Tag: Naperville estate planning attorneys
Being Prepared for Where Life Takes You
Posted on August 26, 2022

We know how fragile life is just by hearing the news of the world each day. We often don’t think how directly that can hit us, though, and the simple steps we can take to prepare for it. Ensuring your family knows where important documents and passwords are, discussing end-of-life wishes with loved ones, and notifying your family of your funeral and burial preferences can greatly decrease the legal, financial, and emotional difficulties associated with your passing. Benefits of Having Difficult Discussions with Your Loved Ones A recent study demonstrated […]
Can A Lawyer Be Your Executor in Your Estate Plan?
Posted on June 28, 2022

Determining how assets will be distributed to heirs is just one aspect of building a comprehensive estate plan. You must also decide who will serve as the executor of your estate. The executor has the crucial duty of carrying out your last wishes. The list of executor responsibilities is long – especially for individuals with high-value or complex estates. The executor of an estate files the decedent’s will with the county court, notifies beneficiaries and heirs, pays creditors, and distributes assets to the correct parties. Who you choose as your […]
How Do You Divide Jewelry in an Estate?
Posted on June 22, 2022

Rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other types of jewelry often have great sentimental value as well as significant financial value. Determining how to address jewelry in your estate plan can sometimes be overwhelming. Should you leave all the jewelry to one individual or split jewelry up between your loved ones? Do you need to have the pieces appraised before assigning them to heirs through your will? Can children, grandchildren, and other loved ones figure out how to divide jewelry on their own after your passing? Whether it is your high school […]
What Is the Right Tax Strategy for Your Estate Plan?
Posted on March 29, 2022

It is important for families to plan for the future. During the estate planning process, a person or married couple may decide how different types of property or assets will be passed to their heirs while also ensuring that they will have the financial resources they need in the future. Wealth protection is a key part of estate planning, and this includes tax planning. By understanding the role that estate taxes and other taxes will play when transferring assets to family members or other heirs, a family can determine the […]
What Assets Should Be Included in a Trust?
Posted on March 17, 2022

There are a variety of tools that can be used for estate planning. Trusts are some of the most powerful and flexible instruments that can protect the assets you own and make sure they will be used properly both before and after your death. When assets are held in a trust, you will technically no longer own them, since ownership will be transferred to the trust itself. Depending on the type of trust you use, you may be able to maintain control over your assets by serving as the trustee. […]
What Are the Top Legal Issues That Small and Mid-Size Businesses Face?
Posted on March 15, 2022

Every business will encounter legal concerns that will need to be addressed. Determining the best ways to handle these issues can often be difficult for small businesses or mid-size companies. These companies will most likely not be able to keep an attorney on staff, and they may only encounter legal concerns infrequently. However, addressing business law matters the right way can be crucial, and business owners will want to be aware of the issues that may affect them and their company. Some of the most common legal concerns small businesses […]
Top Illinois Estate Planning Questions Answered
Posted on June 22, 2021

Did you know that only 40 percent of Americans have a will? Even fewer have a comprehensive estate plan. A surprisingly large percentage of adults simply avoid estate planning or put it off until it is too late. Estate planning is important for anyone, but it absolutely crucial for those with high-value or complex estates. Read on to learn answers to some of the most common estate planning questions. At What Age Should I Start Building an Estate Plan? Many people wonder, “Am I old enough to write a will, […]
A Well-Designed Estate Plan Can Help You Avoid Probate
Posted on May 6, 2021

Proper estate planning is key to ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. You have worked hard to earn the property you own and you deserve to choose how that property is allocated after your death. Numerous estate planning tools can help you accomplish your goals and provide for your family’s future. The type of estate planning instruments that you utilize depends on your unique needs and objectives. For many, a key goal is avoiding the probate process. What is Probate and Why Would I Want to […]
Beneficiaries and Executors: Important Rights and Responsibilities
Posted on April 29, 2021

The process of estate planning allows us to make essential decisions about how our property is passed to beneficiaries. Beneficiaries have certain rights and responsibilities by law, as do those who have been given fiduciary responsibilities. Whether you are drafting a will, or you have been named as a beneficiary or executor in someone else’s will, it is important to understand exactly what these roles entail. In most cases, the creator, beneficiaries, and fiduciaries of an estate plan can benefit from consulting with a skilled estate planning attorney. Choosing Your […]
What to Do When Your Spouse Refuses to Participate in Estate Planning
Posted on January 29, 2021

In my practice as an estate planning attorney, I have helped many married couples create wills, trusts, and other estate planning instruments designed to offer long-term security and peace of mind. On occasion, however, I am approached by individuals who recognize the importance of estate planning but who cannot get their spouses to participate in the planning process. If this describes your situation, keep in mind that begging, nagging, or threatening your spouse will probably not do much good. Instead, there are a number of things that you can do […]