You can avoid probate in Illinois by making sure your assets have a clear way to pass directly to your beneficiaries without going through the court system. There are some common tools for doing this, such as a revocable living trust and beneficiary designations on financial accounts. An estate plan that uses these tools correctly can allow everything you own to pass to your loved ones quickly, privately, and without the time and expense of probate court. If you want to build that kind of plan in 2026, a DuPage County estate planning lawyer can help you put it together…
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Chapter 7 bankruptcy gets rid of many debts, but not all of them. It is one of the most powerful tools available to people overwhelmed by debt. For the right person, it can wipe out tens of thousands of dollars in what they owe. However, certain types of debt survive a Chapter 7 discharge no matter what, and knowing the difference before you file is important.
According to a study published by the American Bankruptcy Institute, more than 62 percent of U.S. bankruptcies are caused by medical debt, making it one of the most common reasons people turn to…
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The main difference between a revocable trust and an irrevocable trust comes down to control. Each type serves a different purpose, and choosing the right one depends on your goals, your assets, and your situation. If you are thinking about setting up a trust in 2026, the Wheaton, IL estate planning lawyer at The McCormick Law Firm, LLC can help you figure out which option makes the most sense for you.
In Illinois, trusts are governed by the Illinois Trust Code, 760 ILCS 3, which sets the rules for how these trusts must be created, administered, and interpreted. Understanding…
Continue Reading What’s the Difference Between Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts?

Buying real estate is one of the biggest purchases many people make. It is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially when you want to make sure you are not walking into a property with serious hidden problems. Wisconsin has a law designed to protect buyers in exactly this situation.
Under Wisconsin Statute § 709.01, sellers of residential real estate in Wisconsin must give buyers a written property condition report before an offer is accepted. This law exists so buyers have honest information about the property before they commit to buying it.
Understanding how the property condition report…
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One of the biggest fears people have about filing bankruptcy is losing everything they own. According to the federal court system’s official resource, the Bankruptcy Code allows individual debtors to protect certain property from creditors because it is exempt under federal or state law.
Illinois takes that protection seriously, recently expanding those protections in 2026 for the first time in decades. If you’re considering filing for bankruptcy, a DuPage County, IL bankruptcy lawyer can walk you through exactly where you stand.
Continue Reading What Property Is Protected by Illinois Bankruptcy Exemptions?

Your priorities are a personal choice when you begin considering residential real estate. However, young families in Illinois might focus on safety, affordability, school quality, and the home’s overall condition. Buying a home is a major step that affects your family’s daily life and financial future.
The right home can give your family stability and peace of mind. However, hidden problems or legal issues can create stress and unexpected costs. As of 2026, our DuPage County, IL real estate lawyer helps families understand their rights and avoid mistakes when buying a home.
Why Is the Condition of the Home…
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Properly funding a trust in Illinois means transferring ownership of your assets into the trust so the trust controls them instead of you personally. If a trust is not funded, it may not work the way you intended. That could mean your loved ones still have to go through probate, which is the court process used to distribute property after someone dies.
If you are reviewing your estate plan in 2026, it is important to confirm that your trust is fully funded. A DuPage County, IL estate planning lawyer can help ensure your assets are transferred correctly so your plan…
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In many cases, you can keep your car if you file for bankruptcy in Illinois. However, the outcome depends on the type of bankruptcy you file, how much equity you have in the vehicle, and whether you are current on the loan. This question matters to many families because cars are often essential for work and daily life.
As of 2026, vehicle debt is still a big issue for many Americans. Auto loan balances nationwide remained above $1.6 trillion in 2025. That debt will come up in a bankruptcy case. Our Naperville, IL bankruptcy lawyer can help you understand how…
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Buying a home with a VA loan in Wisconsin can be a strong option for eligible buyers. However, it often comes with issues that are not always immediately obvious. Many veterans expect the process to be simpler because of the benefits involved. In practice, VA loan rules can complicate purchases, especially in rural and northern parts of the state.
More than 528,000 VA home loans were issued in 2025, representing a 26.8 percent increase from the previous year. More veterans are buying homes while navigating stricter lending and property standards. As of 2026, VA loan requirements require that homes…
Continue Reading Common Issues When Buying a Home in Wisconsin With a VA Loan

A new year brings a fresh sense of motivation and perspective. People set goals to exercise more, save money, and finally tackle projects they have been avoiding – like getting their estate plan in order. If you have been putting off creating an estate plan, 2026 is the year to finally check that box.
Estate planning might sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be, and the benefits are far and away worth the time it takes. With help from our DuPage County estate planning lawyer, you can protect your family and your assets. We explain things in clear,…
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Filing for bankruptcy in Illinois does not always mean you will lose your home. Whether you can keep it depends on several factors, including the type of bankruptcy you file, your home equity, and whether you are current on your mortgage. If you are considering bankruptcy, a Lisle, IL bankruptcy lawyer can help you understand how Illinois law applies to your situation. As of 2025, Illinois bankruptcy exemptions and federal bankruptcy rules still protect many homeowners.
Does Bankruptcy Automatically Mean I Lose My Home?
Filing for bankruptcy does not automatically result in losing your home. Bankruptcy is designed to give…
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Owners of commercial real estate in Illinois are experiencing one of the largest tax spikes in decades. Recent reassessments, particularly in Cook, DuPage, and Kane Counties, have sent commercial property values soaring – sometimes as much as 30 to 100 percent higher than in prior years. Landlords, developers, and investors are experiencing cash flow strain, escalating common-area maintenance (CAM) charges, and tenant disputes over tax pass-throughs.
Many of these assessment increases are based on aggressive income assumptions and outdated market comparables.  Barring a strategic appeal, these numbers can become locked in for years, raising both operating expenses and legal…
Continue Reading Illinois Commercial Property Tax Shock: How to Respond

Only about a third of American adults have an estate plan. While most people understand how important an estate plan is, fewer are willing to confront their own mortality and engage in estate planning. Other reasons given for not having an estate plan include being too busy and being too young – although tragedy can strike at any age.
Among those who do have an estate plan, one area of focus is determining how federal and state estate taxes could impact heirs. Many Illinois families are so focused on federal estate tax planning that they completely overlook the separate…
Continue Reading Illinois vs. Federal Estate Tax: Key Differences Explained