The Estate Planning Center

06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day!

06/12/2026

Curt takes a hard look at the adage, “shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations”

Farmers sacrifice to build estates, but research shows 85% of wealthy families lose top status within 10 years. Are your heirs prepared?

06/01/2026

Shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in 3 generations. Can your family beat the odds?

The Third-Generation CurseMay 25, 2026May 19, 2026 By Atty. Marcus Collins You might have heard of the third-generation curse. Some experts say 70% of wealth will be wasted by the second generation, and 90% by the third. Others are skeptical of the percentage rates. Regardless of the actual rate of....

05/08/2026

Attorney Curt Ferguson will be speaking for Farmers National Company “Landowner Workshop” in Mt. Vernon on May 12. Reservations can be made here:

Registration begins at 8:00 AM, with the meeting running from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Pastries and beverages will be provided, and the event is free to attend. For room reservations, please contact the hotel directly.

05/08/2026

To non-farming landowners: take advantage of this free educational program series.

Taking care of farmland you don’t farm yourself can be challenging, especially if you live far away. But where there is a will (and some helpful information) there is a way! Unlock the full potential of your farmland with Illinois FarmLink’s five-part lunchtime webinar series - Do More With Your...

04/29/2026

Administration of a farmer’s living trust at death is a complicated affair.

The estate plan worked perfectly, so why does the family still need an attorney? The answer lies in the details.

04/15/2026

Are attorneys going to be replaced by AI?

Are Attorneys Outdated?April 15, 2026April 15, 2026 Are Attorneys Outdated? For better or worse, we live in the modern world. As this article is being written, we are living in what some have called the next great industrial revolution. Artificial intelligence (AI) is making its way into seemingly e...

04/02/2026

Good points here 👍🏻

Choosing the right estate planning attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make for your family’s future. It’s not just about documents, it’s about guidance, clarity, and protecting what matters most. The right attorney will help you understand your options, avoid costly mistakes, and create a plan that truly reflects your wishes. Take the time to choose someone who listens, explains clearly, and prioritises your goals. Your family deserves a plan built with care and intention. 💜

Read More👉
https://www.estate-planners.org/how-to-choose-the-right-estate-planning-attorney-for-your-family/

04/01/2026

Maybe Illinois will change its estate tax someday. Maybe. But if you want to control whether your family pays such tax, just work with a better law firm.

The proposed Family Farm Preservation Act would raise the estate tax exemption for qualified farmland heirs from $4 million to $6 million.