Many people assume a single will neatly cover everything they own, no matter where it’s located. However, it’s not the case. Crossing state lines can introduce unexpected legal and financial challenges when the time comes. Without proper planning, what seems like a...
If you’re a father who is divorcing or otherwise parting ways with your co-parent, where you live can make a big difference in how hard you might have to fight for equal or more parenting time. The organization behind the website Custody X Change studies the...
Planning for the future involves making clear decisions about how your assets will be managed and distributed. Wills and trusts are two of the most popular estate planning tools. Understanding how they function can help you create a structured plan that protects your...
Illinois, like a majority of other states, has an equitable distribution statute for property division when people divorce. Couples should look for fair ways to divide their shared assets. Instead of a 50/50 split, the goal is a reasonable arrangement based on the...
Powers of attorney are legal documents that authorize one adult to manage legal, medical or financial matters for another. Some people establish durable powers of attorney in case they become incapacitated as they age or undergo medical care. Others establish...
After the death of your loved one, you are likely dealing with grief and a long list of tasks at the same time, which can make each decision feel heavier than it should. A will often feels like it should bring immediate clarity, but that is not always the case in...
Many people who might benefit from creating trusts assume they do not have enough resources to properly fund one. Some people address inadequate funding by arranging to have their primary residences or their life insurance policy proceeds transferred to a trust after...
Testators revising or creating estate plans have their own unique goals. Some people want to leave resources for their children, while others skip a generation to leave assets for their grandchildren. Others might prioritize charitable organizations as their main...
One of the hardest challenges for many divorcing parents is creating a parenting plan. Neither parent wants to give up time with their kids; however, the courts want both parents actively involved in their children’s lives. To that end, the courts encourage parents to...
An individual's estate consists of any property they own directly at the time of their death. The personal representative they name must distribute their property according to their wishes. However, they must first fulfill the responsibilities of the now-deceased...
