by Jonathan Cole | Nov 25, 2025 | Uncategorized
Estate plans often include gifts of farmland, rental properties, or family homes — and sometimes, they include special rights for long-time tenants or family members to purchase that property. But as an important 2024 Illinois appellate case reminds us, the exact...
by Jonathan Cole | Nov 24, 2025 | Uncategorized
By the Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. — Your Neighborhood Law Firm When a loved one passes away, questions about who is entitled to inherit can become emotionally—and legally—complicated. One of the most confusing situations arises when someone believes they were...
by Jonathan Cole | Nov 20, 2025 | Uncategorized
When a loved one passes away, emotions run high — and disagreements over how to handle the estate can make a difficult time even more stressful. A recent Illinois appellate case, In re Estate of Grace M. Dukes (2025), offers important reminders for families,...
by Jonathan Cole | Nov 19, 2025 | Uncategorized
When you start planning your estate in Illinois, one of the first decisions you’ll face is how you want your home and real estate to transfer after you’re gone. For many families, that decision comes down to two common tools: The Illinois Transfer on Death Instrument...
by Jonathan Cole | Nov 12, 2025 | Uncategorized
When a child’s parents are unable to provide care, Illinois law allows the courts to appoint a guardian — someone who steps in to make important decisions for the child. But what happens when a biological parent wants to regain custody, and the court doesn’t give them...
by Jonathan Cole | Nov 11, 2025 | Uncategorized
Who Can Serve as Guardian in Illinois? A New Bill Could Change the Rules When a loved one can no longer make decisions safely — whether due to disability, illness, or age — families often turn to guardianship for help. But a new proposal in Springfield could change...
by Jonathan Cole | Nov 10, 2025 | Uncategorized
If you or someone you love has ever applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you know the process can feel overwhelming. From gathering medical records to recalling every job you’ve had in the last 15 years, it’s easy to see why so many claimants feel...
by Jonathan Cole | Nov 3, 2025 | Uncategorized
The Illinois Legislature has passed the End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act (Senate Bill 1950) also known as “Deb’s Law.” The bill is now on Governor J.B. Pritzker’s desk awaiting signature, and if it becomes law, it will mark a major development in...
by Jonathan Cole | Oct 31, 2025 | Uncategorized
Understanding the stakes Family disputes over estates are especially painful. When a parent dies and siblings disagree over how the estate (or trust) is managed, emotions, business entanglements and complex legal issues often mix. Law firms that manage contested...
by Jonathan Cole | Oct 30, 2025 | Uncategorized
At the Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole, we often remind clients that estate planning is not a “set it and forget it” task. A recent Illinois appellate case — Johnson v. Johnson (Ill. App. Ct., 2023) — serves as an important reminder of how failing to update your estate...
