A Commitment
to Each Client.
Serving as a fiduciary during estate or trust administration involves a degree of risk. Personal representatives or trustees are subject to a fiduciary duty to the beneficiaries of the estate or trust. They generally have an obligation to follow the instructions...
Wealth preservation and transfers are important considerations during estate planning. Many people aim to keep resources out of probate court whenever possible. Doing so can help reduce estate tax obligations and limit secondary claims against those assets. Real...
The executor or personal representative of an estate can uphold an individual's last wishes. They can help protect the beneficiaries or heirs who might inherit from the estate. Their efforts can provide support and comfort to those who have recently lost a loved one....
Estate planning is a challenging undertaking for some people, partially because they may not fully understand the options that are available for passing their assets down to their loved ones. While some people opt to do this in their will, they may also choose to use...
When a loved one passes away, families often come together to grieve, remember and support each other. But amid the sorrow, a legal process begins: the court-supervised distribution of a deceased person’s estate. While most expect this to be a smooth, respectful...
If you have a minor child, it's crucial to choose a guardian for them - someone who will take care of them if you become incapacitated or die before your child becomes an adult. Naming a guardian can give you peace of mind. But who should you choose? The following are...
People with family members generally want to leave a meaningful legacy when they die. They don't want that legacy to be one of conflict and dissatisfaction. Unfortunately, that is exactly what might happen in cases where people have blended families and do not...
As you start thinking about putting your estate plan in place, maybe you realize that you’ve already given your adult children more than most parents can. Consequently, they may be doing very well financially. If you’re like many Illinoisans in this position, you may...
Your estate plan is a way for you to decide what you want to happen with your assets, among many other things—such as making medical decisions. But you still need someone to carry that plan out on your behalf and make sure that it’s actually followed. This person is...
Estate planning requires a holistic approach to the process. Individuals need to look carefully at their unique circumstances, including their resources and their closest relationships. Debts are also an important consideration when establishing an estate plan. A...
