With help from WilliamsMcCarthy LLP Associate Daniel Huntley, Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity will have five new homeowners this year. Daniel has been providing pro-bono legal services to the organization since 2015.

Habitat for Humanity invests not only in the construction of its homes, but also in the homeowners themselves. To ensure Habitat homeowners have a solid financial understanding and can properly prepare for the “unknowns” that come with owning a home, buyers must complete 20 hours of financial literacy training. Earlier this month, Habitat for Humanity offered its first one-hour estate planning seminar. Dan volunteered his time and expertise to lead the class, providing attendees with estate planning basics, including: designating beneficiaries where possible; guardianship of any minor children; medical treatment planning and more.

“One of my favorite parts of the class were the questions and eyebrows raised when Dan spoke to who had rights to your land and your kids,” said Keri Nelson, executive director of Habitat. “It was clear that some of our new home buyers had never thought about where their kids would go if they passed away, or what would happen to their new Habitat home.”

With the basic understanding of what is involved in estate planning, the homeowners now have the tools in their tool belt to plan and be better prepared for the “unknowns” of tomorrow.

For more information on estate planning matters, contact Associate Daniel Huntley at 815-987-8980 or dhuntley@wilmac.com.