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Recent Blog Posts
Wording in Business Contracts Matters - What Every Business Owner Should Know
If you are like most people, you were probably told at a fairly young age that you should carefully read everything you sign, especially contracts. If you are a business owner, it is likely that you now understand why: the wording of a contract matters. More than that, the wording of a contract can change everything. Just a single misunderstood phrase can make or break a litigation claim. Protect your company with effective wording and help from the following information.
Ways Poor Wording Can Jeopardize Your Company
Contracts are used for almost any and every business transaction and agreement - from those forged with suppliers, to those signed by clients or customers, and right on down to the ones your employees sign. So, really, poor verbiage in a contract can jeopardize your company in pretty much every way imaginable. It can lead to litigation for not meeting consumer expectations. It can result in losses with suppliers. It can even lead to wrongful termination lawsuits or other employment litigation matters.
Parents Can Learn Some Important Lessons from Lebanon Kidnapping Case
Divorce and custody issues are complex, often contentious, and sometimes extremely messy and heartbreaking. The Lebanon kidnapping case, in which a mom had custody of her children, let them visit their father, who then never returned the children, is a prime example. What can parents going through divorce currently take away from this case? Some rather important lessons.
Trust Your Instincts
The mother, who had been awarded full custody of the children, had reservations about sending the children to another country to spend time with their father. In one interview, she even mentioned that the father had done something in the past to warrant concern. If you have an instinctual feeling that something may be "off," talk to your family law attorney before proceeding. They can help you understand the laws, your obligations, and your rights as a parent.
Why Family Dynamics Are Important in Estate Planning
When creating an estate plan, there are many factors and issues to consider. Unfortunately, family dynamics do not always get quite enough attention. As such, many families are still left with a lot of conflict upon the passing of a loved one. Learn how to avoid this common issue by taking the time to consider the impact that family dynamics may have on your estate plan.
How Will Your Decisions Affect Your Family?
During the estate planning process, most people sit down and plan in one of two ways. The first group has a strategic plan - the eldest child might receive important family heirlooms, a wedding ring may be passed onto a daughter instead of a son, or allotments might be provided based upon what the guarantor sees as "fair." The second group typically considers their own sentiment. They might remember a granddaughter lovingly adoring a jewelry box, or special moments with a father and his son while working on dad's classic car, which may lead them to leave these items based upon their sentimental connection. Yet these are not always the most effective ways to estate plan.
Getting Remarried Should Trigger an Update to Your Estate Plan
Love might have failed you before, but the fact that you are planning on getting remarried proves you have not abandoned all hope. Just do not let that cloud your judgement when it comes to updating your estate plan. Do not have one yet? You are certainly not alone, but this can be problematic for more reasons than one. The following explains further, and provides some guidance on estate planning matters you may want to consider before or immediately after you walk down the aisle.
No Will? You Might Have a Problem
Some blended families just do not blend. Others manage to get along fairly well, but tensions may mount if you pass away without a will. You see, without a will, your estate will be divided up according to Illinois state law. This essentially means that your spouse would receive half of your estate, and that your children would have to split the remaining half. Even more troubling is that this law does not address issues involving family heirlooms or other items you may not want sold. Instead, your family will be left to battle it out, which could take several months, possibly even years. Thankfully, a will can and often does eliminate a great deal of the potential discourse.
Using a Staffing Agency to Supplement Your Growing Business? There is Something You Should Know
For most small businesses, the path to success is tread in baby steps - a handful of positive reviews here, a newspaper feature there, and little by little, business picks up. Then there is this awkward stage. Much like a teenager who is trying to figure their place in the world and has not yet realized their full potential, budding businesses that have not quite reached the flourishing stage may struggle with the occasional shortages, such as around the holidays or during tourist season. Yet they may not have the need or resources for additional full-time employees. A staffing or outsourcing agencies can help fill the gaps, but it is important for small businesses to understand the potential liability.
