by Lauren Jackson | Feb 1, 2024 | Attorney, Estate Planning, financial advisor, Lawyer, Limited Liability Company, Retirement, Small Business
One of the most important things we can do for our families, and our future selves, is to save money in retirement accounts. I’ve noticed a common client misconception that all money in retirement accounts (IRA, 401K, 457, etc.) is protected and untouchable by...
by Lauren Jackson | Jan 25, 2024 | Attorney, buying a home, Lawyer, Mechanic Lien, mortgage, owner's title policy, Real Estate, selling a home
If you make your living in real estate, an instrument you should know is the mechanic lien. Also known as a construction lien or a contractor’s lien, a mechanic lien is a legal claim that a contractor or other construction professional (carpenter, architect, plumber,...
by Lauren Jackson | Jan 12, 2024 | Attorney, Beneficiaries, Estate Planning, executor, Irrevocable trust, Lawyer, Revocable living trust, Trusts, Wills
Throughout the years, we have helped clients who believed that they were not getting their fair share of an estate or their family’s personal belongings. Unfortunately, even dealing with family, sometimes especially when dealing with family, when money or...
by Lauren Jackson | Dec 27, 2023 | Attorney, buying a home, Elgin, Lawyer, lender's title policy, owner's title policy, Real Estate, real estate closing, selling a home, St. Charles
Two common questions we get from our selling real estate clients are: how do we get our money and when do we get our money? In northern Illinois, we use title insurance companies to handle the disbursement of monies in real estate transactions. By using a title...
by Lauren Jackson | Dec 2, 2023 | Attorney, Billing, Estate Planning, executor, Lawyer, Small Business, Trusts, Wills
As more AI is developed, there will be more web-based companies that you can choose to help you draft your estate plan. Online companies will make promises to lure you in with convenience or an upfront cost that might seem too good to be true. Let’s review why...
by Lauren Jackson | Nov 9, 2023 | Attorney, buying a home, Contracts, Lawyer, Real Estate, real estate closing, selling a home
Whether you can get your earnest money back if you cancel your real estate contract depends on the specific terms and conditions outlined in the contract and the circumstances surrounding the cancellation. An earnest money deposit is a sum of money provided by the...
by Lauren Jackson | Oct 13, 2023 | Attorney, Beneficiaries, executor, intestate estate, Lawyer, open probate case, Probate, Small estate
If a family member dies without a properly executed estate plan, those left behind are faced with a highly stressful and unpleasant experience. There are many questions that must be answered. If the person who died has assets equaling a certain amount and are of a...
by Lauren Jackson | Sep 30, 2023 | Attorney, Beneficiaries, Beneficiary, Estate Planning, executor, Guardian, Lawyer, spendthrift trust, Supplemental Needs Trust, Trustee, Trusts
Over the years I have had clients who wish to leave assets or money to a beneficiary who is either on disability or doesn’t have the wherewithal to manage his or her own finances. If you want to leave money to someone, but are worried the beneficiary won’t use or...
by Lauren Jackson | Sep 20, 2023 | Attorney, buying a home, Lawyer, Real Estate, real estate closing, selling a home
Hiring a real estate attorney is an important part when purchasing or selling real estate. Asking the right questions can make sure the attorney is a good fit for your transaction. Hiring the right attorney could make or break the deal. The legal industry has become...
by Lauren Jackson | Sep 8, 2023 | Attorney, executor, Kane County, Lawyer, open probate case, petition for probate, Probate, Small estate
Being named executor of an estate for a family member or friend, is a responsibility that should be taken seriously. You will be considered the personal representative for the estate, meaning it is your responsibility to manage the estate and distribute the...
