by Lauren Jackson | Sep 13, 2026 | Attorney, executor, Lawyer, Probate
If you’re trying to find out whether a probate case has been opened for someone who has passed away, here’s how to check. Which county handles the probate case? Probate cases are filed with the circuit court in the county where the deceased person was...
by Lauren Jackson | Aug 15, 2026 | Attorney, Billing, Estate Planning, Joint Trust, Lawyer, Trusts, Wills
Choosing the right estate planning attorney matters as much as the plan itself — a poorly drafted will or trust is one of the leading causes of legal malpractice claims in Illinois. Before you hire anyone, ask these seven questions. 7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an...
by Lauren Jackson | Jul 3, 2026 | Attorney, Lawyer, Power of Attorney
A lot of the calls I get about adult guardianship start the same way: an adult child has noticed their mom or dad can no longer keep track of their bills, or a family member calls because a brother was in an accident and can no longer make his own medical decisions....
by Lauren Jackson | Apr 30, 2026 | Attorney, executor, Lawyer, Probate
Losing someone you love is hard. And somewhere in the middle of that grief, you may find yourself named executor of an estate, holding a will you’ve never seen before, and wondering where to begin. You don’t have to figure it out alone — and you...
by Lauren Jackson | Mar 6, 2026 | Attorney, buying a home, Lawyer, Real Estate, selling a home
What Happens When a Home Doesn’t Appraise? If you are in the process of buying a home, you probably have a lot of unanswered questions. One common concern buyers and sellers share is whether the home will appraise at the contract price. Everyone involved in the...
by Lauren Jackson | Aug 26, 2025 | Attorney, Estate Planning, Lawyer, Limited Liability Company, Real Estate
As a real estate and estate planning attorney, one question I hear all the time is:“Should I put my rental property in an LLC?” It’s a great question—and the answer depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. It could be used for asset protection, liability...
