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Recent blog posts
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What to Do If a Will Is Missing or Invalid in Illinois
: What to Do If a Will Is Missing or Invalid in IllinoisWhen someone passes away in Illinois, their will typically outlines how their estate should be distributed. However, there are instances when a will is missing, or the validity of the will is questioned. If you are in a situation where a will cannot be located or is believed to be invalid, it is crucial to…
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When a person passes away in Illinois, their estate may need to go through probate, a legal process where the court oversees the distribution of assets to heirs and beneficiaries. However, not all assets are subject to probate. Understanding which assets must go through this process can help families plan effectively and avoid unnecessary delays….
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Understanding the Role of an Executor in Illinois Probate
: Understanding the Role of an Executor in Illinois ProbateThe probate process in Illinois can be complex and often overwhelming, especially during a time of grief. A key figure in navigating this process is the executor, a person designated in a will to manage the deceased’s estate. Understanding the executor’s role and responsibilities is crucial for both those named as executors and beneficiaries of…
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Being a caregiver to a senior loved one can be difficult, even when you are next door or across town. But what if you are several time zones away? Trying to provide (or monitor) care from a distance can seem almost impossible. When you are far away, it is difficult to know what to do…
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Placing business assets in a trust can offer many benefits. A trust can help with asset protection, estate planning, and managing the business after an owner’s death. However, trust law can be complicated, and it would be best to seek advice from a qualified professional. Whether you live in Illinois or New York, here are…
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Receiving a windfall, such as a cash settlement or inheritance, can be a life-changing event. However, for individuals who rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid benefits, it can also be a cause for concern. Fortunately, a few options can help individuals keep their SSI and Medicaid benefits while benefiting from the extra resources….
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You may think that an irrevocable trust is set in stone and its terms can never be changed. This is not the case. Say Auntie Anne dies leaving the proceeds from her successful pretzel chain business in her trust to her two brothers, Barclay and Clemson, naming her nephew Dusty as her trustee. The trust…
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Probate assets refer to any property (“asset”) owned by a decedent that must go through probatecourt to be transferred to the people who will ultimately inherit them. Probate is an expensivepublic proceeding, so if you want to maximize your estate and/or keep ownership of assetsprivate, note the common types of assets that typically go through…
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Options for Protecting Medicaid and SSI Benefits After a Windfall
: Options for Protecting Medicaid and SSI Benefits After a WindfallIf you are receiving a lump sum windfall, such as a lawsuit settlement, and you receive eitherSSI or Medicaid (or both), you will be temporarily cut off from your benefits until you re-qualify. You can avoid this cut off by contacting an attorney to take certain legal steps that willprotect your windfall and allow you…
