How Long Does Estate Liti…

How Long Does Estate Litigation Take in Illinois?

Introduction One of the questions I am most often asked when discussing potential litigation with new clients is, “how long will my case take?” Invariably, my answer is always the unsatisfying “it depends.” Estate litigation is a stressful an… Read More
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Categories: Contested Estates
The Role of Formal Proof…

The Role of Formal Proof of Will Hearings in Illinois Probate Cases

When a loved one passes away, their will serves as the blueprint for distributing their estate. However, disputes over the validity of the will can arise, and in Illinois, there are two ways to contest the validity of a will. Illinois is a so-called… Read More
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Categories: Contested Estates
How to Protect Your Inher…

How to Protect Your Inheritance Rights in a Contested Estate

Navigating a contested estate can be a challenging and emotional experience. If you’re facing a situation where your inheritance is at risk, it’s crucial to understand the steps you need to take to protect your rights. This guide will wal… Read More
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Categories: Contested Estates
Digital Estate Planning:…

Digital Estate Planning: Because Even Your Memes Need an Heir

Welcome to the digital age, where our lives are stored in clouds instead of closets, and our legacies are as much pixelated as they are poignant. Today, we’re diving into the world of digital estate planning, where your online assets finally ge… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning

Will vs. Living Trust: Understanding the Differences

When it comes to estate planning, there are a variety of tools available to help individuals and families protect their assets and plan for the future. Two of the most common estate planning documents are wills and living trusts. While they both serv… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
Probate a Will

Why Probate a Will

A will is a legal document that allows you to distribute your assets and property after your death. It can also be used for other purposes, such as naming an executor or trustee to oversee the property left behind by the deceased person or, if you ha… Read More
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Who Can Sue for Breach of…

Who Can Sue for Breach of Fiduciary Duty?

Introduction A fiduciary is a person or entity who has been entrusted with the care of another’s assets, generally for the purpose of carrying out the desires or intent of the trustor. Because of the trust inherent in a fiduciary relationship,… Read More
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Will contests can be successful

How Often are Will Contests Successful?

Introduction The process for contesting a will varies by state, and it can be a complicated matter. However, here’s a general overview of how the court would go about invalidating one through will contests: Prove that it was not signed or witne… Read More
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Categories: Contested Estates
Corporate Veil of an Illi…

Corporate Veil of an Illinois LLC Cannot be Pierced, Court Rules

Resolving an apparent conflict between Illinois’ Limited Liability Company Act (the “LLC Act”) and a body of case law governing piercing the corporate veil of corporations, the Fourth District Appellate Court recently upheld a trial court’s r… Read More
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Matthew R. Hess

Matthew R. Hess Obtains Summary Judgment in Presumptively Void Transfers Act Case

After more than 4 years of litigation, Matthew R. Hess recently obtained summary judgment on behalf of a woman who was being sued by the two sons of her close family friend, after the friend designated her as the beneficiary on a 401(k) account in pl… Read More
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