Estate Planning, Probate & Elder Law Attorneys

» Estate Planning 101 -- Health Directives

A discussion of Illinois health-related directives such as powers of attorney and living wills.


MP3 File

» Cook County Probate Procedure Changes

A couple of things involving probate in Cook County that have changed recently (or maybe I just became aware of):

1. Fee increase. It now costs $304 in fees to open a probate estate worth more than $15,000, up from $279. The entire fee schedule can be found here (as a PDF).

2. Cover sheet. One procedural thing that needs to be done when you go to file your petition to open an estate: completing a probate division cover sheet. I don't know why it's needed, but it is -- the form is here (again, as a PDF).

»  Hello, TurboTax
Does your accountant work for you or the IRS?

» Schwab to debut active international fund

»  Trade In Your Social Security Check
Here's a ploy that lets seniors raise their long-term standards of living by paying the Social Security Administration tens of thousands of dollars.