Estate Planning
How Do You Prove Lack of Testamentary Capacity to Dispute a Will?
Posted on March 26, 2026
Most people assume that once a will has been signed and witnessed, it is the final word on how a person’s estate will be handled. In most cases, that is true. But a will can be challenged in court, and one of the most common grounds for doing so is lack of testamentary capacity. This means arguing that the person who made the will, called the testator, did not have the mental ability required by law to create a valid will at the time they signed it. These cases are […]
How Can You Use Charitable Bequests to Create a Legacy Through Your Estate Plan?
Posted on March 13, 2026
For many people, an estate plan is about more than passing assets to family members. For many people, a well-planned estate includes detailed instructions that leave something behind reflecting who you are, what you believed in, and what you wanted to see continue in the world after you are gone. A charitable bequest, such as a gift to a nonprofit, institution, or cause through your will or trust, is one of the most meaningful and flexible tools available to accomplish that goal. If you are thinking about charitable giving as […]
Protecting a Family Business from Federal and Illinois State Estate Tax Liability
Posted on February 26, 2026
A family business is often the most significant asset an owner will ever build. It represents decades of work, sacrifice, and reinvestment. Yet without careful planning, a large portion of that business could be lost to estate taxes when the owner dies. In 2026, family business owners in Illinois face a two-layer estate tax problem that demands close attention. Federal law and Illinois state law each impose their own estate taxes, with different exemption amounts, different rates, and different rules for married couples. Understanding how these two systems work is […]
Using Medicaid Trusts for Asset Protection and Long-Term Care Planning
Posted on February 13, 2026
The cost of long-term care continues to rise in 2026, and many Illinois families face difficult financial decisions when a loved one needs nursing home care or home health services. One powerful tool for protecting your assets while qualifying for Medicaid benefits is a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust, also called a MAPT. In 2026, the asset limit for Medicaid long-term care is $17,500 for individuals, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services. This means that if you have more than $17,500 in countable assets, you must spend down those […]
Everything You Need to Know About Probate in Illinois and How to Avoid It
Posted on January 31, 2026
When someone passes away in Illinois, their estate often goes through a legal process called probate. This court-supervised procedure can take months or even years to complete and costs thousands of dollars. Many families want to know how probate works and whether they can avoid it entirely. Understanding probate is important whether you are planning your own estate or settling the affairs of a loved one. The good news is that Illinois law provides several ways to avoid or minimize probate for many families. In this guide, our experienced Naperville […]
Can You Access The Bank Accounts Of Deceased Family Members?
Posted on January 14, 2026
If your family member passes away but doesn’t leave a will and only has their own name on the bank accounts, what happens to the funds in the accounts? What legal action can you take at this point? Many individuals from older generations don’t communicate well about finances, and so many families find themselves in this situation. When someone does not have any estate planning documents in place or have anyone else on their bank accounts, surviving family may be left with many more questions than answers. For high net […]
Can A Lawyer Be Your Executor in Your Estate Plan?
Posted on December 28, 2025
When people think about estate planning, they usually focus on who will inherit their money, property, and personal belongings. That is important, but it is only part of the picture. Another decision matters just as much: Who will actually carry out your wishes after you pass away That person is called the “executor” of your estate. If you are creating or updating an estate plan in Illinois, you may be wondering whether a lawyer can serve as your executor, and whether it makes sense for your situation. The short answer […]
At What Age Should You Put Your Children in Charge of Your Estate?
Posted on December 15, 2025
If you are a parent, you know just how vital estate planning is for your family. Parents who pass away without a will and other estate planning documents leave personal decisions about property and healthcare up to their children. When parents die intestate, which means without a valid will, the children and other family members are essentially forced to guess what the parents’ final wishes would have been. This can be an enormous burden to bear during an already difficult time. Creating a comprehensive estate plan and sharing your wishes […]
WHY AN ESTATE PLAN IS THE PERFECT LAST-MINUTE HOLIDAY GIFT
Posted on December 11, 2025
Every holiday season has its “it” gifts. In 2025, we’re seeing smart rings, retro gaming consoles and AI-powered kitchen gadgets fly off the shelves. But even with all this innovation, one truth remains: gift giving is difficult these days. Many of our loved ones seem to have everything they need, and most of us are trying to balance thoughtfulness with practicality (with a side of holiday stress). So, what do you give the person who has it all? This year, consider something truly unexpected, unbelievably useful and profoundly meaningful: an […]
Naperville Estate Planning Lawyer Discusses Handwritten Wills
Posted on November 30, 2025
For most people, a last will and testament is one of the most important documents they will ever create. Your will likely contains provisions that dictate how your assets are to be divided among your chosen beneficiaries, but there are many other considerations that may also be included. You can use your will to establish guardianships for your children and make arrangements for heirs who may not be capable of managing their own affairs. You will also name an executor to manage your estate and to oversee the distribution of […]
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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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