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John E. Kerley, Attorney at Law, P.C.
  • Home
  • About
    • John Kerley
  • Practice Areas
    • Estate Planning And Administration
    • Business Ownership And Estate Planning
    • Elder Law
    • SSI And Medicaid Planning
    • Guardianships
    • Powers Of Attorney And Living Wills
    • Probate And Estate Administration
    • Trusts
    • Wills
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Springfield Law Office

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Estate Planning

How Springfield executors can prevent future estate disputes

On Behalf of Kerley & Talken PC | Aug 17, 2026 | Estate Planning

As an executor, you may worry that someone could hold you accountable for managing estate assets. For instance, not accounting for the estate funds appropriately or even using the estate’s funds for personal expenses could lead to disputes or potential liability. Such...

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What red flags should you watch out for with an executor?

On Behalf of Kerley & Talken PC | Jul 28, 2026 | Estate Planning

Estate delays can cause stress, especially when beneficiaries receive few updates. Concern often grows when silence becomes a pattern. If an executor controls assets you may inherit, knowing the warning signs can protect your interests and uncover possible misconduct....

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The role of irrevocable trusts in Illinois Medicaid planning

On Behalf of Kerley & Talken PC | Jul 22, 2026 | Estate Planning

Planning for long-term care is an important part of creating a complete estate plan. Unfortunately, when it comes to Medicaid eligibility in Illinois, a revocable trust may not provide the protection you expect. In Illinois, the type of trust you choose can affect...

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What if your executor dies before you?

On Behalf of Kerley & Talken PC | Jul 16, 2026 | Estate Planning

When you create a will, you choose someone you trust to carry out your final wishes. You may select a family member, a close friend or another trusted person to serve as your executor. Over time, however, life can change. Your chosen executor may die before you,...

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Why every adult needs an estate plan—not just the wealthy

On Behalf of Kerley & Talken PC | Jul 10, 2026 | Estate Planning

Many people hear the term “estate planning" and picture people with vast wealth, sprawling estates and trusts. However, estate planning is for everyone and not just the wealthy. An estate plan is more than just deciding who gets your assets when you die. It’s also...

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Why families should talk about estate planning before a crisis

On Behalf of Kerley & Talken PC | Jun 27, 2026 | Estate Planning

Many people avoid discussing estate planning with their parents because it’s an uncomfortable topic. No one likes to think about illness, incapacity or death. However, waiting until a crisis occurs often creates stress, confusion and conflict during a time when...

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Does life insurance need to be mentioned in your estate plan?

On Behalf of Kerley & Talken PC | Jun 15, 2026 | Estate Planning

People often wonder if they need to include their life insurance policy in their estate plan. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on the situation. First and foremost, when someone purchases a life insurance policy, they should name...

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3 sources of executor liability during estate administration

On Behalf of Kerley & Talken PC | May 23, 2026 | Estate Planning

An executor or personal representative manages an estate. They attend hearings in probate court and carry out the last wishes of the deceased person. Those obligations come with a degree of personal risk. If they make mistakes during estate administration, personal...

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Your will may not be the final word: Here’s why

On Behalf of Kerley & Talken PC | May 20, 2026 | Estate Planning

Many people assume that once they create a will, every asset they own will automatically be distributed according to its instructions. Unfortunately, that is not always how estate planning works. In fact, some of the most valuable assets you own may pass outside of...

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What is a living will and should you consider one?

On Behalf of Kerley & Talken PC | May 19, 2026 | Estate Planning

Life throws curveballs when you least expect them. One day you are healthy and independent, and the next, you might face a medical crisis that leaves you unable to communicate your healthcare wishes. That is where a living will comes into play. Understanding the...

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Recent Posts

  • How Springfield executors can prevent future estate disputes
  • What red flags should you watch out for with an executor?
  • The role of irrevocable trusts in Illinois Medicaid planning
  • What if your executor dies before you?
  • Why every adult needs an estate plan—not just the wealthy

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