Tag: estate planning
6 Steps to Follow When Updating Your Estate Plan
Posted on June 6, 2024

Planning for the future is important for everyone, and estate planning can ensure that your and your loved ones’ needs will be properly addressed in the years to come. A comprehensive estate plan can ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, and it can provide peace of mind for your entire family. However, as life changes, your estate plan should change too. Understanding the steps for updating your estate plan is essential for ensuring that it will reflect your current circumstances while honoring your wishes. An experienced […]
How Should an Estate Plan Be Updated After a Divorce?
Posted on May 28, 2024

A divorce can upend the lives of spouses and multiple other family members. The end of a marriage will require multiple types of financial changes as each spouse determines how to address their needs on a single income. In addition, it is essential to update estate planning documents to ensure that they reflect the new circumstances of different family members. An experienced attorney can help navigate the complexities of estate planning post-divorce. The Importance of Updating Your Estate Plan Following a divorce, many aspects of a person’s life change, and […]
How Can Power of Attorney Be Used During Large Transactions?
Posted on May 17, 2024

Granting someone power of attorney (POA) can be an effective strategy to ensure that your financial affairs will be handled correctly during significant transactions. A seasoned attorney can help tailor a POA that will meet your specific needs while safeguarding your financial interests and ensuring that your wishes will be followed. Large transactions involving real estate purchases and sales, business dealings, or the management of substantial financial investments can be very complicated. If you are looking to protect your rights and interests in these transactions, the delegation of authority to […]
How Gift Taxes May Affect Your Estate Planning Strategies
Posted on May 3, 2024

For people with a high net worth, the estate planning process may involve a variety of complex concerns. It will be important to take steps to protect one’s assets and ensure that as much wealth as possible can be transferred to future generations or used to support charitable causes. One of the most important aspects of asset protection will involve minimizing the taxes that apply when an estate is transferred. Gift taxes and gift tax exclusions are a crucial factor in a high-net-worth estate plan. An experienced attorney can provide […]
When Do Beneficiaries Need Legal Representation During Probate?
Posted on April 25, 2024

The death of a family member can be difficult, regardless of the circumstances. As families deal with the emotional fallout of a loved one’s death, they will also need to address financial concerns, and they may need to make changes to their lives as they adjust to living without their deceased family member. In the midst of all of this, a family will need to address the legal concerns that may arise during the probate process. Navigating the complexities of probate can be challenging for all who are involved, but […]
How Should Intellectual Property Be Addressed in an Illinois Estate Plan?
Posted on April 18, 2024

Intellectual property (IP) can sometimes be overlooked during the estate planning process. However, these assets can be among the most valuable parts of an estate. Authors, artists, inventors, or entrepreneurs who own intellectual property will need to understand the value of these assets, the steps that may be taken to protect their family’s financial interests, and the best options for addressing these concerns in an estate plan. By doing so, a person can ensure that his assets will be managed according to his wishes both during his lifetime and after […]
6 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Special Needs Trust
Posted on April 10, 2024

Creating a special needs trust is a critical step for families that are looking to protect the financial well-being of a loved one with disabilities and ensure that the person’s needs will be provided for. These trusts are designed to provide supplemental support without jeopardizing the beneficiary’s eligibility for government benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, the process of establishing a special needs trust is fraught with complexities, and missteps can have significant repercussions. By being aware of the common pitfalls that may arise and working with […]
How to Use Donor-Advised Funds for Charitable Giving
Posted on April 4, 2024

Charitable giving is not just an act of generosity; it is a pivotal component of strategic estate planning. While there are many different types of charitable giving strategies, donor-advised funds (DAFs) can be an especially effective vehicle for philanthropy, offering a blend of flexibility, convenience, and tax benefits. Understanding how to leverage DAFs can significantly enhance your charitable contributions and play a crucial role in your estate plan. An experienced attorney can provide guidance on the use of these tools and other strategies that can help you manage your assets, […]
Why Employers Need to Follow Workplace Safety Policies
Posted on April 3, 2024

Employers are required to take all necessary steps to maintain a safe working environment for their employees. This is not just the right thing to do, but it is also a legal necessity. The safety and well-being of employees should be protected at all times, and the consequences of neglecting workplace safety can be serious. An experienced attorney with experience in matters related to business law and employment law can guide business owners through the complex web of safety regulations, helping them understand their responsibilities and the implications of non-compliance. […]
Why it Is Important to Update Your Estate Plan Regularly
Posted on March 26, 2024

Whether you own complex assets or simply need to make sure your affairs are in order, an estate plan is crucial for your peace of mind. It is important to take steps to ensure that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes, and your estate plan can also make sure your property and finances will be managed correctly. However, creating an estate plan is not a one-time task—it requires regular updates to remain effective, especially for those with a high net worth. An experienced attorney can provide invaluable […]