Attorney at Law
Experienced & Trusted Estate Attorney
Set Things In Motion
Why Choose iFirstLaw?
34+ YEARS LEGAL
EXPERIENCE
SIU SCHOOL OF LAW
ELDER LEGAL CLINIC
ATTORNEY 31+ YEARS
CERTIFIED NATIONAL GUARDIAN
OUTSTANDING RESULTS
DEDICATED TO JUSTICE
01
Estate Planning
Estate planning is crucial to ensuring that your assets are protected during your lifetime and distributed according to your wishes following your death. It is an important tool in protecting those you love.
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04
Small Estate Affidavits
Attorney O'Neill will meet with you to determine whether probate of an estate is necessary. Often probate can be avoided by using a Small Estate Affidavit and other legal tools.
07
Guardianships of
Adults
Guardianships over adults are necessary when an adult loses capacity and has not previously signed documents which give others power to make choices for them. Sometimes guardianships can be avoided even in these circumstances. Rebecca O'Neill is a legal scholar on surrogate decision making and can guide you about your best alternatives.
02
Wills
A will is an important piece in estate planning. You control who who has power to handle your estate following your death and you specify who gets what.
05
Durable Powers Of Attorney
Designating an agent in a durable power of attorney helps ensure that your financial affairs will be managed and your health care decisions will be made by the person you choose and according to to your wishes should you become unable to make and express your own
choices.
08
Deeds & Transfer on Death Instruments
Transferring property can be a complex process. People need to be aware of tax consequences and other matters when transferring property. Rebecca O'Neill can advise you and prepare a deed or transfer on death instrument to help ensure a smooth transfer of ownership.
03
Trusts
A Trust is customized to manage your assets during your lifetime and following your death to ensure that your needs and your family's needs are protected. Some Trusts are also designed to meet Special Needs of persons with disabilities.
06
Guardianships of Minors
Guardianships over children are necessary when a child has no one with legal authority fulfilling the role of parent. Grandparents and other caregivers are often appointed to serve this role through this court process.
09
Probate of Estates
The probate process can be overwhelming, but Rebecca O'Neill is here to help. She can advise you when probate is necessary and navigate you through the process ensuring that your loved one's affairs are properly managed and their assets are distributed according to their wishes. Contact us today for more information.
About Me.
EDUCATION
B.S. 1985, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
J.D. 1988, Southern Illinois University School of Law
---Editor of SIU Law Journal
EXPERIENCE
Private practice 1988-1991; 2023 Opened Private Practice
Clinical Assistant Professor, Southern Illinois University School of Law, 1991-1998
Clinical Associate Professor, Southern Illinois University School of Law, 1998-2003
Clinical Professor, Southern Illinois University School of Law, 2003-2022
I have a particular interest in constitutional law and the right to privacy and due process as it relates to elder law, family law, and health care issues.
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While Rebecca directed the Civil Practice Elder Law Clinic at Southern Illinois University, the clinic was honored with the 2022 Governor's
Aging Award for going "above and beyond to make a positive impact in the lives of older adults."
https://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.25740.html
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In 2020, the Illinois State Bar Association awarded the Legal Clinic the "Excellence in Education Award."
https://news.siu.edu/2020/06/061220-school-of-law-legal-clinic-earns-isba-legal-education-award.php#:~:text=The%20legal%20clinic%2C%20which%20began,Legal%20Education%2C%20Admission%20and%20Competence.
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2010 Rebecca was awarded the Leaders Among Us award by the Southern Illinoisan https://issuu.com/thesouthern/docs/leaders2010
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Lindell W. Sturgis Memorial Public Service Award https://news.siu.edu/2005/05/051105pd5067.php
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The Southern Illinois Chapter of the United Nations honored Rebecca O'Neill with the Human Rights Defender Award in 2010.
Rebecca J. O'Neill taught in the Civil Practice Legal Clinic for Elderly and represented persons ages 60 and older in the southern
thirteen counties for 31 years, from 1991 until December of 2022.
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​https://www.facebook.com/TheMarionStar/videos/206137974136572/?locale=hi_IN
