It’s not always a good idea to leave someone a lump sum of money in your will. The temptation to spend it all at once or fritter it away on luxury items can be too great for some beneficiaries. Others may be prone to losing it to other parties, such as to their spouse...
There are situations in which people cannot manage their own affairs. They could end up in a coma after a car crash, for example. In such circumstances, powers of attorney (POAs) can be highly valuable documents. They authorize a trustworthy person to handle financial...
Court-ordered parenting plans are meant to provide stability and work for the long haul, but life rarely stays the same. New developments can throw off a parenting time arrangement that once made perfect sense. Fortunately, Illinois law allows you to seek adjustments...
When planning your estate, you need to understand the tools available to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Two of the most common options are a will and a trust. Both serve similar purposes, but several key differences will help you decide...
Divorce at any stage of life presents emotional challenges. However, for older adults, commonly referred to as those going through a "gray divorce," the psychological effects can be particularly profound. In Illinois, where divorce rates among individuals over 50...
It may take time for some couples to establish a comfortable co-parenting relationship. The emotions from the divorce are still raw, and both parties are attempting to navigate the path from romantic partners to co-parents. But what if one of the co-parents is a...
People interact on social media daily, so it’s just a part of life for many. While there’s not necessarily anything wrong with social media, it can lead to challenges if you’re going through a divorce. Some people in this position may opt to stay off social media,...
Creating an estate plan can be time-consuming, but it provides a sense of relief once it’s complete. You know your loved ones will have financial security and your assets will be managed and distributed according to your wishes. However, an estate plan can become...
Making that leap to adulting can be exciting. You’re no longer living under your parents’ roof, and you’re doing adult things such as working, paying rent and buying groceries. The last thing on your mind is creating an estate plan because that seems like something...
Choosing to divorce is hard; telling your children is even harder. As parents, we want to protect our children from getting hurt, but we realize it's impossible. While you can't eliminate the sadness they'll feel when you tell them you're getting divorced, there are...
