by Lauren Jackson | Dec 2, 2023 | Attorney, Billing, Estate Planning, executor, Lawyer, Small Business, Trusts, Wills
As more AI is developed, there will be more web-based companies that you can choose to help you draft your estate plan. Online companies will make promises to lure you in with convenience or an upfront cost that might seem too good to be true. Let’s review why...
by Lauren Jackson | Oct 13, 2023 | Attorney, Beneficiaries, executor, intestate estate, Lawyer, open probate case, Probate, Small estate
If a family member dies without a properly executed estate plan, those left behind are faced with a highly stressful and unpleasant experience. There are many questions that must be answered. If the person who died has assets equaling a certain amount and are of a...
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 | May 19, 2023 | Estate Planning, Revocable living trust, Trusts
Let’s be honest, estate planning can be complicated. So many major decisions must be made and so many documents should be completed. The thing about estate planning is that each individual or family’s estate plan can be designed to fit their needs. No two estate...
by Lauren Jackson | Mar 17, 2023 | Estate Planning, Trustee, Trusts
If you have a revocable living trust in place for yourself, you can generally amend your trust at any time, including the trustee. However, amendments must be properly executed based on state law and in accordance with the terms of the trust. Alternatively, if you...
by Lauren Jackson | Mar 7, 2023 | Elgin, Quit claim deed, Real Estate, Transfer on death instrument
In 2012 the Illinois Residential Real Property Transfer on Death Instrument Act became Illinois law. This act authorized the use of a new deed called the Transfer on Death Instrument (“TODI”). This new tool allows the transfer of residential real estate outside of...