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...
by Jonathan Cole | Oct 29, 2025 | Uncategorized
The Illinois General Assembly passed a bill is designed to reduce the incidence of third‐party institutions (banks, financial service providers, other entities) refusing to recognize valid powers of attorney (POAs) simply because of procedural or form‐based...
by Jonathan Cole | Oct 27, 2025 | Uncategorized
Illinois recently enacted House Bill 2568 (HB 2568), instituting significant modifications that directly affect trust administration and the fiduciary responsibilities of trustees. Understanding these legislative updates is essential for trustees seeking to safeguard...
