Firm News

If you're starting a business for the first time, one thing you'll need to decide on is the kind of business you want to run. Will you have a sole proprietorship? Do you want to open a corporation? The kind of business you set up does matter. Certain business forms...

Wealth and a network of loved ones can each take a lifetime to build, but the government can drastically affect both in a matter of seconds after you die. If you don't plan ahead for the potential impact of estate taxes, the people and causes you care about may end up...

Some people opt to start a business alone, while others seek a partner to take the journey with them. While there is no right or wrong approach, you must be familiar with the pros and cons of each option. If you decide that a partnership is the way to go, there's an...

Many families have the goal of one day owning property in another state. Some families dream of a rustic cabin on a lake, while other families desire a vacation home somewhere warm. If you have made your family’s dream a reality, you may have some special...

Deciding on the legal structure is one of the most important decisions you will make when starting a business. You will probably decide on the legal structure early in the business formation process. However, your choice will have long-term impacts on the amount of...

As most of my clients that have heard me speak over the last 20 years can attest, I have been known to say, "Illinois is broke, so be alert to new taxes." One fact I have mentioned on several occasions is that Illinois does not impose income taxes on your retirement...

Regardless of the product or service a business provides, all companies share two common concerns: profits and losses. While people form businesses to meet a need, those companies revolve around making money. At a certain point, making money includes minimizing...

If you have a large estate and minor children, it's important to consider how you might control your heirs' inheritance in case of a tragic event. Staggered distribution trusts are common for young beneficiaries of high-asset estates, because they pay out over time --...

You may be an entrepreneur considering if you need to write a business plan. It sounds like a great idea. You would think any new business or idea may need a plan to be successful and you would be right. There are many reasons why you should make sure a proper...