The Mid-Year Estate Planning Checklist for Illinois Families

by | Jul 2, 2026 | Blog, Estate Planning, Kerlin Walsh Law, Living Trusts, Power of Attorney, Probate, Real Estate, Wills & Trusts, Women and Estate Planning

Your Estate Plan was accurate the day you signed it. The question is whether it still reflects your life six months, two years, or one major financial decision later. Most families don’t find out their plan has missing pieces until they need it to work. Why...

Trust Administration in Illinois: What Happens After Death

by | Jun 25, 2026 | Blog, Client Relationships, Common Questions, Estate Planning, Healthcare Decisions, Kerlin Walsh Law, Living Trusts, Real Estate, Wills & Trusts, Women and Estate Planning

When families ask about Trusts, they almost always start with the same question: What is the difference between a Revocable and an Irrevocable Trust, and which do we need? The answer depends on your goals, and choosing incorrectly has consequences that most...

Frequently Asked Questions: Estate Planning When You Own Real Estate

by | Mar 19, 2026 | Blog, Client Relationships, Common Questions, Education, End-of-Life wishes, Estate Planning, Healthcare Decisions, Kerlin Walsh Law, News, Power of Attorney, Wills & Trusts

Question 1: If the property is currently in my spouse’s name, can I legally force my spouse to add my name to the deed? Generally speaking, you cannot legally force your spouse to add your name to a deed unless there is an enforceable legal agreement, such as a...

Myths and Frequently Asked Questions – Estate Planning When You Own Real Estate

by | Mar 19, 2026 | Blog, Common Questions, Education, Estate Planning, Kerlin Walsh Law, News, Personal Development, Wills & Trusts

Myth 1: If both spouses’ names are on the deed to their home, the house will automatically avoid probate when the first spouse passes away. Many people may assume that if both spouses are listed on the deed, their home will automatically pass to the surviving spouse...