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How Innovative Medicaid Planning Helped Save the Relationship of Two Sisters
This is the real-life story of two sisters, an annuity, nursing home costs, and why Medicaid Planning matters. Mom did not have much, but she owned her home, had a steady retirement income, and had purchased two annuities. Each in the amount of $50,000. Each daughter...
Joint Ownership Seems So Fair and Easy…
Many families think that joint ownership will make things fairer or even help avoid probate. What they don't know is that it can really cause some problems. It can go a little something like this... Grandad left his property to Dad. Then when Dad passed away he left...
Old Assets Can “Stink” After a While
Years ago, when I was single, I went out of town and a few days later my condo neighbors called 'cause they smelled a terrible stench. Nothing had died, but turns out I had forgotten to take out the trash before I left. (Thanks Mom and Dad, who made arrangements to...
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Halloween 2017
We ask clients to trust us with a lot of very personal information. As such, we tend to treat them like family and share our lives with them. Our annual Halloween costume pictures continue to be a big hit year after year. Here are the children of Edwards Group dressed...
6 Reasons You Shouldn’t Treat Your Kids Equally
We have a common saying with our kids, "Fair doesn't mean equal." Many of us want equality to be synonymous with fairness -- maybe because it seems easier to make things equal than to navigate the complexity of fairness. But think about raising kids. Did you make sure...
Don’t Get Stuck With a Stupid Tax
Have you ever heard the phrase, "stupid tax"? I hate paying a stupid tax, because it's always something that could have been avoided. A few years ago my wife and I went with my parents to see an Illini basketball game in Champaign. After eating at the Ribeye on Neil...
Important Advice on Choosing a Healthcare POA
Every estate plan needs a good helper(s). Choosing helpers can be really tough. These people will be responsible for making decisions when you can't make them for yourself. A power of attorney for healthcare will allow someone to help you make a variety of decisions...
Would You Know How to Stop Elder Abuse?
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was observed recently, and we shared some helpful information in our email newsletter. (Sign up for our educational newsletter here.) Elder abuse is a complex issue that can encompass physical and emotional abuse, neglect, and...
Stop Thief! 10 Things That Can Steal From Your Estate
If you've ever been robbed like I have, you know that awful feeling of violation and loss of control. More than the material things that are stolen, the loss of peace of mind and sense of security can have lasting effects. When I had just started practicing law, I...
(Video) When is the best time to contact an attorney about long-term care?
If you already know what an elder law attorney does, then you may be wondering when it's best to contact them for help. Anytime there is a transition period or crisis situation, your lawyer can help lay the groundwork for care and help get more benefits to pay for...
10 Ways to Tell a Good Estate Plan From a Bad One
To see this infographic complete with links to other articles and more information, go here: How to Tell a Good Estate Plan From a Bad One. To get started creating a "good" estate plan, give us a call at 217-726-9200 and we'll schedule an initial meeting. Read here...
7 Important Things Cinderella’s Father Could Have Done Better
The secret to avoiding disaster in the Magic Kingdom -- plan ahead. So much of parenting is about planning and anticipating problems BEFORE they happen. And trips to Disney World are no exception. We know from experience that our kids get worn out if the days are too...
12 Duties of a Helper: What Do Executors, Trustees, Guardians and Powers of Attorney Really Do?
Every estate plan needs a good helper(s). Choosing those helpers can be tough. Your trustee, guardian, power of attorney, or executor will be responsible for making decisions when you become disabled (like from a stroke or dementia) or pass away. But what exactly are...