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Recent blog posts
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What Are the Benefits of Forming an LLC in Illinois?
: What Are the Benefits of Forming an LLC in Illinois?
Forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Illinois offers entrepreneurs and small business owners a flexible, affordable, and protective structure for launching and growing a business. Whether you are starting a solo venture or partnering with others, an Illinois LLC provides key advantages that make it one of the most popular business entities in the…
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Top Red Flags That Can Trigger Will Contests in Illinois
: Top Red Flags That Can Trigger Will Contests in Illinois
In Illinois, a properly executed will is presumed valid, but that does not mean it is immune from legal challenges. Will contests arise when heirs or beneficiaries believe the document fails to reflect the true intentions of the deceased. These disputes can delay probate, drain estate assets, and fracture family relationships. Understanding the most common…
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What Happens to Digital Assets in Probate in Illinois?
: What Happens to Digital Assets in Probate in Illinois?
As more aspects of life move online, digital assets have become an increasingly important part of estate planning and probate. In Illinois, digital assets can hold financial, sentimental, or legal value. Yet many estates overlook these assets, leading to confusion and delays during probate. Understanding how Illinois law treats digital assets is essential for executors,…
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What is the Role of a Guardian ad Litem in a Guardianship?
: What is the Role of a Guardian ad Litem in a Guardianship?
In most counties in Illinois, the judge will appoint a Guardian ad Litem (frequently referred to by its abbreviation “G-A-L”) before appointing a guardian of a Ward. This is a confusing term because both “Guardian” and “Guardian ad Litem” have the word Guardian in them – but they could not be more different in their…
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If you are a new homeowner, congratulations! Maybe someone recommended to you recently that now that you own a home, it is beneficial to put your real estate in a revocable living trust and you’re wondering why. Read on! By putting real estate in trust, clients ensure that their home will be transferred to their…
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One issue that we come across frequently is a deed that has been sitting in a deceased parent’s name for years, and finally a child is ready to sell the property, but doesn’t have the authority to sell because their name is not on the deed. One way to go about selling the property is…
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The first time I heard the word “probate” was after I had finished law school and passed the bar exam. If you are lucky, the probate process is a foreign concept to you. But most people come across it at some point in their lifetime, and we are here to demystify what exactly probate is. …
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There are two types of estate planning: will-based planning and trust-based planning. Our office only does trust-based planning. While a Last Will and Testament will direct your executor how to distribute your property, your executor will be required to go to probate court to collect and distribute your property, opening up your estate to the…
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Folks often believe that only the wealthy need a will or a trust. As a matter of fact, having an estate plan is not only about passing wealth on to future generations or avoiding taxes. People Who Need an Estate Plan Estate planning has numerous benefits for all of the following groups. If you fall…