An Illinois resident may not want to burden their loved ones by talking about steps to take in case of their death, but avoiding the discussion leads to problems for the remaining family in the future. One of the main steps an individual can take to protect their...
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What to do if you were unexpectedly disinherited
You may have a strained relationship with a loved one, but if you find out that upon your loved one’s death you were left out of their will, the news can come as a complete shock especially if you were told you would receive an inheritance, or you were listed as a...
Estate planning tips for different estate planning needs
The estate planning process is not a cookie cutter process but, instead, provides tools to allow estate planners to develop an estate plan that works for them. What is important to keep in mind is that estate planning is for everyone at any phase of life. It is...
Healthcare directives empower individuals to make decisions
Planning for future healthcare needs can offer peace of mind during trying times. Whether you know you have a progressive illness now or obtain an unplanned but serious injury later, advance directives, including healthcare directives, are ways to plan for your...
When and how to use a special needs trust
One of the most talked-about estate planning techniques of the last 10-15 years has been the special needs trust. Special needs trusts (SNT) in Illinois are used to shield assets from taxes and the spend-down provisions in laws such as Medicaid and Medicare. The...
Importance of putting a guardian for children into a will
There are many aspects of life in Illinois that are unexpected, but are still certainly possibilities. It is important to plan for these potential events. Many of them can be planned for through purchasing various forms of insurance. However, insurance cannot provide...
When to update an estate plan
There are some important times in the estate planner’s life when they should consider updating their estate plan. Because an estate plan should not be set in stone, it is helpful for estate planners to know when they should update their estate plan. Estate plans are...
Adding a durable power of attorney to an estate plan can be a good idea
Many Illinois residents have taken the time to create an estate plan for their family. An estate plan is an important way for a person to share their wishes about what they want to do with their assets after they pass away. But besides the passing along of assets...
What Happens if I Die Without a Will?
A will is an important part of an Illinois resident’s estate plan. It provides valuable information about where a decedent wants their property to go when they are no longer living. When an individual passes away without a will that communicates this important...
Will I inherit a family member’s credit card debt?
If your Illinois resident family member dies with no more than the shirt on his or her back and a mountain of credit card debt, the most straightforward answer is, “no.” However, life is rarely that uncomplicated. According to the Chicago Tribune, a couple of factors...
