Read Informative Articles on the Law of Estate Planning

Many people want to support family members or friends by helping with college tuition or covering medical bills. But generous gifts like these can raise questions about the federal gift tax. The good news? There’s a way to help without triggering tax consequences—by paying tuition and medical expenses without gift tax, using a special IRS exception… Read more: Helping Loved Ones Without Triggering Gift Tax

Planning your estate in Illinois often involves deciding whether trusts should be part of your plan. Trusts are a powerful estate planning tool that can help you manage and distribute your assets, avoid probate, and even save on taxes. In this primer, I’ll explain when you should consider a trust and break down common types of trusts – including… Read more: Trusts Demystified: A Bold Step Toward Better Planning

Losing a loved one is hard enough without the added stress of handling their estate. If you’ve been named the executor in your loved one’s will, you might feel overwhelmed. The good news is that Illinois offers a streamlined independent administration process for probate – the most common way estates are settled in the state. This guide… Read more: You’ve Been Named Executor–What You Need to Know

A trust is a legal arrangement that allows someone (the trustee) to hold and manage property for the benefit of another person (the beneficiary). While there are many types of trusts, one of the most used in estate planning is the revocable living trust. This tool offers flexibility, privacy, and the potential to simplify the management and distribution of your… Read more: What Is a Living Trust and Should You Have One?

Choosing how to title your home is an important decision that can affect your family’s future. Each form of ownership comes with trade-offs between control, convenience, and how the property passes upon death. Illinois homeowners should consider their personal situation: Are you single or married? Do you want the property to go directly to a co-owner… Read more: Ways to Title Your Home in Illinois: Estate Planning Implications

Sole proprietors of professional or service businesses in Illinois face unique estate planning challenges. Much of a sole proprietorship’s value is personal goodwill – your reputation, relationships, and expertise. This means the business is tightly tied to you, making it vulnerable to closure if something happens. A solid estate plan ensures your business and family… Read more: Estate Plans for Illinois Sole Proprietors: What to Know

How to prepare for an estate planning consultation? Meeting with an estate planning attorney for the first time can feel overwhelming, but a little preparation can go a long way. Whether you’re creating a will, setting up a trust, or just getting a clearer picture of what you need, coming to the consultation with the… Read more: How to Prepare for an Estate Planning Consultation with an Attorney