Appointed or named to act in the best interest of the deceased individual, executors assume burdensome but vital legal duties. Many obligations concern those who will receive some benefit of the will—the beneficiaries. Only entrusted individuals should act in this...
Estate Planning
Should you include a no-contest clause in your will?
When you execute a will, your hope is that your final wishes will be carried out. No one wants to think of their will being challenged in probate, with infighting among their beneficiaries. To prevent such turmoil, you may consider including a no-contest clause. But...
Should you talk to your parents about estate planning?
The answer is “yes.” If your parents have yet to create an estate plan, then you must try to broach the topic with them. Why? Here are just a few reasons: Without an estate plan, your parents’ assets could be subjected to creditors and intestate succession, which...
When would I need to think about Medicaid planning?
Many people in the Springfield area might worry about how they are going to afford a stay in an assisted-living facility should they need one. The costs for a nursing home stay vary, but these facilities can easily charge close to $10,000 per month for a stay. For...
After an injury settlement, what are my estate planning options?
Too many people in Illinois are victims of serious accidents which are not their fault. After these accidents, they may recover money for their medical bills, lost wages and other costs through a personal injury lawsuit or negotiation . In major accidents or...
How can a trust help with future planning?
As people in Illinois and elsewhere start mapping out how to protect their assets, they are thinking not only of their retirement years, but also for what lies ahead once they are no longer there. Working hard and saving over a lifetime has benefits, but only if a...
What should I think about out when choosing an executor?
Perhaps one of the most important decisions a Springfield makes when he is writing his will is his choice of executor. While involving a different type of document and process, very similar things can be said about choosing a trustee. What does an executor do?...
The probate process in Illinois
After someone dies, it is commonly understood that their assets and property, referred to as their estate, will be distributed according to their will. However, what happens if there is no will? The estate of an Illinois resident who dies without a will must go...
Are taxes the only reason to revisit an estate plan?
Estate planning attorneys routinely reach out to their clients when big tax laws pass. This is because those tax changes can change the effectiveness of an estate plan, especially one that relied on some aspect in the tax code that no longer exists. However, taxes are...
What happens if an Illinois resident dies without a will?
Planning for the future can be exciting when people consider growing their families, taking new jobs, or buying new homes. Accomplishing goals and supporting loved ones can be a priority for many during the course of their lives. However, considering these objectives...