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Recent Blog Posts

How Does Power of Attorney Work in Illinois?

 Posted on March 14, 2024 in Estate Planning / Probate

IL estate lawyerA common fact of life is that you can never know what the future holds. That is why people might sign a prenuptial agreement even if they are sure they and their future spouse will live happily ever after, get insurance policies to cover the costs of things they hope they will never actually need, and prepare wills even if they are not dying.

While planning for possible hardships like these forces you to consider things you would probably rather push out of your mind, it can pay off in the future if they ever become relevant. When you are dealing with the distress of any of these scenarios, you will likely be grateful that you had thought to make these plans back before they were necessary because they can take some of the stress away in the moment of crisis.

This is the same reason why people will formally establish power of attorney. It is not nice to think about a future where you are incapable of expressing your wishes and making your own decisions, but making a plan just in case you are incapacitated is integral to an estate planning process. If you have been considering giving someone power of attorney, an experienced DuPage County, IL estate planning lawyer can help you understand what you should take into account in making this important decision.

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What Happens to My Credit After Bankruptcy?

 Posted on February 22, 2024 in Bankruptcy

IL bankruptcy lawyerFiling for bankruptcy can be an upsetting experience and many people try to avoid doing so at all costs. However, if you are overextended and unable to pay the money that you owe, bankruptcy is a way to help that can offer some breathing room as you try to get out of your debt and become financially stable. Some misconceptions about bankruptcy make people hesitant to file, for example, that once you have filed for bankruptcy, your credit will be tarnished forever, and you will never be able to get a loan. The truth is that there is hope after bankruptcy. An experienced Geneva, IL bankruptcy attorney can explain why and how you might get there too.

Is It Possible to Have Credit After Filing for Bankruptcy?

As a general rule, bankruptcy tends to stay on your record for seven years following the conclusion of your process, and it will affect your credit during these years and for some more years to follow. However, if you make consistent efforts to pay off the debts that put you into bankruptcy and to avoid debt going forward, the impact of your bankruptcy will slowly start to get smaller and smaller.

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How Can a Will Save Your Family Money in the Future?

 Posted on January 19, 2024 in Estate Planning / Probate

Kane County estate planning lawyerHaving a will in place can end up saving your family a significant amount of time, stress, and money when you pass away. At the same time, it may seem too much to think about, but getting your affairs in order now can make a big difference for your loved ones later. An Illinois estate planning lawyer can guide you on how creating a will can help your family money down the road.

Avoids the Costs of Dying Intestate

If you die without a will, the state gets to decide how to distribute your assets. This is called dying intestate. When this happens, the court appoints an administrator who must go through a long legal process to determine your heirs and parcel out your property and finances. This legal supervision comes at a significant cost, with administrator fees and court costs claiming a chunk of your estate. A will lets you direct your assets as you see fit, avoiding this bureaucratic money drain.

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Estate Planning Tips for Illinois Families with Disabilities

 Posted on December 22, 2023 in Estate Planning / Probate

Geneva estate planning lawyerAs an Illinois family with a disabled loved one, ensuring they are cared for after you are gone is a pressing concern. Proper estate planning can secure their lifestyle and give you peace of mind. There are a few steps you should know how to take. An Illinois estate planning lawyer can help make sure you cover them.

Set Up a Special Needs Trust

special needs trust is a vital estate planning tool for families. This trust holds assets to supplement government benefits for your disabled beneficiary without affecting eligibility. A trustee manages distributions, while the beneficiary does not control assets. Special needs trusts maintain financial support, medical coverage, and quality of life for your dependent.

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Eviction Mistakes to Avoid in Illinois

 Posted on November 20, 2023 in Real Estate

Geneva real estate lawyerNavigating the eviction process can be challenging for Illinois landlords. There are nuances in the law and thorough procedures that must be followed. Making mistakes can delay evictions, lead to lawsuits, and cause significant financial harm. You should be aware of the biggest eviction mistakes. An Illinois lawyer can help you with the process so you do not make the wrong move.

Not Following Proper Notice Procedures

Illinois law requires landlords to formally notify tenants before filing for eviction. This includes serving the appropriate written notice form and waiting for the minimum notice period. For nonpayment of rent, a 5-Day Notice is required. Other lease violations need a 10-day Notice. Sending an informal warning or skipping notices altogether leads to defective filings.

