Posts by William Blinn Bates, Jr.

Gifting to a child sounds simple until the forms start stacking up. At Woods & Bates, P.C., we focus on helping Illinois families protect what matters and set kids up for a confident start. In this guide, we explain how an Illinois UTMA account works, when it makes sense, and what to watch for as…

Heard of a law that can block a living person from telling their side of the story when the other party has passed away? That is the Illinois Dead Man’s Act, and it can swing a civil case in a big way. At Woods & Bates, P.C., we focus on clarity and steady guidance because…

Watching a parent or adult child struggle with daily decisions can tug at your heart. You want safety, but you also want to respect their voice. At Woods & Bates, P.C., we focus on plans that protect families while keeping dignity front and center. Our firm draws on decades of work with Illinois families to…

Guardianship has a powerful impact on families. It can offer safety and structure for someone in need, but when that person regains independence or circumstances change, guardianship can start to feel restrictive. Many families wonder whether it can be undone. The answer is yes, under the right conditions. At Woods & Bates, P.C., we help…

Life changes quickly. One year you’re buying a new home or welcoming a child, and before you know it, retirement is right around the corner. Amid all that, it’s easy to forget that your estate plan needs to grow with you. October is National Estate Planning Awareness Month, the perfect time to give your documents…

Many people believe estate planning is a one-time task. You sign your papers, tuck them away, and think you’re done. At Woods & Bates, P.C., we’ve seen how that assumption can create real problems. An estate plan isn’t meant to sit untouched. It should move with your life, your property, and your family. Here’s how…

Planning for a loved one with a disability can feel like a puzzle with too many pieces. You want to protect benefits, give real support, and keep future choices open, all at the same time.  At Woods & Bates, P.C., we serve Illinois families who want clear paths and steady guidance, online or in person.…

Photos, messages, accounts, and even investments live on our phones and in the cloud. If you are thinking about your estate, your online life deserves the same care as your home or savings. At Woods & Bates, P.C., we focus on planning that puts you in control and helps your family avoid future headaches. Our…

Thinking about how to keep your home out of probate and into your family’s hands without headaches? At Woods & Bates, P.C., we focus on estate planning, trust work, and real estate, and we strive to make this process clear and manageable. A Transfer on Death Instrument, or TODI, is one tool that often helps…

Debt collection can be stressful, especially when court papers arrive and your paycheck or bank account is at risk. A Citation to Discover Assets sits right in the middle of that stress, asking detailed questions about money and property after a judgment. At Woods & Bates, P.C., we focus on empowering clients and protecting futures…