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Plain-English articles on estate planning in Illinois.
What Happens to Your Digital Assets like Social Media and Crypto Accounts When You Die?
Most Illinois residents have an estate plan for a house, a bank account, or a life insurance policy, but few have planned for what happens to their Venmo balance, a cryptocurrency wallet, or a Facebook profile when they die. These digital assets can be difficult or impossible for loved ones to access and may therefore
July 25, 2026
What Is a Dynasty Trust and How Can It Protect Wealth Across Multiple Generations?
Most trusts have a defined termination date. Under the common law “rule against perpetuities,” a trust generally must terminate and distribute its assets within a set period after the death of everyone living when it was created, typically about 21 years. A dynasty trust is designed to get around that limit. An experienced estate planning
July 25, 2026
How Medicaid Planning Works in Illinois, And Why It’s Not Just for the Elderly
Most people imagine that “Medicaid planning” means moving an elderly parent to a nursing home, yet there’s more to it. Medicaid planning is about protecting a family’s finances against the cost of long-term care, regardless of a person’s age. The same eligibility rules that apply to the elderly can damage the finances of someone who
July 23, 2026
How to Plan for Incapacity: The Documents Every Illinois Adult Needs Before a Crisis
A car accident, a stroke, or other sudden illness can leave any adult unable to manage money or make medical decisions. Many people assume a spouse or adult child can step in, but that’s not how Illinois law works. Without the right documents, your family may face delays, disputes, or even a court proceeding during
July 13, 2026
How Real Estate Investors in Illinois Should Structure Ownership for Asset Protection
Owning rental or investment property carries real risk. If a tenant is injured, a dispute brews with a contractor, or a debt tied to one building goes unpaid, your personal assets, including your home, savings, and other investments, could be exposed if the property is titled in your name. An experienced business attorney can advise
July 13, 2026
What Is a Beneficial Interest in a Land Trust, and Why Illinois Homeowners Use It
Among the many property ownership options in Illinois is the “land trust.” It is an instrument with several potential applications, including preserving a person’s estate for their heirs but a land trust is limited to real property. An experienced estate planning attorney can help determine if a land trust is right for your circumstances and,
June 27, 2026
Capital Gains and Inherited Property: How Smart Planning Can Save Your Family Thousands
Taxes are an unpleasant part of inheriting a house, farm, or brokerage account. But it’s critical to understand how capital gains rules apply, particularly in Illinois. An experienced estate planning attorney can explain how capital gains rules apply to inherited property. It can be the difference between a manageable transition and an unexpected tax bill.
June 27, 2026
If You’re Sued Tomorrow, What’s at Risk in Your Checking Account?
Notification of a lawsuit usually comes in the mail, causing serious concern about your assets. However, there’s no need to overreact, because a lawsuit doesn’t put your checking account in danger. An experienced attorney will tell you that creditors can’t freeze your accounts just because you’re named in a lawsuit. In fact, they will explain
June 27, 2026
The Difference Between a Revocable and Irrevocable Trust — and When Each Makes Sense
People who seek the services of an estate planning attorney know generally about the options before them, but many get stuck on the way irrevocable and revocable trusts work. Understanding the differences can impact your estate planning decisions. An experienced estate planning attorney will help you understand how each might work for you, considering your
June 7, 2026
Why Young Families in Naperville Need an Estate Plan (Not Just New Parents)
Consistently rated as one of the best places in Illinois to raise a family, Naperville has good schools and a strong sense of community. Yet living in such a sought-after location isn’t enough to ensure your family’s future security. Busy parents often overlook creating an estate plan. Estate planning isn’t only for new parents or
June 7, 2026
What Happens If You Wait Too Long for Asset Protection Planning?
Asset protection planning is something many people put off because they believe it’s too soon to construct a legal fence around their assets, shielding property, accounts, and investments from claims. Waiting can be costly, exposing hard-earned assets to loss through liability lawsuits and claw back provisions in Medicaid. An experienced estate planning attorney can show
May 28, 2026
How LLCs Help Shield Personal Liability for Illinois Business Owners
Doing business in Illinois carries financial risks. A single lawsuit, unpaid debt, or contract dispute can put your home, savings, and personal assets at risk unless you’ve structured your business to protect them. The guidance of an experienced business attorney is critical for entrepreneurs in forming a limited liability company for an effective first line
May 28, 2026