Chicago's Legal Latte

Businesses classified as medical spas have a variety of special considerations that must be adhered to in the state of Illinois. In this discussion, Lavelle Law attorney Eso Akunne discusses critical issues that must be met to operate with state laws. If you are interested in getting involved in this rapidly growing industry be sure to listen to this conversation.

Beginning January 1, 2024 most businesses in the U.S. are required to comply with the Corporate Transparency Act. Lavelle Law attorney Frank Portera will share important details about the new Act and how it impacts businesses. He will cover the scope of the Act, deadlines, requirements, and penalties. If you own even a portion of a business, this is an important topic for you to learn about.

If a business is disputing an amount owed to them from a customer or vendor they need to be careful about accepting and depositing payments that are labeled Payment in Full. Lavelle Law Shareholder Jennifer Tee discusses the legal concept of Accord and Satisfaction and outlines steps businesses should take when processing payments to prevent accepting payments that are less than what is owed.

Lavelle Law Shareholder Lance Ziebell draws on his experience in representing businesses in legal matters as he discusses the importance of having an employee handbook. Lance not only explains why they are important, but what should be included and how to effectively use one to protect your business from legal claims from employees.

Lavelle Law Shareholder Matthew Sheahin, an experienced business litigator discusses the importance of establishing trademarks for a business and then details how to effectively use the legal process to defend those trademarks. Matt shares the steps business owners should take while he shares some examples of recent cases involving trademark infringement.

Employee Stock Ownership Plans are reviewed by Lavelle Law attorneys Steven Migala and David O'Leary, both of whom have extensive experience with this business succession option. ESOPs are a mechanism by which owners can sell their business to employees allowing their legacy to be protected. Learn about the advantages of the approach and some of the mechanisms involved in an ESOP transaction.

Once you pass away, your assets, including any businesses you own, can be passed on to your spouse, children, or anyone else you designate. However, they may be subject to taxes unless you prepare a sound estate plan that uses the right instruments. Lavelle Law Shareholder Brian Warens discusses how to minimize tax obligations for your heirs in this detailed estate planning discussion.

When people start a business their focus is on the here and now. If a task is not critical, it often gets overlooked or deferred. Lavelle Law Managing Partner Ted McGinn and Associate Meghan Hartnett discuss the importance of creating a sound shareholder agreement right from the start. They'll discuss what should be included and how to make sure all parties are represented and protected.

Mortgage interest rates have more than doubled in the last year causing some buyers to sit out for now while others look for the best way to finance their new home. Lavelle Law Shareholder Kelly Anderson and Sheila DuPaw of Guaranteed Rate discuss financing a home purchase in today's market including the seller buy-down option. Learn more about this financing tool and other approaches in this informative discussion.

In part 2 of this discussion, Elizabeth Maine Ellis, a Partner at Lavelle Law, drills down further on the topic of estate planning tools for independently-owned and family-owned businesses. She will look at the topic relative to the life-cycle of the business, retirement planning, and passing a business on to heirs.

Estate planning takes on extra importance when running a family-owned business. Lavelle Law Partner Elizabeth Maine Ellis discusses a series of critical elements that families with a business need to consider to protect the legacy they have built.

The Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act was enacted several years ago but as often happens with new laws, it is being defined through a series of court cases. Lavelle Law attorney Thomas Fox talks about several of those cases and what the outcomes mean for employers and the future enactment of the law.

Until recently, it was very unlikely that student loan debt could be discharged in a bankruptcy proceeding. Lavelle Law attorney Timothy Hughes discusses a new change to laws that provide an opportunity for some filers to have a clearer path to dismissing that debt.

This series has focused on alternative approaches to divorce other than the traditional two-attorney courtroom process. Approaches include uncontested divorces, mediation, and collaborative divorce. Following those approaches, our participants discuss the division of property and assets in this final installment. Join Lavelle Law attorneys Patti Levinson and Annette Corrigan and licensed family and marriage therapist Amy Wilhelmi for this insightful discussion.

