Author Archives: Site Administrator
Questions to Ask a Real Estate Lawyer
Shopping for a real estate attorney can feel like an overwhelming prospect. How do you find an attorney, let alone pick the firm best suited to handle your matter? Whether you are planning to purchase a piece of commercial property, invest in a building complex, buy a home, or engage in a real estate… Read More »
The American Recovery Plan Act of 2021
The following article was authored by firm attorney Brian M. Bentrup and was first published on the Chicago Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section website on April 5, 2021. The United States Congress passed three pieces of legislation designed to counteract the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Former President Donald J. Trump signed the Families… Read More »
Residential Real Estate Property Disclosure Act: What is it?
When you sell a piece of residential real estate, you are required to make certain disclosures and offer certain warranties to the buyer. These requirements vary by state. In Illinois, the Residential Real Estate Property Disclosure Act governs many of the disclosures required prior to sale. Read on for an explanation of the Illinois… Read More »
How Does Illinois Foreclosure Work?
You are a couple of months behind on your mortgage, and now you are facing threatening calls and emails from the bank. You are worried they will start the foreclosure process and that, soon enough, they will kick you out of your home. How much time do you have? What is the foreclosure process… Read More »
The Heightened Importance of Pro Bono Work During a Pandemic
The following article was authored by firm attorney Brian M. Bentrup and was first published on the Chicago Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section website on January 18, 2021. I was sworn in to the Illinois bar in 2015 and never did I anticipate devoting much time, if any, to pro bono work. The end… Read More »
Explaining the Illinois Eviction Moratorium
The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on the economy and touched nearly every aspect of our daily lives. Millions of Americans have found themselves with fewer hours, cut wages, furloughed indefinitely, or out of a job entirely. Federal and state governments have provided certain measures of relief, including moratoriums on eviction for people… Read More »
Intestate Succession: What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will?
Ideally, when you pass away, all of your affairs will be in order. You will have set up your insurance policies, your trusts, and your will so that your assets will be distributed in accordance with your wishes and your family will be well-cared for. Not everyone plans ahead, however, and unexpected events occur…. Read More »
Al Lee Discusses Incapacity Planning on Popular Retirement Lifestyle Podcast
Firm partner Alfred S. Lee returned to The Retirement Lifestyle Show with Roshan, Adrian & Erik last month to discuss incapacity planning. Al was previously featured on the show earlier this year, when he talked about the basic elements of an estate plan and why having an estate plan is essential. In this latest… Read More »
The SECURE Act: Elimination of the Stretch IRA and New Rules for Younger Participants
On January 1, 2020, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 (the “SECURE Act”) became law and it significantly and fundamentally alters retirement in the United States. The SECURE Act potentially affects anyone with a defined contribution plan, which includes 401(k)s, defined benefit pension plans, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and… Read More »
What is a Lifetime Trust?
Estate planning can be complex. Many people think they only need a will, and their assets will be protected. In fact, there are many more options for protecting the welfare of your family and ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Events may arise in your life that can derail your… Read More »