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Central Illinois Senior Celebration 2026: Come See Edwards Group at the Orr Building
If you're in the Springfield area and you or someone you love is navigating the questions that come with getting older — what happens to your home, who makes decisions if you can't, how to protect what you've worked hard for — Wednesday, May 20, is a good day to get...
Estate Planning for Your Pets
There's an old court case that goes something like this. A very rich man once left his black cat to his longtime maid, along with a trust fund to be used for the cat’s care and a stipend to the maid. The trustee began to get suspicious when the cat lived a LONG time....
Asset Protection and the $54 Million Pair of Pants: What One Lawsuit Teaches About Protecting Your Family’s Inheritance
“After 2 years in court, I realized we could lose everything we had worked for…I felt heartbroken and overwhelmed.” If you’ve heard us talk about asset protection before, you know we're not usually talking about the ultra‑wealthy with private jets and offshore...
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Two Types of Asset Organization Mistakes (And How to Avoid Heartache)
TL;DR Summary (Executive Summary) Asset organization is crucial—forgetting key details or mismatching legal documents can cause hardship for your family. The two biggest mistakes: 1) not keeping an updated, detailed master list; 2) letting your accounts/titles/plans...
Is There Really a “Reading of the Will”? What Actually Happens After Someone Dies?
People often ask us, “When do we have the reading of the Will?” That’s understandable, because for decades, movies and TV shows have shown dramatic “Will readings” where families gather in a lawyer’s office for a big reveal. Think Knives Out – the millionaire leaves...
3 Medicaid Myths that Could Cost Your Family
Those of us who are entering our senior years (or who love someone who is) are used to hearing about Medicare, the program that offers healthcare to those over 65. Many of us are knowledgeable about the details and benefits of Medicare; we are familiar with how it...
6 Estate Planning Challenges Blended Families Face—and How to Avoid Them!
Blended families face unique estate planning challenges, but with open communication and the right legal tools, families can avoid conflict and ensure all loved ones are protected. A blended family is a celebration of hope. It’s also an opportunity for challenges. If...
Protecting Loved Ones from Elder Scams: How Estate Planning Can Shield Against Financial Exploitation
At Edwards Group, we believe planning ahead isn’t just about money—it’s about love, protection, and preserving peace of mind for your family. Sadly, it's all too common to hear stories of elder abuse -- physical neglect or poor care in nursing facilities. Families go...
How to Leave a Legacy for Your Family: A Gift to Future Generations
At Edwards Group, we believe estate planning is about more than passing down money. It’s about leaving a legacy of love, values, and wisdom — a gift that blesses your family for generations. As we journey through life, it’s easy to focus on the day-to-day. But there’s...
5 Legal Steps That Can Protect Your Aging Parents — and Your Family
Worried about legal planning for aging parents? Learn 5 essential steps every family should take to protect assets, honor wishes, and avoid legal headaches.
Avoiding Common Probate Pitfalls: A Guide for Families
Navigating the probate process can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Taking the time now to learn about the probate process and understand some of the more common probate pitfalls and roadblocks can help you and your family avoid unnecessary stress and...
Secrets: What Your Children Need to Know About Your Estate Plan
Sometimes secrets can be really fun. In fact, I remember back when our daughter was four years old my wife and I kept a big secret from her. We were surprising her with a trip to Walt Disney World for her upcoming birthday, in conjunction with an estate planning...
Plan for Aging BEFORE a Crisis Occurs
January is a time for planning. We plan to eat healthier, exercise more, stick to a budget, or be more productive with our time. We often plan for big life events—like college, marriage, children, or retirement, but do we plan to age well? Humans are living longer...