Lavelle Law Managing Partner Ted McGinn and Shareholder Timothy Hughes wrap up their series on taxes by discussing bankruptcy as an option for eliminating a tax debt. They will explain what requirements need to be met and outline advantages and disadvantages to using this tactic.

In the 2nd installment of the Lavelle Law series on alternative approaches to divorce, attorneys Patti Levinson and Annette Corrigan are joined by licensed marriage and family therapist Amy Wilhelmi to discuss parenting responsibilities during and after a divorce. In an alternative approach such as collaborative divorce or mediation, parents can reach agreements on parenting time and decision-making that better protect their children from the trauma of divorce.

In part 2 of the Lavelle Law series on taxes, Managing Partner Ted McGinn and Shareholder Timothy Hughes discuss ways to address a tax debt. There are several options available based on the conditions of the debt. Learn more about them in this discussion.

Divorce is never an easy process but in some cases it is not contentious. In this first segment of a 3-part series, Lavelle Law attorneys Patti Levinson and Annette Corrigan are joined by marriage and family therapist Amy Wilhelmi to discuss alternatives to the traditional process. They will share thoughts on collaborative divorce, mediation, and other approaches that can be far less stressful and difficult for all involved.

Why are certain individuals or businesses selected to be audited by the IRS? If you receive notification of an audit, how do you proceed? Join Lavelle Law attorneys Ted McGinn and Timothy Hughes as they discuss the audit process in part one of a new 3-part series on tax audits.

In the final installment of our 3-part series on buying or selling a business, we discuss the closing. Lavelle Law Managing Partner Ted McGinn, Bill Germanetti, Principal at Impact Business Coaching, Inc., and David Gronski, President, North Coast Capital Advisors, Ltd. discuss what takes place, who attends, and how to prepare.

When businesses are bought, sold, or merge, a due diligence period allows both parties to review all elements of the entities involved in the transaction. Lavelle Law Managing Partner Ted McGinn and Bill Germanetti, Principal at Impact Business Coaching, Inc. take you through the critical elements of the due diligence process.

Before entering detailed negotiations to buy, sell, or merge businesses, it is advisable to have a clear letter of intent drafted. Ted McGinn, Managing Partner of Lavelle Law, Bill Germanetti, Principal at Impact Business Coaching, and David Gronski, President, North Coast Capital Advisors discuss the important elements of a LOI.

State and federal courts continue to render important decisions regarding the scope and reach of Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act or BIPA for short. BIPA is intended to protect the biometric identifiers, including fingerprint and facial identification, of Illinoisans. In this podcast, attorney Brian Massimino digs into the important takeaway lessons from these cases, including the statute of limitations, the risks of mere possession of protected information, and business insurance coverage. If you have any questions about BIPA or other business risk management issues, reach out to Brian at 312-332-7555.

An M&A intermediary or broker provides valuable advice to companies who are seeking a sale or acquisition. In this podcast, Steven Migala, Lavelle Law Attorney and Shareholder, is joined by Paul Heinze, President of the Paul M. Heinze Company and an alliance partner in Goldberg Heinze Business Advisors. Steve and Paul discuss the value of working with an M&A Intermediary or Broker when selling your business or growing by strategic acquisition.

Bankruptcy laws have been changed whereby it is much easier for a business to reorganize and restructure its debt. But when a business does file for a bankruptcy reorganization, it needs to secure a lending relationship whereby cash flow needs can be financed through the bankruptcy. In this podcast, Lavelle Law attorney Ted McGinn and his guest, Tom Stamborski, president of Liquid Capital of Illinois, discuss debtor in possession financing, what financing options are available, and what steps a business can take in order to establish such a relationship in anticipation of a bankruptcy.

