Could Your Beneficiaries Make the Cut? The SECURE Act’s Eligible Designated Beneficiary
Ushering in the new 10 Year Rule, the SECURE Act has changed the way inherited retirement accounts are now distributed. That is, to everyone but a select group. The Act has created a new...
The New Legal Rights of Your Beneficiaries: Should These Be Drafted Out of Your...
In keeping with uniform trust law, Illinois has joined 34 other states in adopting its own version of the Uniform Trust Code known as the Illinois Trust Code (ITC), effective January 1, 2020.
Provisions in...
Your Quick Guide: What to Do About the SECURE Act and Your Estate Plan
On December 20, 2019, President Trump signed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act), effective January 1, 2020. This law is the most impactful legislation affecting retirement accounts in decades....
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MEDICAID PLANNING
You’re active and in relatively good health. You’re finally enjoying the things you now have time to do as a retiree – or looking forward to those days coming soon. The last thing you...
The Conversations You Must Have Now About Your Health Care Decisions
Selecting a trust-worthy agent who will ultimately be the decision-making authority for your medical care if something happens to you is an important decision. The goal is for your agent to make decisions in...
Understand the Basics of Estate Planning
For many people, mapping out an estate plan is something they intend to think about later. But too often, later never comes.
The reasons for not dealing with estate planning now may include not wanting to confront your...
Who Has Access to Estate Assets Right After Someone Dies?
Immediately after a loved one dies, the nearest family members — or sometimes close friends if no relatives are nearby — wonder what to do about the assets of the decedent.
An individual's assets can fall...
How to Protect Assets When Your Spouse Receives Medicaid
Many couples, in their golden years, find themselves wondering: What if one or both of them is admitted into a nursing home and needs Medicaid? After saving throughout their lives, they are fearful that if...
Concerned about Fido’s Care? Consider a Pet Trust
Pets are often considered family members, yet many owners don't plan for their future in the event of death or incapacitation. What happens to these well-loved and orphaned animals if there's no one to...
Want to Avoid Probate? Here are 6 Ways to Do It.
Life is busy. If you're like most people, you have a long list of things to do. However, it's critical to make time regularly to consider whether you've set up your estate in a way...