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Sidestepping Probate Pitfalls in Illinois

 Posted on October 18, 2023 in Estate Planning / Probate

Geneva estate planning lawyerGoing through a probate can be filled with pitfalls for grieving executors and beneficiaries. But an Illinois attorney can guide you through the complex process smoothly. Common mistakes can be avoided by understanding probate procedures, promptly securing assets, and maintaining meticulous records. 

With legal representation, you can minimize disputes, delays, and disruptions when settling your loved one’s estate. You should be aware of key steps to sidestep probate problems and honor their legacy responsibly.

Understanding the Probate Process

Settling an estate through probate can be emotionally and legally challenging. Without guidance, even well-meaning executors and beneficiaries can stumble. A misstep might simply delay asset distribution. Or worse, it can spark bitter inheritance disputes. You can protect heirs and your deceased’s wishes by working with a probate attorney.

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Can I Evict a Tenant in Illinois for Late Rent Payments?

 Posted on September 15, 2023 in Landlord Evictions

IL eviction lawyerAs a landlord in Illinois, having tenants consistently pay late can be extremely frustrating. You may wonder what options you have to evict a tenant for chronically late rent with the help of an Illinois attorney. Here is what Illinois landlords need to know about evicting tenants for late rent payments.

Notice Requirements for Late Rent

Before a tenant in Illinois can be evicted for late rent, you must provide proper written notice. The notice must specify the amount owed and provide at least five days for the tenant to pay before you can file for eviction.

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Debunking Common Misconceptions Regarding Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

 Posted on August 21, 2023 in Bankruptcy

Geneva, IL bankruptcy lawyerChapter 7 bankruptcy offers individuals overwhelmed by debt a fresh start. However, misconceptions often surround this legal process, leading to confusion and misinformation. Today, we will be debunking some of the most common misconceptions regarding Chapter 7 bankruptcy, empowering individuals with accurate knowledge and dispelling myths associated with this debt relief option. If you are considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, contact an experienced bankruptcy attorney to ensure you receive the critical legal guidance you need during this trying time. 

Losing Everything

One significant misconception is that filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy means losing all assets. In reality, exceptions exist to protect certain property types, such as essential household items, a vehicle, and in some cases, even your home. Understanding the exemptions available in your state is crucial to safeguarding your assets throughout the process. 

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How Can Radon Complicate the Sale of a Home?

 Posted on July 17, 2023 in Real Estate

Geneva, IL residential real estate lawyerRadon is a harmful substance that is found in the ground. Sometimes, radon can leach out of the ground and appear in the basement of residential homes. When a homeowner wants to sell, tests will usually be performed during the sale process to determine the home’s radon levels. If they come back showing high levels of radon, it can throw a wrench into the residential real estate transaction process. Deals can still go through, even with a high radon level, but they usually require some adjustment. 

Radon Is a Dangerous Gas

Radon is a gas that is created when radioactive elements in the ground decay. Large-scale exposure to radon is carcinogenic. Radon is blamed for approximately 20,000 deaths each year and is a major contributor to high rates of lung cancer among non-smokers. Accordingly, radon testing is a part of the due diligence and inspections that a buyer performs before the home selling transaction is completed.

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Can I Buy a Car After Bankruptcy?

 Posted on June 06, 2023 in Bankruptcy

Geneva Bankruptcy LawyerMany people who file for bankruptcy believe that they will never be able to get any kind of credit in the future. They believe that things like a new car are out of reach. It is possible to get car loans after bankruptcy, but you will need to pay more for it. A Geneva bankruptcy lawyer can advise you of the potential effects of declaring bankruptcy and what could happen in the following years. 

You Can Get Some Types of Credit

In general, bankruptcy will remain on your record for seven years after the process concludes. The bankruptcy will continue to affect your credit. Immediately after the debt is discharged is when there will be the highest impact. Most lenders will decline for traditional auto loans because of your credit. However, the more time passes after your bankruptcy, the more the impact will diminish. It may be possible to get a traditional car loan several years after your bankruptcy.

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