You may have an estate plan in place, but have you ever updated it? Many people forget to alter their estate plans over the years. This can create problems during the probate process when it is unclear how certain unaccounted for assets should be distributed. It is...
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Month: August 2022
Addressing disputes over digital assets
When a loved one passes away, managing their estate can be a daunting task. If it includes digital assets, unique management concerns – and associated disputes – may arise, resulting in an even more complex and stressful set of circumstances for you to deal with. ...
Estate planning for those who don’t have heirs
The concept of estate planning often conjures images of people meticulously dividing assets among their children. However, the importance of estate planning extends far beyond traditional family structures. Even for those without immediate heirs, a well-crafted estate...
Mirror vs. mutual wills: What’s the difference?
Couples often do their estate planning together, if only to make certain that they both have all of their bases covered and are on the same page. Most of the time, couples choose either mirror wills or mutual wills. Mirror wills Mirror wills are essentially two...
How can testators prevent fighting over their estate plans?
The creation of an Illinois estate plan can protect someone’s interests as they age and can establish a legacy after they die. Unfortunately, the best intentions of testators can end up undermined by the conduct of their family members. Children, grandchildren and...
Faster transfers with a Payable On Death account
When making an estate plan, it’s important to be aware that the transfer of assets can take some time. Just because you chose a specific beneficiary to inherit a certain amount of money does not mean that they take control immediately when you pass away. The estate...
When fortune favors you, act quickly to preserve your bonanza
Are you looking at a sudden, unexpected influx of asset? Whether you recently won a lottery or received a large personal injury settlement, transitioning from an average annual income to significant wealth requires careful planning. For most people, the urge to...
What happens when you don’t trust a trustee?
Trusts are very popular ways of making sure that an estate’s assets do the most good and fulfill a testator’s wishes over the long run. Having the right trustee to manage and administer a trust is, naturally, critical. What happens, then, if you have lost faith in a...
Who should you grant power of attorney authority?
Granting power of attorney is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration. This legal process empowers an individual, known as an attorney-in-fact, to act on your behalf in various legal and financial matters. This authority usually only comes into play in...
Why digital estate planning is necessary
Over the past decade or so, you may have noted that your online presence and digital assets have become nearly as significant as many of your physical possessions. If so, you’re not alone. And it’s due to this trend that digital estate planning is becoming...