Wrongful Death vs. Survival Cause of Action in Illinois Personal Injury Law: Understanding the Differences and How They Tie into Probate
When someone dies as a result of an accident or injury caused by another party, the deceased’s estate may have legal claims to seek justice and compensation. Illinois law recognizes…
Settlements in Probate Law: Types of Cases That Can Be Resolved
Probate law is often associated with the administration of estates after someone passes away. While many aspects of probate involve the straightforward distribution of assets according to a will or…
The Guardian Appointment Act and the Future of Guardianship Law for Minors
In 2024, Illinois plans to make significant changes to the Probate Act of 1975 including adopting the Guardian Appointment Act. The Guardianship Appointment Act or GAA is a new piece…
Adult Guardianship: What Is The Cost?
How expensive is the guardianship process? If you are appointed guardian of the person, your role is straightforward and requires an annual written report filed with the Court that explains…
Managing a Ward’s Property and Finances in a Guardianship Estate
When your loved one needs care, you can petition the court to be appointed as the Guardian of the Person and Estate. A guardian is someone who is given the…
How Can Estate Planning Help You Plan for Incapacity?
Most people don’t want to think about the possibility of being incapacitated, especially if they’re in the prime of life. However, the likelihood of becoming incapacitated by an illness or…
How to Transfer Property Left to the Beneficiaries in an Estate Plan
After a loved one passes away, you must first determine whether you need to open a probate estate in order to transfer property to the heirs. A typical estate plan…
Guardianship Training Program Requirements for Illinois Guardians
Being appointed a guardian for an adult with a disability [ward] means that you have the legal authority to make decisions for another person. A guardian has the legal duty to ensure that the ward is being properly cared for and to see that their financial affairs are being managed. There are two types of guardianships in Illinois: guardian of the person and guardian of the estate.
Can a “Deadbeat” Parent Inherit from the Neglected Child?
At Hays Firm, we recognize that an individual’s family does not always include those people who are defined as “family” under the law.
Protect Your Elder Loved Ones With Durable Power of Attorney Documents
One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your loved ones against exploitation as they age is to create an estate plan which gives power to a selected agent to manage their personal and financial affairs.