This podcast explores alternative cash flow solutions for companies not involving traditional bank financing. The impact of COVID-19 on cash flow will be discussed, as well as how alternative financing products can address the different cash flow needs that a business may experience. Join Lavelle Law attorney Steve Migala and his guest, Tom Stamborski, president of Liquid Capital of Illinois, as they discuss cash flow solutions in the current business environment.

When individuals and businesses fall behind on tax filings and payments, they often underestimate how costly the problem can be to fix, in large part due to the significant penalties the IRS assesses in non-compliance. In this podcast, attorney Joshua Nesser discusses the most common penalties taxpayers face and what can be done to resolve them.

Are you thinking of selling your business? An owner’s decision to roll over its equity in a transaction can be a very good one with many advantages. However, selling owners should be cautious before they agree to rollover equity, and they should conduct significant due diligence and negotiations to ensure they are not agreeing to unfavorable terms in the future. In this podcast, attorney Steve Migala discusses the pros and cons to consider before making a decision to rollover equity in the sale of a business.

In this podcast, Attorney Frank J. Portera discusses Lavelle Law’s process in forming new companies by explaining exactly what filings are required in order to get your new start-up operating properly. Frank also explains the continuing annual reporting and corporate compliance requirements that are needed for all Illinois companies.

SEC-registered investment advisers must navigate several annual and ongoing regulatory and compliance requirements. Two of the most important investment adviser annual requirements are submitting an annual updating amendment to the Form ADV and conducting an annual review. Failing to comply with these annual requirements can subject an investment adviser to regulatory examinations, enforcements, fines, censures, reputational harm, and other penalties. In this podcast, attorney Samantha Bonamassa discusses the compliance requirements and answers FAQs.

Cybersecurity is constantly evolving and requires small business owners to implement strategies to protect and secure the data that they store as part of the operation of the business. The majority of businesses were not prepared for the shift in business practices that we’ve seen since the start of COVID-19, including remote working and new technology to accommodate social distancing. Cybercriminals have exploited these new advancements in technology as a means of gaining access to the personal data that businesses store. Attorney Taylor Lemick walks businesses through what makes small businesses vulnerable, the implications of COVID-19 on small businesses’ cybersecurity practices, and how to secure your business’ data with low-cost, effective practices, and how the attorneys at Lavelle Law can help your business secure its data today.

Seasoned litigator and Lavelle Law Shareholder, Matt Sheahin, discusses the options available to Illinois restaurant owners in challenging Governor JB Pritzker's emergency order that prohibits indoor dining in Illinois restaurants. Matt will explain the Illinois law, the specific emergency order, and the legal options that owners may consider.

The current federal exemptions from estate, gift, and GST tax are at an all-time high, but these exemptions and the applicable tax rates could be affected by the upcoming presidential and congressional elections. Any such changes made well into next year could be retroactive to January 1, 2021, and these historic exemptions would be lost. Even without any immediate government action, the current $11.58 million unified credit will “sunset” in 2026, and be reduced to $5 million. In light of this, the remaining months of 2020 are an unprecedented opportunity to protect your estate and your loved ones from significant transfer taxes after your death. In this podcast, estate planning attorney Heather Walser explains why it’s so important to take advantage of these extraordinary exemptions and tax rates before it’s too late.

The attorney client privilege exists to “prevent the disclosure in judicial proceedings of the communications between the attorney and the client.” Its purpose is to encourage open and honest communications between an attorney and client. Like other “privileges,” the attorney client privilege can be waived, which means that an adverse party may be able to read communications that were intended to be confidential. And, that waiver can happen intentionally or unintentionally. Knowing these common pitfalls will certainly put individuals and businesses in a better position to avoid the dreaded “unforced error.” In this podcast, Lavelle Law attorney Brian Massimino provides useful tips to protect the attorney client privilege.

This podcast will provide you with an overview of the eviction process in Illinois and how it’s being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Joshua Pagan is an attorney in Lavelle Law’s litigation practice group where he primarily handles commercial and business litigation matters and occasionally handles eviction matters.

