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Plain-English articles on estate planning in Illinois.
How to Handle Estate Planning When Your Heirs Live Out of State
When you start the process of comprehensive estate planning, keep in mind that there are implications for family members in states other than Illinois. The estate planning attorney you work with should be aware of this situation so specific action is taken. A qualified estate planning attorney will certainly ask about your heirs, including their
December 23, 2025
How Federal and Illinois Estate Taxes Work Together — and Why It Matters
Estate taxes are the sums paid to state and federal government when a person dies. They seem to be simple, in concept, but having a clear understanding of how state and federal taxes apply and interact, and how they impact your financial legacy is critical. An experienced estate planning attorney can help you understand how
December 23, 2025
What Illinois families should know: New tax laws in 2026
The year’s end provides many opportunities to celebrate and others to anticipate. As 2026 begins, there are a few new reasons to be optimistic about filing your taxes, as there have been changes in state law in several recent years. Being aware of these benefits to your bottom line can put a positive spin on
December 10, 2025
How to Find the Best Estate Attorney in Naperville
Illinois residents who have a family, own property, or inherited a sum of money should look into estate planning regardless of their age. The process starts with finding a good, local estate attorney who is responsive to questions and requests. The best estate attorney in Naperville is experienced, a good communicator, and works efficiently. References
December 8, 2025
Passing Down Real Estate: The Tax Mistakes Families Make Most
It’s common for Illinois families to preserve the family home or other real estate assets as their legacy. But passing property to heirs can be a major pitfall for estate planning. An experienced estate planning attorney can help you avoid common mistakes that can result in your family paying higher-than-necessary taxes on their inheritances. 7
November 25, 2025
How Federal Tax Changes Could Impact Illinois Estate Planning
Estate plans are never static, and recent changes in federal tax laws should prompt a review of your long-term planning. Staying abreast of the shifting rules affects how much you are taxed, whether you gift assets, and your approach to your financial legacy. Having an experienced estate attorney who can help you determine the best
November 24, 2025
Estate Planning After Divorce: Steps Illinois Families Should Take
Divorce is a milestone that requires recalibration of many things, particularly your finances. Whether you’re already divorced or planning to be, adjusting your estate plan should be top of mind. An experienced estate planning attorney can guide you through the process of correcting important documents so they reflect your current situation. Your attorney will ensure
November 24, 2025
Do You Need an Estate Plan if You Own Property in More Than One State?
A vacation home or investment property is wonderful to have but add layers of complexity to estate planning. There are several scenarios (like type of ownership) that demand specific estate planning tools. Following the advice of an experienced estate planning attorneys, particularly one familiar with the Illinois Probate Act, ensures that the estate plan developed
November 10, 2025
Succession Planning Keeps a Family Business in the Family
A family business is something you work hard to build. For many people, it’s their life’s purpose. Protecting that legacy is critical, but without the ability to see into the future, it’s best to plan for anything. That’s why succession planning is important: because you can’t always predict what will happen. A trusted business attorney
November 7, 2025
Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Explained: What Illinois Families Need to Know
Successful families want their heirs to share their good fortune. Some financial tools allow families to pass along wealth to generations far in the future, but the size of the estate can trigger significant state and federal taxes. Rather than losing large sums to taxes, it’s advisable to make a plan with an experienced estate
October 30, 2025
The Role of a Power of Attorney in Illinois Estate Planning
Power of attorney is a practical, if often misunderstood, tool that allows a designated person to act on your behalf any time you need it or when you are incapacitated. In Illinois, powers of attorney can cover financial, property, and/or health care matters. The scope of duties can be as broad or narrow as the
October 26, 2025
How to Transfer Real Estate in Illinois Without Probate
When a family member dies, ownership of their property should transfer to next of kin. Unfortunately, if the person dies without a will, state law determines who gets the property, through the probate court. With a little planning, individuals and family members can plan to avoid the probate process so that property is inherited without
October 26, 2025