Estate and Gift Taxes Beyond 2012

As discussed in the January 2011 Newsletter, the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 (the “Act”) applies to the estates of decedents through 2012.  As a first step towards progress beyond 2012, President Obama’s proposed...

June 1, 2011 – Illinois Civil Unions

As of June 1, 2011, Illinois recognizes civil unions.  As discussed in the March 2011 Newsletter, the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act recognizes the members of a civil union in Illinois as having the same rights as the members of a “spousal...

Protecting Your Child’s Inheritance

An outright bequest made either through a Will, Revocable Living Trust or intestacy allows the beneficiary to directly inherit the assets—as long as he or she has reached the age of 18 in Illinois—and do with it as he or she may please.  However, there are many...

Out-of-State Property & the Probate Process

Keeping trust assets out of probate is a benefit that not only reduces legal fees for the estate but also expedites the distribution of assets to beneficiaries.  An additional benefit that may apply to you is that placing out-of state property into your Revocable...