Are all the details of your Illinois estate plan private? Maybe.
On behalf of Jill Metz Are you ever surprised or amazed by what you can find on the Internet? From viewing bizarre photos, to finding a school classmate to stumbling across products only the makers can explain: It seems there is no end to the information that Google and other search engines can provide. For people... Read More
Happy New Year from Jill
A MESSAGE FROM JILL METZ Progress continues as the remarkable momentum for marriage equality has grown such that 35 states now recognize marriage for same-sex couples. In 2013, 34% of Americans lived in marriage equality states. As we start 2015, 70% of Americans live in marriage equality states. Last year brought the most significant nondiscrimination... Read More
Single people need estate plans, too
An estate plan is the best way to protect your safety and your legacy A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that estate planning is only important if you have a partner or children that you want to pass something on to. In reality, though, it is just as important – and perhaps... Read More
Every LGBT couple in Illinois should have an estate plan
Estate plans are not just for people who have a lot of money or own a number of assets. Estate planning encompasses much more than divvying up a large estate upon death. Wills, trusts and other estate planning documents assist you with plans made while you are still alive, as well as providing for your... Read More
Are you prepared with a durable power of attorney?
A durable power of attorney can provide broad powers to a trusted agent in the event you suffer some form of incapacity An estate plan can be many different things to different people. For some, they may believe their will is their “estate plan” and that that is all they need. For others, estate planning... Read More
Are all the details of your Illinois estate plan private? Maybe.
On behalf of Jill Metz Are you ever surprised or amazed by what you can find on the Internet? From viewing bizarre photos, to finding a school classmate to stumbling across products only the makers can explain: It seems there is no end to the information that Google and other search engines can provide. For... Read More
Several factors must be considered when leaving money to charity
When you are putting together your estate plan, you may wish to leave money or property to more than your children and other heirs. If so, you are like many other people nowadays that are opting to leave a percentage of their wealth to various charities and other benevolent organizations. If you have decided to... Read More
Marriage Equality
A MESSAGE FROM JILL METZ Marriage Equality Is Here! It is a day for celebrating! Today, June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision in Obergefell v Hodges that marriage equality is the law of the land. Our country has been built on the concepts of liberty, equality and justice. Today the U.S.... Read More
First Caitlyn, now you? What to know when you’re transitioning
These are some common legal issues faced by people when they come out as transgender Caitlyn Jenner (formerly known as Bruce Jenner) made headlines earlier this year when she publicly came out as transgender and announced she would be living full-time as a woman. By and large, her announcement was received kindly, and it marked... Read More
Legal planning for unmarried same-sex couples
On behalf of Jill Metz For gay and lesbian couples who choose not to marry pursuant to the Illinois Marriage Fairness Act or enter a civil union under the Illinois Civil Union Act, an attorney can work with them to establish obligations, responsibilities, protections and benefits similar to those of married same-sex couples. An attorney can also help... Read More