Navigating Your Estate Planning Journey with Russo Law Offices
At Russo Law Offices, we believe in putting family first. Our estate planning blog is dedicated to families like yours, aiming to provide peace of mind through well-informed, thoughtful estate strategies. Here, you'll find a wealth of information tailored to the unique needs of families at every stage of life.
Getting Remarried? Let’s Talk About Your Estate Plan
Remarried? Here Are 4 Steps to Update Your Estate Plan
Marriage is a fresh start—and if you're entering into it again, this new chapter deserves a plan that reflects your life today.
Whether you're blending families or simply updating your legal and financial commitments, remarriage can bring complexity to your estate plan. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Here’s a simple 4-step guide to help you navigate estate planning after remarriage.
However, upon reviewing it, I often found that it didn’t hold up.
AI Can Draft Your Will. But Only a Lawyer Can Protect It
Artificial intelligence has changed how we live, work, and create. But should it change how we plan our estates?
Lately, I’ve had more and more people come to me with this same story: They opened up ChatGPT, typed in a few family details, and had the platform generate their Will or Trust. It was fast. It looked professional. It felt efficient.
However, upon reviewing it, I often found that it didn’t hold up.
“I Used ChatGPT to Write My Will. Can You Look at It?”
ChapGPT does not practice law. It does not protect your legacy.
You’ve probably seen it. Articles or videos showing how to use ChatGPT or another AI tool to write your Will or create a Trust. On the surface, it appears to be a great shortcut.
It’s fast, free, and seemingly comprehensive. But…
Know the Difference Before You Sign: Understanding The Types of Power of Attorney
Before You Sign… Know What You’re Signing
So many people come to us thinking they’re covered, only to discover their POA is outdated, incomplete, or simply the wrong type. That’s why we don’t hand you a generic template. At Russo Law Offices, we walk you through your options, explain the law in human language, and create legal documents that actually protect you.
Most People Wait Too Long to Set This Up—Don’t Be One of Them
What Is a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint a person you trust—called your agent or attorney-in-fact—to make decisions and handle certain responsibilities for you.
Start Here with Power of Attorney for Your 18+ Young Adult
When your child turns 18, it’s a proud moment. They’re officially an adult, stepping into independence with college plans, travel dreams, or new job opportunities.
But what many families don’t realize is that your role as a parent changes dramatically, especially in the eyes of the law.
Why Every Young Adult Needs a Power of Attorney (POA)
Your child turns 18. Legally, they’re now an adult—but are they protected?
Most parents don’t realize that once their child reaches legal adulthood, they can no longer access their medical records, speak to doctors, or help with finances without the proper legal documents. Whether your young adult is heading off to college, traveling abroad, or entering the workforce, having a Power of Attorney (POA) in place is essential.
At Russo Law Offices, we help Illinois families prepare for the unexpected with compassionate, practical estate planning services. One of the most overlooked (and critical) first steps is preparing Powers of Attorney for your newly minted adult.
Do I Really Need a Power of Attorney? (Yes—And Here's Why)
What Is a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that lets you name someone to act on your behalf if you’re ever unable to do so. That person becomes your agent, and depending on how the document is written, they can pay bills, make healthcare decisions, manage real estate, or advocate for your care.
How a Living Trust Works: A Simple Breakdown
How a Living Trust Works: A Simple Breakdown for Peace of Mind
When it comes to protecting your family’s future, few estate planning tools are as powerful-or as misunderstood-as the living trust.
If you're new to the concept or wondering whether it's worth creating one, you're in the right place. At Russo Law Offices, planning should feel empowering, not overwhelming.
Let’s walk through how a living trust works, and why more families are choosing this flexible, private alternative to a traditional will.
Nobody Is Talking About This Powerful but Overlooked Trust Strategy
When most people think of estate planning, they think of wills, revocable living trusts, or powers of attorney.
These are all critical tools, but one powerful, often overlooked strategy can provide added protection, flexibility, and privacy: the Irrevocable Trust.
At Russo Law Offices, we believe in protecting your assets and helping you make intentional choices that support your family and legacy for generations. And if you haven’t looked into this strategic tool, it might be time to look closer.