Estate Planning Is an Act of Love — Wills, Trusts & What Happens Without a Plan with Allyson Russo, Estate Planning Attorney · Russo Law Offices LLC

You already have an estate plan. You just may not know what it says.If you haven't created your own plan, the state of Illinois has one for you — and it may not reflect your wishes at all. It could split your assets between your spouse and your children in ways you never intended. It could send your family through a public, 8 to 15-month probate process while they're still grieving. And it could leave the people you love most with no clear guidance when they need it most.In this episode, host Sun-Hee Yoon sits down with Allyson Russo — founder of Russo Law Offices LLC and a Chicago-area estate planning attorney with deep expertise in wills, trusts, probate, and Medicaid planning — to demystify one of the most important conversations families are not having.In this episode, you'll learn:• The four foundational documents every estate plan should include — and what each one actually does• The real difference between a will and a trust — and why a revocable trust may be the more powerful choice for your family• What Illinois probate actually looks like — how long it takes, what it costs, and how to avoid it• How to approach a parent who doesn't have a plan — and what to say when the conversation feels impossible• The difference between revocable and irrevocable trusts — and when each one is the right tool• Illinois and federal estate tax thresholds ($4M and $15M respectively) — and what that means for your planning• How to protect digital assets and ensure your family can access passwords and online accounts• What Medicaid planning looks like in Illinois — including the five-year look-back period — and why starting early makes all the differenceAllyson also shares a real client story involving complex family dynamics, and closes with her most important piece of advice: find an attorney who is both knowledgeable and compassionate — because this work is not just legal. It is deeply personal.00:00 Welcome to Sage Pathways01:25 Why Estate Planning Matters02:49 Meet Attorney Allison Russo04:16 Estate Planning Basics05:38 Trusts vs Wills Explained08:10 Probate Timeline and Tips09:43 Talking With Aging Parents13:16 Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts15:08 Estate Taxes State and Federal15:59 When There Is No Plan19:03 Getting Started and Funding Trusts21:58 Digital Assets and Password Access23:34 Client Stories and Family Dynamics25:53 Medicaid Planning Basics28:03 Key Takeaways and Closing🎙️ Guest: Allyson Russo, Owner & Attorney⚖️ Russo Law Offices LLC: www.russolaw.com💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/russolawofficesllc📧 [email protected]—Sage Pathways is your compass for intentional longevity — where professional expertise meets the enduring human legacy. Hosted by Sun-Hee Yoon, Founder & CEO of Sage Lifestyle Concierge LLC.New episodes monthly. Follow and subscribe so you never miss a conversation.🌐 www.sagelifestyleconcierge.com📧 [email protected]⚠️ Legal Disclaimer: The content in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered individualized legal advice. Estate planning laws vary by state and individual circumstances differ. Please consult a licensed estate planning attorney regarding your specific situation before making any decisions.