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...
by Jonathan Cole | Oct 23, 2025 | Uncategorized
In 2025, Illinois enacted a significant change to its probate laws, raising the threshold for using a Small Estate Affidavit (SEA) from $100,000 to $150,000. This update simplifies estate administration for families managing modest estates and reduces the need for...
by Jonathan Cole | Jun 18, 2021 | Uncategorized
Illinois has created a new law 755 ILCS 40/10 which amended The Health Care Surrogate Act by changing Sections 10, 20, and 65. This act originally set the guidelines for deciding whether to forgo life sustaining or any other form of medical treatment that involves an...
