ESTATE PLANNING BLOG

Bradford Miller Law, P.C. focuses on real estate law, landlord tenant law and estate planning. This is the estate planning blog. If you are interested in reading about landlord tenant law, visit that blog at http://chicagoltlaw.blogspot.com/. If you are interested in real estate law, visit http://chicagorealestatelawyers.blogspot.com/. The law firm's main website is www.bradfordmillerlaw.com.



This blog will focus on estate planning. If you are in need of an estate plan, call Attorney Bradford Miller at 312-238-9298 for a free consultation. Located at 10 S. LaSalle, Suite 2920, Chicago, IL 60603.

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

How to: Get Your Home Ready For Today's Chicago Buyer

Are you selling your home?? there are a bunch of things that you can do to make your property stand out in today's market.

1) Pictures Pictures Pictures

Your property will most likely be listed on multiple sites and good pictures are a way to catch the eye of the potential Buyer.  If you can, have your realtor take professional pictures that will make your home look its best.  If that isn't possible, make sure to have each room be as uncluttered as possible.  Remove kid's toys and all unnecessary furniture to make the space look as big as possible.  Remember that these are not ordinary photos of your home, they should be viewed as advertising material, so go over every room with a critical eye.

2) Clean... Like really clean:

If you are still living in the property while you are selling it, it is important to keep everything spotless and tidy. Especially before the open house.  Put as much bulky furniture in storage as you can, you want the Buyers to see how big your space is.

3) Make small repairs:

Now is the time to fix small things that are broken around your home.  Give your walls and ceiling a fresh coat of paint.  Stay away from bold colors and focus on light neutral colors that everyone can get on board with.

4) Talk to your realtor:

You may have an idea of what you want to list your home for, but a good realtor will know the price your property will move at.  Nothing's worst than a property that sits on the market and gets stale.

5) Give us a call!

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Caregivers need legal planning, too

If you're a caregiver, part of your job may be to keep track of your loved one's legal affairs. This is a big responsibility and it is advisable to protect yourself and loved ones through legal planning. It is important that you have all the decision-making rights you need to manage your loved ones affairs.

Bradford Miller Law, P.C. can help you prepare all the legal estate planning documents that you will need. We will offer advice, and keep your estate plan current with the laws governing estate planning. And, you have the satisfaction of knowing that you and your loved one's affairs are in order.

To get started or discuss whether our services are right for you, give us a call at 312-238-9298 for a FREE 15-minute consultation or contact us online today.  At www.bradfordmillerlaw.com you can find helpful information regarding Estate Planning and information about our firm.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Practicing in Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law and Estate Planning
10 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 2920
Chicago, IL 60603

Offering free legal representation to homeowners seeking a short sale

Key words: Chicago estate planning attorney, Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Estate Planning Lawyer, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago building code violations, Chicago eviction attorney, Chicago Leases, Chicago real estate attorney fees. This is intended to be advertising. Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

What to do with your parents home when they go to a nursing home:

We've received plenty of phone calls from adult children who need to sell their parents home and move them into a nursing home. However, a lot of times the house is not paid off and there is still money due and owing on the mortgage. For example, one person wanted to sell their mother's house she was living in but she owed $120,000 on her mortgage and her house was only worth $95,000 at best.  They did not have the difference to make up the loss.

A short sale will allow someone to sell their house for less than what is owed if they qualify.  To qualify, a person needs a hardship.  For most people their hardship is a loss of income or increased expenses. In a case such as this, a short sale would be the best option.

If you need to sell your home but owe more than it is worth, give my office a call to go over your options.  The call is free and if you end up doing a short sale our legal representation is free.


Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
A Law Firm Dedicated To Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, and Estate Planning
10 S. LaSalle, Suite 2920
Chicago, IL 60603
312-238-9298

Offering free legal representation to homeowners seeking a short sale

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago building code violations, short sale attorney Chicago. This is intended to be advertising.  Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Have you consulted a Wills and Trusts Attorney?

Bradford Miller Law, located in downtown Chicago can help you with all your Estate Planning needs.

The peace of mind attainable through basic estate planning is within easy reach. At Bradford Miller Law, P.C., we strive to make the process as direct and time-efficient as we can while addressing each client's individual goals. By filling out a basic questionnaire, we can help make face-to-face meetings straightforward and productive.

