John E. Kerley, Attorney at Law, P.C.
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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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Illinois Legal Blog

Who might benefit from drafting a transfer-on-death instrument?

On Behalf of Kerley & Talken PC | Feb 4, 2026 | Estate Planning

Testators drafting wills and other documents often prioritize providing support for specific loved ones and naming beneficiaries for their most valuable assets. Wills and trusts are common instruments used by those thinking about the descent of their property.  There...

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Life insurance designations often trump estate plans

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

As you are considering how your assets will move to the next generation, your life insurance policy might represent a significant portion of these assets. Say that you have a policy that will pay out $1 million upon your passing. It is crucial to decide who should...

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5 mistakes you need to avoid when planning your estate

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

Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and your wishes. Yet, many people delay or rush the process without understanding the consequences of small errors. Avoiding common mistakes can save loved ones from confusion,...

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If I have a will, do I need a trust? 3 reasons to consider one

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

Creating a will is often the first meaningful step in estate planning. It allows people to name beneficiaries, choose guardians for children and outline how property should be handled after death. Even so, many families discover that a will does not answer every...

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Choosing an agent to serve as power of attorney

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

Powers of attorney can be important additions to standard estate plans. People concerned about their health or finances can draft documents to address the possibility of a medical emergency. Powers of attorney extend authority to another adult who can manage the...

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Long-term partners shouldn’t procrastinate about estate planning

On Behalf of Kerley & Talken PC | Dec 29, 2025 | Estate Planning

Are you and your long-time partner among the increasing number of people who don’t feel like you need a piece of paper issued by the government to codify your commitment?  There are a multitude of reasons why long-term couples never choose to “tie the knot.” Some are...

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Does your will need to split up assets equally?

On Behalf of Kerley & Talken PC | Dec 23, 2025 | Estate Planning

When you make your estate plan, dividing assets equally is often the easiest approach. You can split up family heirlooms on a case-by-case basis, and you can divide financial assets evenly between multiple beneficiaries. If you are leaving tangible assets, like a home...

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Adding a Totten trust to your estate plan

On Behalf of Kerley & Talken PC | Dec 16, 2025 | Estate Planning

Probating an estate can drag out for a year or more, depending on its complexity. Meanwhile, your heirs may be struggling financially until the assets are disbursed.  There is a way to avoid some of the wait, however. It involves establishing a Totten trust. Read more...

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Can you control how a beneficiary uses their inheritance?

On Behalf of Kerley & Talken PC | Nov 30, 2025 | Estate Planning

You are making an estate plan and choosing beneficiaries to whom you want to leave an inheritance. For many of the beneficiaries, this is a simple process. You are just leaving them financial assets in your will, and they will receive the money after you pass away....

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When does Medicaid impose a penalty before covering costs?

On Behalf of Kerley & Talken PC | Nov 29, 2025 | Estate Planning

Medicaid is a needs-based insurance program for those with below-average income. States use federal funding to provide health insurance to people who cannot afford care or even private health insurance coverage. Medicaid can help people in all stages of life, but it...

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  • How Springfield executors can prevent future estate disputes
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  • 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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