by Manish C. Bhatia | Apr 1, 2013 | News + Trends
Most people first encounter probate when a loved one passes away (the “decedent”) and his or her assets need to be transferred. Probate is the process by which the county court validates an individual’s Will, if he or she left one, and approves the distribution of...
by Manish C. Bhatia | Feb 28, 2013 | News + Trends
In 1998, Ray Fulk of Lincoln, Illinois (Logan County) had a Will prepared. Fulk was never married and never had any children. His primary asset was a 160-acre farm property, which he had inherited from his late father, who passed away in 1997. Fulk enlisted the...
by Manish C. Bhatia | Feb 1, 2013 | News + Trends
On January 2, 2013, President Obama signed the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the “ATRA”) into law. Failure to pass the new law would have resulted in a significant decrease in the estate and lifetime gift tax exemptions and a significant increase in the...
by Manish C. Bhatia | Jan 1, 2013 | News + Trends
The turning of the calendar presents a great opportunity to evaluate whether your financial affairs are in order. If you do not have an estate plan, it is a good time to resolve to meet with an estate planning specialist immediately. If you do have an estate plan in...
by Manish C. Bhatia | Dec 3, 2012 | News + Trends
A financial planner ideally serves as a client’s “financial quarterback,” advising and educating the client on all financial topics and making sure that the client is making the most of their money while also being protected against risk and liability. One of the...
by Manish C. Bhatia | Oct 31, 2012 | News + Trends
On August 10, 2012, Governor Pat Quinn signed the Illinois Directed Trust Statute (HB 4663) into law. It will become effective on January 1, 2013. Generally, a trustee of an Illinois trust is personally liable for any loss due to a violation of his or her duties,...
