Estate Planning
How Should an Estate Plan Be Updated After a Divorce?
Posted on May 28, 2024
A divorce can upend the lives of spouses and multiple other family members. The end of a marriage will require multiple types of financial changes as each spouse determines how to address their needs on a single income. In addition, it is essential to update estate planning documents to ensure that they reflect the new circumstances of different family members. An experienced attorney can help navigate the complexities of estate planning post-divorce. The Importance of Updating Your Estate Plan Following a divorce, many aspects of a person’s life change, and […]
What Role Do Trusts Play in Legacy Planning?
Posted on May 24, 2024
While planning for the future is essential for anyone, it can be especially important for people and families with a high net worth. Legacy planning can ensure that loved ones are taken care of and that a person’s assets will be distributed according to the person’s wishes, while also upholding the person’s values, promoting causes he or she believes in, and establishing a positive framework that a family can continue to follow. Trusts are a powerful tool in legacy planning, providing flexibility, control, and tax benefits that can help a […]
How Can Power of Attorney Be Used During Large Transactions?
Posted on May 17, 2024
Granting someone power of attorney (POA) can be an effective strategy to ensure that your financial affairs will be handled correctly during significant transactions. A seasoned attorney can help tailor a POA that will meet your specific needs while safeguarding your financial interests and ensuring that your wishes will be followed. Large transactions involving real estate purchases and sales, business dealings, or the management of substantial financial investments can be very complicated. If you are looking to protect your rights and interests in these transactions, the delegation of authority to […]
How Gift Taxes May Affect Your Estate Planning Strategies
Posted on May 3, 2024
For people with a high net worth, the estate planning process may involve a variety of complex concerns. It will be important to take steps to protect one’s assets and ensure that as much wealth as possible can be transferred to future generations or used to support charitable causes. One of the most important aspects of asset protection will involve minimizing the taxes that apply when an estate is transferred. Gift taxes and gift tax exclusions are a crucial factor in a high-net-worth estate plan. An experienced attorney can provide […]
When Do Beneficiaries Need Legal Representation During Probate?
Posted on April 25, 2024
The death of a family member can be difficult, regardless of the circumstances. As families deal with the emotional fallout of a loved one’s death, they will also need to address financial concerns, and they may need to make changes to their lives as they adjust to living without their deceased family member. In the midst of all of this, a family will need to address the legal concerns that may arise during the probate process. Navigating the complexities of probate can be challenging for all who are involved, but […]
How Should Intellectual Property Be Addressed in an Illinois Estate Plan?
Posted on April 18, 2024
Intellectual property (IP) can sometimes be overlooked during the estate planning process. However, these assets can be among the most valuable parts of an estate. Authors, artists, inventors, or entrepreneurs who own intellectual property will need to understand the value of these assets, the steps that may be taken to protect their family’s financial interests, and the best options for addressing these concerns in an estate plan. By doing so, a person can ensure that his assets will be managed according to his wishes both during his lifetime and after […]
6 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Special Needs Trust
Posted on April 10, 2024
Creating a special needs trust is a critical step for families that are looking to protect the financial well-being of a loved one with disabilities and ensure that the person’s needs will be provided for. These trusts are designed to provide supplemental support without jeopardizing the beneficiary’s eligibility for government benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, the process of establishing a special needs trust is fraught with complexities, and missteps can have significant repercussions. By being aware of the common pitfalls that may arise and working with […]
How to Use Donor-Advised Funds for Charitable Giving
Posted on April 4, 2024
Charitable giving is not just an act of generosity; it is a pivotal component of strategic estate planning. While there are many different types of charitable giving strategies, donor-advised funds (DAFs) can be an especially effective vehicle for philanthropy, offering a blend of flexibility, convenience, and tax benefits. Understanding how to leverage DAFs can significantly enhance your charitable contributions and play a crucial role in your estate plan. An experienced attorney can provide guidance on the use of these tools and other strategies that can help you manage your assets, […]
Why it Is Important to Update Your Estate Plan Regularly
Posted on March 26, 2024
Whether you own complex assets or simply need to make sure your affairs are in order, an estate plan is crucial for your peace of mind. It is important to take steps to ensure that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes, and your estate plan can also make sure your property and finances will be managed correctly. However, creating an estate plan is not a one-time task—it requires regular updates to remain effective, especially for those with a high net worth. An experienced attorney can provide invaluable […]
Top Asset Protection Strategies to Use in a High Net Worth Estate Plan
Posted on March 20, 2024
When it comes to estate planning for high net worth individuals and families, asset protection is a critical component. Protecting your assets ensures that your wealth will be preserved for future generations, safeguarded from potential creditors, and structured in a way that aligns with your long-term goals. With the guidance of a knowledgeable attorney, you can implement strategies that effectively shield your assets while maintaining compliance with legal standards. Establishing Trusts Trusts are a vital component of many estate plans, and they ensure that assets will be managed correctly, preserved, […]
Practice Areas
Archive
+2016
+2013
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.