In this podcast, attorney Ted McGinn discusses closing a business entity that has creditor claims exceeding its assets. Listen to episode 7 of our Bankruptcy Solutions mini-series.

In this podcast, attorney Tim Hughes provides an overview of the impact and requirements for filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for a business. Have a listen to this episode of our Bankruptcy Solutions mini-series and explore the options available for your business.

In this podcast, attorney Ted McGinn discusses whether filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is right for a business. Listen to episode five in our “Bankruptcy Solutions” mini-series.

In this podcast, attorney Tim Hughes discusses how Chapter 13 can possibly save a home from foreclosure.

In this podcast, attorney Ted McGinn discusses how creditors’ claims are handled in bankruptcy.

In this podcast, attorney Tim Hughes discusses what the impact is on the assets of a person when they file for bankruptcy. He will explain what happens to your property if you file for bankruptcy and how to protect your assets. Join us for our second episode in our “Bankruptcy Solutions” mini-series.

In this podcast, attorney Tim Hughes discusses whether filing for bankruptcy can help individuals facing harassment from creditors.

In this podcast, Lavelle Law attorney Steve Migala summarizes the Federal Reserve Board's new Main Street Lending Program (Program). The Program operates through three facilities offered to small and medium-sized businesses: the Main Street New Loan Facility (MSNLF), the Main Street Priority Loan Facility (MSPLF), and the Main Street Expanded Loan Facility (MSELF). Each facility is highlighted in this podcast.

Lavelle Law attorney Patti Levinson explains the benefits of using the collaborative process for a divorce during the COVID-19 crisis.

Many times, an insurance company will try to obtain what’s called a “recorded statement” after a person is involved in an accident. Attorney Nicholas Dollenmaier explains why that is probably not a good idea and why you should obtain counsel before providing one.

Lavelle Law Attorney Kelly Anderson explains what has changed with real estate transactions in the era of COVID-19 and how buyers and sellers can be prepared for it.

Zoning regulations are designed to maintain community standards while also permitting personal privacy rights. But from time to time, an owner wishes to alter the existing use of a parcel and needs to obtain relief from those zoning ordinances. This podcast, with attorney Ted McGinn, is designed to provide a basic understanding of land use and the procedure to obtain relief.

An employee stock ownership plan (an “ESOP”) is a type of employee benefit plan regulated by the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”). Employees who are ESOP participants are in many ways treated similarly to shareholders of their company. This applies to bankruptcy as well, which means that ESOP participants are effectively “last in line” and usually get nothing if the company is liquidated. However, recent case law suggests that this treatment may not apply to repurchase obligations toward former employees. Repurchase obligations may be treated as debt, which may give an ESOP participant higher priority in bankruptcy putting them next in line after the senior secured lender. In this podcast, Lavelle Law attorney Roman Perchyts answers questions about ESOPs and bankruptcy and addresses concerns that banks may have regarding the priority of repurchasing obligations in bankruptcy.

For those co-parenting, many questions may arise as to how best to handle the challenges to parenting time COVID-19 may pose. In this podcast, Attorney Colleen Hurley of Lavelle Law discusses how family law cases have been impacted by COVID-19, how courts view co-parenting during this time, and best practices.

In times of unrest, having the right protections for your family, business, assets, and other valued possessions are of the utmost importance. Given the tumultuous times in which we find ourselves, an estate plan (wills, trusts, health care/financial powers of attorney, child guardianship, etc.) has become even more important. Without these documents and correct structure, it is almost guaranteed that there will be major problems in the event of an unexpected death or disability. In this podcast, estate planning attorney, Ryan Gardner, addresses things to consider and key documents to ensure that you and your loved ones are protected, both during a crisis and afterward.

