Resources
Blog
Estate planning insights and legal resources.
What is a Living Trust vs. a Will—Which is Right for You?
Wills and living trusts are two common estate planning tools. Knowing how they work and when you need them can impact your family’s future. An experienced estate planning attorney can demystify the tools and objectives of end-of-life planning, particularly one trained in Illinois probate process and state statutes. They can explain the purposes and interactions
March 25, 2026
Legal Tips for Illinois Business Owners Approaching Retirement
The transition from building a business to enjoying retirement is a major milestone requiring planning and careful execution. Adding succession planning, business valuation, tax strategy, and estate planning significantly to one’s tasks is necessary. An experienced estate planning attorney is the right choice for an impartial sounding board and knowledgeable expert when approaching these hurdles .
March 21, 2026
Should You Put Your Vacation Home in a Trust?
When preparing an estate plan, deciding to put a beloved vacation home into a trust should be a simple matter. It’s one of the best ways to transfer the property to heirs. Leaving your vacation property unprotected by a trust can create headaches for your heirs. An attorney who specializes in estate planning can explain
March 21, 2026
Planning for Special Needs Children: What Illinois Parents Should Know
Day-to-day care giving demands are significant for children with special needs. Thinking ahead to their future and long-term financial security, as well as legal protection, can be overwhelming to consider. To quiet understandable concerns about your child’s future, don’t put off learning about the legal tools, savings vehicles, and proactive planning methods available to parents .
March 13, 2026
Why Powers of Attorney Matter Even If You’re Young and Healthy
Having a power of attorney is associated with aging and becoming unable to manage your own affairs, but that’s a misconception. Adults at every stage of life can benefit from having these protections in place. It is easy to ignore estate planning and end-of-life arrangements when you’re in midlife and enjoying good health but waiting
March 13, 2026
Do I Pay Income Tax on Inherited Assets?
Planning is an important part of understanding and controlling your finances. While it’s nice to receive an inheritance, not knowing how it might impact your taxes and other income-based reporting can cause stress. The short answer to whether you pay taxes on an inheritance is no, yet there are exceptions to that rule. Discussing your
February 27, 2026
How to Decide Whether to Leave Your Business to Your Children
Passing a business along to the next generation is an admirable milestone but it requires many complex steps. There are many things to consider before starting the process, including a careful analysis of family dynamics, tax implications, and legal requirements. Having the guidance and thorough knowledge of an experienced business law attorney is critical to
February 27, 2026
How Estate Planning Helps Your Family Avoid Court
The grief and adjustment after losing a loved one is hard on the strongest of families. Yet it is frequently compounded by complex legal issues, especially if the deceased did not plan ahead for the distribution of their assets. Planning ahead can defuse this fraught situation with the help of an experienced estate planning attorney .
February 20, 2026
Do Bank Accounts Automatically Go to Family After Death?
When a loved one dies, family members often want to account for their belongings and to make sure any division and distribution of assets is done fairly and legally. It raises the question, how are bank accounts handled after the account holder’s death? Do the funds automatically get transferred to a family member? Who decides?
February 13, 2026
Can Parents Leave Money With Conditions Attached?
When a parent or guardian dies, the expectation is for their heirs to receive the benefit of the deceased’s estate, including properties, family heirlooms, and investment accounts. But there may be strings attached to the inheritance. One or all of the heirs may be required to meet specific criteria to receive their portion of the
February 11, 2026
What is the Illinois Estate Tax Threshold? A Guide for Illinois Residents
Passing assets and property to heirs after a life of hard work is the goal of many Americans. Understanding estate taxes, exemptions, and how they apply to your assets is key to strategic estate planning. A qualified estate planning attorney can guide you, explaining the tools available and how each interacts with your wishes. Taxes
January 22, 2026
How Family Property Gets Passed Down Over Generations
Keeping a piece of property in the family can be a point of pride and a sentimental touchstone. It’s also a way to transfer wealth to your children and grandchildren. Understanding and properly using the tools available to transfer real property requires planning. The counsel of an estate planning attorney can protect your assets and
January 22, 2026