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...
by Jonathan Cole | Dec 6, 2025 | Uncategorized
For many Illinois families, caring for an aging parent comes with an overwhelming challenge: How do we pay for the care they need?Assisted living facilities in Illinois often cost $5,000–$8,000 per month, making them out of reach for many middle-income...
by Jonathan Cole | Dec 5, 2025 | Uncategorized
Blended families are incredibly common in Illinois—second marriages, stepchildren, children from prior relationships, and households that look different from the traditional “nuclear” family. While these families are full of love, they also introduce unique legal...
by Jonathan Cole | Dec 4, 2025 | Uncategorized
Your Online Life Needs an Estate Plan Too We plan for our homes, bank accounts, cars, and personal belongings — but what about the parts of our lives that exist only online?Today, most Illinois residents have hundreds of digital assets without realizing it, including:...
