Illinois Requirements for a Valid Last Will and Testament

The Constitution’s Tenth Amendment notes that any power not given to the federal government is reserved to the states or the people. The Constitution does not give the federal government power over the disposition of property upon someone’s death.[1] This is a power reserved to the states, and the law in this area varies from […]

Considerations in Appointing a Child’s Guardian in a Will

There are many reasons to create a Last Will and Testament, but for parents with a minor child, appointment of a child’s guardian is among the best.  Doing so may be a parent’s best chance at choosing a child’s guardian angel. Estate planning has many facets including property titles, trust documents and more, but none […]

A Will Alone Does Not Avoid Probate, A Living Trust Can Help

There are many reasons to have a will, but avoiding probate is not among them. Other tools such as a living trust can help achieve that goal. There are legal documents and procedures beyond having a valid Last Will & Testament that constitute “estate planning”.  A person’s “estate” is his/her “net worth” at any moment. […]

Types of Property Ownership are Important in Estate Planning

The principal goal of estate[1] planning is to see that the wishes of the person who accumulated property[2] are met. The most familiar method for addressing this goal is a valid Last Will and Testament. An additional tool maybe a Revocable Living Trust[3].  Both of these legal tools are primarily designed to direct disposition of […]

Requirements for a Valid Last Will and Testament in Florida

While Florida gives a person much freedom to dispose of his property (known as his “estate”) at his death, this freedom is gained only through the execution of a valid will.  To be valid a will must meet defined formalities. Will execution formalities and the consequences of not having a valid will are found in […]

One Pleasant and Ten Practical Reasons to Have a Last Will and Testament

About seventy percent of Americans do not have a will. Many procrastinate. They believe they do not have enough assets or they simply do not want to consider their own mortality. If someone has not written a will, one has been written for them. State law determines what happens to the property of someone who […]