312.583.9430
Our blog
Stories and interviews
Subscribe to learn for helpful articles, solutions, and Bielski Chapman, Ltd. updates.
Recent blog posts
-
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…
-
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….
-
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…
All blog posts
-
When I was 15, I was in a car accident that hospitalized me for 6 weeks. Because I was a minor, the doctors treating me could legally communicate freely with my parents. Had I been 18, the doctors could not have spoken with my parents without a power of attorney in place. Our firm’s strong…
-
My dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s when I was in law school, and as it became clearer that he was a fall risk – and too stubborn to stop going up and down stairs – we decided that it was best to sell the house where me and my two brothers grew up. The house…
-
Prior to law school I worked in consulting. My job was leveraging automation and digital tools to replicate time-consuming redundant tasks for privilege and discovery teams on a nationwide litigation effort. I used VBA, SQL and Acrobat to save $180,000 across a single team. My skills in this area have allowed me to operate a…
-
Three things in life are inevitable: death, taxes, and practice management software. Well, the third is only inevitable if you practice law… the moment you get sick of spreadsheets to keep track of your client matters is the moment you realize it’s time for practice management software. If you’ve been to a law seminar or…
-
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…
-
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…
