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.

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 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.

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.

A client recently shared with me that they created their will 12 years ago—before their second child was even born.

They hadn’t looked at it since.

This is more common than you’d think.

People often believe estate planning is a one-time task. You make a will, check it off the list, and move on with your life.

But the truth is: life moves quickly.

Families grow. Relationships change. Assets shift. People relocate, remarry, retire, or reconsider.

And that original plan?
It may no longer reflect your reality—or your wishes.

Many people believe that making a will is a “set it and forget it” moment—a box checked on the long to-do list of life. But here’s the emotional reality we don’t often talk about: estate planning isn't a one-time thing, because life isn't a one-time thing. Life changes. People change. Families change.​

Why people delay—and why you shouldn’t

We hear it all the time:

“I’ll get to it when I have more time.”
“I don’t have that many assets.”
“It feels overwhelming.”

We get it—life is busy, and thinking about the “what ifs” isn’t fun. But the truth is, estate planning is a proactive gift to your future self and your family. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.

At Russo Law Offices, we make the process simple, personalized, and compassionate. We walk you through every step—from understanding what documents you need to making confident decisions about your legacy.

Think your estate plan is solid? Think again.
Even the most well-intentioned plans can fall apart due to overlooked details, outdated documents, or misunderstood legal nuances. In our experience, it’s not just what you include in your estate plan — it’s what you miss that can have lasting consequences for your loved ones. Whether you're starting from scratch or updating an existing plan, being aware of these common errors is the first step toward protecting your legacy and ensuring your wishes are honored.

Welcoming Nadia: Empowering Clients Through Estate Planning

Without a clear legal directive in place, your family may face delays, court involvement, or even conflict over who should handle your financial affairs. That’s where a Financial Power of Attorney becomes one of the most important tools in your estate plan.