Estate Planning
In A Digital World, Do You Have Your Passwords & Security Set-Ups Accessible to Those Who May Need Them?
Posted on August 11, 2022
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The internet has revolutionized the world in countless ways. Before the last few decades, most people handled their banking needs at an actual bank. They saved important documents in a drawer or filing cabinet. Family photographs were organized in photo albums. These days, almost everyone uses digital and internet-based programs to manage their lives. If you are like most people, you probably have social media accounts, cloud storage, email, online banking and financial services, tax-filing software like TurboTax, or even cryptocurrency. A crucial aspect of estate planning is ensuring that […]
What Happens to The House When Someone Moves to a Nursing Home?
Posted on August 4, 2022
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Millions of adults move into nursing homes as they get older. If you are planning to move into a long-term care facility, assisted living facility, or nursing home or you intend to move an aging relative to a facility, you may have many questions. Most people in your position wonder what will happen to the nursing home resident’s home when he or she moves to a nursing home. Will the home be sold? Will the home pass to the homeowner’s beneficiaries? Can proceeds from the home sale be used to […]
Planning For Illness or Incapacitation Should Be a Priority
Posted on July 26, 2022
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Surprisingly, approximately 67 percent of Americans do not have a will or other estate planning documents in place. This means that 67 percent of Americans have no way to ensure that their final wishes are followed. They have given up the chance to direct how their worldly possessions are distributed to loved ones upon their death. Perhaps even more importantly, these individuals have given up the right to have a say in medical and financial decision-making if they become incapacitated. Although it is sad to consider, heart attacks, car accidents, […]
Are Handwritten Changes to Your Will Valid?
Posted on July 19, 2022
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Writing a last will and testament is a crucial responsibility that many people neglect. When someone dies without a will, they forgo the chance to decide how their property is distributed to heirs. Wills may be used to determine which assets will be inherited by which heirs, appoint a guardian for minor children, describe funeral wishes, and more. Writing a will also saves surviving family members substantial stress and difficulty upon the testator’s death. Many people have questions about will requirements in Illinois. Do wills have to be typed to […]
How Do Business Owners Plan for Life-Changing Events?
Posted on July 12, 2022
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If the last few years have taught us anything, it is that life is full of unexpected changes. When you own a business, planning for life-changing events must be a top priority. For many owners of small- and medium-sized businesses, their business is their most valuable asset – both financially and personally. Consequently, protecting the business’s future is essential. Having a detailed business succession plan in place is one of the best ways to protect a business in the event of an unexpected illness or death. Business succession plans can […]
Can A Lawyer Be Your Executor in Your Estate Plan?
Posted on June 28, 2022
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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
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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 […]
Should You Plan and Finance Your Funeral?
Posted on June 9, 2022
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Although it can be uncomfortable to think about, it is important for everyone to consider how their final arrangements should be made. The average funeral costs upwards of $7,000. This can be a major expense for grieving family members to contend with. Consequently, many people choose to finance their funeral and burial ahead of time. They also make sure family members are aware of their preferences regarding funeral arrangements such as music or religious ceremonies. If you are creating your estate plans, take some time to think about pre-planning and […]
Do You Need a Contingent Beneficiary on Your Estate Planning Documents?
Posted on June 2, 2022
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Estate plans allow you to pass on assets of both financial and personal value to your loved ones upon your death. The individuals you choose to designate assets to are called beneficiaries. Choosing beneficiaries and deciding how to distribute your possessions is no easy feat and there are many different factors to consider. This is why most estate planning lawyers encourage people to take their time and weigh their options carefully when creating a will, trust, or other estate planning document. When choosing beneficiaries, many people overlook a crucial question: […]
At What Age Should You Put Your Children in Charge of Your Estate?
Posted on May 19, 2022
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If you are a parent, you know just how vital estate planning is for your family. Parents who pass away without a will and other estate planning documents leave personal decisions about property and healthcare up to their children. When parents die intestate, the children and other family members are essentially forced to guess what the parents’ final wishes are. This can be an enormous burden to bear. Creating a comprehensive estate plan and sharing your wishes with your children is crucial. You may also wish to make your child […]
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Please note: These blogs have been created over a period of time and laws and information can change. For the most current information on a topic you are interested in please seek proper legal counsel.