Money & Debt
Wills and estates
These articles focus on issues related to estate planning and end of life arrangements. Some of the topics covered are wills, trusts, setting up power of attorney, and small estate affidavits.
Learn your rights (4 resources)
Explains when a small estate affidavit can be used to transfer your property after death without going to court.
Guide
Defines power of attorney and describes what a person with this power can do.
Guide
Describes what a living will is, examples of why and when it may be used and information on creating one. Explains how this is different than a do not resuscitate (DNR) order.
Guide
Explains the Transfer on Death Instrument (TODI) and how to use it.
Guide
Forms (6 resources)
A program to prepare a Transfer on Death Instrument to give real property to your loved ones after your death.
Easy Form
A program to help you create a small estate affidavit to transfer personal property worth up to $100,000 after their death if they don't own a house.
Easy Form
A program to help you complete forms to give someone access to or control over your money and property in Illinois.
Easy Form
A program to help you cancel the power that you gave an agent under a Power of Attorney for Healthcare or Property.
Easy Form
Other resources for the public (26 resources)
Explains how an estate is divided if a person dies without a will.
Text article
Describes how to deal with the body of someone who died when there is no money for a funeral.
Text article
Lawyer resources (15 resources)
Essential resource for attorneys who advise elder clients, covering issues ranging from taxes, death, and real estate to healthcare, guardianship, and adoption. Includes editable forms. 2023 edition
IICLE
Explains and provides sample forms for estate planning. Includes: power of attorney for property, Illinois advance health care directives, premarital agreements, and guardianship. 2022 edition.
IICLE
A comprehensive guide for attorneys throughout the probate process. filing the will, funeral arrangements, the initial meeting with the decedent’s family, life insurance, and SSI. 2023 edition
IICLE
An essential handbook covering all the guidance you need to use revocable grantor trusts in your clients’ estate plans. 2023 edition
IICLE