The A-Z of Estate Planning

June 7th, 2023|

Having an estate plan in place is an essential part of protecting your family and ensuring that you have control over your own future. Working with an experienced estate planning professional is the best way [...]

Estate Planning for Domestic Partners

May 18th, 2023|

Estate planning is the process of organizing and preparing for the distribution of your assets after your death. It’s an essential part of life, ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of and that [...]

What To Do When a Will is Lost

May 18th, 2023|

Processing the loss of a loved one can be a difficult and stressful time, emotionally and, unfortunately, administratively. The average person doesn’t deal with death, legal documentation, and probate court on a daily basis. So, [...]

Why Millennials Need an Estate Plan

April 24th, 2023|

If you were born between 1981 and 1996, you’re a millennial, part of the "most racially and ethnically diverse adult generation in the nation’s history,” according to the Pew Research Center. Members of this cohort [...]

Transferring a Guardianship to Another State

January 27th, 2023|

When we assume guardianship over another, we think about any number of things: how do we manage an addition or a change to our families? How might our changing circumstances affect us emotionally? Financially? What [...]

How to Title Assets in Estate Planning

January 13th, 2023|

Creating an estate plan isn’t just about distributing assets — it’s about ensuring your loved ones are cared for, and their burdens minimized, should the unthinkable happen. A comprehensive estate plan is vital if you [...]

  • Planning Ahead for Life Transitions In 2021 With a Chicago Attorney

Planning Ahead for 2023: How a Family Attorney Can Help

December 29th, 2022|

Preparing to make a change in 2023? Studies show that in past years, about a third of all Americans have made new year’s resolutions, which might include important goals like saving more money, eating more [...]

  • What Is A Postnuptial Agreement, And When Do I Need One?

What Is A Postnuptial Agreement, And When Do I Need One?

April 20th, 2022|

In addition to being an important step in an interpersonal relationship, marriage imposes a complex set of default legal and quasi-contractual obligations on each partner. Like a prenuptial agreement, a postnuptial agreement, sometimes called a [...]

  • What You Need To Know About Collaborative Divorce

What You Need To Know About Collaborative Divorce

March 25th, 2022|

When we think about divorce, we tend to think of a contentious process in which the parties argue over every detail, leaving all involved with hard feelings — and substantial legal bills. But divorce doesn’t [...]

  • A photo of a blended family.

The Importance of Estate Planning for Blended Families

February 23rd, 2022|

Blended families are everywhere in pop culture — from the swinging ‘60s vibes of The Brady Bunch to the complex, intertwined family arrangements we see in shows ranging from Modern Family to Cheaper By the [...]

What Is A “Taxable Estate”

January 26th, 2022|

Most of us know the term “estate tax,” but may not understand how it interacts with our own estate planning. One of the most frequently encountered — and misunderstood — topics in estate planning is [...]

  • Pet Trusts: Securing Well-Being For Your Furry Loved Ones

The Pet Trust: Securing Well-Being For Your Furry Loved Ones

January 12th, 2022|

According to the American Veterinary Association, 76% of cat owners and 85% of dog owners consider pets to be members of the family. As we plan for life transitions, assuring the well-being of our companion [...]

  • Important Resources For Adoptive Parents

Important Resources For Adoptive Parents

November 22nd, 2021|

Adoption is a beautiful way of creating a family, but it can be a daunting legal process. In fact, for potential adoptive parents, understanding the process can be downright discouraging. Finding the right resources before [...]

  • Managing Funds Held On Behalf Of A Minor

Managing Funds Held On Behalf Of A Minor

November 17th, 2021|

In Illinois, transferring or leaving money or property to a minor child can be a complicated proposition. Under Illinois law, like the law of most other states, minors can’t hold property directly. Someone else- a [...]

  • What Happens In A Contested Adult Guardianship

What Happens In A Contested Adult Guardianship?

October 30th, 2021|

Adult guardianship is a legal process by which an adult who has been adjudicated disabled is assigned a legal guardian. Most adult guardianships are uncontested, meaning that all parties agree on the need for guardianship [...]

  • Myths And Misconceptions About Adoption In Illinois

Myths And Misconceptions About Adoption In Illinois

October 10th, 2021|

Adoption is much more than just a legal process — it is a profound and joyous way to add a new member to the family. Unfortunately, those considering placing their child for adoption or adopting [...]

  • Reopening A Closed Probate Estate In Illinois

Reopening A Closed Probate Estate In Illinois

September 29th, 2021|

Probate is the legal process by which a person’s estate is administered  and distributed upon their death. The purpose of the probate process is to distribute the decedent’s property and to make sure all debts [...]

