that our needs will be met and what we were able to accomplish for our heirs will leave a lifetime legacy.
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Posted by Jerry | December 22, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great character, very thorough
We were very pleased with the service we received setting up our estate plan. Curt is VERY thorough. He works very hard at explaining difficult topics in easy to understand ways, and goes overboard to try to make sure he creates a plan that is exactly what you want, even if it is not typical. His process is not for everyone - it is time consuming, detailed, and will require attention to detail on the part of the client. We also came away knowing that his Christian faith compels him to go beyond just doing legal work and he also works hard to help clients create a "life legacy" - not just create a legal document.
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Posted by anonymous | December 1, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate Planning made easy!
Curt and Sam at the Estate Planning Center, as well as Sherry and the other team members, went out of their way to make a confusing and many faceted experience a success. They were always available, returned any and all calls, answered all our varied questions - and all with a smile. I would recommend their services to anyone wanting to set up a trust. They made the entire process easy.
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Posted by Ronald | August 17, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate Planning Attorney
Curt Ferguson has done excellent work creating and estate plan for my wife and me. His work has demonstrated that he has our needs front and center and that enhances our trust in him.
Posted by Suzanne | July 30, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Top Notch Guy
We are in the process of doing estate planning with Curt. It's one of the best investments we have made to protect our children and grandchildren. Not only are we passing on our assets; but also our legacy which we feel is equally important. Would highly recommend him to anyone wishing to do estate planning.
Posted by anonymous | July 19, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate planning
We hired Curt to do our Trust. He did a very good job. He explained in detail how it would work. He was great at answering our questions. We are extremely happy with the results.
Posted by anonymous | July 8, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Happy Client!
Designed individual and family trusts. Very concerned with keeping plans updated. In general, attentive, personal, family-oriented.
Posted by Susan | July 7, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Wonderful Attorney
We have been a client of Curt's for many, many years. He set up plans for me, my husband, and also my Mother. He is almost excessively thorough. When Mom died, everything went smooth as silk and as planned. A joy to work with, and he also has an excellent staff.
Posted by Linda | July 7, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Satisfied Clients
Curt Ferguson was recommended by our insurance agent when we asked for references for estate planning. We attended an introductory meeting and felt right away Curt was the person we wanted working with us. We were right! His knowledge, values, presentation of information and personality were what we needed as our estate plan was developed. We also appreciate two other important factors related to Curt: his great staff and the emphasis put on keeping our information current for our whole estate plan.
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Posted by Dan | July 6, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Lead Attorney
Curt always keeps us, his clients, well informed of current changes in the tax laws and puts it in a vocabulary anyone can understand. Keeps all the updated and new training sessions at a personal level of understanding while adding a touch of humor. We can't imagine anyone doing a better job. Very Happy with him and his staff as well.
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Posted by Tammy | July 6, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best in the business, hands down!
We give Curt and his entire team 5 stars, hands down! He and his staff are extremely thorough, knowledgeable, and attentive to our every need (we were even treated to freshly-baked cookies and beverages during our 3-hour appointment!)
Posted by Meris | July 6, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Meris & Dale McCalla
We knew we would need a firm that was not only aggressive but persistent. Knowing that we would not have to be the ones to keep up with current changes in the law was a huge relief to us. We are also people that need a "gentle" nudge to get our homework done and handed in. We have complete confidence in the work they preform. It is also nice to have it explained in terms we can understand ie: School Bus trust. Entire staff pleasant and very capable to work with.
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Posted by Chad | July 6, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The VERY BEST FIRM STATE WIDE for planning a Trust!
I can't say enough about EVERYONE who works at "The Estate Planning Center." Such wonderful people to work with. Always very considerate and EXTREMELY painless setting up your Trust in anyway! Second to none for sure!
Posted by anonymous | July 5, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Trustworthy
Curt Ferguson is an attorney who knows his business. When you add to that his personal trustworthy character, you have the perfect combination for the best estate planning possible. He has provided estate plans for me and for my late husband. I can say that my husband's estate plan worked as he intended and processed smoothly.
Posted by anonymous | July 5, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding!
We hired Curt Ferguson to do our estate planning. We have been extremely pleased with every aspect of our interactions with Curt and his team. Curt is highly knowledgeable, extremely thorough, and totally client focused. While the material is very complex, Curt is very patient and addresses questions without making us feel reluctant or embarrassed about asking. Follow up is fantastic, and ensures that we are doing everything that is needed to fund our trusts, etc. We also appreciate Curt's focus on ongoing education so that we are aware of and can address any changes in the law or our own circumstances.
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Posted by gerald | July 5, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
clint
Mt Ferguson has worked on our estate planning for a number of years. He has completed a great plan and has kept us updated and communicated regularly with us on new laws and other business projects.
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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • President & Founder
  • The Estate Planning Center
  • 1989 - Present

Education

  • University of Texas School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1989

Legal Cases

  • Estate and Gift Tax Success
  • 100% reduction in estate tax

Associations

  • National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys
  • Chairman: Drafting Development Task Force
  • 2014 - Present
  • Illinois State Bar Association, Trusts & Estates Section
  • Member
  • 2000 - Present
  • National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys
  • Member
  • 1996 - Present
  • Christian Legal Society
  • Member
  • 1989 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • "The Spoon of Integrity"
  • National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys
  • 2009

