Archives

A Guide to Online Notaries

Through the wonderful magic of technology, you no longer have to physically be with someone to officially notarize a document. However, you may have many questions regarding how this works and what you would have to do.  What is a Notary, and When Do You Need One? To begin with, what is a notary, and […]

Disaster Preparedness this Summer Break

Disaster intrudes into our lives without any warning in most instances. Therefore, being prepared and protecting yourself and your family is critical.

Dreams for Kids

Dreams for Kids

Dreams for Kids Founded in 1989 by the founder of Illinois Living Trust, Tom Tuohy, Dreams for Kids has served over 100,000 youths and is creating transformational student outcomes. The model is grounded in inquiry and project-based learning that encourages students to experience academics through real-world connections with their community while learning essential workplace development skills, […]

Your Guardianship Risk

Guardianship is a legal proceeding people rarely understand fully and barely think about until it hits home.

The reality is that every one of us is at risk of becoming a ward of the state – under order and control of the court system. Let’s take a look at how that might happen.

Transfer Letters

Transfer Letters for Financial Institutions and Beneficiary Letters for Insurance and Tax-Deferred Accounts Account Transfer Letter   RE: Account No.: _____________________TRUST Dated:  Dear Sir or Madam:   The purpose of this correspondence is to inform you of our intention to immediately transfer the above-captioned account to the above Trust designation.   Please contact us immediately […]

Executor Instructions Probate Administration

GUIDE FOR EXECUTOR 1. Open a Checking Account When you receive Letters of Office from the court, in approximately 60 days, you should open a checking account in the estate’s name. Take copies of the letters of office and death certificate with you. You will also need to provide the bank with the employer identification […]

Trustee Instructions

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE AT DEATH This Checklist is intended to provide a general list of the steps that are required to administer a Living Trust after the death of the Trustor. It is not a comprehensive list and may not include all the steps needed to administer a living trust under the laws of […]

Estate Planning Form

POD and TOD Account Disadvantages

What are POD and TODs? They are an increasingly popular method of providing for the distribution of financial accounts at your death. They are helpful in certain situations; however, there are critical limitations and risks associated with using them.