Why It’s More Important Than Ever To Have A Comprehensive Estate Plan
Many of us think of estate planning as a complex and unpleasant task to be put off whenever possible. However, in these uncertain times, estate planning is especially critical. Your estate plan provides certainty for [...]
When Is Probate Required In Illinois? Here’s What You Need to Know
In the state of Illinois, probate is the legal process required for administering the property of someone who passed away. According to the Probate Act of 1975, 755 ILCS 5/Art. XXV, a formal court proceeding [...]
What Is A “Taxable Estate”
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 [...]
The Pet Trust: Securing Well-Being For Your Furry Loved Ones
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 [...]
Estate Planning With A Prenuptial Agreement: What You Need To Know
If we were making a list of the subjects nobody likes talking about, prenuptial agreements and estate planning would likely be near the top. However, a prenuptial agreement can be a vital part of an [...]
When Should My Trust’s Beneficiaries Receive Their Distributions?
There’s no question that estate planning is complicated and can be stressful. As you prepare for your family’s future, you’ll be faced with a lot of questions. Things like the guardianship of any minors under [...]
Reopening A Closed Probate Estate In Illinois
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
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 [...]
Heirs Vs. Legatees Vs. Beneficiaries: Understanding the Differences in Illinois Estate Planning and Probate
Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect and provide for your family in the future. This process involves making arrangements during your life for what will happen to [...]
Power of Attorney for Property Vs. Power of Attorney for Health Care
While it is not always pleasant or easy to think about, the reality is that no one is immune from suffering an unexpected illness or serious accident. Planning ahead now can help ensure that you [...]
What Types of Advance Directives Are Used In Illinois?
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 [...]
Planning Ahead for 2021: How a Family Attorney Can Help
2020 has been an unpredictable and unorthodox year — and with 2021 just around the corner, now is the time to plan ahead for whatever the new year might have in store. The year behind [...]
What Are Trusts, and How Do They Work? A Guide for Illinois Residents
As you start to think about the future and make plans to protect yourself and your loved ones, one concept that you might see come up again and again is the trust. Trusts are an [...]
How to Start Talking About Estate Planning With Your Family
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 [...]
Do All Assets Need to Go Through Probate in Illinois?
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 [...]