When a loved one dies and leaves a significant portion of their estate to one person, family members may wonder whether the will truly reflects the deceased’s wishes. It can be especially concerning when that person appears to have played a significant role in...
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lake forest illinois trusts and estates law blog
When a will includes the right of first refusal
Many wills contain simple and straightforward terms regarding the distribution of property. Individuals name beneficiaries to inherit specific assets, and their personal representative secures those resources and then allocates them to the right beneficiary....
Can heirs challenge a family business valuation in probate?
When a parent dies owning a family business, the value placed on it shapes what every heir receives. If one sibling ran the business and controls its books, other heirs may question whether the estate's number reflects its true worth. Probate lets heirs challenge a...
The advantage of a springing power of attorney
A power of attorney is an important part of an estate plan because it identifies certain individuals who can make decisions on another person's behalf. A power of attorney can often address legal, financial or medical decisions. For instance, someone could have a...
A disinheritance can lead to estate disputes
There are many potential reasons for estate disputes, which can lead to litigation. Beneficiaries and family members may not agree on how an estate should be addressed or what was actually intended in the estate plan. One example is if a specific beneficiary has been...
3 benefits of irrevocable trusts
An irrevocable trust typically cannot be changed after it is created. It provides strict guidance on how assets should be handled and how ownership is defined. There are some benefits to using an irrevocable trust, and it is important to consider them when putting...