A new chapter in the Bankruptcy Code, Subchapter V, recently took effect. It provides small business debtors greater flexibility to reorganize under Chapter 11. The process is more streamlined and accessible than traditional Chapter 11 and there is more control of structure and payments of small business reorganizations. Subchapter V provides small businesses much-needed relief in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In this podcast, Attorneys McGinn and Hughes discuss Subchapter V and how it can help you save your business.

The government recently enacted the Families First Act to assist businesses with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lavelle Law Managing Partner Ted McGinn discusses the Act in detail including an overview of how sick time is to be handled and the extension of Family Leave provisions. Employment Law Attorney Lance Ziebell also joins the conversation.

COVID-19 is causing significant damage to the economy forcing many businesses to cut staffing or close down entirely. In this discussion, Lavelle Law Managing Partner Ted McGinn and Shareholder Lance Ziebell discuss how employers should handle staff reductions during this difficult period.

Most buyers and sellers fail to properly prepare for an acquisition or exit. Learning the key components can help you avoid common pitfalls, maximize value, and minimize risk. Listen in, as attorney Steven Migala and his guest Domenic Rinaldi, owner and managing partner of Sun Acquisitions, discuss the current M&A landscape.

Identity theft is the illegal acquisition of one’s Personal Identifiable Information (PII). Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the country according to the FBI. It has been the number one complaint the FTC has received for the last 17 years. There are a number of areas of identity theft-Financial, Medical, Motor Vehicle, Criminal, Child, Tax, Synthetic, and Social Security. Identity theft originates from some type of breach, which creates data loss and identity theft generally follows. Join attorney Ted McGinn and his guest, Ed Haag of Undo Identity Theft Inc., as they shed light on the dark web and discuss how to protect yourself from falling victim to identity theft.

Personal injury attorney Joseph Vito discusses your rights and legal action that may be available to you if you are in a car accident involving a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft.

Do you want to grow your business with a dedicated business coach? In this podcast, Lavelle Law attorney Steve Migala is joined by Josh Grodzin from Next Level Northwest, to discuss a great opportunity for existing businesses to expand and improve their business with the help of a business coach. Josh explains the unique structure of  Next Level Northwest, an exciting business accelerator program offered to eligible businesses in the Chicago suburbs of Elk Grove Village, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows, and Hanover Park.

In this podcast, attorney Matt Sheahin discusses the accountant’s privilege, what it means for accountants, and how CPAs can use this legal protection to their benefit.

In this podcast, attorney Kerry Lavelle discusses the basic categories of M&As and strategies that business owners can utilize when deciding if a merger or acquisition makes good business sense. He defines some of the fundamentals of a properly-structured transaction as well as common mistakes he has seen over the years.

In this podcast, attorney Kerry Lavelle, founding partner at Lavelle Law, answers frequently asked questions regarding succession planning and provides critical steps business owners should take when planning to exit their business. He also explains the different types of exit strategies to consider.

On April 18, 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed a set of rules and an interpretation to address confusion among retail investors and clarify the standards of conduct applicable to investment advisers and broker-dealers, while simultaneously preserving investors’ access to a range of products and services at a reasonable cost. After certain modifications to the SEC’s proposal based on feedback from investors and commenters, on June 5, 2019, the SEC voted in favor to adopt a final package of rules, amendments, and interpretations. In this podcast, attorney Samantha Bonamassa provides an overview of this rulemaking package.

After 16 years of litigating business disputes, attorney Brian Massimino has seen many of the same mistakes repeated time and again. Companies small and large (surprisingly even those with in-house counsel) often find themselves committing these errors. Some of these errors have the potential to be very costly. With a little forethought and diligence, you can avoid these errors and have a real impact on your company’s bottom line. In this podcast, Mr. Massimino explains areas of concern and which common habits to avoid.

When couples divorce, a home mortgage is often caught in the flux of divorce proceedings. Should the parties sell the house, or can one party buy out the other? In this podcast, senior mortgage broker, Mayra Rubio, provides answers from a financing perspective. She will address loans, equity, titles, and what happens if one party cannot qualify for financing on their own.

