Estate Planning

The approach that some people take to estate planning involves getting the process over with as quickly as possible. They find it unpleasant to think about what happens after they die and may rush through the process. Frequently, people may choose to draft a will and...

Estate planning can be private business that you manage on your own. You are the only one who is in charge of what is included in your plan. You get to make the decisions about what to do with your assets and how to pass them on to the next generation. You can also...

When you have worked hard your entire life and amassed some wealth, it is only sensible that you protect it in the event of incapacitation or death. And one of the most sensible estate planning tools you can use to protect your wealth is your will.  But, a will can...

You may find yourself worrying about how your heirs are going to spend the money that you leave to them. Perhaps it’s a significant amount of money and you’re afraid that it will take away their motivation to work. Maybe you know that they’ve struggled with certain...

The importance of regularly updating your estate plans cannot be understated. You never know when they will come into play, and you do not want to have a situation where your estate plans do not reflect your current wishes. Reviewing your estate plans every couple of...

Estate planning is the preparation for the distribution of your estate in anticipation of your passing. An estate plan is made during the testator's life. Typically, an estate plan includes a will, trust, beneficiaries, executor of the estate and power of attorney....

A last will is a crucial legal document that lets you distribute your assets to the people and causes you care about when you die. Without one, Illinois intestacy laws would dictate who gets what, and you might not like this. However, you cannot include everything in...

Sometimes when a couple who has been married for many years embarks on their estate planning, they initially plan to have a joint will. They share their assets and agree that whoever is the first to go will leave everything to the other. Then, when they’re both gone,...

Have you remarried? Does your new spouse have children that are now part of your family?  If so, it is important to update your estate plan to ensure your new, blended family receives your assets after you pass away. While this can be somewhat confusing, these three...

Creating a will is a smart and responsible step to take as an adult. It's also an important part of any estate plan. However, before thinking all your affairs are settled, you must ensure the will is valid in the state, which means you have met all legal...