Our blog
Stories and interviews
Subscribe to learn for helpful articles, solutions, and Bielski Chapman, Ltd. updates.
Recent blog posts
-

After losing a loved one, the last thing you want to think about is the cost of probate. However, it is a part of administering the estate. Probate often gets the reputation for being slow and expensive. In Illinois, most estates can move through pretty efficiently, reducing fees depending on the size and complexity of…
-

2026 Compliance Checklist for Breweries in Illinois: Licensing, Distribution, and Regulatory Risks
: 2026 Compliance Checklist for Breweries in Illinois: Licensing, Distribution, and Regulatory Risks
Brewing craft beer is your passion and your business. But you know that there are many rules and regulations you have to follow. As 2026 draws nearer, you need to ensure you have all your ducks in a row. The right Illinois lawyer can help you navigate the complex rules breweries face. Using a 2026…
-

Estate Planning Before 2026: What Illinois Families Should Update Before the New Year
: Estate Planning Before 2026: What Illinois Families Should Update Before the New Year
Your estate plan is not unchanging. In fact, you have to keep it up to date with any big changes or to plan for the New Year. As 2026 approaches and we leave 2025 behind, it is important to consider what has changed in your life lately. Perhaps you had a new child, a divorce,…
All blog posts
-

Blended families are those formed through remarriage, adoption, or cohabitation. They face unique challenges when it comes to estate planning. In Illinois, ensuring that your spouse, children, stepchildren, and other loved ones are protected requires careful legal strategy. Without a comprehensive estate plan, your assets may not be distributed according to your wishes, potentially leading…
-

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…
-

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…
-

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,…
-

Illinois Probate Deadlines: What Heirs Should Know
: Illinois Probate Deadlines: What Heirs Should Know
When a loved one passes away in Illinois, the probate process can feel overwhelming. This is especially true for heirs unfamiliar with legal timelines and obligations. Understanding key probate deadlines is essential to protect your inheritance rights, avoid unnecessary delays, and ensure the estate is administered properly. The estate planning attorneys at Bielski Chapman, Ltd….
-

When deciding between a will and a trust, it’s best to have a clear understanding and know the differences between the two. A trust is a legal document where a third party or trustee is authorized to manage the assets that are held in the trust. The trustee makes sure the correct heirs gain the…









