Jones Law Group Chicago

Adoption is a legal procedure which establishes a new family relationship between the adopting parents and the child who is being adopted. After the completion of the adoption process, the adopting parents have the same rights, duties and responsibilities to the child as the birth-parents would have had. Some general rules apply to adoption

ADULTS can be adopted in Illinois. One of the adopting parents must be related to the person being adopted or else the person being adopted must have lived in the home of the adopting parents for at least two consecutive years and the adult must consent to being adopted.

Probate Estate

The assets that go through probate after you die. This includes assets you own in your name and those paid to your estate. This does not include assets owned jointly, payable-on death accounts, insurance and other assets with beneficiary designations. Assets in a trust do not go through probate.

Estate planning

Estate planning is a process whereby a person’s objectives for management and disposition of his or her property are analyzed and action is taken to accomplish those objectives through court supervised distribution of the estate during probate 

Some questions to be considered during planning:

• Who should get the deceased assets?
• Who should manage the estate?
• Who should be a child’s or disabled adult guardian?

This Act allows the appointment of an agent and successor agent who can act for you. The power can be conditioned upon the principal’s incapacity. These powers survive the disability of the principal.

There are two types of statutory powers:

Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care

A legal document that lets you give someone else the authority to make health care decisions for you in the event you are unable to make them for yourself. Also called a health care proxy or medical power of attorney.

Durable Power of Attorney for Property

A legal document that lets you give someone else the authority to make financial decisions for you in the event you are unable to make them for yourself.

A written document that states you do not wish to be kept alive by artificial means when the illness or injury is terminal.

Guardianship involves petitioning the court to gain legal authority over certain or all aspects of a person’s life. This responsibility may apply to a disabled adult (18 and older) or a minor.

When seeking guardianship, it is essential to act in the ward’s best interests. As a guardian, you must avoid conflicts of interest or any appearance of impropriety when managing the ward’s affairs.

There are two types of guardianship:

• Guardian of the Estate: This type of guardian manages all financial and legal matters for the ward.
• Guardian of the Person: This guardian is responsible for personal care decisions, including healthcare and residential placement.

By understanding the responsibilities and acting ethically, guardians can effectively support and protect the best interests of their wards.

Mediation is when parties meet with a neutral third-party in an effort to settle a dispute. The third-party is called a mediator. It is this person’s job to listen to the evidence, help the parties come to understand each other’s viewpoint regarding the controversy, and then facilitate the negotiation of a voluntary resolution to the case. The purpose of mediation is to avoid the time and expense of litigation by settling a dispute or lawsuit early on in the process.

Arbitration is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution in which the parties work out the disputed issue without going to court. An impartial third party, known as an Arbitrator, is chosen by the parties to listen to their case and make a decision. The meeting takes place outside court, but is much like a hearing, in that both sides present testimony and evidence. As arbitration has been set as a method of relieving the congestion of court calendars, the decision the arbitrator makes is almost always final, and the courts will only rarely reconsider the matter. 

Buyer

When purchasing residential real estate, retaining a qualified and competent real estate attorney at the outset can save you from costly mistakes. Ideally, you should involve your attorney before making a purchase and consult with them before signing any documents.

A real estate attorney plays a critical role in navigating the complexities of the buying process. They review contracts, ensure your rights are protected, and address any legal concerns that may arise. Their expertise acts as the glue that holds the entire process together.

By engaging a knowledgeable attorney early on, you can confidently proceed through your transaction and safeguard your investment.

Seller

When and how you sell your home may be the largest and most important investment decision of your life. Working with a knowledgeable Real Estate Attorney will help ensure that you protect your investment and ensure that the process of selling your home goes smoothly. 

An attorney would make sure that before you sign anything, you understand all legal agreements related to the sale of your home.

While “thank you” notes and e-mails are always appreciated, it is a great feeling to receive a referral from a client. It is a great compliment to know that the client had a positive experience and appreciated my efforts enough to recommend my legal services to a family member or friend.