Cicero is an incorporated town in Cook County, Illinois, United States. The population was 85,616 at the 2000 census. A 2003 Census estimate showed the population dipped to 79,029. Cicero is named for the town of Cicero, New York, which in turn was named for Marcus Tullius Cicero, the Roman orator. Originally, Cicero Township occupied six times its current territory. Weak political leadership and town services resulted in cities such as Oak Park and Berwyn voting to split off from Cicero, and other portions such as Austin were annexed into the city of Chicago . Al Capone built his criminal empire in Chicago before moving to Cicero to escape the reach of Chicago police. The 1980s and 1990s saw a heavy influx of Hispanic residents to Cicero. Once considered mainly a Czech or Bohemian town on 22nd Street, most of the European-style restaurants and shops have been replaced by Spanish-titled businesses. Cicero most recently is seeing a new influx of residents, mostly Polish. Cicero also has seen a revival in its commercial sector, with many brand-new mini-malls and large retail stores. New condominiums are also being built in Cicero, ranging in price from $150,000 to $300,000. Cicero has long had a reputation of government scandal. Most recently, Town President Betty Loren-Maltese was sent to federal prison for misappropriating funds . She was well-liked by retired, long-term Cicero residents, but was continually challenged by younger Hispanic opponents before her indictment. Cicero was taken up and abandoned several times as site for a civil rights march in the mid-1960s. The American Friends Service Committee, the Rev. Martin Luther King, and many affiliated organizations, including churches, were conducting marches against housing and school de facto segregation and inequality in Chicago and several suburbs, but the leaders feared too violent a response in Chicago Lawn and Cicero. Eventually, a substantial march (met by catcalls, flying bottles and bricks) was conducted in Chicago Lawn, but only a splinter group, led by Rev. Jesse Jackson, marched in Cicero .

What is estate planning and probate law?

Estate planning is the process of anticipating and arranging for the disposal of an estate. Estate planning typically attempts to eliminate uncertainties over the administration of a probate and maximize the value of the estate by reducing taxes and other expenses. Estate planning attorneys advise clients on their options for disposition of real and personal property after death, and create any number of necessary documents pertaining to the estate and finances of the client -- including wills and trusts. Estate planning law attorneys also assist clients in setting out their end-of-life health care wishes through living wills and health care powers of attorney.

Answers to estate planning and probate law issues in Illinois

The law dealing with estates governs the passing of the property of people who have passed away as well as people...

In the administration of any estate of a person who has passed away, there may be significant tax consequences. An...

When a person dies, someone must step in to wind up the deceased persons affairs. Bills must be paid, property must...

An executor is the person you name in your will to handle your property after death. The executor--called a personal...

A trust is an arrangement under which one person, called the trustee, holds legal title to property on behalf of...

The federal government imposes estate taxes only if your property is worth more than a certain amount at your death...

Every adult should have a will. A will makes sure that your property goes where you want it to go, and makes the...