by Jonathan Cole | Dec 19, 2025 | Uncategorized
Scene: The North Pole, late Christmas Eve. The elves are finishing the last toy deliveries. Santa is double-checking his list. Mrs. Claus walks in with a mug of hot cocoa. Mrs. Claus: Santa, before you head out… have you ever thought about what would happen if you...
by Jonathan Cole | Dec 18, 2025 | Uncategorized
Have you ever wondered whether your estate plan would actually work when your family needs it most? Many Illinois families have documents in place — but small, common mistakes can still lead to court delays, family conflict, and unnecessary costs. Below are five...
by Jonathan Cole | Dec 17, 2025 | Uncategorized
Many legal immigrants across the country are experiencing sudden disruptions in the final stages of becoming U.S. citizens — including the cancellation of naturalization interviews and oath ceremonies. These changes stem from recent federal policy shifts and are...
by Jonathan Cole | Dec 16, 2025 | Uncategorized
If you’ve ever dealt with a probate case or trust dispute, you already know that court rules matter just as much as the law itself. How documents are filed, deadlines are calculated, and hearings are handled can directly affect how smoothly (or stressfully) a case...
by Jonathan Cole | Dec 15, 2025 | Uncategorized
Many families across the United States are facing confusion and fear this month after reports surfaced of spouses of U.S. citizens being arrested during routine green card interviews — even when they are otherwise eligible for lawful permanent residency. This...
by Jonathan Cole | Dec 12, 2025 | Uncategorized
Every year, thousands of immigrants and their families work hard to build a stable life in Illinois. But for many, especially those dealing with complex immigration issues, fraudsters see an opportunity — offering “legal help” that can cost victims thousands of...
by Jonathan Cole | Dec 11, 2025 | Uncategorized
The holidays are here — a time for family, reflection, and thinking about what truly matters. As your children grow older and build lives of their own, one of the most meaningful gifts you can give them isn’t found in a store. It’s the peace of mind that comes from...
by Jonathan Cole | Dec 10, 2025 | Uncategorized
Putting Family First: A Major Shift in Illinois Child Guardianship Law In February 2025, Illinois took a major step to support children in foster care and the relatives who care for them. The Kinship in Demand (KIND) Act prioritizes placing children with relatives —...
by Jonathan Cole | Dec 9, 2025 | Uncategorized
When a loved one begins struggling with memory loss, mental health challenges, or the everyday responsibilities of managing their finances, families often wonder:“Do we need guardianship?”Or is a Power of Attorney enough? In Illinois, these two tools serve very...
by Jonathan Cole | Dec 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
What Is HB 3207? HB 3207 is a bill introduced in 2025 that seeks to amend the Probate Act of 1975. If passed, the bill would raise the maximum value for estates eligible for simplified handling — either via the “summary administration” procedure or a “small estate...
