Updates, News and Reminders

We are all guilty of putting something off to a later date. And if there is one thing that is very high on that list, it is taking care of our estate planning. Often, we don’t want to think about our death and most of our lives; we don’t consider our mortality. But none of … Continue reading 6 Estate Planning Myths

A beneficiary is easy to name on a life insurance policy, deferred compensation account, or estate plan. However, those beneficiaries are often outdated, or through no fault of your own, they carry significant risk. Outdated Beneficiary Designations Having beneficiary names listed on policies and accounts that are no longer current to your wishes is more … Continue reading Beneficiary: It’s Time to Update Yours

Pets are Family We can all admit it. Our pets are part of our family. And they’ve earned it. What will happen to your pets when you are gone? It can be hard enough to face the reality that our time is limited, but our pets might very well outlive us.  Certainly, you should prepare … Continue reading Pets Should Not Be Overlooked in Your Living Trust

Death can preoccupy us during the COVID-19 crisis. There can be some good in that if we finally take care of our estate plan. Having a current estate plan makes all the difference for our family when the time comes. And when we do what is necessary, we can get on with the business of … Continue reading Steps to Take After the Death of a Family Member

On January 1, 2020, the SECURE Act became law. The new law will affect most retirement plan and IRA participants. SECURE Act Changes Affecting You Now The age limit is removed for contributions to traditional IRAs. Before the SECURE Act, you were required to stop making contributions at age 70½. However, now you can continue … Continue reading How Does the New SECURE Act Affect You?

The recently passed new Illinois Trust Code. covers ownership transfers of guns upon disability or death. Gun Ownership upon Disability With the new statute, gun ownership upon disability is fraught with potential issues. Even if you currently possess a FOID card, you may become ineligible to possess your guns if you are: Prohibited from possessing … Continue reading Gun Transfers Following Death or Disability

If your marriage has ended in divorce, your spouse has died, or you have remarried and both spouses have children from a prior marriage, you must revisit your Living Trust or any other estate plan and update it along with all your beneficiary designations. Divorce Going through the process of ending your marriage can be … Continue reading Divorce, Blended Families and Your Living Trust

The Trustees Role What is a Trustee? A Trustee in a Living Trust has similar responsibilities as an Executor in a Will. A Living Trust is the most effective, cost-efficient and private estate plan, administered outside of Probate Court. In contrast, a Will requires Probate. Incidentally, Wills for Heroes provides an excellent service for First … Continue reading Trustee: Who to Choose and What They Do

You spend the better part of your life working and worrying about your children’s well being.  When it is your time to go, you can leave them with a legacy gift that secures their future.

There are a number of developments in the new tax law and other laws to keep in mind as they may impact you and your family significantly.