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So many people come to us thinking they’re covered, only to discover their POA is outdated, incomplete, or simply the wrong type.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.

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.

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.

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.