Lavelle Law attorney Joe Vito explains the pitfalls of compiling and submitting a nominating petition for municipal elections.

Businesses beware! On January 25, 2019, the Illinois Supreme Court issued a unanimous opinion resolving a contested interpretation of the state’s Biometric Information Privacy Act. In short, the high Court ruled in Rosenbach v. Six Flags Entm't Corp., that to state a claim under the Act, a plaintiff need not allege actual harm. In this podcast, attorney Brian Massimino explains why this decision has opened the floodgates for more litigation in this area.

In this podcast, actuary Neil Shore joins attorney David O’Leary. Mr. O’Leary is a tax and benefits partner at Lavelle Law. Mr. Shore is an actuary and partner at Shore Tompkins Actuarial Resources, LLC. They discuss the new qualified business income (QBI) deduction for business owners and the use of a cash balance plan as a strategy to maximize the owner’s QBI deduction.

In this podcast, family law attorney Patti Levinson discusses ways to prepare your family for the holidays after a divorce. She discusses how to minimize chaos, communicate with the other parent, keep some traditions and make some new ones, and plan something for yourself when the children are not with you. Remember, it is all about the children.

Family based petitions are some of the more common visa applications for those seeking to immigrate to the United States. This podcast, with attorney Haney Noureldin, provides an overview of the applications and procedures that are necessary to provide loved ones with proper immigration status here in the United States.

Deciding and choosing who will manage your assets in the event of your death or disability is one of the most important decisions you can make when creating or revising your estate plan. We call this person the “Trustee” under a Living Trust, and the “Executor” under a Will. As I always say to my clients, it is an obligation, not an honor, to be someone’s Trustee/Executor. The role often requires lots of time, effort, and true work to efficiently and effectively manage someone else’s assets for the benefit of the intended beneficiaries. This becomes especially complex if there are beneficiaries with special needs issues, ongoing trusts for dependent children, tax-haven strategies, business interests, rental properties, or other complicating factors. In this podcast, attorney Ryan Gardner explains some of the factors to consider when selecting your Trustee and Executor.

In this podcast, attorney Michael Roth discusses the various legal issues impacting children with special needs.

Title insurance protects homebuyers and lenders from past mistakes in the transfer of real property. Although the chance of a seller not having free and clear ownership of the property is quite low, it is important that every new homeowner obtain a title insurance policy. In this podcast, real estate attorney Chance Badertscher answers frequently asked questions about tile insurance.

Thinking about buying a condominium? In this podcast, real estate attorney Kevin Mitrick provides an overview of important things to know before buying a condominium.

The R&D tax credit has been available since 1981. Such credit is a great opportunity for taxpayers to lower the tax liabilities potentially without changing how they operate. The purpose of the credit is to reward taxpayers for investing in research and development. Find out what is necessary in order to take advantage of this opportunity. In this podcast, attorney Ted McGinn and his guest, CPA Chris Blaylock, discuss this topic in detail.

Nurses provide a critical service for home health care agencies. Therefore, it is essential that home health care agencies have their nurses enter into written contracts that protect the interests of the agency. But not all written contracts are equal. In this podcast, attorney Theodore McGinn answers questions regarding nurse employment agreements.

In this podcast, attorney Joshua Pagan discusses money judgments in various types of litigation.

In this podcast, attorney Matthew Sheahin discusses claims that can exist where a written or oral contract is absent.

Divorce has become all too commonplace in our society, but it does not have to be a combative, traumatic, winner-take-all process. More and more reasonable people are choosing Collaborative Divorce as a way to lessen the impact on their families and take control of their future. Collaboratively trained attorney, Patti Levinson explains how it works and why it is often a better choice than a litigated divorce.

