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Probate, the legal process of settling a deceased person’s affairs, is essential to ensure that debts and taxes are properly managed. In the state of Illinois, the involvement of a lawyer in probate proceedings is generally mandated, with a few exceptions. If the deceased’s estate is valued at less than $100,000 and lacks real estate, […]

A “Power of Attorney” document serves as a powerful tool that confers authority upon an individual to act on behalf of another. Typically, a general power of attorney arrangements is granted with specific time frames or purposes in mind. For instance, in the context of a real estate transaction, the property seller might empower their […]

Estate planning is a crucial part of ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. A last will and testament is a foundational document in this process, but it’s essential to know what you should never put in your will to avoid potential complications and legal issues down the road. […]

When it comes to estate planning in Cottage Hills & Rosewood Heights, IL, drafting a will is a fundamental step to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your passing. However, not all wills are created equal. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the different types of wills recognized in Illinois, […]

Probate is a legal process in Alton, IL that can be time-consuming, costly, and emotionally draining for your loved ones after you pass away. It involves the court’s supervision of the distribution of your assets, payment of debts, and the transfer of property to your heirs or beneficiaries. However, there are ways to avoid or […]

Divorce can be a challenging and emotionally charged process, and couples in Alton, IL often seek alternative methods to resolve their differences. One such method gaining popularity in recent years is divorce mediation. This blog explores the pros and cons of Illinois divorce mediation to help you make an informed decision about whether it’s the […]

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape in Godfrey, IL, organizations face a multitude of challenges that can disrupt their operations and hinder their long-term success. Factors such as an aging workforce, a shrinking talent pool, and heightened competition make it imperative for companies to adopt forward-thinking strategies. One such strategy that has proven to be […]

Creating a will is a vital step in ensuring that your wishes are carried out after your passing. In Bethalto, IL, there are several types of wills to choose from, each designed to meet specific needs and circumstances. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different kinds of wills available in Illinois to help you […]

The family farm in the Jerseyville, IL area is more than just a piece of land; it’s a legacy, a source of livelihood, and a repository of cherished memories. However, as generations evolve and circumstances change, the question of how to fairly divide the family farm can become a complex and emotionally charged issue. In […]

Estate planning is an important step to making sure that your assets are distributed according to how you want them to be once you are gone. However, even with the best intentions, many people fall into the trap of making avoidable estate planning mistakes in Alton, IL. In this blog, we will delve into some […]

When it comes to choosing the right business structure in Grafton, IL, S-Corporations have garnered significant attention for their unique advantages and disadvantages. Operating as a hybrid entity, They offer a middle ground between the simplicity of partnerships and the tax benefits of C-Corporations. In this blog, we will delve into the intricacies of S-Corporations […]

A rental lease agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords. However, there are instances where violations of the lease terms occur, causing disputes and challenges for both parties involved. Understanding common rental lease violations is crucial for tenants and landlords alike in East Alton, IL, […]

Grandparents play a crucial role in the lives of their grandchildren, providing love, support, and wisdom. However, certain circumstances may arise where grandparents find themselves in a position where seeking legal custody or guardianship becomes necessary. If you are located in Alton, Illinois, and need guidance on this topic, then keep reading!   Ensuring Stability […]

When it comes to real estate transactions, understanding the different types of deeds is crucial. One such deed is a quitclaim deed. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of quitclaim deeds, their purpose, how they differ from other deeds, and the implications of using them in property transfers in Bethalto, IL.   […]

The Power of Attorney for Health Care, or Health Care POA, allows individuals to delegate their healthcare decisions to a trusted person in the event they are no longer able to. It ensures that an individual’s medical treatment and end-of-life wishes are respected. In this blog post, we will go into more detail on what […]

Starting a business can be an exciting and fulfilling endeavor, but it also requires careful planning and attention to detail. If you’re considering launching in Jerseyville, IL, you’ll need to navigate through various legal and logistical steps to ensure a smooth and successful start. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive checklist […]

Buying a home is an exciting time, but it can also be a stressful and complicated process in Godfrey, IL. One of the most significant steps in purchasing a home is signing a purchase agreement with the seller. This agreement outlines the terms of the sale and protects both the buyer and the seller. However, […]

Mediation is a type of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third party assists disputing parties in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement. It is a flexible and informal process that can be used to resolve a wide range of disputes in Roxana, IL, including divorce. This blog post will provide a comprehensive overview of how […]

