Estate Planning and Major Life Events
Jackie R. Luthringshausen • June 2, 2025
As life changes, it is important to recognize major life events when it is pertinent to prepare, review, or update estate plan documents. Whether you recently got married, just had a baby, bought a house, went through a divorce, have an adult child, or are acquiring assets that may need tax planning provisions, be proactive and make sure the proper estate plan documents are in place. Contact estate planning attorney Jackie Luthringshausen to get started. jluthringshausen@lavellelaw.com or 847-705-7555
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Summer Special! - Now through 10-1-25, Lavelle Law is offering a special discounted rate on powers of attorney for college-bound students and young adults. Don't send your child to college without POA docs in place! Contact Attorney Luthringshausen to start the process. jluthringshausen@lavellelaw.com or 847-705-7555

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), enacted on July 4, 2025, as Pub. L. No. 119-21, permanently extends and modifies key provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) while introducing new tax benefits and limitations. The law affects individuals, seniors, children, businesses, and charitable organizations.

In the United States, the "American Rule" generally requires each party in a legal dispute to cover their own attorney's fees, regardless of the case's outcome. However, exceptions exist where a judge may order one party to pay the other's attorney’s fees in specific circumstances. Sarah Reusché explains.

In commercial leases, particularly those involving retail or office spaces, tenants typically pay not only base rent but also a share of additional operating expenses. These include Common Area Maintenance (CAM) charges, property taxes, and insurance premiums. The reconciliation of these expenses is a key process.

Beginning July 1, Illinois residents will face a series of tax increases related to the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which takes effect from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. These increases are from the $55+B state budget that is supposed to generate $700+M of new taxes ranging from gasoline, short-term rentals, and more.

Restaurant patrons allegedly became ill from eating contaminated cilantro and filed personal injury lawsuits against two Chicago restaurants. As part of the litigation, the distributor who sold the cilantro to the restaurants, Martin Produce, Inc., filed a third-party complaint for contribution against the wholesalers.

Anyone going through a divorce in Illinois is required to complete a financial affidavit as part of the legal process. Each spouse completes their own financial affidavit, utilizing all financial records and information available to them. Follow this step-by-step guide to streamline the process and avoid costly errors.