Everyone has heard the terms will and trust, but not everyone knows the differences between the two. Both are useful estate planning tools that serve different purposes, and they can work together to create a complete estate plan. Will vs Trust: When They Go Into Effect One main difference between a will and a trust […]
What is the Difference Between a Will and a Trust? Read More »
A diagnosis of dementia, a category of diseases affecting memory and thinking that includes Alzheimer’s disease, can feel overwhelming and upsetting. You might worry that you will lose control over your life and ability to make your own decisions. Fortunately, receiving a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s does not mean that you cannot execute legal
After a Dementia Diagnosis: Preparing for the Future with an Elder Law Attorney Read More »
Ten percent of adults 65 and older experience elder abuse each year, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Elder abuse happens when a caregiver or another trusted individual causes physical, mental, or financial harm to an older adult by an act or omission Common Types of Elder Abuse Abuse of an elder may
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Older people are vulnerable to financial abuse, whether by a family member, financial professional, or stranger. Understanding the threat of financial exploitation seniors face can help them avoid people who want to steal their money, identity, government benefits, or possessions. What Is Financial Abuse? Financial abuse of an elder can happen when another person or
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Probate is the formal legal process that administers the assets of a deceased person. The process is supervised by the probate court. Probate litigation in Illinois occurs when interested parties file lawsuits in the probate court seeking to address an issue in the probate process. What is Probate Litigation? Litigation is the process of resolving
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What is a Will? In Illinois, if someone dies with a Last Will and Testament, that will should be filed with the local county’s clerk’s office. A Last Will and Testament generally designates who will act as the estate’s representative or Executor. The will also designates legatees, or those individuals or entities, who receive either
Contesting a Will In Illinois Read More »
The question of how long probate takes in Illinois depends on the circumstances of the deceased person’s estate. Probate in Illinois can last less than a year, but it could also take several years or longer. How long probate takes will depend on factors such as the value and nature of the estate’s assets, the
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When a person dies, if they have assets, they will need to be distributed. Probate is necessary when a person’s assets are titled in such a way or are a certain amount, that a court needs to appoint an estate representative to collect and distribute them, under the court’s supervision. Probate may also be necessary
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Creating a well developed estate plan is the best way for a person to plan for a time during their lifetime, where they cannot manage their assets, and also to plan for the disposition of assets at death. Each person’s needs and wishes regarding their estate during both life and after death can be carried
Common Estate Planning Mistakes and What You Can Do Read More »
The Illinois Medical Assistance Program (“Medicaid”) is the health care program for individuals who do not have another form of insurance or whose insurance does not cover what they need. Medicaid covers medical costs that include doctor visits, prescriptions, and medical equipment. Medicaid also covers the costs of long-term care for many Illinois residents, including,
Medicaid estate recovery in Illinois Read More »
