Giving money to charity might seem counterintuitive to those running a for-profit company. However, it is important to keep in mind that charitable giving can not only make a big difference to the recipients of your generosity, but it can also provide a net gain to your business. In addition to the potential tax advantages of charitable giving, donations have …
Simultaneous Deaths: What If My Spouse and I Die at the Same Time?
The chances of a married couple dying in a common accident or within a very short time of one another are probably quite slim. However, it does happen. And it happens frequently enough that most states have laws to address the issue and the problems that can arise from simultaneous deaths. What are these laws, why do we need them, …
A Champaign Prenup Attorney Explains Why You Should Consider Getting a Prenup Before Marriage
The months before your wedding are exciting. There’s so much to plan and anticipate, and if you’re wise, you’ll plan for your future well beyond the wedding date. One of the most critical things you can do to protect your future and that of your spouse is to consider a prenup before marriage. Schedule a consultation with a Champaign prenup …
Myths and Frequently Asked Questions Planning After Landing Your New Job
Myth: When my employer hands me a beneficiary designation form for my employer-provided life insurance policy or gives me the link to complete the form online, it is optional and not a priority. This is false. When you are asked to complete a beneficiary designation form, you need to fill it out as soon as possible. If you were to …
Athletes: Your Game Is Not the Only Thing That Needs a Winning Strategy
In sports, success frequently brings significant monetary compensation. While this is a dream come true for most individuals, it is important to take the right steps to safeguard this hard-earned money. Most people assume that the biggest challenge is spending beyond one’s means. While this can cause many problems, it is not the only issue that athletes need to be …
5 Things to Consider Before Picking a Business Partner in Illinois
Picking the right business partner for your next business venture can make or break your business. Before you decide to become business partners with someone it is important to carefully evaluate if you are a good fit to work with each other. You may want to consult an Illinois business attorney who can help you with a partnership agreement. …
Four Things to Make Your New Job a Success
Getting a job begins a major chapter in your life. As you navigate this new territory, we are here to help ensure a prosperous transition. To protect the future you are creating, you need proper financial and estate planning. As you move through this new phase of your life, there are several things you ought to get or review to …
How the Employee Onboarding Process Can Affect Your Estate Plan
Starting a new job is an exciting new chapter in your life. Depending on your company’s onboarding process, there can be a lot of moving parts. You may feel overwhelmed by the introduction and review of the many different types of employee benefits. Not only are there forms to be filled out, they need to be filled out properly to …
What You Need to Know about Hiring Seasonal Employees
Summer is a popular time for businesses to hire temporary workers. Restaurants, golf clubs, resorts, amusement parks, and other warm-weather entertainment destinations depend on the summer months to boost their bottom line for the entire year. Despite the current labor shortage in some areas, this summer is expected to see a hot labor market as people emerge from pandemic lockdowns …
How to Know if Divorce Mediation is a Good Option for Your Divorce in Champaign
Divorce mediation also known as Alternative Dispute Resolution is the process for settling divorce disputes without litigation and with the assistance of a neutral third party. It involves working together in a cooperative manner that provides the best possible outcome for both parties. Are you wondering if divorce mediation is a good option for your divorce in Champaign? There are …
A Champaign Prenup Attorney Shares Some Situations When a Prenup is Useful
Having a discussion with your future spouse regarding the topic of a prenup can be a difficult one to bring up, but it is essential to protect your future as well as the future children. A Champaign prenup attorney can guide you through the process if you have questions. The best time to explore a prenup is before marriage, so …
What Employers Should Know about Giving Gifts to Employees
In today’s competitive job market, giving gifts and other fringe benefits to employees can be an effective way for employers to show appreciation. But generous employers should understand that most gifts and bonuses—even small ones—have tax implications. Employee gifts must be taxed and included on year-end tax forms unless they qualify as de minimis benefits, are presented as achievement awards, …