On June 4, 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States reversed a Colorado Court of Appeals’ judgment ruling in favor of a gay couple who filed a complaint against Masterpiece Cakeshop. The original complaint was because the owner refused to make a cake for the couple’s wedding, claiming it conflicted with his religious beliefs. In this podcast, attorney Joshua Pagan explains why SCOTUS reversed the lower Court’s ruling and what this decision means for the LQBTQ community.

People often ask if they are able to complete the divorce process on their own. In many cases, the answer is no. But in some cases, it could work, with the right plan. In this podcast, family law attorney, Kristina Alkass, explains which types of cases people can settle on their own.

In the dog days of summer, neighborhood pets are everywhere. Unfortunately, not all of your neighbor’s pets are friendly or well trained. In the warmer months when pets are frequently outside, incidents of animal bites and attacks tend to increase dramatically. In this podcast, personal injury attorney Joe Vito explains the law and all avenues of recourse you may have if you, or someone you know, is bitten by a dog or other pet.

In this podcast, attorney Michael Roth provides a brief overview of guardianship and the dissolution process. He explains what happens when one party is disabled and does not have the mental capacity to enter into dissolution agreements.

Perhaps you are involved in a divorce or custody case in which an Attorney for the Child, a Child Representative, or a Guardian ad Litem was just appointed, either by motion of one of the parties, or by motion of the Court. This individual is an attorney who may have been selected by agreement of the parties, or may be an individual that the Court selected itself. If you have more than one child relative to the case, this individual may be appointed to not just one child, but all of the children relative to the case. If you are new to this process, it is normal to have questions about what this means. Listen in as attorney Colleen Hurley explains the law behind this process.

Businesses today more than ever need to be prudent in how they implement employment policies regarding workplace harassment. Demonstrative methods provide a unique and effective way to educate. In this podcast, Laurie Huspen of Valuable Resources Company joins attorney Ted McGinn to discuss workplace harassment and what employers should do to prevent it.

The new federal tax law passed at the end of 2017 eliminates the tax deduction for alimony, or support, payments. Lavelle Law family law attorney Amil Alkass looks at the impact the change may have on reaching equitable support agreements in the future.

When considering the option of divorce, it is common for couples to worry about the division of their estate, including (and often, most importantly) what would happen to their pet. With the change in Illinois law as of January 1, 2018, a Court can now take into consideration the best interest of an animal in a divorce proceeding and award ownership. In this podcast, family law attorney Colleen Hurley explains this new Illinois law and how it affects divorce proceedings.

To make informed decisions, a business owner must have timely and accurate financial information. But many emerging businesses cannot afford the cost of a full time CFO. The solution is part time CFOs. In this podcast, Kerry Lavelle of Lavelle Law and Lawrence Chester of CFO Simplified discuss the benefits of employing part time CFOs.

In this podcast, Tax Attorney Timothy Hughes and Dana B. Davidson CPA / PFS and President of Dana B. Davidson CPA Company, P.C. continue their discussion about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) signed into law on December 22, 2017. They also address important updates for Illinois taxpayers.

In this podcast, attorney Heather Glaser provides a summary of new laws in 2018, highlighting those that Illinois business owners should be aware of.

In this podcast, tax attorney Timothy Hughes and CPA Dana Davidson discuss the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was signed into law December 22, 2017. They not only explain the new tax brackets for both individuals and corporations, but also make recommendations for what Illinoisans can DO NOW before the end of the year. Tim and Dana cover the property tax implications and many other aspects of this new law.

Once a disabled child turns 18, Illinois law considers him or her to be an adult able to make his or her own financial, health care and educational decisions, even if this could not be further from the truth due to the child’s disability. As a parent or concerned family member, there are steps you can take to promote a disabled beneficiary’s continued medical and financial well-being. In this podcast, Attorney Brian Warens discusses how to establish an estate plan for a special needs beneficiary, without jeopardizing the beneficiary’s current or future eligibility for means-tested government benefits, and how you can empower yourself to make decisions on behalf of a disabled adult family member.

