Years ago, I wrote about an investigative report that caught some of the country’s largest life insurers sitting on death benefits — their position, more or less, was that it wasn’t their job to tell you a policy existed. You
Lauren Jackson Law Blog
The Lauren Jackson Law Blog, published by The Law Offices of Lauren E. Jackson, focuses on legal issues related to real estate and estate planning. It covers topics such as residential and commercial real estate transactions, estate planning strategies including wills and trusts, probate processes, and business succession planning. The blog also addresses practical concerns like digital estate planning, asset protection through LLCs, and contract review in real estate deals. It aims to provide clear guidance on managing property-related legal matters, estate administration, and protecting assets for individuals and families in Illinois.
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Latest from Lauren Jackson Law Blog
What to Ask Your Estate Planning Attorney Before You Hire Them
Choosing the right estate planning attorney matters as much as the plan itself — a poorly drafted will or trust is one of the leading causes of legal malpractice claims in Illinois. Before you hire anyone, ask these seven questions.…
How does tax proration work at a real estate closing?
One of the biggest numbers on your closing statement, and the one clients ask me about most, isn’t the price of the house. It’s the real estate tax credit. If you’re selling, it can feel like a big chunk of…
How long does an adult guardianship take in Kane County,Illinois?
A lot of the calls I get about adult guardianship start the same way. An adult child has noticed their mother can no longer keep track of her bills, or a family calls because a brother was in an accident…
What is an intentionally defective grantor trust (IDGT)?
An Intentionally Defective Grantor Trust (IDGT) is a sophisticated estate planning strategy designed to shift future appreciation out of a client’s taxable estate while intentionally preserving certain income tax obligations. When properly structured, it allows the grantor to “freeze” the…
Hiring a Probate Attorney in Illinois? Ask These Questions First
Losing someone you love is hard. And somewhere in the middle of that grief, you may find yourself named executor of an estate, holding a will you’ve never seen before, and wondering where to begin. You don’t have to figure…
5 Reasons a Home May Not Appraise for the Purchase Price
What Happens When a Home Doesn’t Appraise?
If you are in the process of buying a home, you probably have a lot of unanswered questions. One common concern buyers and sellers share is whether the home will appraise at the…
If You Are Divorced, Update Your Estate Plan—Immediately
In the aftermath of a divorce, updating your estate plan is rarely a top priority. Many people are emotionally drained, overwhelmed, and focused on simply getting through the next day. Unfortunately, failing to update your estate plan after a divorce…
How long does probate take in Kane County, Illinois?
One of the first questions I’m asked when someone calls my office about a loved one’s estate is: “How long will probate take?” It’s an understandable question — most families want closure as soon as possible. Unfortunately, probate in Illinois…
Don’t Overlook Your Digital Assets: Why You Need a Digital Estate Plan
An often overlooked but increasingly important part of an individual’s estate in today’s world is their digital assets. A digital estate plan outlines how your online accounts and electronic records should be managed or distributed after your death.
What exactly…