At www.bradfordmillerlaw.com  you will find helpful information regarding Estate Planning. Or, simply contact our office at (312) 238-9298 for your 15-minute free consultation.

Bradford Miller Law can counsel you from a legal standpoint so you can make an educated decision about your estate. Give us a call so we can  help you prepare all the legal documents suited to your personal situation.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
10 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 2920
Chicago, IL 60603
312-238-9298


Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago residential real estate attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago eviction attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Lawyer, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago building code violations, Chicago real estate attorney fees. This is intended to be advertising. Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Thursday, February 1, 2018

State of Illinois has lowered the fees for LLC's.

The State of Illinois is starting off 2018 with lower fees required to form a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Fees have dropped about 70% leaving the filing fee at $150 and the Annual Report filing at $75.

A LLC "is a business structure that combines the pass-through taxation of a partnership or sole proprietorship with the limited liability of a corporation." It has many benefits one of which is a barrier that protects the individual members of the business from any liability or debts that is a result of the business. 

Bradford Miller Law is experienced is business formation and would be happy to make the process quick and painless for you. 

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
10 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 2920
Chicago, Il 60603
312-238-9298

http://www.bradfordmillerlaw.com


Key words: Chicago estate planning attorney, Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago residential real estate attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago eviction attorney, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago real estate attorney fees. This is intended to be advertising. Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

What happens if you die without a Will?

If someone does not have a Will at the time of their death then they are said to die intestate. If there is no Will then intestate succession laws will govern how your estate is distributed. Your Last Will and Testament is an extremely important document and having your Will drafted professionally is essential. The issues at hand are simply too important to rely on do-it-yourself legal kits or a lawyer primarily focused on unrelated practice areas.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
10 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 2920
Chicago, Il 60603
312-238-9298

http://www.bradfordmillerlaw.com

Key words: Chicago estate planning attorney, Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago residential real estate attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago eviction attorney, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago real estate attorney fees. This is intended to be advertising. Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Thursday, January 11, 2018

It's a New Year and a perfect time to update estate documents

It's a good idea to review your legal documents annually to make sure they are correct and up to date. It's important that you are still comfortable with the designations that you have made to your will, trust and powers of  attorney on a regular basis.

Think about the changes in your life since you last updated your documents and decide what needs to be revised. To help you get started, here's a few changes that may have taken place in your life. Have you had a child or adopted a child? Have you gotten married or divorced? Moved to a different state? Had a major financial event? Do you want a particular person to receive a specific item of property? Do you want to leave a family pet to a specific person with a fund to pay for the pet's care?

Bradford Miller Law has been helping clients with their estate planning for several years. If you need new documents drawn up or need to make changes to your existing legal documents we can help. Call us for your estate planning needs.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
10 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 2920
Chicago, Il 60603
312-238-9298

http://www.bradfordmillerlaw.com

Key words: Chicago estate planning attorney, Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago residential real estate attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago eviction attorney, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago real estate attorney fees. This is intended to be advertising. Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Should you do a short sale?

A short sale will allow someone to sell their house for less than what is owed if they qualify.  To qualify, a person needs a hardship.  For most people their hardship is a loss of income or increased expenses.

If you need to sell your home but owe more than it is worth, give my office a call to go over your options.  The call is free and if you end up doing a short sale our legal representation is free.


Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
A Law Firm Dedicated To Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, and Estate Planning
10 S. LaSalle, Suite 2920
Chicago, IL 60603
312-238-9298

Offering free legal representation to homeowners seeking a short sale

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago building code violations, short sale attorney Chicago. This is intended to be advertising.  Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Why do people want to avoid probate?

The major reasons include the costs, time and lack of privacy that comes along with probate. There are many expenses involved in Probate administration, including attorney's fees, court fees, executor's fees, accounting fees, etc. In Illinois, a probate estate has to be open for at least six months but may be open for one year or more. The probate estate court files are also matters of public record so there is a definite lack of privacy.

Most people avoid probate by drafting a living trust. If you are interested in an estate plan to avoid probate, call Attorney Bradford Miller for a free consultation.

Published by: Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
10 S. LaSalle, Suite 2920
Chicago, IL 60603
312-238-9298

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago residential real estate attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago Landlord Attorney, Chicago eviction attorney, Estate planning attorney, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago real estate attorney fees, Chicago estate planning attorney. This is intended to be advertising. Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Friday, December 1, 2017

What is a Power of Attorney?