No one should make the biggest purchase of their lives without first checking out everything beneath the sparkling façade - which is why the standard Illinois Residential Real Estate Multi-Board 6.1 contract contains an inspection contingency allowing buyers to do just that. But beyond just allowing a home inspection, what does the inspection provision get buyers? Listen in, as attorney Kelly Anderson pulls back the curtain on this important step in real estate transactions.

In this podcast, attorney Ted McGinn was joined by Ben Soldinger, CPA and Partner at LJ Soldinger Associates. They discussed year-end tax planning and provided tips and strategies from both tax law and financial planning perspectives.

For many people, seeing holiday decorations again glitter the stores, holiday music hit the airwaves, and holiday greeting cards hit the inbox is at once a signal of excitement and a harbinger of stress. For individuals going through a family law case, these feelings can be even more pronounced. You may be eager to have some designated time to set aside your worries and enjoy time celebrating with those important to you, and you may also be concerned about what changes or roadblocks lie ahead. This may be your first holiday that you celebrate in the unchartered territory of a family law case—if so, listen in, as attorney Colleen Hurley provides advice on how to navigate through the holidays smoothly.

Buying your first home can be stressful. You may have looked at several properties with your real estate agent until you found the perfect place. You’ve been working with your lender for weeks to secure the final loan approval. You’re worried that the seller hasn’t made the repairs to kitchen that were promised. But while buying your first home can be stressful, the closing doesn’t have to be. Real Estate Attorney Chance Badertscher has prepared a summary of what to expect on the day of your closing. This primer will prepare you for what should be one of the most exciting days of your life!

It’s easy to look back at the summer that was and reminisce about the great times shared with loved ones at the family lake house or vacation abode. Life is good! What a great summer! But as the season changes and the reality of family dynamics sets in, the owner (or child or other relative of the owner) may think about more practical considerations for future years. “How will the next generation view this family residence?” “Who will be in charge when I can no longer shoulder the weight?” “Will this good feeling and family cooperation last forever?” Many of these questions and uneasy feelings can be settled through open communication, clear rules, and legal structures and documents that govern the arrangement. In this podcast, attorney Ryan Gardner explores various considerations from a legal perspective as it relates to the family vacation home and co-ownership of real property.

During this podcast, attorney Matthew Sheahin provides an overview of the way most business litigation cases are resolved. He explains settlement agreements and discusses them from both the plaintiff’s point of view as well as the defendant’s perspective.

On September 5, 2017 Acting Secretary of The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Elaine C. Duke, issued a memorandum rescinding the June 15, 2012 memorandum under the Obama administration entitled “Exercising Prosecutorial Discretion with Respect to Individuals Who Came to the United States as Children,” which established the program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”). In this podcast, immigration attorney Vishal Chhabria explains the consequences on current DACA recipients, DACA recipients whose status is set to expire over the next 6 months, and individuals who were otherwise eligible to apply for DACA but had not yet submitted an application. Additionally, legislation currently in Congress which may provide relief to "Dreamers" (those eligible to apply for DACA) is discussed.

Kerry Lavelle, author of The Business Guide to Law: Creating and Operating a Successful Law Firm, discusses the new law office consulting group at Lavelle Law. Over more than two decades, Lavelle managed a successful law firm that grew from a single attorney to more than 25 across more than a dozen practice groups. In this podcast, he discusses the process he uses in helping other law firms achieve greater success and improved financial standing. Lavelle Consulting offers law firm audits, evaluations of operations such as billing, lead generation and hiring practices, partner retreats, cash flow management, M&A and more.

Although it is not for everyone, an uncontested divorce can be a viable option under certain conditions. It can save you time and money, and avoid a prolonged discovery process. In this podcast, family law attorney Colleen Hurley explains how this process works and the benefits of an uncontested divorce.