When a loved one passes away in Illinois, their estate often needs to go through a legal process called probate. Probate ensures that debts are paid, taxes are filed, and assets are distributed according to the person’s will or, if there is no will, under Illinois intestacy laws. At the center of this process [...]
Can You Avoid Probate in Illinois? Probate has a reputation for being slow, expensive, and stressful—and for good reason. In Illinois, the probate process can take months (sometimes more than a year) and often involves court filings, legal fees, and public records. The good news? With the right planning, you may be able to [...]
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a person’s estate after they pass away. While probate helps ensure assets are distributed properly, it doesn’t always move quickly. Families are often surprised by how long the process can take — and how many bumps can appear along the way. If you’re preparing to handle an [...]
When it comes to estate planning, many people believe that if they don’t write a will, everything will “just work out.” Unfortunately, that’s not how it works in Illinois—or anywhere else. Dying without a will (also called dying intestate) can leave your loved ones with legal headaches, financial burdens, and even family conflict. To [...]
Most families hope that love will keep them united after a loved one passes. Unfortunately, probate courts in Illinois tell a different story. Disputes over estates are surprisingly common, and once they begin, they can drag on for years—costing families both money and relationships. The good news? Most estate battles start for the same [...]
No one likes to imagine their family fighting after they’re gone. Yet, probate courts in Illinois see it all the time—siblings stop speaking, step-families split apart, and inheritances vanish in legal fees. The sad truth? Most of these conflicts could have been avoided with a thoughtful estate plan. Why Family Drama Happens After a [...]
As the summer winds down and the school year begins, parents everywhere are checking supply lists, packing lunches, and signing permission slips. But there’s one important checklist that often gets overlooked: estate planning and emergency preparedness. While it’s not as fun as picking out new backpacks, taking time to put your legal and financial [...]
What Is National Will Month Anyway? August is National Will Month—a time when estate planning professionals everywhere encourage people to finally create or update their wills. But let’s be honest. “National Will Month” doesn’t exactly scream excitement. So, let’s flip the script. Instead of focusing on the legal paperwork, let’s focus on what a [...]
As much as we like to think we'll always be in control, life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs. What if an illness, accident, or the natural progression of aging leaves you unable to make your own financial or healthcare decisions? Without proper planning, this can lead to significant stress, financial burdens, and [...]
If you’re considering divorce, your estate plan probably isn’t the first thing on your mind—but it should be. In Illinois, having a will in place before you begin the divorce process can make a major difference in how your assets are handled, who makes decisions for you, and what happens if something unexpected occurs [...]
