Young parents and professionals in Illinois often put off estate planning because it feels overwhelming or unnecessary. After all, if you are still early in your career or just starting a family, you may think you do not own enough to need a plan. But the truth is that every adult should have at least a basic estate plan, no matter their age or wealth. Having a plan in place is one of the most reasonable and responsible steps you can take to protect your loved ones.
At NN Legal Group, our Wheaton, IL estate planning attorney provides free consultations…
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When parents in Illinois cannot agree on child custody, known as the allocation of parental responsibilities in Illinois, the judge must decide what is in the child’s best interests. In some cases, that includes hearing directly from the child. But children do not automatically have the right or obligation to testify. 
Whether and how children can voice their opinions in court depends on several factors, including their age, maturity, and the sensitivity of the case. To find out whether your child might be able or required to offer testimony, speak with an experienced DuPage County, IL family law attorney about…
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While the real estate frenzy has marginally settled down, it remains a seller’s market. Because of this, as a buyer, you are more likely to consider a property advertised as-is, and as a seller, you may be more likely to sell your property as-is. When a home is sold as-is, there are no obligations on the part of the seller to provide repairs, although any known problems must be disclosed.
A home sold as-is is being sold in its current state, with no upgrades or improvements prior to the sale. Whether you are a buyer or seller, there are…
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Significant changes regarding how Illinois subcontractors can deliver lien notices began on January 1, 2025. The Illinois Mechanics Lien Act governs liens across the state, and the updated law is expected to provide clearer timelines and more flexible delivery options. The updates also reinforce the process that protects lien rights.
Whether you are a homeowner with a mechanic’s lien on your property or a contractor or subcontractor who needs to ensure all legal requirements are met when filing a mechanic’s lien, it can be beneficial to speak to a Glen Ellyn, IL civil litigation attorney who will work with you…
Continue Reading Illinois Sees Significant Changes in 2025 for Mechanics’ Liens

In 2024, a contractor awarded a $323 million contract for work on the I-294 reconstruction project was improperly terminated, resulting in a breach of contract lawsuit against the Illinois Tollway. The New York-based company claims it began work on the interchange of I-290 and I-88, only to have the contract terminated. The company claims the termination had no legal basis and resulted in harm to the company’s reputation and business.
After several months of litigation, the Illinois Tollway Board of Directors approved a $25 million settlement after acknowledging that the agency had made an administrative error when awarding the contract…
Continue Reading Breach of Contract in Tollway Case Results in $25 Million

When a child custody order is issued, the court understands that future changes in life circumstances may warrant its modification. The burden of proving the need for a change to the order falls on the parent who files, and judges generally have very high standards for what justifies a necessary change. If you need to file for a modification to your custody order, a DuPage County, IL family law attorney will listen to the details of your situation and help you decide on the next appropriate step.
What Are the Grounds for Custody Modification in Illinois?
What constitutes a valid…
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Aging adults are sometimes reluctant to execute powers of attorney, fearing that they could enable the agent to take control of their finances or place them in a nursing home over their objections. While it is reasonable and understandable to have these fears, knowing how powers of attorney work and when they go into effect will likely make you feel more comfortable creating these essential legal documents. Powers of attorney exist first and foremost to protect the person who creates them. There are different types of POAs you can use depending on whether you want your agent’s powers to go…
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Creating a parenting plan for your children can be emotionally trying. If you are working with your co-parent to establish a parenting plan by agreement, you will need to make compromises. Your parenting plan will need to address your parenting time schedule, first and foremost. You will need to determine when your child will spend time with each parent. You will also need to address your parental responsibilities in your parenting plan. In Illinois, the term “parental responsibilities” refers to parents’ duty to make important decisions about their children’s upbringing. Your parenting plan is your rule book for…
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Grandparents often want to leave a gift directly to their grandchildren in their estate plans. Your gifts to your grandchildren are a part of your legacy. Giving what is called a class gift – a gift left to a particular group of people – allows you to divide money equally between your grandchildren. If you plan on leaving a gift for your grandchildren in your will or trust, you may want to consider the possibility that some of your grandchildren could be born after you have become incapacitated or after you have created an irrevocable trust. In these…
Continue Reading Can I Use a Trust to Benefit Unborn Grandchildren?

When you are seeking to buy a house, you should be represented by a knowledgeable DuPage County, IL real estate lawyer. An attorney can do a lot to protect you during the transaction. Especially if it is your first time buying a home, the process can be confusing. A real estate transaction is nothing like buying a new furniture set or even a car. If you have been through a real estate closing before, you have seen the amount of paperwork involved. Without a real estate lawyer there to read through the language of every document you are…
Continue Reading Potential Issues if You Buy a House Without a Lawyer

Filing an uncontested divorce can save you and your spouse the hassle and expense of going to court. Uncontested divorce is also usually much faster than contested divorce because you will not need to wait for a court to act or spend time gathering evidence. While being amicable with your spouse can make negotiating a divorce agreement much easier, even spouses who have a very high-conflict relationship can use mediation or attorney-facilitated negotiation to achieve an uncontested divorce. Even if you and your spouse are planning to work with a mediator, you should also be represented by an experienced DuPage…
Continue Reading Does Mediation Work in Contentious Divorce?

Owning a home can feel empowering. It can provide security, stability, and financial benefits. Sometimes, however, homeowners face significant challenges that make it a less profitable experience. Career changes, finances, the strength of the economy, and the terms of your mortgage can turn home ownership into an economic hardship.
In such cases, a homeowner may choose to use an option called a short sale. A short sale is a type of solution for real estate owners who are experiencing financial distress, though it has significant advantages and drawbacks. This article will discuss what a short sale is, the pros and…
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As the gig economy continues to evolve, one of the key areas of focus for gig employers is contracts. Agreements between workers and companies should address the unique characteristics of the gig economy, such as:

• Flexible work schedules
• Project-based pay
• Independent contractor classification

Because gig businesses tend to hire more workers than conventional companies, there is often a more “conveyor-belt” approach to the hiring process. In some cases, this means the business does not establish a relationship with a worker as a company does with a full-time employee. It is crucial, therefore, for a gig company’s contracts to be…
Continue Reading 3 Considerations When Drafting Contracts in the Gig Economy