The Law Office of Suzanne Sias

05/19/2026

Nothing brings back a loved one but Heather at Tomasik Kotin Kasserman secured a bit of financial relief for this family. Reach out if you’ve been injured and need an advocate

Partner Heather Begley secured a $3 million resolution for a widow and her two children after a Chicagoland hospital failed to prevent their loved one's su***de.

05/19/2026

Wondering what the difference is between a will and a trust? A will lays out who gets what and who should care for minor children, but it still has to go through probate, which can be slow and public. A trust, on the other hand, lets your assets pass privately and usually avoids probate altogether, giving your family a smoother experience. Both tools have a place in a solid estate plan—it just depends on your goals, your family, and how much control you want over the process. If you’re not sure which option is right for you, we can help you sort through it and build a plan that fits your life.

05/14/2026

Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing. Support Local.

05/14/2026

Can the bank call your mortgage due if you transfer your home into a trust?
No.

Thanks to the federal Garn-St. Germain Act of 1982, a lender cannot require you to pay off your mortgage just because you place your home into a revocable living trust. This protection applies even if your mortgage includes a “due on sale” clause. You can move your home into a trust without worrying about being forced to pay it off early.
That’s good news, because holding your home in a trust allows it to avoid probate, saving your loved one's time, stress, and unnecessary expense.

05/07/2026

Your adult children may feel like they’re too young to think about estate planning, but they actually need a plan the moment they turn 18. Once they’re legally adults, you no longer have automatic authority to make medical or financial decisions for them in an emergency. A comprehensive plan makes sure someone they trust can step in when it matters. It’s one of the smartest, most practical ways to protect them as they move into adulthood. If your kids just turned 18 or are heading off to college, now’s the perfect time to get their plan in place.

04/29/2026

Every trust starts with one key person: the settlor. It’s the person who takes the initiative to put a plan in place, decide how their assets should be handled, and make sure their loved ones are protected. Creating a trust isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about taking control of your future and making thoughtful decisions now so things are easier later. Whether you’re looking to avoid probate, protect your family, or create a clear path for how your assets should be managed, being proactive is the first step. If you’re ready to take that role and put a solid plan together, we’re here to guide you through it.

04/27/2026

Having a power of attorney in place is one of the most practical ways to protect yourself and your family. It lets someone you trust step in and handle important financial or legal decisions if you’re ever unable to do it yourself. Without it, your loved ones may have to go through a long, stressful court process just to help you, and that’s the last thing anyone needs in an emergency. A power of attorney keeps things running smoothly and makes sure the right person is legally allowed to act on your behalf. If you don’t have one yet, now’s the time to get it done. We can walk you through this and help you to get a comprehensive estate plan in place.

04/24/2026

Don’t forget to update your retirement accounts. It’s one of those easy-to-miss steps that can cause big problems later if it’s overlooked. Even if you’ve updated your will or trust, your retirement accounts follow their own beneficiary designations and those need to match your current wishes. Life changes fast—marriage, divorce, new kids, or even a simple change in plans can mean your old designations no longer make sense. Taking a few minutes to review them now can save your loved ones a lot of stress down the road. If you’re not sure where to start, we can help you make sure everything lines up with a comprehensive estate plan made just for you.

04/22/2026

Trying to decide between a will and a trust? You’re not alone. Both are important estate planning tools, but they work very differently. A will lays out your wishes and names guardians for minor children, but it still has to go through probate. A trust, on the other hand, can help you avoid probate altogether and gives you more control and privacy over how your assets are handled. The right choice depends on your goals, your family, and how simple or streamlined you want the process to be. If you’re not sure which option fits your situation best, we can walk you through it and help you build a plan that actually works for you. Give us a call to schedule your initial consultation today.

04/16/2026

Today is National Healthcare Decisions Day, a perfect reminder to make sure the people you trust know exactly what you’d want in a medical emergency. Having your healthcare documents in place isn’t just about you—it brings clarity and comfort to the people who may have to make tough decisions on your behalf. Without a plan, family members are left guessing and that can be incredibly stressful during an already difficult time. Taking a little time now to outline your wishes can make all the difference later. If you don’t have your healthcare directives in place or you’re not sure they’re up to date, we’re here to help.

04/13/2026

True or false: An estate plan is only important after death. False!

A big part of estate planning is protecting you while you’re still alive. Your plan outlines who can make medical decisions for you, who can handle your finances if you’re unable to, and how to keep things running smoothly during an emergency. Without those documents, your family may have to involve the court just to step in and help. Estate planning isn’t just about what happens later—it’s about making sure you’re protected now. If you haven’t put those pieces in place yet, we can help you get started.