Are you considering starting a business in Alton, IL? As you plan your venture, you will need to decide on the legal structure of your business. Two of the most common options are sole proprietorships and partnerships. To help you make an informed decision, let’s explore the basics of these structures and how they apply […]

Whenever residents in Jerseyville, IL think about estate planning, they usually think about the elderly with their valuable possessions like cars, jewelry, antiques, and more. Despite the common idea about estate planning, it is not just for the wealthy or elderly. Anyone can benefit from having an estate plan created, as long as you have […]

Just like many other states, the Illinois Limited Liability Act (“LLC”) allows there to be single-member LLC’s. There are many scenarios where this is a better option that the unincorporated business model that was usually the only option for this kind of business formation. Many living in Wood River, IL are not aware of the […]

In Bethalto, IL, there are few financial transactions as complex as buying or selling a home. Many things will have to be done before finalizing a transaction on residential real estate. This includes doing things like negotiating a purchase contract, securing financing, and confronting any issues that come up in the inspection of the home. […]

The process of estate planning in Godfrey, IL involves the decisions regarding how a person’s assets will be distributed to their heirs upon their death. It is important to know the difference between different types of assets during this process. Some assets will be passed down to their heirs with the probate process, where the […]

Having a will prepared can be important for anyone of any age. A will is important for guiding how a person’s property should be distributed upon their death, who will be the guardian of the minor children of the person, and it guides how funeral and burial arrangements need to be handled. There are some […]

When you make smart investment decisions on real estate, you can make good money off of it. Any investor in Bethalto, IL wanting to be successful needs to understand the things they should do and things they should avoid when investing in real estate. Even making just one wrong decision can set you back greatly […]

Power of Attorney (POA) agreements are legal documents that give people to ability to choose the right persons to make important decisions for them. This gives people in Godfrey, IL who are unable to make decisions by themselves power over any necessary medical or financial decisions. These are not the only decisions that a POA […]

It is never easy to go through a divorce. Divorcing couples often see lengthy legal battles within a courtroom. Divorce proceedings in Alton, IL do not always have to involve going into a courtroom, as long as both ex-spouses are able to part ways easily. Couples looking to settle their divorce more easily will often […]

In Jerseyville, IL, and the rest of the state of Illinois, A person can create a will that will direct their affairs in the event of their death. There are scenarios, however, where a person does not write a will before they die or the will that was written is considered invalid. In cases like […]

Knowing and establishing where your property line begins and ends with your neighbors is important for preventing any disputes. A poor understanding of such things can lead to legal battles that could have been avoided. Here we will be discussing what you need to know about your property line and boundaries along with how disputes […]

It can be frustrating when your neighbor’s tree hangs over your property in Wood River, IL. You might wonder, however, if you have the right to remove any parts of the tree that fall on your property line. Before you start a property line dispute you should check and follow the laws of your city […]

The state of Illinois has a requirement that is mandatory for all registered vehicles to carry liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Also, drivers in the Godfrey, IL area must carry uninsured motorist coverage with the same […]

People setting up a will and estate planning documents need to focus on making good use of the time of their attorney. This counts for residents of the Bethalto, IL area.  There are some things you should be prepared to talk about and know in meetings with your attorney about these things. The more time […]

Estate planning is a lot more important for family-farm owners in Jerseyville, IL compared to small business owners. Unlike any small business, a farm owner does not have the easy option to move. That farmland is also valuable and typically you will see operations simply being passed down to new “heirs”. The distribution of assets […]

  While out in the heat and having some summer fun, some people think they can have a drink or two while they operate a boat. What those people fail to realize is how similar Alton, Illinois boating laws are to its DUI laws. The same limits and regulations apply to boating, if your blood-alcohol […]

  Are you thinking of using a quitclaim deed in your Godfrey, IL home? Quitclaim deeds provide a way for two people to transfer the ownership of a piece of property. Typically, they are used to include a spouse’s name on a deed upon marriage, to remove a spouse’s name off a home upon divorce […]

When a loved one passes it is always a terrible ordeal that you have to deal with throughout your life. If your loved one passes without a will, the process of managing their final affairs only adds more stress to the situation. Without a will, this person is considered to have died “intestate”. In Wood […]

Trusts are no longer solely for the advantage of the wealthy; they are now widely used by the average individual for broad spectrum of estate planning objectives. In fact, as your estate plan changes over time, you may find that you need to include more than one trust into your overall plan. You may also […]

