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Even the most well-intentioned plans can fall apart due to overlooked details, outdated documents, or misunderstood legal nuances.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.

At Russo Law Offices, we often see two types of clients: those who planned ahead and those who wish they had. Estate planning isn’t about predicting the future—it’s about ensuring that no matter what happens, you and your loved ones are protected.

As the flowers bloom and the days grow longer, many of us embrace the tradition of spring cleaning—decluttering our homes, refreshing our spaces, and organizing what matters most.

But while you're tackling closets and paperwork piles, there’s another crucial area that deserves your attention: your estate planning documents.

Meet Kate Romeo: Helping Families Plan for the Future with Confidence

Estate planning isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about securing a legacy, ensuring loved ones are protected, and bringing peace of mind for the future. That’s exactly what drew Kate, the newest attorney at Allyson Russo Law Offices, to this field.

"I find it incredibly fulfilling to help individuals and families navigate important decisions with clarity," Kate shares. "Estate planning provides reassurance during life’s pivotal moments, ensuring that a person’s wishes are honored and their loved ones are cared for."

For those just beginning their estate planning journey, Kate’s advice is simple: Start now.

"Taking that first step is the most important part. The process becomes much easier once you begin, and having the right guidance makes all the difference."

We’re thrilled to welcome Kate to the team! Whether you’re creating a will or updating an existing estate plan, she’s here to guide you with care and expertise.

At Russo Law Offices, we understand that estate planning can feel like an intimidating and time-consuming process. That’s why we’ve created a simple, structured, and stress-free approach that works with your schedule.

Estate Planning Without the Overwhelm: A Guide for Busy Families

Life is full of responsibilities—work, school, family activities, and the endless to-do list that never seems to shrink. With so much to juggle, estate planning often gets pushed aside, left for “another day” when there’s more time. But the reality is, waiting too long can leave your loved ones vulnerable and unprepared.

At Russo Law Offices, we understand that estate planning can feel like an intimidating and time-consuming process. That’s why we’ve created a simple, structured, and stress-free approach that works with your schedule.

Living Trust vs. Will: What’s Best for Your Family?

Planning for the future is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones. Whether you’re looking to ensure a smooth transfer of assets, avoid probate, or provide clear instructions for your estate, you’ll need to decide between a living trust and a will. While both serve as essential estate planning tools, they have key differences that impact how your estate is handled after you pass. So, which is right for your family? Let’s break it down.

The Missing Piece in Your Estate Plan: What Happens to Your Digital Life?

Estate planning is no longer just about homes, bank accounts, and retirement funds. In today’s digital world, many individuals have valuable assets stored online, yet few have a plan in place to manage them after they pass.

What Happens If You Don’t Name a Guardian?

If you and your child’s other parent were to pass away or become unable to care for them, the court, not your family, will determine who raises your children. This process can be complicated and stressful for loved ones, and the outcome may not reflect what you would have wanted.

Let's Talk About Inherited Retirement Accounts & Required Minimum Distributions in Illinois

Hey there, if you’ve inherited a retirement account recently, you might be wondering what’s next. The rules around Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) have changed, and if you’re in Illinois, you’ll want to be aware of what’s coming in January 2025.

We are excited to introduce the newest Russo Law Offices team member, Francesca Siracusano! As an estate planning and probate attorney, Francesca is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of planning for the future, managing estates, and handling probate court matters. Her passion for providing legal guidance stems from a deep desire to help families protect their assets and secure their legacies for future generations.

As an estate planning attorney with years of experience guiding families through the complexities of wealth transfer, one of the most powerful tools available to ensure your legacy is preserved and distributed according to your wishes is a trust.

I’ve seen firsthand how proper planning can create lasting security—and how the lack of it can lead to unintended consequences.

Unlike a simple will, a trust allows you to control how and when your beneficiaries receive their inheritance, offering protection from financial mismanagement, outside influences, and life’s uncertainties. If you want to safeguard your wealth while empowering your loved ones, a trust is the best way to achieve both.

If estate planning has been sitting on your to-do list for far too long, you're not alone. Many people put it off, believing they don’t have the time or feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of it all. But the truth is, without a plan in place, your loved ones could face unnecessary stress, confusion, and financial burdens in the future.

In a world that’s constantly changing, having a trust in place offers peace of mind and security for your loved ones. But is your trust truly prepared to protect your family and assets against the unexpected?

Many people create a trust and then set it aside, assuming it will work seamlessly forever. However, the reality is that life changes—and so should your trust.

Take Action This Year

The start of a new year is the perfect time to tackle important tasks like estate planning. At Russo Law Offices, we specialize in making the process straightforward and stress-free. Whether you’re creating an estate plan for the first time or need to update an existing one, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Imagine this: Your family is gathered in a quiet room. Emotions are running high as you’re about to hear the last wishes of a loved one.

There’s a mix of curiosity, anticipation, and maybe even tension.

What exactly did they leave behind?

How will it be divided?

When planning for your family’s future, one of the most important—and sometimes challenging—decisions you can make is choosing a guardian for your children. As parents, we never want to think about the possibility of being unable to care for our kids, but preparing for the unexpected is one of the most responsible things we can do for them. That’s why discussing guardianship with your family, especially during holiday visits, can be an invaluable step in ensuring everyone is on the same page.