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 According to the law, a person may choose to have death-delaying procedures withheld or withdrawn in accordance with his or own […]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 […]
Naperville Estate Planning Lawyer on How a Divorce Can Affect Your Will
June 28, 2018 By
As an estate planning attorney, I encourage everyone to create and maintain an estate plan. It is important to do to protect yourself and your family in the event of something unexpected happening. The size of your estate and the types of things that it includes will dictate the tools that are necessary for your […]
Consider Using a Pour-Over Will in Conjunction with Your Trust
May 29, 2018 By
As an estate planning lawyer, I believe that everyone can benefit from having an estate plan. Although many assume estate plans are only necessary for the elderly or ultra-rich, the reality is that every adult should have some sort of estate planning document(s) in place. A will or trust allows a person to have a […]
Naperville Estate Planning Lawyer on How to Minimize Potential Inheritance Arguments
April 26, 2018 By
Experts estimate that an astounding $30 trillion will be inherited in the next 30 years. While the majority of these transactions will take place without any issues, some of this money will inevitably be argued over. When estate plans are not clear or heirs feel that their inheritance is unfair, a lengthy legal battle can […]
