You may want the property that you leave behind when you die to be a gift and a blessing to the people you love, but the impact may actually be more negative than positive. There have been innumerable families torn apart or permanently damaged by estate disputes when...

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Estate Planning
3 things to keep in mind when you plan your estate
Estate planning is an important task for the typical American adult. You have family members who depend on you, like your spouse and your children. You have financial responsibilities that will legally remain even after you die. Your estate plan gives you an...
A second marriage is an ideal time to update your estate plan
When your first marriage ends in divorce, it may take some time before you are ready to pursue a relationship again. If you are lucky enough to find the right person, you may start planting a blended family together. Before you get married, you may want to sit down to...
What happens if I die without a will?
If you die without a will in Illinois, then you should understand that your beneficiaries will receive an intestate share of your property. What that means is that your property will be passed on in accordance with Illinois state law. Dying without a will only affects...
Who will make decisions if you are unable to?
Creating an estate plan isn't just about distributing your property to the people you love. It's also about protecting yourself if you experience some kind of medical emergency. A stroke, a heart attack or even a car crash could put you in a coma and leave you unable...
Estate planning mistakes that you don’t want to make
An estate plan may make it easier to manage your affairs while you're alive and after passing on. In addition to providing a mechanism to transfer assets to beneficiaries, an estate plan may also allow you to designate a guardian for your children. Take a look at some...
Have answers to these five questions before creating a will
Many Americans don't think they need a will because they aren't wealthy. That is demonstrably false. Anybody who wants to secure their future or their family's future can benefit from crafting an estate plan. Before beginning the process of writing up a will, it's...
What kind of power of attorney do I need?
Aging Illinois residents can help protect their futures by taking essential steps to plan ahead. When you have a power of attorney, you can rest assured that any critical medical or financial decisions will follow your wishes as carefully as possible. A power of...
Does a minor in your family need care and support?
Most parents are willing and able to care for their children to the best of their ability. However, as your family may know first-hand, this does not always happen. There are times when a parent is physically absent or mentally incapable of caring for his or her...
Important information regarding guardianship of children
While it is always beneficial when a child can remain with one or both of his or her biological parents, it is not always possible. There are a variety of circumstances that may necessitate another adult stepping in and acting as guardian on behalf of a child, but the...