Estate Planning Basics
Learn the essentials around planning and protecting the future for your family and loved ones.
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Your 2026 Guide to Illinois Estate Planning
There’s no better time to plan for the future than the present. Here’s how estate planning works in Illinois and what you might include in yours.
· 9 min read
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How to Add a Spouse to a House Deed: Complete Guide (2026)
You can add your spouse to your home’s deed by using a notarized quitclaim deed or adding them to your will.
· 7 min read
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How Much Does Estate Planning Cost? 2026 Guide
Estate planning costs vary based on your location, estate complexity, and specific needs. Learn more about what to expect for various estate plans.
· 7 min read
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Power of Appointment: Your Estate Planning Secret Weapon
When you create your estate plan, you have no way of knowing what your family's financial situation will be like when you pass away. Discover how a power of appointment can provide flexibility with your bequests.
· 5 min read
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7 Tips for Getting Rid of Your Parents' Lifelong Possessions
It's a topic no one likes to think about: the inevitable clean-out of your parents' belongings. But as with many uncomfortable subjects, the best way to approach this one is to plan and start now. Here are some tips to help make the process easier, not only for you but also for your parents and other loved ones. 1. Talk to your parents If your parents are still around and can communicate their wishes, involve them in the process. Do your best to balance being sensitive to their preferences with practical concerns.
· 6 min read
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Transfer on Death Deed: What It Is and How It Works
A transfer on death deed specifies who inherits property after the owner’s death, offering a simple and inexpensive way to avoid probate for real estate.
· 6 min read
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Estate Plan Strategies for Small Business Owners
What happens to your business after your death depends a lot on decisions you make now.
· 4 min read
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How to Start an LLC for Estate Planning
Forming an LLC for estate planning can help your loved ones avoid probate and save money on taxes after your death.
· 10 min read
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The Inheritance Expectation Gap
We surveyed 2,500 people to understand their expectations and how inheritance factors into their estate plans.
· 10 min read
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Trustee vs. Executor: What’s the difference
An executor distributes assets under the probate court's supervision, while a trustee may manage an estate for many years and even for life.
· 23 min read
