Fri October 3, 2025

Why Digital Assets Belong in Your Estate Plan

By |2025-10-03T10:16:39-05:00October 3rd, 2025|Blog, Estate Planning, Estate Planning|Comments Off on Why Digital Assets Belong in Your Estate Plan

When most people think about estate planning, they picture bank accounts, real estate, investments, or family heirlooms. But in today’s world, an equally important part of your legacy lives online: your digital assets. From photos stored in the cloud to cryptocurrency wallets, your digital life carries value—both sentimental and financial. Ignoring these assets could [...]

Fri September 26, 2025

What Is the Role of an Executor in Illinois Probate?

By |2025-09-25T09:53:07-05:00September 26th, 2025|Blog, Estate Planning, Estate Planning|Comments Off on What Is the Role of an Executor in Illinois Probate?

When a loved one passes away in Illinois, their estate often needs to go through a legal process called probate. Probate ensures that debts are paid, taxes are filed, and assets are distributed according to the person’s will or, if there is no will, under Illinois intestacy laws. At the center of this process [...]

Fri September 19, 2025

Can You Avoid Probate in Illinois?

By |2025-09-19T14:26:13-05:00September 19th, 2025|Blog, Estate Planning, Estate Planning|Comments Off on Can You Avoid Probate in Illinois?

Can You Avoid Probate in Illinois? Probate has a reputation for being slow, expensive, and stressful—and for good reason. In Illinois, the probate process can take months (sometimes more than a year) and often involves court filings, legal fees, and public records. The good news? With the right planning, you may be able to [...]

Fri September 12, 2025

Common Delays in Probate & How to Avoid Them

By |2025-09-12T10:26:47-05:00September 12th, 2025|Blog, Estate Planning, Estate Planning|Comments Off on Common Delays in Probate & How to Avoid Them

Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a person’s estate after they pass away. While probate helps ensure assets are distributed properly, it doesn’t always move quickly. Families are often surprised by how long the process can take — and how many bumps can appear along the way. If you’re preparing to handle an [...]

Fri September 5, 2025

3 Myths About Dying Without a Will

By |2025-09-05T09:10:19-05:00September 5th, 2025|Blog, Estate Planning, Estate Planning|Comments Off on 3 Myths About Dying Without a Will

When it comes to estate planning, many people believe that if they don’t write a will, everything will “just work out.” Unfortunately, that’s not how it works in Illinois—or anywhere else. Dying without a will (also called dying intestate) can leave your loved ones with legal headaches, financial burdens, and even family conflict. To [...]

Fri August 29, 2025

The Top 3 Causes of Estate Battles (and How to Avoid Them)

By |2025-08-29T09:23:46-05:00August 29th, 2025|Blog, Estate Planning, Estate Planning|Comments Off on The Top 3 Causes of Estate Battles (and How to Avoid Them)

Most families hope that love will keep them united after a loved one passes. Unfortunately, probate courts in Illinois tell a different story. Disputes over estates are surprisingly common, and once they begin, they can drag on for years—costing families both money and relationships. The good news? Most estate battles start for the same [...]

Fri August 22, 2025

How to Prevent Family Drama Over Your Estate

By |2025-08-22T10:11:58-05:00August 22nd, 2025|Blog, Estate Planning, Estate Planning|Comments Off on How to Prevent Family Drama Over Your Estate

No one likes to imagine their family fighting after they’re gone. Yet, probate courts in Illinois see it all the time—siblings stop speaking, step-families split apart, and inheritances vanish in legal fees. The sad truth? Most of these conflicts could have been avoided with a thoughtful estate plan. Why Family Drama Happens After a [...]

Fri August 15, 2025

Back to School Planning: The Perfect Time for a Plan Update

By |2025-08-15T10:22:29-05:00August 15th, 2025|Blog, Estate Planning, Estate Planning, Tips|Comments Off on Back to School Planning: The Perfect Time for a Plan Update

As the summer winds down and the school year begins, parents everywhere are checking supply lists, packing lunches, and signing permission slips. But there’s one important checklist that often gets overlooked: estate planning and emergency preparedness. While it’s not as fun as picking out new backpacks, taking time to put your legal and financial [...]

Fri August 8, 2025

It’s National Will Month— Let’s Talk About What You Really Want

By |2025-08-08T10:02:14-05:00August 8th, 2025|Blog, Estate Planning, Estate Planning|Comments Off on It’s National Will Month— Let’s Talk About What You Really Want

What Is National Will Month Anyway? August is National Will Month—a time when estate planning professionals everywhere encourage people to finally create or update their wills. But let’s be honest. “National Will Month” doesn’t exactly scream excitement. So, let’s flip the script. Instead of focusing on the legal paperwork, let’s focus on what a [...]

Fri August 1, 2025

Incapacity Planning in Illinois

By |2025-07-30T11:43:57-05:00August 1st, 2025|Blog, Estate Planning, Estate Planning|Comments Off on Incapacity Planning in Illinois

As much as we like to think we'll always be in control, life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs. What if an illness, accident, or the natural progression of aging leaves you unable to make your own financial or healthcare decisions? Without proper planning, this can lead to significant stress, financial burdens, and [...]

Go to Top