Many people view naming someone as the executor of a will as an honor. However, in Illinois, executors typically face challenging fiduciary duties, including inventorying assets, paying estate debts and overseeing asset distribution. If these duties are improperly handled, the estate may lose value or the executor may incur personal liability. Consequently, as a lawyer might note, it is…
When dealing with the prospect of bankruptcy, people are forced to make crucial decisions that will have a large impact on their lives. According to the U.S. Courts, 936,795 Americans filed for bankruptcy in 2014. Approximately 310,051 of the cases filed that year were Chapter 13, which is the second most common form of bankruptcy next to Chapter 7….
Some Illinois residents believe that once they have drafted their last will and testament, they no longer have to worry about how their assets and property will be divided after they pass away. While this may be the true for some, many people will experience several significant changes throughout their lives that may prompt a will revision.
For Americans who are overwhelmed with financial debt, bankruptcy offers a way for people to gain a fresh financial start. Over one million Americans filed for bankruptcy in 2013, according to the U.S. Courts. While this option may not be ideal for every person suffering with extensive debt, it can transform the lives of others. Many people avoid…
The probate process occurs when someone passes away and leaves property to be transferred to heirs. A legal court proceeding, probate begins when a survivor files a petition with the Clerk of Court, which will prompt a hearing before a judge.
When people think about bankruptcy filings, they commonly think about credit card debt, loans that can no longer be paid and frivolous spending habits, among other things. In some cases, these factors may contribute to people filing for bankruptcy in Illinois, and elsewhere. However, the Huffington Post reports that medical expenses are the number one reason why people file…
An Illinois man retired to Florida after a successful career as a physician. However, according to the Miami Herald, he did not have much time to relax. His wealthy mother-in-law’s estate was left to lawyers and court-appointed guardians in the probate process. Her children became embattled, fighting over accounts and assets. The man started an organization regarding probate guardianship…
When homeowners embark on the bankruptcy process with the help of their Illinois bankruptcy lawyer, they often quickly pack up and move out of their home after receiving a foreclosure notice. When this occurs, many homeowners believe that their lender will take over the property. However, in some situations, the bank does not complete the process and the property’s…
When a loved one passes away, it is important for survivors to understand how the estate will be handled. In many situations, the assets will have to go through probate. People in Illinois and throughout the country may have to go through the process in order to validate the decedent’s will, pay debts or taxes and distribute the property.
A “lien” is an interest, taken by a creditor, in the real or personal property of the debtor, for the purpose of securing a debt or a loan. Liens can be voluntary, such as home mortgages, or involuntary, such as a judgment or a tax lien. Lien holders, or “secured creditors,” are guaranteed repayment of the debt or loan,…
