The Illinois Probate Process Explained: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families

by | Oct 8, 2026 | Blog, Common Questions, Estate Planning, Inheritance Planning, Kerlin Walsh Law, Living Trusts, News, Probate, Wills & Trusts

The Illinois probate process is the court-supervised path an estate takes after someone dies, from proving the Will to distributing what remains. For a typical Illinois estate, it runs about 12 to 18 months from the first filing to the final distribution. This guide...

Considerations Before You Head South for the Winter

by | Oct 1, 2026 | Blog, Common Questions, Education, Estate Planning, Healthcare Decisions, Kerlin Walsh Law, Living Trusts, News, Power of Attorney, Wills & Trusts

KEY TAKEAWAYS Where you call home can have consequences beyond your address. Your estate plan may not work exactly the same everywhere you live. Some important details are easy to overlook before heading south. Not every power of attorney works the same way. Living in...

Flying Solo: Why Estate Planning Still Matters and What to Do Next

by | Oct 1, 2026 | Blog, Common Questions, Education, Estate Planning, Healthcare Decisions, Kerlin Walsh Law, News, Power of Attorney, Wills & Trusts

KEY TAKEAWAYS Who would step in if you couldn’t make decisions? The right decision-makers may not be the obvious ones. Your beneficiary choices deserve a closer look. Being single can change the tax planning equation. A plan puts you—not the law—in control. As a...

Choosing the Right People for the Right Roles in Your Estate Plan

by | Oct 1, 2026 | Blog, Common Questions, Education, Estate Planning, Healthcare Decisions, Kerlin Walsh Law, News, Power of Attorney, Wills & Trusts

KEY TAKEAWAYS The right person for one role may not be right for another. Trust matters, but so do availability and follow-through. A conversation now can prevent confusion later. A little organization can make a difficult job easier. Your choices may deserve another...