Publications

  • Illinois State Bar Association Trust and Estates Newsletter
  • Reflections on National Network Membership
  • 2013
  • ISBA Agricultural Law Newsletter
  • My attorney won’t tell me what I should do!
  • 2013
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • NNEPA Collegium
  • Transfer the Family Business via Sale to Grantor Trust
  • 2017
  • Trusts 101 (NBI) and National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys Collegium
  • Grantor Trusts
  • 2016
  • National Network Collegium (Indianapolis)
  • Clayton QTIP: an old idea for a new paradigm
  • 2015
  • National Network Collegium (Indianapolis)
  • Practical Drafting of Irrevocable Trusts
  • 2014
  • National Network Collegium (Orlando) [Keynote Legal Address]
  • ATRA 2012: It's Really Not About THOSE Taxes!
  • 2013
  • Farm Credit College
  • Estate Planning 101: Effective Planning for Farm Families
  • 2013
  • National Network Collegium (Indianapolis)
  • ATRA: Estate vs. Capital Gain Tax: A Whole New Ballgame
  • 2013
  • National Network Collegium
  • Generation Skipping Transfer Tax Planning
  • 2012
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (7)
Given (12)
Endorse Curt
Chris Godfrey headshot
Chris Godfrey
Estate planning Attorney | Dec 08
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Curt is my go-to guy whenever I have a problem affecting our farming families. Not only is he very knowledgeable but his experience provides an invaluable perspective that is unique in our field. I enjoy spending time with him. A prospective client would be well-served by him and his exceptional team at the Estate Planning Center."
Joseph Michael Ferraro headshot
Joseph Ferraro
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Curt is one of the brightest minds in the estate planning profession. His cutting-edge strategies influence how attorneys practice across the country. He also combines this expertise with an incomparably high level of dedication to his clients and their estate plans. I highly recommend Curt without hesitation."
David Preston Crandall headshot
David Crandall
Estate planning Attorney | Apr 27
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have known Curt for about seven years due to our mutual involvement in the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys. I consider him one of my mentors in providing the highest quality estate planning for my clients. He is a caring and incredibly intelligent lawyer, exhibiting the very highest of ethical standards as a Christian attorney. I could not recommend him more highly."
Scott Allen Williams headshot
Scott Williams
Estate planning Attorney | Mar 17
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"It has been my sincere pleasure to have had the opportunity to work closely with Curt on a number of complex legal projects over the past 10 years. Curt is by far one of the most technically strong estate planning attorneys I have ever worked with. I am particularly impressed with his ability to sort through complex legal issues to find common sense and practical solutions for his clients. He is exceptionally committed to finding innovative ways to ensure each of his clients' estate plans achieve the purpose for which they were put in place. His work ethic is beyond reproach and he genuinely cares for each of his clients. I could not give a higher endorsement for this friend and colleague."
Tamara Beam Cain headshot
Tamara Cain
Estate planning Attorney | Sep 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have worked with Curt Ferguson in the estate planning arena for a number of years. His law firm is truly education-focused. Curt has developed a unique approach to estate planning that makes the complex subject of estate planning easy to understand, organized, and cost effective. He and his team at The Estate Planning Center establish life-long relationships with their clients, their client's helpers, and their client's families. Curt understands that estate plans must be maintained and updated because of changes in the law, the tax system, the family, mobility of family helpers, and Curt's constantly evolving methods for addressing his client's issues. I endorse Curt Ferguson and The Estate Planning Center for the process they have developed to make sure that their client's estate plans work as intended."
William F. Coyne Jr headshot
William Coyne
Estate planning Attorney | Jun 25
Relationship: Other
"I have known Curt for more than ten years. Curt is that rare lawyer who is both technically very knowledgeable and dedicated to achieving a client's personal goals for the family. I have learned a great deal from him -- both about cutting edge tax minimization techniques, and about creative ways to design, implement, and maintain plans to achieve a client's long term goals."
Gary Roger Waitzman headshot
Gary Waitzman
Estate planning Attorney | Mar 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have know Curt for many years as a joint member of the NNEPA a national estate planning group for attorneys. I know from working with him and being around him that he is one of the most intelligent, hard working, spiritual and dedicated attorneys I have ever met. He consistently goes the extra mile for his clients and the results speak for themselves. I highly recommend and endorse Curt."
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Matthew A. Ferri headshot
Matthew Ferri
Estate planning
Chris Godfrey headshot
Chris Godfrey
Estate planning
David Preston Crandall headshot
David Crandall
Estate planning
Jeffrey Allen Cramer headshot
Jeffrey Cramer
Estate planning
Scott Allen Williams headshot
Scott Williams
Unknown
Paul H Grant headshot
Paul Grant
Estate planning
Tamara Beam Cain headshot
Tamara Cain
Estate planning
Justin Peter Dituri headshot
Justin Dituri
Estate planning
William F. Coyne Jr headshot
William Coyne
Estate planning
Gary Roger Waitzman headshot
Gary Waitzman
Estate planning
Michael Allen Dolan headshot
Michael Dolan
Estate planning
Samuel Langdon Collins headshot
Samuel Collins
Estate planning
Salem Estate planning Lawyer Curt William Ferguson
Curt William Ferguson
Estate planning Attorney
Salem, IL
Licensed for 33 years
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