No one likes to think about the possibility that he or she may become incapacitated. However, it is wise to plan for that possibility. A Power of Attorney is one way to arrange for someone to manage another person's finances if they can no longer do it themselves. Once a person becomes incapacitated, it's probably too late to execute a Power of Attorney. That's why it's so important to plan ahead. 

There are different types of Power of Attorney.  For example, there is a Power of Attorney for Property which allows someone to sell, buy, or make other decisions related to property on your behalf if you are not capable of doing so.  There is also a Power of Attorney for Health Care.  With this Power of Attorney, you can allow someone to make a decision about your health care if you are not capable of doing so.  Both of these are extremely important and if you do not have some in place, you should consider getting some drafted.  A simple estate plan can cost only a few hundred dollars but can make a world of difference.

We highly recommend that everyone have a power of attorney. Our office can help you prepare all your legal estate planning documents. We will offer advice, and keep your estate plan current with the laws governing estate planning. And, you have the satisfaction of knowing that your affairs are in order, per your wishes.


Posted by:
Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
10 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 2920
Chicago, IL 60603

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Lawyer, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago building code violations, Chicago eviction attorney, Chicago Leases, Chicago real estate attorney fees. This is intended to be advertising. Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Planning your funeral wishes

Did you know that you can make your funeral wishes known in your estate plan? This can prevent many problems and will help loved ones in an already difficult time. If you do not have an estate plan, give us a call so we can start helping you plan for the future.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, Estate Planning
10 S. LaSalle, Suite 2920
Chicago, IL 60603
312-238-9298
http://www.bradfordmillerlaw.com


Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago building code violations, short sale attorney Chicago. This is intended to be advertising. Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Monday, October 30, 2017

What is "estate planning?"

Estate planning is the process of preparing for the management and disposal of ones estate (money, property, assets, etc) to make sure that ones loved ones are provided for both during ones lifetime and after death. 

Our office has all the tools to make sure that your loved ones are set up properly after death. Give us a call to set up a consultation. 

Published by: Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
10 S. LaSalle, Suite 2920
Chicago, IL 60603
312-238-9298


Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago residential real estate attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago Landlord Attorney, Chicago eviction attorney, Estate planning attorney, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago real estate attorney fees, Chicago estate planning attorney. This is intended to be advertising. Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Do you need a Will?

The simple answer is yes. Not only should new parents, the elderly, or people with health problems have wills to make sure their wishes are followed but all adults should have this essential document. Wills are fairly inexpensive to draft but require certain requirements to be effective. Our office would be happy to help you make sure that your will is drafted and recorded properly.

Posted by: Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, Estate Planning
10 S. LaSalle, Suite 2920
Chicago, IL 60603
312-238-9298
http://www.bradfordmillerlaw.com/

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago residential real estate attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago Landlord Attorney, Chicago eviction attorney, Estate planning attorney, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago real estate attorney fees, Chicago estate planning attorney. This is intended to be advertising. Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Inspection Tip



Buying a house can be a challenging task. Before buying a home you should have a professional home inspection to make sure that the house doesn’t have any mold or other water related issues. Check with the seller or your realtor to see if there has been any previous flooding and whether it is located in a flood zone.
Are you looking to buy a home?  Whether you are a Buyer or Seller, you will need an excellent Attorney to represent your interests.  When you have a signed contract, call our office right away.  We are happy to help you.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.

 Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, Estate Planning
 134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1040
 Chicago, IL 60602
  312-238-9298

 Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer. This is intended to be advertising. Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Monday, March 14, 2016

What is Estate Planning?

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is an arrangement process to manage the disposal of one’s estate. Proper estate planning can help you to avoid probate. Probate is the most common reason why people seek out an estate planning attorney. Although you want to avoid a probate, another great reason for estate planning is to reduce your estate taxes. Setting up a Trust as part of your will or revocable living trusts, which can be used by both married couples and individuals, can make the estate or inheritance tax bill reduce or completely drop.

An asset protection program can protect your assets and avoid any unwanted creditors.  You may also want to protect your beneficiaries such as a minor, an adult from making any poor choices or decisions regarding your estate, creditors or even a divorcing spouse. You can prevent family discord and costly legal expenses by designating a guardian or trustee for your beneficiaries.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, Estate Planning
134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1040  Chicago, IL 60602
312-238-9298

http://www.bradfordmillerlaw.com/

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer. This is intended to be advertising. Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Sunday, January 24, 2016

What is a Power of Attorney?