A lot of people in the Bethalto, IL area are attracted to the prospects of buying a brand-new home. The home building process is easier now than it ever has been before. You get to pick the land, and then customize the house exactly the way you want to. They also make the sale offer […]

During mediation, a couple or family meets with a neutral third party. They do this to explore each party’s goals and child custody, needs in divorce, or other family law situations.  The mediator ensures that the parties gather all of the needed information that they need in order to make informed decisions and ensures that […]

Trying to get around when your driver’s license is suspended or revoked can be tricky. If you think you can drive with this happening, you should really reconsider. This is because in Jerseyville, IL, driving with a revoked or suspended license as a result of a DUI is a mandatory jailable offense. If you have […]

A living trust is similar to a Last Will and Testament in terms of estate planning popularity. If you are debating on including a living trust into your personal estate plan or are finding yourself to be the beneficiary of a living trust, you may have questions as to how the trust works. An example […]

When looking at making your business either a corporation or an LLC there are many similarities and differences to consider. Both are able to limit the liability of the investors. This includes the owners and shareholders, from the debts of the business. This also defends the investors from lawsuits being made against the business. The […]

What Should I Do If I Am Stopped for a Traffic Ticket in Bethalto, IL Make sure that you first pull over in a safe manner as soon as you can. Put your vehicle in park and turn off your radio and engine. Make sure that if it is dark outside you turn on your […]

Business contracts and agreements are the foundation of any business. However, when these transactions are complicated, it is easy for situations to arise that neither party anticipated during the negotiations.  A contract that is drafted by an experienced Jerseyville, IL area contract lawyer can establish guidelines for resolving any of these disputes. This will allow […]

When it comes to buying or selling a property in Wood River, IL, this is certainly a big deal. With it not only being a big deal, but it will also come with big prices. Cutting expenses anywhere that is possible does sound like a great idea to anyone that is wanting to save the […]

There is something quite exciting about taking the next time in your dreams of starting a small business and really getting it off the ground and running. When it comes to starting a business in Bethalto, IL, there are so many different types of factors that go into how to start it up. If you […]

Something that is very essential to those in Greenville, IL is protecting your loved ones. You can do this by having both a will and a trust. With both of these in mind, there are differences between the two. The two differences between these two actions are truly important in the case of unforeseen circumstances. […]

These simple steps can be followed by residents of the Alton, IL area to ensure that they have all of the legal documents ready to create their estate plan.  This includes their end-of-life medical treatments as well as the distribution of their belongings and property after they pass. Select a Health Care Agent You need […]

Divorce is difficult for everyone. Many important decisions must be made, and the parties may not always agree. The most practical way to resolve issues and come to an amicable agreement is to use a family lawyer for divorce mediation. There are several reasons why family mediation in Godfrey, IL, makes sense. Cost-Effective Mediation costs […]

College Expenses under Child Support When parents decide to divorce or split up, child support orders have to follow. The court will order the noncustodial parent to make a fair contribution to help the custodial parent bring up the child. However, many questions remain concerning financial contributions once a child turns 18. The fact is […]

Bond County, IL Divorce Evidence: Texts, Emails, and Facebook! What To Watch Out For During Your Divorce. The prevalence of social media is something that can’t be ignored these days. Many Bond County residents freely share information with their friends and family members, but this isn’t always a good idea. When you are going through […]

How to Form an LLC in Alton, IL It takes courage and initiative to decide to start a small business of your own but knowing the steps you need to take to get a business off the ground can help you avoid small mistakes that might come back to haunt you in the future. The […]

Alton, IL If My Ex Has an Increase in Income Will the Court Modify the Child Support Amount I Have to Pay? When determining how much child support a noncustodial parent must pay to the custodial parent, Illinois uses a standard “percentage of income model” (PIM). Child support amounts are primarily based on an obligor’s […]

Jerseyville, IL Estate Plannings Explained Death is something that many people hate to think about, but it is a reality that will happen one day. Therefore, whether your estate is comprised of a handful of options they will have to be passed. Estate plannings have to do with deciding how you would like this to […]

Starting A Small Business in Alton, IL In today’s world, it pays to be business-minded. If you’re considering starting a small business in Alton, IL, there are many decisions to make. The first is whether to venture into the world of sole proprietorship where you’re the only person responsible for owning the company. The other […]