  • Estate Planning For Digital Assets

Estate Planning For Digital Assets

September 13th, 2021|

A surprising amount of modern life takes place online. Having a combination of multiple email accounts, cloud storage accounts with photos and videos, social media accounts, banking, web domains, and payment apps like Venmo or [...]

  • Common Myths About Guardianships

Common Myths About Guardianship

August 31st, 2021|

The recent news of  some high-profile guardianships, also referred to as conservatorships, has led to a lot of hotly contested debates on the topic. Myths abound and often lead to misunderstandings of the guardianship process [...]

  • What Happens In An Adult Guardianship Hearing In Illinois

What Happens At An Adult Guardianship Hearing In Illinois?

August 15th, 2021|

Adult guardianship is a legal process  in which an adult is adjudicated legally disabled  incapacitated by reason of mental disability or illness and the terms of the personal or financial guardianship are set. In an [...]

  • What to Expect During a Prove-Up Hearing In an Illinois Divorce

What to Expect During a Prove-Up Hearing In an Illinois Divorce

July 5th, 2021|

You’ve gone through the process of filing for a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. You and your attorney have navigated discovery, and you’ve made it through rounds of negotiations with your spouse and their attorney [...]

  • Supervised Vs. Independent Estate Administration

Supervised Vs. Independent Estate Administration in Illinois

June 21st, 2021|

Losing a loved one can become even harder when you are put in a position to navigate their estate through the complex and time-consuming legal process of probate. The ultimate goal of probate, also called [...]

  • Who May Legally Adopt a Child In Illinois?

Who Can Adopt a Child Under Illinois Law?

June 10th, 2021|

Bringing a new child into your home can be one of life’s most exciting gifts. For those who are unable to have their own biological children or who simply wish to expand their family in [...]

  • How Long Does Probate Take In Illinois

How Long Does Probate Take In Illinois?

May 24th, 2021|

The loss of a loved one is an incredibly difficult life transition to navigate. In addition to the emotional upheaval that accompanies a loss, this moment can also require you to navigate the probate process [...]

  • What Happens When a Divorce Goes to Trial In Illinois

What to Expect When a Divorce Goes to Trial In Illinois

April 23rd, 2021|

Does the idea of divorce conjure up images of angry men and women arguing in front of a judge in a brightly lit courtroom? Decades of Law & Order and countless movies have created the [...]

  • What to Look For in an Adoption Attorney

What to Look For in an Adoption Attorney

April 9th, 2021|

For many people, bringing a new child home is one of life’s most exciting and fulfilling gifts. For those who are unable to have their own biological children or who simply wish to expand their [...]

  • Illinois Will Contest FAQs

Contesting a Will in Illinois: What You Need to Know

March 12th, 2021|

A will is an essential component of any comprehensive estate plan. This important legal document may be used to set down your wishes for how you want your property to be distributed at your death, [...]

  • Do I Have to File a Will in Illinois?

How to File a Will In Illinois

February 22nd, 2021|

If you’ve seen a lot of Old Hollywood movies, you might have seen a dramatic scene in which some official gathers a recently deceased person’s friends and family together for a “reading of the will.” [...]

  • Illinois Advance Directives

What Types of Advance Directives Are Used In Illinois?

January 18th, 2021|

While it is not always the most pleasant thing to think about, estate planning is one of the most important things you can do to provide for your family in the future — and that [...]

  • Myths About Divorce

Unpacking 6 Common Myths About Divorce In Illinois

January 6th, 2021|

Divorce is one of those topics on which everyone seems to have an opinion— although the fact of the matter is that many people here in Illinois actually believe some outdated or flat-out incorrect myths [...]

  • Illinois Child Support

What Does Child Support Cover In Illinois?

December 9th, 2020|

For anyone thinking about the ins and outs of getting a divorce in Illinois, child support is one of the most important considerations to keep in mind — and can also be one of the [...]

  • How to Talk About a Prenup In Your Relationship

How to Talk About a Prenup With Your Partner

November 17th, 2020|

Prenups are not only for the rich, famous, and ultra wealthy. Instead, they can be useful for any couple looking to enter into their marriage with clarity and peace of mind. Prenuptial agreements can help [...]

  • Exploring the Concept of Open Adoptions

What Is an Open Adoption?

November 11th, 2020|

Whether you are a family considering adopting a child or a birth parent thinking about all of your options for placement, there are many important terms and concepts that you are likely to come across [...]

  • What Happens to the Marital Residence During a Divorce

What Happens to the Marital Residence in an Illinois Divorce?

October 7th, 2020|

If marriage is about joining two lives together, then dissolving a marriage involves making important decisions about how things must be divided. More often than not, this includes the family home. As you start to [...]

  • What Goes Into the Discovery Phase of a Divorce?

What Goes Into The Discovery Phase of a Divorce?

