Choosing the right person to execute your estate has the potential to make things much simpler for your loved ones and beneficiaries. The wrong executor could cause delays or far more serious problems. Here are some things to look for when deciding who to choose. The...
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Principled Advocacy For Families And Individuals With Disabilities And The Professionals Who Serve Them
Estate Planning
What makes special needs trusts different from other types of trusts?
For families caring for a loved one with a disability, estate planning often involves more than just deciding who will inherit what. If that person receives government benefits, an inheritance could potentially affect their eligibility for those benefits. A special...
Who qualifies for an Illinois ABLE account under the new rules?
When you’re planning for a disabled loved one’s future, even a well-intentioned gift can create problems and affect their eligibility for means-tested government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. An Illinois ABLE account offers a way to...
When should you consider an irrevocable trust?
An irrevocable trust can be a powerful estate planning tool. However, it’s not the right choice for everyone. Unlike a revocable living trust, an irrevocable trust generally can’t be changed or revoked simply because the trust’s creator (grantor) later changed their...
3 life events that trigger a need to update your estate plan
Putting together an estate plan is an important step towards caring for your loved ones. In addition to designating the distribution of assets, the conversations that come with putting together your plan can also lead to a better understanding of your financial...
Can someone make a will after mental incapacity is declared?
A diagnosis of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or another condition affecting a person’s mental abilities does not necessarily mean that an Illinois resident can no longer make a will. What matters is whether the person still has the mental capacity required to...
Do you need a will?
What happens to your estate after you pass away? The outcome of your estate can be determined by your will. However, you may not want to draft a will. This can lead to issues for your loved ones. Dying without a will is called dying intestate. Here is what you should...
Strategies for managing estate taxes in Illinois
Estate planning is about more than deciding who receives your assets. If you live in Illinois, it should also include careful planning to reduce unnecessary estate taxes and preserve more of your wealth for your family. Because Illinois has its own estate tax rules,...
Do you need a trust in your estate plan?
When you create an estate plan, one of the most common questions is whether you need a trust. In Chicago and throughout Illinois, trusts can offer important benefits, but they are not required for everyone. The right choice depends on your goals, your assets and how...
Preserving benefit eligibility and special needs trust assets
There are three key issues to address when establishing a special needs trust. Choosing the right trustee or successor trustee is important. Ensuring there is adequate funding for the trust is also a top priority. Establishing a reasonable structure for the trust is...
