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 …
Pet Trust
According to a 2018 study by the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), approximately 57% of all US households have at least one pet. So, what happens to your pet when you die or become incapacitated? Planning ahead can give you peace of mind knowing that your pet will be cared for after you’re gone. There are several ways to do …
Your Judgment of Divorce: The First Step in Estate Planning
You have recently divorced your spouse and the judge has signed the divorce judgment. Now what? Although you may feel as though you have spent enough time and money on lawyers, there is one last attorney you need to talk to: an estate planning attorney. If you and your former spouse had estate planning done together previously, it is necessary …
How to Prepare for a Virtual Mediation in Illinois
There has been a significant increase in using virtual meetings for mediation. Virtual meetings can allow all the parties to meet in a timely manner without having to travel long distances or wait for times when everyone can be in the area at the same time. Virtual meetings work just as well as in-person meetings and can help the divorce …
Important Estate Planning Considerations for LGBTQ Couples
Everyone needs estate planning. Regardless of your age, race, gender, or sexual orientation, properly protecting your future and your loved ones requires a plan. For LGBTQ couples, there are a few things you should consider when thinking about crafting an estate plan. Each couple is unique, and it is our goal to ensure that your personal wishes are carried out …