Illinois readers considering executing estate plans may have questions about various documents and what constitutes validity when signing such documents. It is always a good idea to speak with someone well-versed in state laws that govern such matters. A current probate battle in another state shows how quickly things can get out of hand if an estate owner dies and loved ones disagree over wills and trusts.
Famous artist dead; wills and trusts now litigation issues
Will you be able to afford to retire?
Many American workers count on their employer's retirement and pension plans as golden parachutes into those easy retirement years. But could they be in for some hard landings if the chutes fail to open?
Probate litigation involves boyriend of deceased real estate icon
A legal battle has arisen in another state regarding the estate of a real estate mogul who was found unresponsive on her living room couch. Her cause of death was determined as an opioid overdose. Since her passing, her former boyfriend and her surviving family members are entangled in probate litigation. The boyfriend is also now facing criminal charges related to the situation.
Estate planning: What does it mean to get one's affairs in order?
Many Illinois residents understand the value of planning for their futures. How each person interprets that may be somewhat unique, although the estate planning process is a common tool most people use to organize their assets and execute a plan to be carried out if they should become sick or incapacitated. When someone says that he or she wishes to get his or her affairs in order, it can mean different things.
Major life changes require updates to your estate plan
Maintaining your estate plan can seem inconvenient, but putting off important updates to your plan can cause major complications if you never get around to it. Many life changes may affect your estate plan, making it wise to review your estate documents from time to time.
Estate planning requires a sound mind, but how is that defined?
Can a person think he or she is of sound mind but not be so? It is logical to assume that certain mental illnesses or levels of decline in mental capacity might prompt conditions wherein a man or woman is not fully aware that he or she is not fully aware. Dementia, for instance, may be present without the person afflicted by it realizing there is a problem. When it comes to estate planning, it is critical that an Illinois resident executing an estate plan be of sound mind; otherwise, the documents therein may be invalid.
