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Estate Planning

Mistakes to Avoid in Estate Planning

Failing to plan, failing to update the estate plan, failing to coordinate beneficiaries, forgetting to plan for disability and long-term care, and forgetting about estate tax liability are the most common mistakes to avoid in estate planning. Failing to involve a legal, tax, or financial professional is another common estate planning mistake. Estate planning mistakes can subvert the decedent’s real intent and significantly reduce the inheritance the decedent leaves behind. They can expose … [Read more...]

What Is Attorney Review in Real Estate?

In Illinois, attorney review is a 5-business day period that allows a property buyer’s or seller’s attorney to review and approve or disapprove a real estate contract. Sometimes, provisions will also allow the attorney to amend a real estate contract as well. When a person is buying a commercial or a residential property in Illinois, the real estate contract that he or she signs often contains an attorney review clause.  Working with a real estate attorney when buying or selling a commercial … [Read more...]

How an Estate Planning Attorney Can Help You Protect Your Family’s Future

An attorney can help protect the future of a person’s family by advising on guardianship and drafting power of attorney (POA) agreements. The attorney can guide the person through the whole process of drafting a legally binding Will. A Will is a legal document that allows smooth asset distribution according to the wishes of the testator (Will maker). An attorney’s involvement is also crucial during the estate plan’s review and update. Key Roles of an Attorney in Estate Planning Providing … [Read more...]

Power of Attorney Agreements: Ensuring the Right People Make Important Decisions

Power of Attorney (POA) agreements are important legal documents that allow people to choose the right persons to make important decisions on their behalf. If someone becomes incapacitated, a POA can give someone else power over financial and medical decisions. A POA goes beyond finances and health care — it’s also critical for legal and personal matters. Types of POA Agreements Medical Power of Attorney or Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care A Medical POA also known as a … [Read more...]

Unmarried Couples: Here’s Why You Need an Estate Plan

Failing to plan an estate proactively can be disastrous for unmarried couples. Without an estate plan that specifies who gets what in the event of death or incapacity, the decedent’s wishes are likely to be ignored. The partner could receive nothing—or everything. With a properly organized estate plan, an unmarried partner can leave his or her estate to the surviving partner in the event of death. The unmarried partner can also give the other partner the authority to make health care, … [Read more...]

Do You Need a Professional Fiduciary?

Lack of a trusted person and pronounced sibling rivalry are some of the reasons a person may require a Professional Fiduciary to oversee his or her trust. The person may also need a Professional Fiduciary who understands the laws governing eligibility for government disability benefits. Especially if a Special Needs Trust is needed to cover the disabled child's expenses upon the person’s death. Finding a reliable Professional Fiduciary who can efficiently manage a trust is key, and due diligence … [Read more...]

What Constitutes Incapacity for Conservatorship?

When an adult becomes incapacitated and incapable of managing his or her affairs, conservatorship transfers the power to manage that adult’s financial affairs or personal care to another person or entity. This legal process of appointing a conservator is known as probate conservatorship. The law requires conservators to act in their ward’s best interests at all times. When Can a Court Grant Conservatorship? A court usually grants conservatorship when an adult is incapacitated and unable to … [Read more...]

All in the Family: Estate Planning to Preserve Your Home

Estate planning is the most reliable way for a person to preserve a family home and have it transferred to the heirs upon his or her death. It can also help him or her reduce tax obligations. Estate planning can offer a framework in case a person becomes incapacitated. An estate trustee, for instance, can take the responsibility of managing the estate in case the original owner is unable to do so. Options for Preserving a Family Home … [Read more...]

Online DIY Will Kits: You Get What You Pay For

Using a DIY tool to create a will saves both time and money. However, using this option could result in costly estate planning blunders. Issues such as typos, missing documents, and lack of personalized online support are common with DIY will kits. Online DIY Estate Planning Vs. Hiring an Attorney   Online wills and trusts may not sufficiently address all the personal and financial concerns of a testator. While many people would prefer to use DIY tools to create wills, getting … [Read more...]

Why Advanced Directives Are an Important Part of Estate Planning

Advanced directives outline a person's wishes and designate a surrogate decision-maker to take care of medical and financial decisions if a person becomes incapacitated and cannot make these decisions on his or her own behalf. They also protect an individual's wishes for end-of-life care and interventions. What Is an Advanced Directive? An advanced directive provides a person's family and medical providers with his or her wishes in regard to medical treatment and interventions and … [Read more...]

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