The Hansford Firm

The Hansford Firm The Hansford Firm is a boutique trusts and estates law firm serving clients in the greater Chicagoland area. A boutique trusts and estates law firm

One of the most difficult things I see families go through after the loss of a loved one is avoidable confusion.In many ...
05/29/2026

One of the most difficult things I see families go through after the loss of a loved one is avoidable confusion.

In many cases, families are not intentionally making mistakes. They simply don’t know what steps to take during an emotional and overwhelming time.

Some of the most common issues I see include:

• Disagreements over responsibilities or assets
• Accessing accounts too early
• Delaying important legal matters
• Relying on verbal promises instead of written documents
• Misunderstanding what authority family members actually have

These situations can create additional stress, conflict, and costly delays for the people already grieving.

A thoughtful estate plan helps provide clarity, direction, and structure when families need it most.

Planning ahead is one of the greatest gifts you can leave your loved ones.






One of the questions I ask clients is this:“If something happened tomorrow and you couldn’t speak for yourself, who woul...
05/27/2026

One of the questions I ask clients is this:

“If something happened tomorrow and you couldn’t speak for yourself, who would make medical decisions for you?”

Many people assume their spouse or family can automatically step in. But in reality, without the proper legal documents, those decisions can become delayed or complicated during an already emotional time.

A Healthcare Power of Attorney allows you to choose someone you trust to speak on your behalf and carry out your wishes if you are unable to do so yourself.

These conversations are not always easy, but planning ahead can provide clarity, reduce stress for your loved ones, and ensure your voice is still heard when it matters most.





One of the hardest situations I see families face is sibling conflict after the loss of a parent.Many families genuinely...
05/25/2026

One of the hardest situations I see families face is sibling conflict after the loss of a parent.

Many families genuinely believe everyone is “on the same page” until difficult decisions about assets, property, or finances have to be made.

Without clear legal instructions, misunderstandings and conflict can happen even in close families.

A thoughtful estate plan is not just about documents. It’s about providing clarity, protecting relationships, and helping your loved ones avoid unnecessary stress during an already emotional time.

Planning ahead can make a difficult season a little easier for the people you care about most.





One of the questions families often ask me after losing a loved one is:“Are we now responsible for their debts?”In many ...
05/22/2026

One of the questions families often ask me after losing a loved one is:

“Are we now responsible for their debts?”

In many situations, the answer is no.

Generally, debts are handled through the deceased person’s estate not automatically transferred to children or other family members. However, there are important exceptions that families should be aware of, including co-signed loans, joint accounts, and certain shared financial obligations.

Unfortunately, during times of grief, confusion about these issues can create additional stress and uncertainty for families already navigating a difficult season.

This is one of the reasons estate planning matters. It is not simply about distributing assets—it is also about helping your loved ones understand what responsibilities exist, what protections are in place, and what steps should be taken moving forward.

Clear planning today can help families avoid unnecessary complications tomorrow.






Are your business and personal assets properly separated?Many small business owners unintentionally mix personal and bus...
05/20/2026

Are your business and personal assets properly separated?

Many small business owners unintentionally mix personal and business finances.

But without clear separation, you may expose yourself to:

• Personal liability
• Financial confusion
• Tax complications
• Greater legal risk during disputes or lawsuits

Using personal accounts for business expenses—or vice versa—can weaken the protections your business structure is supposed to provide.

Proper planning helps create clearer boundaries between:
✔ Business assets
✔ Personal property
✔ Financial responsibilities

Protecting your business also means protecting your personal future.

💬 Are your accounts and assets clearly separated?







One issue I frequently see in estate planning is outdated beneficiary designations on retirement accounts.Many people as...
05/18/2026

One issue I frequently see in estate planning is outdated beneficiary designations on retirement accounts.

Many people assume their will controls how all assets are distributed. However, retirement accounts such as IRAs and 401(k)s generally pass directly to the beneficiary listed on the account itself.

That means if your beneficiary information has not been updated, assets could unintentionally pass to:
• An ex-spouse
• A deceased beneficiary
• Someone no longer aligned with your current wishes

Major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or the loss of a loved one should prompt a review of these designations.

A simple review today can help avoid confusion, disputes, and unintended outcomes for your family in the future.

📌 Take this as a reminder to review your retirement account beneficiaries regularly.







One area of estate planning that is increasingly overlooked is digital assets.Many people think about real estate, bank ...
05/15/2026

One area of estate planning that is increasingly overlooked is digital assets.

Many people think about real estate, bank accounts, and physical property when creating an estate plan—but today, a significant portion of a person’s financial and personal life exists online.

This may include:
• Online banking and payment platforms
• Cryptocurrency or digital wallets
• Business websites and online stores
• Cloud storage, photos, and important files
• Subscription services and digital accounts
• Client information or digital products

If these assets are not properly documented and addressed in an estate plan, loved ones may have difficulty locating or accessing them in the future.

As our lives become more digital, estate planning must evolve as well.

A comprehensive plan should help ensure that both your physical and digital assets are protected, organized, and accessible to the people you trust.

💬 Have you considered how your digital assets would be handled if something happened to you?






Blended families bring more love—but also more complexity.Second marriages often mean:• Children from prior relationship...
05/13/2026

Blended families bring more love—but also more complexity.

Second marriages often mean:
• Children from prior relationships
• Shared and separate assets
• Different expectations within the family

Without a clear plan, things may not unfold the way you intend.

Your spouse and your children may both need protection—and that requires thoughtful planning.

Estate planning for blended families isn’t one-size-fits-all.

It’s about making sure:
✔ The people you love are protected
✔ Your wishes are clearly honored
✔ Future conflict is minimized

💬 Are you part of a blended family?
👉 Share this with someone who needs to think about this.







Who can access your bank account if something happens to you?Most people assume their spouse or family can step in.But i...
05/11/2026

Who can access your bank account if something happens to you?

Most people assume their spouse or family can step in.

But in reality… they may be locked out.

Banks follow strict privacy laws.
Without the proper legal documents in place, even loved ones may not be able to:

• Access your funds
• Pay bills on your behalf
• Manage your financial responsibilities

That means delays, stress, and potential financial disruption during an already difficult time.

Planning ahead ensures the right people can step in when it matters most.

💬 Have you set this up for your family? Comment below.





Life is full of changes.New babies, new homes, marriages, growing businesses and more.Each chapter brings new beginnings...
05/08/2026

Life is full of changes.
New babies, new homes, marriages, growing businesses and more.

Each chapter brings new beginnings... and new responsibilities.

Make sure your estate plan reflects the life you have today.

Protect your family. Plan for tomorroe.
What life change are you navigating right now?
Comment below - we'd love to hear.

05/06/2026

“It’s joint, so it’s protected… right?”

Not always.

Many people assume that adding someone to a joint account automatically protects their assets or ensures everything will go according to plan.

In reality, joint accounts can create risks you may not expect:

• The other account holder may have full access to the funds
• Creditors of either person may be able to claim the account
• It may not avoid probate in every situation
• It can affect eligibility for certain benefits

What seems like a simple solution can sometimes lead to unintended consequences.

A thoughtful estate plan helps ensure your assets are protected—and go where you intend.

Clarity matters more than convenience when it comes to your financial future.

💬 Have you ever considered how your accounts are structured?







Address

30 N Lasalle Street
Chicago, IL
60602

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13124486565

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Hansford Firm posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to The Hansford Firm:

Shortcuts

Share

Category