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When people think of “estate planning,” they usually picture a thick binder of legal documents. While wills and trusts are essential, the process is more than paperwork. Below are seven often-missed steps that separate a

In the realm of legal matters, understanding legal authority is essential for navigating the complex systems of rights, responsibilities, and powers. In Illinois, the concept of legal authority encompasses various legal instruments, including the power

Serving as an executor (for a will) or administrator (when no will exists) is an honor—but also a job. The court gives you legal authority to collect assets, pay debts, file taxes, and distribute what’s

Second marriages, step-children, late-in-life partnerships—modern families don’t fit the tidy nuclear mold. Yet most estate documents still assume “one marriage, one set of kids.” When reality collides with that assumption in an Illinois probate court,

Cook County Probate Forms—Direct Links & Plain-English Uses Click any form number to download the official PDF from the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. We’ve included every Probate-Division form that applies to decedent

Setting up a trust can be an excellent way to manage your assets and ensure they are distributed according to your wishes. Many individuals are not aware of the full benefits that trusts provide, which

Whether you’re a young professional just starting or nearing retirement, ensuring the security of your wealth is essential. In this blog post, we’ll discuss various ways to safeguard your assets, including financial strategies, legal measures,

Tips for Success By following these ten steps in order, you’ll guide the estate through Lake County’s probate process from filing to discharge, closing the decedent’s affairs accurately and efficiently.

Interactive Trust Funding Checklist | Illinois Estate Law Use this checklist to confirm you’ve titled or designated beneficiaries for each asset category under Illinois law. Check off each item as you complete it, then click