When someone passes away, their financial matters do not simply stop. Bills may still need to be paid, refunds or final income may come in and assets may need to be distributed to beneficiaries. One of the first practical steps during estate administration is opening...
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probate
Why would someone contest a will?
Wills hold significant importance as they express a person's final wishes regarding their estate. However, people sometimes contest these wills, raising the question: why challenge a will? Here are some key reasons why someone might contest a will. Minimum age...
Do you know what is going to happen during probate?
After the death of a loved one, you may face the daunting task of settling his or her estate and deciding what happens to personal property. This is not an easy task, even if the decedent left clear instructions in his or her estate plan regarding these matters. There...
Understanding probate in Illinois
When one is estate planning in Illinois, it’s helpful to understand the probate process. Not all estate plans must go through probate. In fact, many people wish to create an estate plan that will not require probate, which can decrease the stress on family and friends...
Power of attorney requirements for Illinois
In Illinois and many other states across the nation, you are allowed to select a health care agent to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Choosing someone to be your health care agent is no easy task. The person you choose must meet all...
Four reasons why a person’s will might be deemed unenforceable
Finding out you are not receiving the inheritance you expect when a loved one dies can be upsetting and you may immediately want to argue that the will should not be followed as written. However, you cannot change the terms of someone else’s will just because you do...
3 signs of undue influence in your aunt’s estate plan
If you have a special relationship with an elderly aunt, you undoubtedly want to respect her wishes. By creating a comprehensive will, your aunt both decided what happens to her assets after her death and avoided intestacy protocols. Still, if someone exerted undue...
3 common myths about probate
After you die, your estate will go through probate. This is the legal process of administering your estate as well as proving that your will (if you have one) is valid. This process also involves executing the instructions in your will and paying any applicable taxes....
Your mom died and you can’t find her will. Now what?
Many Godfrey area residents have had to go through a situation in which one of their parent dies. These are emotional and stressful times. Not only is a child dealing with the grief of losing a parent they can also be overwhelmed with the paperwork and financial...
Taking the stress out of creating your estate plan
Planning for your life way down the road may initially seem like a daunting task. However, your efforts to be proactive about making arrangements for the years when you begin to age and may become incapacitated can save you a whole lot of stress in the future. At...