Posts by William Blinn Bates, Jr.

Woods & Bates P.C. of Lincoln, Illinois, is excited to welcome Kevin Hunter Mitchell as an Associate Attorney with the firm.  Hunter was born and raised in New Berlin, Illinois, where he graduated from New Berlin High School in 2017. Hunter earned a B.A. degree from Blackburn University in 2021 with a major in Justice…

Planning how to pass on your hard-earned property is an important step in protecting your legacy. While many rely on a simple will, additional tools such as trusts can offer greater flexibility. In Illinois, trusts are an effective way to safeguard assets, simplify the probate process, and ensure your wishes are carried out. This overview…

For many in Illinois, the farm isn’t just property; it’s personal. Passed down over generations, these farms hold stories, sacrifice, and sweat. But with rising land values and low liquidity, an unexpected illness or passing can force a sale or cause costly family conflict. Without a plan, what you’ve built could slip away. Two Tools…

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…