Why You Should Consider Putting Your Home in a Living Trust—and How to Do It

Why You Should Consider Putting Your Home in a Living Trust—and How to Do It When it comes to protecting your home and simplifying the future for your loved ones, placing your residence in a revocable living trust is one

Why You Should Consider Putting Your Home in a Living Trust—and How to Do It

When it comes to protecting your home and simplifying the future for your loved ones, placing your residence in a revocable living trust is one of the most effective estate planning tools available. It’s especially relevant for homeowners in Illinois

What to Know Before You Buy a Business: Legal Strategies for a Smart Acquisition

What to Know Before You Buy a Business: Legal Strategies for a Smart Acquisition Opportunity and Risk: Why Buying a Business Is a High-Stakes Move Buying a business offers a powerful shortcut to entrepreneurship. With the right purchase, you gain

What Happens If I Die Without an Estate Plan? Understanding the Consequences in Illinois and Missouri

No Will? The State Decides Everything When someone dies without a will or trust—legally known as dying intestate—state law controls every aspect of estate distribution. In Illinois, that means your surviving spouse gets half of your estate, and the other

Why Consider a Revocable Living Trust?

When clients begin the estate planning process, one of the first questions they often ask is whether they need a will, a trust, or both. While every estate plan should be customized to the individual, a Revocable Living Trust (sometimes

Understanding the Difference Between a Power of Attorney and a Last Will

When planning for the future, clients are often confused about the distinct roles of a Power of Attorney and a Last Will and Testament. Though both are critical components of a comprehensive estate plan, they serve very different purposes and

Using Land Trusts and LLCs for Estate Planning: A Strategic Approach for Real Estate Wealth

Using Land Trusts and LLCs for Estate Planning: A Strategic Approach for Real Estate Wealth For individuals with substantial real estate holdings, estate planning requires careful structuring to protect assets, minimize tax exposure, and ensure a smooth transition of wealth

Understanding the Differences Between Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and Corporations

When starting a business, one of the most critical decisions entrepreneurs face is choosing the appropriate legal structure. Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and corporations are two of the most popular options. Both offer liability protection to their owners, but they

Important Update to Illinois Power of Attorney for Property Requirements Effective

January 1, 2025 As of January 1, 2025, Public Act 103-994, codified at 755 ILCS 45/2-8, introduces significant changes to the requirements for Powers of Attorney (POA) for Property in Illinois. These updates are designed to clarify agent responsibilities, reduce

Choosing the Right Corporate Structure: A Key Challenge for Small Businesses

Starting a small business comes with a variety of challenges, and one of the most critical early decisions is choosing the right corporate structure. This decision has lasting implications on how the business operates, the taxes it pays, and the