Outsourcing and Staffing Often Results in Joint Liability
How the Best Interests of a Child is Determined in Divorce and Family Law Cases
Decisions regarding children in divorce and other child-related family law cases are typically based upon the best interests of the child. What exactly does this mean, though? Who gets to decide? More importantly, where do the best interests of the child and the rights of intersect? If you are facing a child-related matter, the following information can better help you understand the best interests of children, how they are decided, and what it may mean for you in the long-term.
Defining the Best Interests of Children
Although parents are, for the most part, the best source for determining what the best interests of their children are, there are circumstances in which they cannot agree on the details of their parenting plan, specifically the allocation of parental responsibilities and each parent's allotment of parenting time. In these situations, the best interests of the child will be decided by a judge. Several factors are used to help them in drawing their conclusion, including:
Understanding the Basics of Land Use and Zoning in Illinois
If you are planning to build - be it a custom home, subdivision, or mini mall - there are some rules and regulations that you will have to follow. Known as land use and zoning ordinances, these laws restrict what can be built where. Highly complex and esoteric, these laws can make or break your land development or building project. The following information can help you understand the basics.
Why So Many Rules?
Zoning laws and land use regulations were first adopted in New York City in 1916. Since that time, they have been adopted by almost every state, city, and county. Their purpose is multifaceted, covering a wide range of social, environmental, and even appearance issues, including:
- The preservation of historical sites and natural resources,
When Celebrities Die Without a Will, Americans Get Serious About Estate Planning
Estimates indicate that just 64 percent of all Americans have a will. That number drops significantly, falling to 22 percent, in the 55 and younger population. Yet, when the fortunes of big celebrities are thrown into limbo because they failed to make an estate plan, Americans start to get serious about their own fortunes. Of course, not everyone has an actual fortune, but that does not mean you do not need an estate plan. The following covers some important lessons learned from celebrities who died without a will, and will hopefully help you understand the importance of having one in place for your estate.
Probate Costs and Taxes Can Significantly Reduce the Value of Your Estate
Whether you are a multibillionaire, a pop music idol, or just your average American, your estate may be subject to probate if you pass away without a will in place. This can get expensive, and fast. As an example, Prince's estate, which is currently valued at about $300 million has already racked up more than two million in attorney's fees. On top of that, there will be state and federal taxes to pay, which are often higher when you fail to create an estate plan. If you have even a meager estate, reduce the risk of its depletion in probate with an estate plan.
Non-Compete Agreements and the Illinois Freedom to Work Act: What Business Owners Need to Know
Non-compete agreements, which prohibit employees from engaging in certain acts with their employer's competitors, are going to see some important changes, come 2017. If you are a business owner in Illinois, it is critical that you know what these changes are, how they could affect your business, and what you can do to protect yourself if you should face an issue involving a non-compete agreement. The following information can help.
Illinois Freedom to Work Act
Set to take effect January 1, 2017, the Illinois Freedom to Work act stems from a lawsuit brought against an Illinois sandwich shop food chain by the state's Attorney General. Workers were required to sign a non-compete agreement that restricted them from working with another sandwich shop (or restaurants that served like products) for the duration of their employment and at least two years after. The concern was that these employees, who were generally paid minimum wage, could not reasonably support their families with the restrictions that were imposed by the non-compete agreement.
Types of Spousal Support in Illinois
Spousal support (otherwise known as alimony) is sometimes awarded to a lesser-earning spouse in divorce. How it is awarded - the amount and duration - is dependent upon a number of factors, such as the income of each party, duration of the marriage, and each party's financial needs and obligations. Generally, though, spousal support can be divided into four basic "types." The following outlines what these types are, and when they may be awarded in an Illinois divorce.
Temporary Support
While typically associated with the finalization of a divorce, alimony can actually be awarded while the divorce is still pending. Generally, these are cases involve a lesser-earning spouse that cannot support themselves during the divorce proceedings. Alternatively, couples may come to a temporary support agreement on their own. In these instances, parties should sign and notarize a written agreement that outlines the details of their arrangement. If you need temporary support during a pending divorce, contact an attorney for assistance.
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