If you are considering making a donation to a public charity, you are not limited to donating cash. Depending upon your financial situation, giving objectives, and the needs of the charitable organization, certain accounts or pieces of property may be better suited for donation to the charity. Cash Writing a check to your favorite charity is the fastest and easiest …
10 Types of Trusts: A Quick Look
Considering the myriad of trusts available, creating the right estate plan can seem daunting. However, that is what we, as estate planning attorneys, do every day. We know the laws and will design a plan which addresses your specific situation. Here is a look at the basics of ten common trusts to provide you with a general understanding of the …
Common Pitfalls in Family-Owned Businesses
Your family and your business are two of your top priorities. You would not do anything to compromise either of them. But working with family members in a family-owned business presents unique challenges that can cause lasting damage to both if not properly managed. Family-owned businesses are capable of the same success as any other business. Walmart, Chick-fil-A, Comcast, Carnival, …
Myths We Tell Ourselves about Estate Planning
Estate planning can be a very difficult process. While it is not brain surgery, making the decision to move forward with an estate plan requires us to face the fact that we will not live forever. This thought stops many people in their tracks. Others talk themselves out of seeing a qualified attorney to create an estate plan because of …
4 Tips for Avoiding a Will or Trust Contest
A will or trust contest can derail your final wishes, rapidly deplete your estate, and tear your loved ones apart. But with proper planning, you can help your family avoid a potentially disastrous will or trust contest. If you are concerned about challenges to your estate plan, consider the following: Do not attempt “do it yourself” solutions. If you …
What to Do When Your Doctor Says to “Get Your Affairs in Order”
Five words no one ever wants to hear from their doctor: “Get your affairs in order.” Unfortunately, 58 percent of Americans do not have a will or trust, and it often requires a chronic disease or terminal illness diagnosis, or other life-changing event to prompt the estate planning process. Talk to your attorney about completing the documents below and follow …
How to Prepare for a Farm Divorce in Illinois
A farm divorce in Illinois can be complex and it is best to consult an experienced farm divorce lawyer who has expertise in handling farm divorces. A farm divorce can involve navigating through a lot of factors such as farm equipment, land, valuation of options as well as any other assets related to the farm business. How is Farm Property …
After the Heart Attack: Get Your Estate Planning Done
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), someone in the U.S. has a heart attack every 40 seconds. That means approximately 790,000 people have a heart attack each year. If you have recently been hospitalized for a cardiac condition or other near-miss medical event, then you may be feeling a strong sense of urgency to get your …
Estate Planning Tips for Someone Who Is About to Go in for Major Surgery
Getting the news that you have to undergo major surgery is never easy. Preparing for absences from work, planning for childcare and household responsibilities, and reviewing your estate plan will be among the things you may be worrying about. But, what if you only have a few weeks—or even days—to react? Who should you call? How can you concentrate …
How to Prepare for a High Net Worth Divorce in Illinois
By definition, a high asset divorce in Illinois is defined as any divorce that involves at least one of the spouses having assets valued over $1 million. These divorces often involve very complex issues and must be handled by an experienced attorney. If you are going to be involved in a high asset divorce in Illinois, you are encouraged to …