Planning for the Worst: What Is a Living Will and How Will It Help My Family After I Die? It isn’t easy to think about what might happen when you die, but taking care of estate planning before you get sick or injured can save your family a lot of stress while ensuring that your […]

Driving Record Management is Essential for Rideshare Drivers – Avoid Traffic Tickets Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare organizations actively review the driving records of people who provide driving services through their systems. It’s not just an initial screening, but an ongoing verification that drivers are staying in line with company requirements. It’s essential that drivers […]

An Overview of Fault and No-Fault Divorce in Carlyle, IL If you’re contemplating divorce, we understand that things are stressful and confusing. What started out with such hope is now a matter of who gets the property and belongings from your marriage. In Illinois, there are two basic types of divorce–no-fault divorce and fault divorce. […]

Seizure and Forfeiture of Vehicle in Alton, IL If you are stopped by the police in Alton, Illinois, and are charged with driving under the influence (DUI), you probably know that you’re not going to be driving yourself home that night. However, Illinois law allows the police to seize and keep your vehicle under Article […]

Reaching An Agreement In Your Divorce in Greenville, IL The decision to divorce is one that must be taken seriously. When one spouse is certain they want to end the marriage, they need to file the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. It is then served to the other party, at which time the process officially […]

Why Should I Hire a Real Estate Attorney in Godfrey, IL? The sale or purchase of a property can be quite an undertaking that requires the expertise of several professionals, in addition to realtors, to get you to the finish line. A real estate attorney can be a valuable partner in assisting you with your […]

How Do I Settle An Estate After Someone Dies in Madison County, IL? An essential part of estate planning is appointing an executor to handle the affairs of the estate. When someone dies in Madison County, IL, the executor of the person’s estate will have many responsibilities and will need to take several steps to […]

The New Alimony/Maintenance Guidelines in Alton, IL A new 2019 Illinois divorce law has changed the way some alimony payments are calculated and awarded as well as how those payments are taxed. Below are just a few highlights of this law, which went into effect on January 1, 2019. Taxes Traditionally, the ex-spouse paying alimony […]

How Your Jersey County, IL Landlord is Liable for Negligent Security When you rent an apartment from somebody, you’re putting a lot of trust in that person to maintain a safe and healthy environment for you. If you’re wondering what you can do about your landlord providing negligent security measures, here’s what you need to […]

Alton, IL Small Business Law Starting a small business isn’t easy, especially if you don’t have a ton of knowledge or resources to put toward it. If you want to make sure you’re doing everything right when you start your small business in Alton, IL, we’ve got all the information you need to know. Business […]

Timeline After Getting A Speeding Ticket As hard as most people try to drive safely, it’s not easy to remember to do that all the time. Many people have a lot of trouble with speeding in particular. If you’ve recently got a speeding ticket in Clinton County, IL, here’s what you can expect next. Fines […]

License To Work Act in Alton Illinois In the state of Illinois, legislators passed the “License to Work Act.” To sum it up quickly, it does not allow your license to be taken away permanently for failure to pay for non-moving violations. Motorists who have no other way to get to work but to drive […]

Can I Be Arrested for Speeding? If you’re known to speed in Fayette County, IL, you may want to rethink your decision to break traffic laws. It can result in you being arrested and charged with an aggravated speeding violation. In addition to jail time, you’ll incur all sorts of penalties. You could spend up […]

Texting & Driving – Cell Phone Law in the Highland, IL area! Making sure you’re following the rules of the road is important, but that can be tough when new technology is constantly updating the law. If you’ve recently received a ticket for talking on your cell phone and driving in Highland, IL, this is […]

New Traffic Laws If you want to avoid the backlash that occurs when you fail to pay for speeding tickets, you must familiarize yourself with state laws and traffic laws. Doing so provides you with a basis of understanding that helps protect your rights as a citizen of Alton, IL, and motorists. Paying penalties can […]

Speeding Ticket When you get a speeding ticket, you probably think that it’s an inconvenience. Many people dislike appearing in traffic court or paying higher insurance premiums. However, you may not know that you face severe potential consequences. If you are charged with breaking high-speed traffic laws, you could face up to a year in […]

Texting and Driving If you’ve ever texted while driving or been tempted to text while operating a moving vehicle, think twice about your decision. Bond County, IL motorists, can cause accidents with injuries and property damage by making a rash decision, such as removing their eyes from the road for even a second. Looking down […]