by Lauren Jackson | May 19, 2025 | Beneficiary, Estate Planning, Living will, Power of Attorney, Trusts, Wills
Many single individuals without children assume they don’t need an estate plan. After all, if there are no dependents or immediate heirs, what’s the urgency? As an estate planning attorney, I can assure you—estate planning is just as essential for you as it is for...
by Lauren Jackson | Feb 1, 2025 | Attorney, Beneficiary, Estate Planning, Lawyer, Revocable living trust, Trusts
The decision to set up a revocable trust is less about a specific net worth and more about your goals and the complexity of your estate. Just about everyone can benefit from a revocable trust and let’s dive into some of the main features. When thinking about creating...
by Lauren Jackson | Jul 8, 2024 | Attorney, Beneficiary, Estate Planning, executor, Joint Trust, Lawyer, Probate, Trusts, Wills
A question during the probate process evolves around what happens to debt after your parents die. Are the children responsible for their parents’ debt? In most cases, children are not personally responsible for parents’ debt when they die. However,...
by Lauren Jackson | Sep 30, 2023 | Attorney, Beneficiaries, Beneficiary, Estate Planning, executor, Guardian, Lawyer, spendthrift trust, Supplemental Needs Trust, Trustee, Trusts
Over the years I have had clients who wish to leave assets or money to a beneficiary who is either on disability or doesn’t have the wherewithal to manage his or her own finances. If you want to leave money to someone, but are worried the beneficiary won’t use or...
by Lauren Jackson | Feb 3, 2021 | Beneficiary, Estate Planning, Revocable living trust, Supplemental Needs Trust
What is the best way to leave assets to minor children? Well, that depends on the testator’s intentions and risk level, but there are a few options and basics to keep in mind: In Illinois, children under age 18 may inherit property, but can’t enter contracts and...
by Lauren Jackson | Jul 4, 2019 | Beneficiary, Estate Planning, Supplemental Needs Trust
If you are parents or grandparents to children who have special needs, you may have a lot of questions regarding what can and should be done to prepare for their continued care after your passing. The biggest question I answer for people is what needs to be done...
