Hess Law Blog

A will is a legal document that allows you to distribute your assets and property after your death. It can also be used for other purposes, such as naming an executor or trustee to oversee the property left behind by the deceased person or, if you ha… Read More

Introduction A fiduciary is a person or entity who has been entrusted with the care of another’s assets, generally for the purpose of carrying out the desires or intent of the trustor. Because of the trust inherent in a fiduciary relationship,… Read More

Introduction The process for contesting a will varies by state, and it can be a complicated matter. However, here’s a general overview of how the court would go about invalidating one through will contests: Prove that it was not signed or witne… Read More

Resolving an apparent conflict between Illinois’ Limited Liability Company Act (the “LLC Act”) and a body of case law governing piercing the corporate veil of corporations, the Fourth District Appellate Court recently upheld a trial court’s r… Read More

After more than 4 years of litigation, Matthew R. Hess recently obtained summary judgment on behalf of a woman who was being sued by the two sons of her close family friend, after the friend designated her as the beneficiary on a 401(k) account in pl… Read More

Your last will and testament is one of the most important documents you will ever execute. But while you might think you have a will in place that satisfies your objectives, this may not be the case. There are a number of formalities that must be com… Read More

Being the personal representative or executor of a loved one’s estate comes with a significant amount of responsibility. Some of the essential duties that must be performed are related to dealing with the decedent’s creditors. Not only must poten… Read More

When an estate goes through the probate process in Illinois, an executor or administrator has the responsibility to accurately identify and report the property and assets that comprise it. However, their job can often become more difficult if a wrong… Read More