Posts by William Blinn Bates, Jr.

Estate planning is one of the best ways to protect your assets and support the people you care about, but simple mistakes can lead to big problems down the road.  At Woods & Bates, P.C., we’ve helped Illinois families avoid costly missteps by offering clear, judgment-free guidance. In this article, we’ll highlight nine common estate…

Have you ever worried about what happens to your home once you are gone? Many of us think estate planning only matters to those with large estates, but safeguarding a house is something that can help nearly everyone. At Woods & Bates, P.C., we focus on giving families in Illinois the clarity they need when…

Creating a will is a vital step toward protecting your loved ones and ensuring your final wishes are carried out—but what happens after it’s signed? Do you need to officially record it in Illinois? At Woods & Bates, P.C., we help families handle estate planning with clarity and care, offering guidance on wills, trusts, and…

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone who wants to protect their loved ones and make thoughtful decisions about the future. Whether you own a home, have savings, or simply want to ensure your wishes are honored, a solid plan can make a lasting difference.  At Woods & Bates, P.C., we focus on…

Many families don’t realize that probate in Illinois can be slow, public, and costly — especially since Illinois hasn’t adopted the Uniform Probate Code. For families with homes, savings, or other assets, this often means months of court proceedings and extra expense. Woods & Bates, P.C. has helped Illinois families avoid these headaches for decades.…

Many people who start an estate plan want to keep probate as simple as possible. At Woods & Bates, P.C., our work involves estate and trust administration, estate planning, and real estate matters that can ease these concerns for Illinois families.  Let us explore how a pour-over will fits into this big picture and whether…

Have you ever questioned how your belongings will be handled after you pass away? Planning for the future may feel a bit overwhelming, but having the right documents can bring real calm. At Woods & Bates, P.C., we stand ready to offer practical insight so your wishes are clear and honored. In this post, we’ll…

Have you ever wondered who would manage your finances or property if you become incapacitated? Estate planning isn’t just about passing assets to heirs—it ensures you have a say in important decisions. At Woods & Bates, P.C., we believe everyone deserves a plan that provides security and peace of mind. Our firm offers estate planning,…

Have you recently lost a loved one and found yourself facing a host of responsibilities you never anticipated? We understand that this time can be emotionally draining, and managing the legal steps can feel overwhelming.  At Woods & Bates, P.C., we focus on estate and trust administration, estate planning, and real estate matters, and we…

Losing a loved one is difficult, and handling legal matters afterward can feel overwhelming. Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a person’s estate, but it isn’t always required. Woods & Bates, P.C., helps families understand how probate works and recent legal updates that may affect them. When is Probate Required? Probate is generally required…