A Special Needs Trust (SNT) can play an important role in special needs planning to protect the financial security and lifestyle of a person with special needs. A properly drafted SNT allows the individual to benefit from supplemental resources while still qualifying for public benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. Generally, when […]
How Can I Use a First-Party Special Needs Trust? Read More »
A quarter of households in the United States include at least one family member with a disability. These families grapple with complex legal and financial issues. What will happen to the individual with a disability when caregivers pass away? How can families save money for the future without putting eligibility for public benefits at risk?
Who Are the Key Players in Special Needs Planning? Read More »
Being appointed a guardian for an adult in Illinois is a serious legal responsibility. A guardian may have authority to make important decisions about an adult’s personal care, living arrangements, medical treatment, finances, or property. Because guardians have significant responsibilities and authority, Illinois law provides procedures for addressing situations in which a guardian is no
When Can a Guardian Be Removed in Illinois? A Guide to Adult Guardianships Read More »
If you’re caring for an aging parent, you’re probably juggling more than you ever expected: appointments, bills, siblings’ opinions, and the constant worry of “What happens if something goes wrong?” This checklist is designed for adult children and family caregivers who want to get ahead of a crisis. You don’t need to do all 10
The Family Caregiver’s Legal Checklist: 10 Things to Do Now Read More »
When someone dies without a will, one of the first questions family members often ask is: Who gets the estate? In Illinois, the answer depends on the deceased person’s surviving family members and the type of property they owned. When someone dies without a valid will, they are considered to have died “intestate.” Illinois law
Who Gets the Estate When Someone Dies Without a Will in Illinois? Read More »
If you have a child with disabilities, it is crucial to set money aside for the child’s future. At the same time, you need to consider your child’s access to public benefit programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), as well as the state and federal tax implications. The two major vehicles to
ABLE Accounts vs. Special Needs Trusts: Why Not Have It All? Read More »
Every adult is assumed to be capable of making their own decisions unless a court determines otherwise. If an adult becomes incapable of making responsible decisions, the court will appoint a substitute decision maker, usually called a guardian or conservator, depending on the state. What Is Guardianship of an Adult? Adult guardianship is a legal
The Ins and Outs of Guardianship and Conservatorship Read More »
The transfer of real property following a person’s death is often one of the most significant aspects of probate administration in Illinois. Family homes, rental properties, farmland, vacation homes, and commercial real estate frequently represent the largest and most emotionally significant assets in a decedent’s estate. Whether the decedent died with a valid will or
When a loved one passes away, disputes often arise over tangible personal property items with sentimental or practical value. Jewelry, furniture, family heirlooms, collectibles, vehicles, artwork, and household goods frequently become the subject of disagreement among heirs and legatees. In Illinois, the distribution of tangible personal property depends largely on whether the decedent died with
After decades of handling our daily personal care needs without giving them a second thought, it is hard to imagine needing help with these tasks. However, research shows that about one in seven adults aged 65 or older will need help with daily care. Help with daily personal care is referred to as long-term care
Planning for Long-Term Care Read More »
