Attorney Spotlight: Elizabeth Morataya on the Heart of Estate Planning

Elizabeth’s combination of legal expertise, strong leadership, and genuine compassion is what makes her such an asset to our clients and our team. Whether you’re visiting our Hoffman Estates office or connecting with her virtually, Elizabeth ensures that every client, regardless of their language preference, English or Spanish, receives clear, comprehensive, and caring guidance.

We are proud to have her leading our Hoffman Estates location and grateful for the knowledge, empathy, and dedication she brings to every client she serves.

August brings a fresh energy, school supplies are stocked, routines return, and families are back in motion.

It’s a month of planning and making smart choices for the year to come. At Russo Law Offices, we believe estate planning belongs right alongside those decisions. Because the smartest families aren’t just planning for today, they’re protecting their future.

You created a will. You checked the box. You feel like you’ve done your due diligence. A will alone doesn’t cover all the scenarios your family may face.

Relying on a will without the correct supporting documents can leave your loved ones vulnerable, your estate exposed to probate, and your wishes unclear when they matter most.

At Russo Law Offices, we take a comprehensive approach to estate planning, helping clients move beyond the basics to build a plan that protects what matters most.

If you want peace of mind, here’s what you need beyond a will.

As summer winds down and the back-to-school buzz begins, there’s a quiet sense that everything is about to change.

Schedules will fill. Routines will shift. Life will speed up.

But before the pace of fall takes over, there’s one important thing you can do to protect your family: create an estate plan.

At Russo Law Offices, we work with families just like yours, parents juggling work, school supplies, playdates, and late-night “what-ifs.” And we know the idea of estate planning can feel overwhelming.

Getting married is an exciting milestone. If you're newly married and don’t yet have significant assets, you might think estate planning is something you can postpone. But starting now, before life gets more complicated, can be one of the smartest decisions you make together.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.