There are different types of Power of Attorney.  For example, there is a Power of Attorney for Property which allows someone to sell, buy, or make other decisions related to property on your behalf if you are not capable of doing so.  There is also a Power of Attorney for Health Care.  With this Power of Attorney, you can allow someone to make a decision about your health care if you are not capable of doing so.  Both of these are extremely important and if you do not have some in place, you should consider getting some drafted.  A simple estate plan can cost only a few hundred dollars but can make a world of difference.

If you are interested in having an estate plan done, contact our office for a free consultation.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.

Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, Estate Planning
134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1040  Chicago, IL 60602
312-238-9298 
http://www.bradfordmillerlaw.com/ 


Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer. This is intended to be advertising. Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Need an Estate Planning Attorney?


Bradford Miller Law can help you with all of your estate planning needs. Please call our office for a free consultation.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, Estate Planning
134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1040  Chicago, IL 60602
312-238-9298
http://www.bradfordmillerlaw.com/

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer. This is intended to be advertising. Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

 
 

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Having a simple estate plan can make a HUGE difference

A simple estate plan can cost as little as $500 but make a world of difference.  Your simple estate plan includes a Will, POA for property, POA for health care, burial/cremation wishes and more.  Give our office a call for a free consultation.  Call Attorney Bradford Miller at 312-238-9298.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.

Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, Estate Planning
134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1040
Chicago, IL 60602
312-238-9298
http://www.bradfordmillerlaw.com/

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer. This is intended to be advertising. Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

What can you do to help your parents who are resisting help when it comes to their finances

Just as many older people resist giving up driving, they also fight giving up their "financial driver's license." Unfortunately, when people develop even mild cognitive impairment, their ability to handle finances is impaired. As a first step you can offer to help with the bill paying. This way you can monitor how things are going and your parent would not be giving up control, they would just be getting some help.

There are also money-management programs that help with bill paying, if you think having a neutral third party would help. To find one, contact your local Area Agency on Aging through eldercare.gov.

If your parent has a progressive condition which is likely to continue to decline, it is important to designate someone now, while they still have the mental capacity to make a power of attorney or a trust rather than having to go to court later to file for guardianship. Sometimes having a trusted professional, such as her primary care physician or a family lawyer, make the suggestion would make it more likely to happen.

The Attorneys at Bradford Miller Law, P.C. have excellent credentials, strong experience and wide-ranging knowledge of estate planning tools and the Illinois probate process. We do not believe in pushing complex or costly services that our clients do not need. We believe in making the entire process as convenient, painless and affordable as possible for you. At www.bradfordmillerlaw.com you can find helpful information regarding Estate Planning and information about our firm. Give us a call at (312) 238-9298 for a FREE 15-minute consultation.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Practicing in Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law and Estate Planning
134 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 1040
Chicago, Il 60602

Offering free legal representation to homeowners seeking a short sale

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Lawyer, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago building code violations, Chicago eviction attorney, Chicago Leases, Chicago real estate attorney fees. This is intended to be advertising. Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

What is an Estate?

An Estate is the whole of one's possessions, especially all of the property, assets, debts, and liabilities left by a deceased or bankrupt person.Your estate is everything that you own or have legal control of.

Bradford Miller Law, P.C. can help you organize your estate. If you do not make proper legal arrangements for the management of your assets and affairs, state laws will take over upon your death or incapacity. Our experienced attorneys can help you avoid potential  problems when updating or planning your estate. We can help you through this process at a reasonable rate. We will help you prepare all the legal documents suited to your personal situation.

To get started or discuss whether our services are right for you, give us a call at 312-238-9298 for a FREE 15-minute consultation or contact us online today.  At www.bradfordmillerlaw.com you can find helpful information regarding Estate Planning and information about our firm.

Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
Practicing in Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, and Estate Planning
134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1040
Chicago, IL 60602

Offering free legal representation to homeowners seeking a short sale

Key words: Chicago short sale attorney, Chicago landlord tenant law attorney, Chicago estate planning attorney, Estate Planning Lawyer, Chicago leases, Chicago real estate attorney, Chicago real estate lawyer, Chicago real estate closings, Chicago building code violations, short sale attorney Chicago. This is intended to be advertising.  Please consult with an attorney before acting on any information given here.