WORKSHOPS
(by appointment only)
Expungements
These tough economic times are creating a wave of people who are entering the job market or going back to school for the first time in many years. Furthermore, because the market is so competitive , any past criminal infraction (even if it was only an arrest) could mean the difference between getting a job or remaining unemployed. It is a fact that adult and juvenile criminal records can cause many problems in obtaining employment, housing, professional licensing, credit or student loans. A criminal record can also prevent a parent from being able to participate in a child's school activities or from coaching little league. Getting a record expunged may help remove some of these obstacles. When a record is “expunged”, it is as if the crime never occurred. When a record is “sealed”, the file remains intact but it is labeled as “sealed” and can only be released to other law enforcement agencies. Employers will not have access to the records. The availability and time frame differs for both. My office provides FREE WORKSHOPS to examine a person's history, eligibility and explain the process of expungement. Space is limited. Call to reserve your space today. Workshops are held by appointment only. Morning, evening and weekend appointments are available.
For Sale By Owner
I always recommend using the services of a Realtor and lawyer in any real estate transaction, but there are some who will choose to proceed on their own anyway. If you choose to sell your home by owner, it is extremely important that you realize that your job does not end once you have obtained a signed contract. As seller, you have contractual obligations that are absolutely critical to ensure a successful transaction. To assist in this process, I have put together a FREE WORKSHOP to assist sellers in understanding the legal obligations required under the standard residential real estate sales contract. Participants will receive standard forms and other useful information that will maximize their likelihood of success at closing. Participants who complete the workshop and follow my “FSBO Checklist” will qualify* for discounted legal services. Space is limited. Call to reserve your space today. Workshops will be held in my office on Saturdays from 12-1 p.m.
*Certain restrictions apply. The workshop is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney client relationship unless a retainer agreement is signed. If you choose to proceed without legal representation, you do so at your own peril. Legal obligations vary depending on each individual transaction and the workshop is not intended to address any transaction specifically, but rather, to educate the seller to the general terms and requirements of all standard real estate sales contracts.
Small Claims Court
Does someone owe you money? Are you being sued? Has your landlord failed to return your security deposit even though you did not damage the rental property? Did you pay for merchandise, but the store never delivered it and won't give you a refund? Do you have damages resulting from a car accident? I always recommend using the services of a lawyer to resolve disputes, but there are some who will choose to proceed on their own anyway. In small claims court you can handle your personal or business legal matters without an attorney. Small claims court is a special court where disputes under $10,000 are resolved quickly and inexpensively. This workshop explains small claims court procedure, trial readiness and what to do after you obtain a judgment. Space is limited. Call to reserve your space today. Workshops will be held in my office on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.
Power of Attorney (advanced directives)
Illinois law gives you the right to accept or reject medical treatment. You also have the right to give directions, in advance, about the kind of health care you want if the time comes when you cannot make your own decisions. You can control your future health care by signing a form naming a trusted relative or friend to communicate for you and by signing a document that tells the kind of life sustaining treatment you want. These documents, called advance directives, are written statements you make in advance about your future medical treatment decisions. Properly executed advanced care directives assure that treatment and life support procedures are carried out according to your wishes. At a bare minimum you should have a current will, a health care POA, living will and, depending on your circumstances, a health care POA for your children, POA for real estate and a living trust. These documents should be reviewed and revised regularly. This workshop explains the differences between these documents. Space is limited. Call to reserve your space today. Workshops will be held in my office on Saturdays at 1:30 p.m.
