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When former rock music icon Tom Petty died of an accidental drug overdose at age 66, it not only sent a ripple of grief among his fans in Illinois and throughout the world, it also sparked contention between his loved ones. The situation prompted probate litigation...
The passing of comic book icon Stan Lee left many fans in Illinois and across the country grieving a great loss but also admiring a tremendous legacy. Lee's work will continue to be enjoyed by comic book enthusiasts for decades to come. His creative contributions to...
Some Illinois readers may be aware that the late, former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno owned a homestead that is said to be of significant historical value. Before she died, Ms. Reno executed an estate plan that included specific instructions regarding transfer of...
Many Illinois estates are comprised of high-net worth assets while others are less complex. Either way, an ultimate goal of estate owners is often to execute a thorough plan to help loved ones avoid probate litigation. Such litigation is typically time-consuming,...
No two estate plans are exactly the same. However, Illinois residents concerned about probate litigation may want to review several cases involving celebrities, as doing so may help avoid certain legal problems down the line. Many people are familiar with former rock...
When an Illinois estate owner dies, it typically activates a court process. Depending on whether the person died intestate or testate determines how the process unfolds. There are often ways to avoid probate litigation, but in certain circumstances it is necessary.If...
Huguette Clark was the daughter of a coal baron. When she died, her estate was worth more than $300 million. She had signed a will that left most of it to 21 relatives, some of whom she did not even know. At some point, however, she reportedly signed a second will...
Every Illinois resident will basically die in one of two ways, legally speaking. Either a person dies testate (meaning, he or she left a last will and testament) or intestate (meaning, there is no will). The latter can spark complications for loved ones...
Most Illinois estate owners try to incorporate instructions, documents and details in their estate plans to help their loved ones when the time comes to administer their estates. Any number of issues can lead to probate litigation, however. For instance, there...
No matter how cautious, diligent and thorough an Illinois estate owner is in his or her planning, if heirs or beneficiaries wish to contest the will, it can spark probate litigation. Many celebrities have died without signing a last will and testament, which is also a...
