Losing a loved one is hard enough—facing a probate mess afterward can make it even harder.
That’s exactly what happened to the Meyers family right here in Libertyville, Illinois. After their father passed away, the family believed he had a will—but no one could find it. What followed was months of confusion, stress, and court filings, all while trying to grieve. As a probate attorney in Libertyville, Illinois, our firm helps families through the probate process so you can
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Honoring Juneteenth: A Call to Secure Your Legacy in Libertyville, Illinois
This June 19th, as we observe Juneteenth National Independence Day, we reflect on a pivotal moment in American history – the day when the last enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the enduring struggle for freedom, equality, and the right to self-determination. Illinois estate planning can help you secure your legacy.
For licensed professionals like doctors and dentists, and high-net-worth families in Libertyville,
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Estate Planning for Illinois Doctors
As a medical professional in Illinois, you’ve dedicated your life to healing and helping others. Your practice is more than just a job; it’s a significant asset, a testament to years of hard work, and often, a crucial part of your family’s financial security. But have you considered what would happen to your practice and your family if something unexpected were to occur? This is where strategic estate planning for doctors Illinois becomes not just important, but absolutely essential.
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Criminal Charges for Breach of Fiduciary Duty
In Wisconsin, most breaches of fiduciary duty are handled in civil court. When those breaches involve deceit, theft, or abuse of power, prosecutors may pursue criminal charges. In 2025, state and federal authorities are showing greater willingness to treat certain financial misconduct and betrayals of trust not just as civil disputes, but as crimes worthy of jail time.
If you are being accused of a fiduciary breach that involves misuse of funds, public authority, or client assets, you
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Before They Go: Protect them with the Family Power Package
Give Them the Freedom to Launch—With the Legal Protection They Still Need
When your child turns 18, you’re still their parent—but legally, things change.
Whether they’re headed off to college, traveling, or starting their first job, once they become a legal adult, you can no longer make medical or financial decisions on their behalf—even in an emergency—unless they have legal documents in place.
That’s why we created the Family Power Package—a simple, affordable estate planning bundle for
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Your Summer Estate Planning Checklist
Summer Is for Sunshine—And a Smart Estate Plan
I’ll be honest—there’s nothing like the first real taste of summer. Windows down, music up, sunscreen everywhere, and just enough optimism to believe I can finally take a proper vacation. Every year, I try to unplug. And every year, somewhere between packing the cooler and loading the kids in the car, I remember something important: peace of mind doesn’t just come from taking time off. It comes from knowing things are
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Liam Payne’s Estate: A Cautionary Tale on the Importance of Estate Planning
Liam Payne’s estate has been in the news. The recent passing of former One Direction member Liam Payne at the age of 31 has brought to light the critical importance of comprehensive estate planning. Despite his substantial net worth, Payne died intestate—without a will—resulting in legal complexities and emotional challenges for his loved ones.
As an estate planning attorney in Libertyville, Illinois, I see firsthand how families and professionals can face similar issues, even without celebrity-sized estates. This case
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Taking Stock of Trade Issues
This article first appeared in On Balance, the membership magazine of the Wisconsin Institute of CPAs, and is used with their permission.
In early January, the incoming U.S. presidential administration loudly signaled that businesses should expect changes in trade policies in 2025. Although no specific policies had yet been promulgated, then President-elect Trump stated in social media outlets that broad sweeping import tariffs may be imposed on goods from Mexico, Canada and China. As of May 15, many new
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Estate Planning for Mother’s Day- How to Honor Mom
Estate planning for Mother’s Day may not be the first gift you think of, but can be the most meaningful. Every year, as Mother’s Day rolls around, I think about the things my mom taught me—not just about kindness and cooking, but about being prepared. My mother wasn’t a lawyer, but she lived like someone who knew how important it was to plan ahead. She kept every family document in a neatly labeled folder, saved receipts like gold, and
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What You Need to Know About the Probate Process in Illinois
If you’ve lost a loved one or are planning for the future, understanding the probate process in Illinois is essential. Whether you live in Lake County or anywhere in the state, probate can be a complicated legal process that adds stress during an already difficult time. In this post, we’ll walk through the basics of probate in Illinois, what it involves, and how proper estate planning can help you minimize—or even avoid—it.
What Is the Probate Process in Illinois?
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Revocable Living Trust in Libertyville IL
If you’re a busy professional, business owner, or high-net-worth individual in Libertyville, Illinois, protecting your hard-earned assets is crucial. Setting up a revocable living trust in Libertyville IL is one of the smartest ways to safeguard your estate while keeping control over your future.
Whether you’re in Lake Forest, Vernon Hills, or right here in Libertyville, a living trust can help you avoid probate, protect your privacy, and make life easier for your family.
What Is a Revocable Living
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I Found Cash In My Dad’s Closet- Here’s What You Should Know
When my father passed away a few years ago, my family and I gathered at his home to start the difficult process of sorting through his belongings. Between the photo albums, old love letters to my mom, and vintage Cubs memorabilia, we found something no one expected — a shoebox filled with cash.
At first, we laughed. Then we looked at each other and asked, Wait… what do we do with this?
If you’ve ever been in this situation
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Why Estate Planning Isn’t Just for Retirement – It’s for Right Now
Too many high-earning professionals and business owners think of estate planning as something to do “someday”—after retirement, after the kids are grown, after things slow down. But life doesn’t always wait for the perfect moment. Whether you’re running a practice, growing a business, or building generational wealth, the decisions you make today will shape what happens if life takes an unexpected turn. Estate planning isn’t about preparing for the end—it’s about protecting what you’ve built while you’re still here
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How to Build Generational Wealth (Without Winning the Lottery)
When I was a kid, my grandparents had a phrase they loved to throw around: “Shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations.” At the time, I figured it was just one of those old-timey sayings like “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch” or “Don’t touch the thermostat.” But as an estate planning attorney in Lake County, Illinois, I see the truth of it every day. Wealth is hard to build—and even harder to keep.
So, how do you make
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U.S. Imposes Reciprocal Tariffs: Key Takeaways for Businesses
On April 2, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order imposing the long-awaited “reciprocal” tariffs on all imported products into the U.S. from all countries.
This executive order implements a 10 percent baseline general duty rate that will go into effect on April 5, 2025, in addition to the previously paid baseline duty for the imported product, which was based on the harmonize tariff schedule of the U.S. (“HTSUS”) code of the product.
After April 9, 2025, that
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What Happens Without an Estate Plan?
You’ve worked hard to build a life of success and security for your family. But without an estate plan, everything you’ve built could be left vulnerable—leading to stress, legal battles, and uncertainty for the people you love most.
What Happens Without an Estate Plan?
Imagine this: A successful business owner suddenly passes away, leaving behind a thriving company and substantial assets—but no estate plan. His grieving family is left scrambling. Legal fees pile up, probate drags on for months
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