Estate Planning
What You Should Know About the Power of Attorney for Health Care and Living Wills
Posted on November 25, 2020
It is easy to think that estate planning primarily addresses how to divide your property and provide for your loved ones in the event of your death. However, a significant portion of the estate planning process can be dedicated to ensuring that you are properly cared for while you are alive. As an experienced estate planning attorney, I am regularly asked about some of the various tools that can be used to specify a person’s wishes regarding medical care and health decisions. There are several options from which to choose, […]
Why Estate Planning Is Especially Important for Snowbirds
Posted on November 12, 2020
As a resident of Northern Illinois, I am all too familiar with the harsh weather we often experience during the winter. In fact, I know many people—many of them retirees—who maintain a separate home in a warmer climate to be used during the coldest months of the year. Affectionately known as a “snowbirds,” those who literally “go south for the winter” are like most people when it comes to estate planning. They should absolutely take steps to protect their assets and their loved ones, and they must adhere to applicable […]
Black Panther Star Reportedly Died Without a Will
Posted on November 6, 2020
The entertainment world was shaken in August when Chadwick Boseman, the Oscar-nominated star of Marvel’s Black Panther, died following a four-year battle with colon cancer. Boseman’s death came as a surprise to fans around the world because the 43-year-old actor chose to keep his diagnosis private, even as he continued to work. Playing the role of a superhero in the Marvel Universe, Boseman has largely been seen as a source of inspiration to people around the world, but it turns out that his story also highlights a serious mistake to […]
Should I Use Incentive Trusts in My Estate Plan?
Posted on October 29, 2020
As you approach the often-difficult topic of estate planning, it is understandable that you want what is best for your heirs—especially if they are your children or grandchildren. We would like to believe that our descendants will be responsible and mature enough to handle a sizeable inheritance, but deep down, we know that this is not always the case. Some people simply struggle to establish healthy spending habits, and for these people, money tends to burn a hole in their pocket. As an estate planning attorney, I am often asked […]
Report: Wealthy Americans Are Changing Their Estate Plans Over Concerns of Tax Increases
Posted on October 15, 2020
A few weeks ago, a post on this blog discussed former Vice President Joe Biden’s plans regarding the United States Tax Code if he were to be elected president in this year’s general election. Of course, with every new presidential administration comes certain changes to the nation’s tax policies. With this in mind, Mr. Biden’s campaign maintains that his policies would not raise taxes on anyone making less than $400,000 per year. But, what about those who make over $400,00 per year? In short, they stand to be the most […]
What Is a Pour-Over Will and How Does It Work?
Posted on September 18, 2020
Within the realm of estate planning, there are many terms and phrases that can be very confusing to the average person. At times, it can feel like planning for your family’s future requires learning a new language altogether, just so you can know what tools and instruments to utilize. Most people are familiar with the idea of a will and have probably heard of trusts. But, did you know that wills and trusts are used in conjunction with one another in a comprehensive estate plan? As an experienced estate planning […]
The Importance of Keeping Your Estate Plan Up to Date
Posted on September 2, 2020
If you have taken the time to develop an estate plan, you are already ahead of about half of all Americans. In creating an estate plan, you have recognized the importance of planning for the future. Of course, estate planning means more than just deciding who will get which of your assets upon your death; the process can also help ensure that provisions are in place for a time when you can no longer make decisions for yourself. As an experienced estate planning lawyer, I applaud those who have taken […]
When Should I Consider Naming a New Executor?
Posted on August 31, 2020
A will is the foundation for almost any comprehensive estate plan. As you probably realize your will can contain a variety of provisions that allocate your estate to your chosen heirs, as well as establish arrangements for the care of your minor or disabled children. One of the most crucial elements of your will is your selection of an executor. Under Illinois, your executor is responsible for overseeing your estate and, ultimately, ensuring that your wishes are carried out regarding your property and assets. In my practice as an estate […]
5 Tips That Could Help You Avoid a Will Contest
Posted on August 13, 2020
As uncomfortable as it may be for many people to think about what will happen to their property and assets after their death, estate planning is crucial to providing loved ones with security and peace of mind. Sadly, when a loved one passes away, families are often fractured by disputes over the decedent’s estate, sometimes leading to years of tension between family members who were once very close. In some cases, a would-be beneficiary feels so slighted that he or she decides to initiate a will contest and take the […]
How Does Getting Remarried Affect My Estate Planning?
Posted on July 24, 2020
The legal practice area known as “estate planning” is an umbrella term to cover what you want to have happen upon your death. The paperwork that outlines your wishes can include a number of tools, such as paperwork designating who receives what, information on which medical treatments you do or do not want to be performed, and naming someone to be in charge of the asset distribution process. Some clients choose to utilize all of these estate planning tools, while others may rely on one to have their wishes followed. […]
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Please note: These blogs have been created over a period of time and laws and information can change. For the most current information on a topic you are interested in please seek proper legal counsel.
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