Power of Attorney

July 20, 2026

What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Illinois?

Most people assume their spouse or children will automatically inherit everything if they die without a will. In Illinois, that is only partially true.

If you die without a valid will, Illinois law decides who inherits your property. You lose the ability to choose who receives your assets, who manages your estate, who cares for your minor children, and how your family handles the probate process.

For some families, the result is straightforward. For others, it creates unexpected legal complications, delays, and conflict at an already difficult time.

May 26, 2026

Your Power of Attorney Is Useless If the Bank Won’t Accept It. Here Is Why That Happens in Illinois

by Tracy A. Ries

You did everything right.

You sat down with an attorney. You signed the documents. You made sure your spouse, or your adult child, or your trusted sibling knew where everything was kept. You told yourself your family would be protected if something happened to you.

Then something happened.

August 20, 2025

Proposed Update to Illinois Small Estate Law Heads to Governor’s Desk

by Bellas & Wachowski - Attorneys at Law

Illinois may soon see a major update to its Small Estate Affidavit process. On June 20, 2025, the Illinois General Assembly passed Senate Bill 83 and sent it to the Governor for consideration. The Governor has until August 19, 2025, to sign or veto the bill. Since

the General Assembly is currently out of session, failure to act by that date will result in an automatic veto.

Senate Bill 83, introduced by the Illinois State Bar Association’s Trusts and Estates Section Council, is designed to modernize and expand access to the Small Estate Affidavit, a tool that allows certain estates to bypass the formal probate process. Under