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Estate planning insights and legal resources.
To the Millennials: The Time to Plan Is Now
As a millennial, you are contributing to the workforce in a major way and are making positive changes in the world around you. We understand that your concerns may differ from someone of a different generation, and we are here to help you craft an estate plan that protects your future and addresses the things
July 11, 2024
What to Do if You Inherit a House in Illinois
When people create estate plans, establishing a plan for what happens to their homes if they pass away is essential. Many choose to let a loved one inherit the property and give them the full freedom they need to decide what to do with the home once ownership transfers to them. If you’ve recently inherited
June 28, 2024
Why You Need an Estate Plan, No Matter Your Age or Wealth
When you’re young, the future feels like it’s filled with endless possibilities. This leads many younger adults to believe that they have plenty of time to plan for changes in their health or to provide clear direction for how their assets should be managed when they pass away. While estate planning is often viewed as
June 13, 2024
A Quick Overview of the Illinois State Probate Process
When you pass away, the state will look to your will and your estate plan to determine who inherits which parts of your estate. That’s why creating a will and having a functioning estate plan in place is so important. Without it, the state is left to determine who receives which assets based on the
May 30, 2024
What Is the Order of Inheritance in Illinois?
Figuring out who inherits which parts of your estate is a key component of estate planning. And while your Illinois estate planning lawyer can help you create a plan that clearly outlines your wishes, it’s still helpful if you understand the ins and outs of the state’s rules before you start. This way, you’ll have
May 21, 2024
4 Reasons to Hire an Illinois Real Estate Lawyer When Selling Your Home
Selling your home can be a long and complicated process. And while your real estate agent may be able to help you manage your listing and set a fair asking price, they’re not the only professional you’ll want to have on your side. Many homeowners can benefit from working with an experienced Illinois real estate
April 30, 2024
Don’t Let This Crucial Question Derail Your Estate Plan
Sitting down to create or update your estate plan can be overwhelming. Crucial to a successful plan is your ability to address two major questions: Who will get your stuff when you die, and how do you want those individuals or charities to receive that stuff? Ways to Give Away Your Money and Property Outright
April 23, 2024
What Is the Difference Between a Probate and Trust Administration Attorney and an Estate Planning Attorney?
Estate planning attorneys and probate and trust administration attorneys play crucial but distinct roles in the legal processes involving legacy planning, asset distribution, and wealth preservation. Estate planning attorneys focus on creating a plan to manage a person s money, property, and affairs upon their death or if they are unable to manage it themselves. Probate
April 23, 2024
What Happens to Real Estate With a Mortgage When I Die?
Your mortgage, like the rest of your debt, does not simply disappear when you die. If you leave your home that has an outstanding loan to a beneficiary in your will or trust, your beneficiary will inherit not only the property but also the outstanding debt. They may have the right to take over the
April 23, 2024
Inspiring Action: The Guide to Creating or Updating Your Estate Plan
Creating or revising an estate plan can feel overwhelming, causing many people to procrastinate. But the longer you put it off, the more potential there is to be caught unprepared in an emergency. So how can you motivate yourself and your loved ones to begin the process? Here are some strategies to help you overcome
April 23, 2024
What Is a Residuary Clause and Why Is It Important?
When developing your estate plan, it is nearly impossible to address every account or property you own. There are sure to be some things you unintentionally overlook. However, by including a residuary clause, you can intentionally disburse any remaining items inadvertently left over during the estate or trust administration process to a named beneficiary or
April 23, 2024
Saying Goodbye Is Hard: How a Comprehensive Estate Plan Can Help
When people think about estate planning, they usually focus on who will receive their money and property when they pass away and how it will be received. However, estate planning can also address your end-of-life wishes—the considerations and expenses involved when it is time to say goodbye to your loved ones. The following are important
April 23, 2024