Power in Collaboration®
You know that quote that starts with, “The best-laid plans of mice and men…”? This quote can be used to describe a lot of Illinois residents’ estate plans. Many estate plans are well-intentioned but, at the end of the day, they lay in waste and ruin and never serve to carry out the original goals… Read more »
A prenuptial agreement comes with numerous benefits. In fact, you might argue that — given the high chance of divorce these days — a prenuptial agreement is just as important as an estate plan. No one wants to admit that there’s a chance they could ever get a divorce, and signing a prenuptial agreement seems… Read more »
The legal term “testamentary capacity” refers to the capacity of an individual to draft a will for him or herself. When someone lacks testamentary capacity, a court will render any will that he or she drafted and signed is not valid. A minor, for example, who is under the age of 18, does not have testamentary capacity… Read more »
Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin) Rules that Company’s Distributor Is Not its “Competitor” in E.T. Products, LLC v. D.E. Miller Holdings, Inc., No. 16-1204 (Sept. 20, 2017) November 1, 2017 What is a business “competitor”? What does “indirectly” mean? Is the difference between “and” and “or” a big deal? Are you competing with… Read more »
She cuddles up to you every single night providing a level of companionship that’s deeper than anything you’ve experienced with a human being. She knows when you need her support and you know when she needs yours. It just works: Your pet is the best friend you’ve ever had. Unfortunately, one of the saddest parts… Read more »
Ms. Smolka has been appointed to a second year as co-chair of this group, which meets on the fourth Friday of each month. The group features guest lectures from women on different topics which appeal to business owners. “I love this group of women. I’ve made some lasting friendships and business contacts.” said Julia. Below… Read more »
You might be surprised to discover that 6 out of every 10 adults in the United States has yet to create an estate plan. According to Caring.com — just 4 out of every 10 American adults have drafted a will or living trust. The big difference between young people without estate plans and older people with estate… Read more »
Imagine you’re serving as the executor of your deceased sister’s estate. Your sister owned a condo in a neighboring city and for you to carry out your executorship duties, you need to get information about the unit from the condo manager. What information will you need to present to prove your status as executor? When… Read more »
Julia Smolka and Maria Schwartz recently presented a program called “What Documents Every Person Needs Who is In Business” at the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce. They spoke with small business owners about what legal documents that people in business need to think about creating to not only help them succeed, but to give them… Read more »
Thinking about the possible end of a marriage before the nuptials even begin isn’t something that most people want to do. Even though it is unpleasant, taking a moment to devote time to this important — but often overlooked — subject this can actually help strengthen your marriage. A prenuptial agreement protects you and your… Read more »