Many people want to avoid complicated, confusing estate plans. They try to create the simplest, most straightforward documents possible. The goal is to keep costs low and to prevent confusion among their beneficiaries after their passing. However, more thorough,...
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Estate Planning
What to include in a will and what to leave out of it
A will is the simplest estate planning tool available. Someone who drafts a will can take control of their legacy. People frequently share inaccurate information about wills. Most people don't have much knowledge about estate planning and wills in particular. What...
3 reasons to add powers of attorney to an estate plan
The term estate planning makes many people think of wills or possibly trusts. The main consideration for many testators putting together an estate plan is what might happen with their property and what protection their dependent family members require. However, estate...
3 financial benefits testators secure by creating a trust
Those putting together an estate plan in Illinois often choose to use a will as their primary testamentary document. A will can give someone an opportunity to name a person they trust to serve as the representative of their estate after they die. A smaller number of...
3 requirements for creating a valid will in Illinois
Having a will means having some say over what happens to one's dependent family members and valuable property after passing away. A will helps a testator control the distribution of their property and allows them to better provide for their closest loved ones after...
4 tips to help you minimize family conflicts about your estate
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...
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...