Tag: trust
How Do Powers of Attorney Complement an Estate Plan?
Posted on October 21, 2024
Often when individuals consider estate plans, they think about planning for a person’s death. While the purpose of an estate plan is, to a large extent, to make a plan for disposing of assets following death, powers of attorney are an important element of an estate plan for the living. An experienced Illinois estate planning attorney can advise on how the power of attorney can work alongside the rest of your estate plan. What is a Durable Power of Attorney? A durable power of attorney is an estate planning document […]
What Is the Amendment to the Probate Act of 1975? | IL
Posted on September 30, 2024
HB 1268 amends the Probate Act of 1975, providing that a person who has been convicted of a felony is qualified to act as an executor of an estate if: The bill’s sponsor stated during Senate debates that individuals who have committed a felony and served their time should be allowed to help their families. A person chosen to serve as an executor following incarceration for a felony must be at least 18 years of age and must not be unsound in mind or body. Another Senator argued against the […]
How Can You Benefit from a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust? | IL
Posted on September 6, 2024
Those who want to secure their financial future and legacy might consider a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust, abbreviated as a GRAT. This type of trust allows those with a certain level of assets to pass those assets on to their beneficiaries while significantly minimizing estate tax liabilities. A GRAT is an irrevocable trust, meaning once it is put into place, it cannot be altered or dissolved. Because of this, it is essential that you speak to an experienced Naperville, IL, estate planning attorney from Gierach Law Firm, who can help […]
What Mistakes Should You Avoid in Estate Planning and Updating?
Posted on August 10, 2024
Creating an estate plan is one way of showing your family members how much you care about them. While confronting our own mortality is never easy, having an estate plan in place and then updating it regularly can be beneficial for you and your loved ones. When you leave behind a well-thought-out estate plan, clear directives in the plan will help your family members avoid disputes and conflicts. If you have done well for yourself financially, proper estate planning can help preserve your wealth for future generations and establish a […]
How is a Special Needs Trust Created?
Posted on July 30, 2024
People with disabilities or other special needs often require financial assistance, which can come from multiple sources. Family members or other loved ones can provide much-needed support by assisting with expenses and in many cases, the best way to do so is through a special needs trust. This kind of trust helps ensure that a person with a disability will be able to receive financial support without jeopardizing eligibility for government benefits. An experienced attorney can help a disabled person, his or her family members, and other involved parties navigate […]
What Is a Spousal Lifetime Access Trust?
Posted on July 19, 2024
During the estate planning process, a married couple can take steps to protect their assets and ensure financial security for themselves and their loved ones. For couples who are looking to minimize estate taxes while retaining access to their money and property, a spousal lifetime access trust (SLAT) can be an effective solution. An experienced attorney can help couples who own substantial assets understand how SLATs work and determine whether this solution is right for their financial situation. Understanding Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts A spousal lifetime access trust is an […]
How Can Dynasty Trusts Be Used to Protect and Transfer Assets?
Posted on July 3, 2024
People and families with a high net worth will want to make sure they take the correct steps to protect their assets and transfer them to future generations as efficiently as possible. Dynasty trusts offer a powerful solution for doing so. They can secure wealth, protect against financial losses, and ensure that assets are transferred to heirs correctly. An attorney who is experienced in estate planning for wealthy families can help ensure that dynasty trusts are created and managed correctly. What Are Dynasty Trusts? A dynasty trust, also known as […]
Should I Choose a Domestic or Offshore Asset Protection Trust?
Posted on June 26, 2024
If you own extensive or valuable assets, you will likely want to take steps to ensure that they are protected so that they can be used to address specific needs or passed on to your loved ones. While there are multiple options for asset protection, some of the best tools to use include asset protection trusts. These powerful legal tools are designed to shield your assets from creditors and potential lawsuits. However, understanding which type of asset protection trust to use may be a complicated matter. An experienced attorney can […]
6 Steps to Follow When Updating Your Estate Plan
Posted on June 6, 2024
Planning for the future is important for everyone, and estate planning can ensure that your and your loved ones’ needs will be properly addressed in the years to come. A comprehensive estate plan can ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, and it can provide peace of mind for your entire family. However, as life changes, your estate plan should change too. Understanding the steps for updating your estate plan is essential for ensuring that it will reflect your current circumstances while honoring your wishes. An experienced […]
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 […]
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