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Recent blog posts
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Special needs planning is a component of estate planning designed to address the requirements of individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions. For families in Illinois, this planning is essential to ensure the long-term care and financial stability of loved ones with special needs. Bielski Chapman, LTD., our respected Illinois estate planning attorneys are here to…
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Navigating Family Disputes During Illinois Probate
: Navigating Family Disputes During Illinois ProbateWhen a loved one passes away, the probate process can be emotionally and legally complex, particularly in Illinois. While the goal is to ensure the deceased’s wishes are carried out, we understand that family disputes often arise during probate proceedings, adding an extra layer of stress to an already challenging time. At Bielski Chapman, we…
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Probate vs. Small Estate Administration in Illinois
: Probate vs. Small Estate Administration in IllinoisThe loss of a loved one is a difficult time, and the process of handling their estate can add to the emotional burden. In Illinois, there are two primary methods for managing an estate: probate and small estate administration. Both serve the purpose of distributing a deceased person’s assets, but they differ in terms of…
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What do you do when you’ve lost a trust? You go back to basics: the elements of a trust, and when all else fails, probate! A Short Story About a Client Who Lost a Trust We had a case where a client’s mother (let’s call the mother Betty Smith) had deeded her home into trust…
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When my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, my parents were living in my childhood home in Wilmette, and they had a modest life savings. In the course of sharing my dad’s diagnosis with friends and family, one thing they kept hearing was how expensive Long Term Care would be; the cost could completely drain their…
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Listing your Chicago property on Airbnb may seem lucrative, but if you’re not careful, it can cost you. Homeowners who want to list their property must be careful to avoid penalties by paying attention to the restrictions in the Chicago Shared Housing Ordinance and their building’s governing documents. The restrictions are noted below, along with…
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Estate Planning for Property Transfers to a Non-Citizen Spouse
: Estate Planning for Property Transfers to a Non-Citizen SpouseAs a general rule, spouses can transfer an unlimited amount of property to each other without paying tax on the transfer.[1] The rule includes transfers made upon death.[2] The so-called “unlimited marital deduction” delays taxation on the transfer of property until it is transferred out of the marital unit. The rule applies to US citizens as well…
