Few decisions are more difficult than the one to place a spouse or parent in a nursing home. Because nursing homes are seen as a last resort, the decision is generally overlaid by a sense of guilt. Most families try to care for loved ones at home for as long as (or longer than) possible, … Continue reading Talking About Nursing Home Placement

On December 18, 2015, the President signed into law the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 (PATH Act) which extended, or made permanent, a number of popular tax provisions.  For individuals, deductions or credits extended include: For more information, or for information on other deductions and credits affected by the PATH Act, please … Continue reading Tax Law Updates

While cybersecurity has been an issue for as long as computer and networks have existed, the concerns business owners have are on the rise due to the substantial media coverage of data breaches. It seems that every week, another business is a victim of a cyber attack.  Since almost all states now have breach notification … Continue reading Cybersecurity (and Insurance) – What Attorneys Need to Know

An Illinois First District case, McInnis v. OAG Motorcycle Ventures, Inc, 2015 IL App (1st)1142644, sheds light on the applicability of restrictive covenants on rehired employees. Chris McInnis (“McInnis”) began employment with OAG Motorcycle Ventures, Inc., d/b/a city limits Harley-Davidson (“OAG”) in Palatine, Illinois, as a salesman in August 2009.  OAG was one of four Harley-Davidson … Continue reading Restrictive Covenants for Rehired Illinois Employees

A non-compete agreement, also known as a covenant not to compete, is a contract (usually between an employer and employee) where the employee agrees not to compete with the employer – typically in a certain industry, for a set amount of time and in a particular geographical area. The nature of today’s transient workforce has caused many employers to include … Continue reading Non-Compete Agreements in Illinois

Every business, from the one-person shop to the international corporation needs to involve legal counsel at every stage of the business lifespan.  The old adage is true, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”  Forming the Business The law firm, along with other key players (accountant, financial planner, etc.) plays a vital role … Continue reading Business Law Firm

One of the most overlooked parts of the estate planning process is ensuring that accounts or insurance policies have the proper beneficiary designations.  A beneficiary designation means that after one’s death, money in an account or from an insurance policy will be distributed directly to someone (the “beneficiary”) listed on the account.         Checking beneficiary designations is … Continue reading Beneficiary Designations

The last thing families with young children want to think about is estate planning.  However, if there were ever a time that estate planning was important, it is right after a family has their first child.  For example, let’s assume Jon and Jane have their first child, Junior.  Before Junior was born, if Jon or Jane died … Continue reading Estate Planning for Young Families