As an experienced estate planning attorney, I frequently remind clients of the many advantages to creating an estate plan. Although a shocking number of Americans do not have estate plans in place, drafting a will, trust, or or other estate planning document can greatly benefit you as well as your loved ones your loved ones. […]
Naperville Estate Planning Lawyer Discusses Reasons You Might Wish to Avoid Probate
August 9, 2019 By
In my numerous years as an estate planning attorney, I have helped many people achieve their personal and financial goals through a personalized estate plan. Whether it is drafting a will, trust, guardianship, or other estate planning document, having a comprehensive estate plan puts you in control of personal decisions instead of leaving these important […]
Naperville Estate Planning Attorney Discusses Contesting a Will Due to Lack of Testamentary Capacity
July 17, 2019 By
According to the law, a person cannot enter into a legally binding contract such as a will or trust if they cannot fully understand what they are agreeing to. Many wills have been contested by family members who had concerns about their deceased loved one’s testamentary capacity, or cognitive wellness. In my experience as an […]
Naperville Estate Planning Attorney Talks About Handwritten Wills
July 10, 2019 By
When the “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin died last year, there was a great deal written about how she died without a will or any other type of estate plan in place. In fact, I even discussed that very topic in a post on this blog around the time of her death. In recent months, […]
“Jeopardy!” Champion’s Donation to Naperville Cancer Charity Sets Example for Philanthropic Giving
June 20, 2019 By
In today’s world, most people are constantly being asked to donate to one cause or another. You can hardly go into a store or open your mail without seeing some type of donation request. As a practicing lawyer and a proud member of the Naperville community, I understand that charitable organizations provide a wide range […]
Estate Planning and the Refusal of Death-Delaying Medical Procedures
June 11, 2019 By
Estate planning includes more than creating a will or trust to address the disposition of your assets after you pass away. Estate planning also deals with decisions about future medical care you do and do not wish to receive. Have you ever considered what type of death-delaying treatments you would want to receive if you […]
Is It Time to Choose a New Executor?
January 8, 2019 By
In a recent post, I outlined the importance of reviewing your estate plan regularly. The primary goal of such a review is to determine if your estate plan still matches your life’s circumstances well enough to give you and your family the peace of mind you deserve. As an estate planning lawyer, I realize that […]
Naperville Estate Planning Lawyer on Living Wills and Death-Delaying Procedures
October 9, 2018 By
The law in Illinois expressly recognizes the rights of its citizens to make their own decisions regarding the medical care they wish to receive, even after the diagnosis or acquisition of a terminal condition. According to the law, a person may choose to have death-delaying procedures withheld or withdrawn in accordance with his or own […]
Naperville Estate Planning Attorney Discusses the Passing of a Music Legend
August 28, 2018 By
She was larger than life on stage and on the silver screen, but Aretha Franklin was known for being intensely private in regard to personal matters. Unfortunately, when the Queen of Soul passed away from pancreatic cancer earlier this month, she apparently did so without any type of will or trust in place to protect […]
Naperville Estate Planning Lawyer Discusses How to Avoid Inheritance Disputes
July 10, 2018 By
Last month, the patriarch of one of music’s royal families passed away at age 89. Joe Jackson was the father of Michael, Janet, and the Jackson 5, but most sources avoid indicating that he was a loving, nurturing parent. Joe’s death is not likely to create as much controversy as Michael’s did in 2009. When […]
