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What Does an Executor Actually Do?
Have you ever been told, “I want you to be my executor”? It sounds like an honor. And it is.…
Do I Need a Pet Trust? Ensuring Care for Your Furry Family Members
Pets fill our homes with joy, and they depend on us for every little thing. If something happens to you,…
Decanting an Irrevocable Trust: How to Fix a “Broken” Estate Plan
Old irrevocable trusts can turn into a headache. Maybe the family has changed, or the tax picture looks different than…
Illinois Transfer on Death Instruments (TODI) for Commercial Real Estate
Owning income property brings real rewards, and it also asks for a clear plan for what happens next. Estate planning…
Solo Aging Estate Planning: Who Will Make Decisions If You Don’t Have Children?
You worked hard, built a life you like, and then it hits you one day. Who steps in if you…
Wills vs. Trusts: What’s the Difference?
As a new year begins, many people start reviewing financial to dos. Updating an estate plan often lands on that…
How to Choose the Right Trustee or Executor
Choosing the right person to manage your estate is a big decision that can calm tension and protect your wishes.…
How to Keep a Vacation Home in the Family for Generations
Family cabins, lake houses, and farm retreats carry stories. Birthdays on the porch, cousins catching lightning bugs, and quiet winter…
Gift Tax vs. Estate Tax Exemption in Illinois: What’s the Difference?
Passing wealth to loved ones should feel calm and straightforward, not stressful. A clear plan helps protect what you built…
Three Things to Talk About With Your Family During the Holidays
At Woods & Bates, P.C., our firm often meets families who never talked about their wishes beforehand, leaving loved ones…