August 5th, 2020|

If you are interested in learning more about the divorce process in Illinois, then it’s important to understand the discovery phase — and all that may go into it.  What Does “Discovery” Mean in a [...]

  • Talking About Estate Planning With Family

How to Start Talking About Estate Planning With Your Family

July 13th, 2020|

Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to help protect your family’s future — but it’s also an incredibly difficult thing to talk about, for many people. After all, talking [...]

  • Important Questions to Ask When Considering Adoption

7 Important Questions to Ask When Considering Adoption

July 2nd, 2020|

There’s a famous quote that “family isn’t made from blood, it’s made from love.” Adoption is a powerful and meaningful way to expand your family, and give a child or teenager the love, comfort, and [...]

  • Contested Vs. Uncontested Divorce in Illinois

Contested Vs. Uncontested Divorce in Illinois

June 17th, 2020|

Every divorce comes with several important decisions that have to be made. Being able to reach an agreement about these key decisions with your spouse ultimately determines how your divorce will proceed — including if [...]

  • What Assets Need to Go Through Probate In Illinois

Do All Assets Need to Go Through Probate in Illinois?

May 18th, 2020|

Losing a loved one is a difficult and emotional time. This tough transition can be made even harder when you need to navigate through a complex and time-consuming court process. In Illinois, the legal process for [...]

  • Divorce and COVID-19

Divorce In the Era of COVID-19

May 6th, 2020|

At the time we’re writing this, the outbreak of novel coronavirus COVID-19 is still dramatically impacting families here in Chicago and around the world. In this unprecedented time, our first priority is making sure that [...]

  • When to Start Thinking About Estate Planning

When Should I Start Thinking About Estate Planning?

April 8th, 2020|

What do you think of when you hear the phrase estate planning? There’s a common conception that estate planning is only needed by the rich or the elderly, and not something that most people need [...]

  • Formula for Calculating Maintenance Payments in Illinois

How Is Maintenance (Formerly Alimony) Calculated In Illinois?

March 25th, 2020|

On top of being emotionally trying, divorce can be a complex and confusing process for all parties involved. This is particularly true when you consider the many financial aspects that must be considered in divorce, [...]

  • Starting the Process of Adoption In Illinois

How Do I Start the Adoption Process In Illinois?

March 18th, 2020|

Welcoming a child into your home through adoption can be an incredible opportunity to grow your family and fill your life with love. However, as you first start to consider everything that goes into adoption [...]

  • Plenary Guardianship Vs. Limited Guardianship

Plenary Guardianship Vs. Limited Guardianship

March 11th, 2020|

In Illinois,  guardianship of an adult can be a healthy and proactive option for all involved. With that said, it’s important to understand that becoming a legal guardian can be a complex process, with many [...]

  • Illinois Marital Property

What Is Considered Marital Property In Illinois?

March 4th, 2020|

Many couples see marriage as the opportunity to build a life together. From purchasing a house or a car; to opening up joint financial accounts; to choosing the furniture and artwork that suit your unique [...]

  • What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will in Illinois?

What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will in Illinois?

February 26th, 2020|

In Illinois, what happens if someone passes away without a last will and testament? Dying without a will is known as dying intestate. This occurrence is more common than you might think, and the state [...]

  • Understanding Common Types of Illinois Adoption

Understanding Five Common Types of Adoption In Illinois

February 19th, 2020|

Considering adoption in Illinois? It’s important to know the common types of adoption available in our area. Equipped with this information, you may be able to gain a better understanding of which form of adoption [...]

  • Guardianship of the Person Vs. Guardianship of the Estate

Guardian of the Person Vs. Guardian of the Estate

February 12th, 2020|

Here in Chicago, understanding the many moving parts that go into legal guardianship can be complicated, and can easily start to become overwhelming — especially if you’re navigating this tricky process for the first time.  [...]

  • A visual representation of a no-fault divorce

Is Illinois A ‘No-Fault’ Divorce State?

February 5th, 2020|

Illinois is considered to be a pure “no-fault” divorce state, and has been since 2016. In other words, this means that the only grounds for divorce recognized in the state is “irreconcilable differences.” The term [...]

  • An illustration of a family and a home, highlighting the importance of starting to think about your estate plan

Five Reasons to Start Thinking About Your Estate Plan

January 27th, 2020|

Creating an estate plan is one of the most effective things you can do to help provide for your family’s comfort, stability, and peace of mind in a difficult time.  Understandably, not many people like [...]

I Do…Want a Prenup!

July 13th, 2018|

Premarital (Prenuptial) Agreements (and postnuptial agreements) have become much more common among the middle-class in recent years. Contrary to popular belief, premarital agreements are not just for the celebrities and athletes. There has [...]