Following his recent passing, we honor the life and work of our founding partner, Robert B. Plager. Bob was born and raised in DeKalb, graduated from the University of Illinois Law School in 1967 and joined our firm, then known as Hunter, Hunter & Madden. During his more than 40-year career serving clients in […]
Read more...News
Challenges in Estate Planning for Blended Families
Estate planning for blended families presents unique legal challenges that require careful consideration and thoughtful strategies. Blended families, which may include children from previous relationships, new spouses, and various familial dynamics, face complexities that traditional families may not encounter. Equitable Distribution of Assets One of the primary challenges in estate planning for blended families is […]
Read more...Clarification from the IRS on Inherited IRA Distributions
The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have released final regulations regarding required minimum distributions (RMDs) from inherited IRAs under the SECURE Act. According to the SECURE Act, all assets in an inherited IRA must be fully withdrawn by the end of the 10th year following the death of the IRA […]
Read more...Salary Disclosure in Job Listings
Effective January 1, 2025, employers, when listing a job opening, must disclose the compensation for the position. The law, which applies only to employers with 10 or more employees, requires that job listings must contain the range of wage or salary the position will pay and a general description of benefits. Benefits include insurance and […]
Read more...Estate Planning Seminars – 2025
New Employment Regulations
Captive Meetings: Illinois has enacted law that takes effect January 1, 2025, prohibiting employers from conducting so-called “captive meetings,” where they speak on political or religious topics and require the attendance of the employee. The law does not restrict the speech of employers in any way or prevent them from holding meetings to speak on […]
Read more...Tax Implications of Real Estate Transactions
Real estate transactions come with numerous tax implications that can significantly impact the financial outcomes for buyers and sellers. Understanding these tax considerations is crucial for making informed decisions and optimizing the financial benefits of real estate investments. Capital Gains Tax: One of the most significant tax implications in real estate transactions is the capital […]
Read more...Navigating the Complexities of Estate and Trust Administration
Estate and trust administration is a multifaceted process that requires careful navigation to ensure that a decedent’s wishes are honored and assets are distributed appropriately. This article aims to demystify the process and provide a roadmap for those tasked with managing an estate or trust. Understanding Probate: Probate is the legal process of validating a […]
Read more...New Illinois Laws
Freelance Worker Protection Act: As of July 1, 2024, freelance workers, defined as anyone hired as an independent contractor, except for construction, generally must be paid for their services within 30 days of the completion of the services, unless a written agreement specifies otherwise. The Act applies where services with a total value of at […]
Read more...Clarification from the IRS on Inherited IRA Distributions
The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have released final regulations regarding required minimum distributions (RMDs) from inherited IRAs under the SECURE Act. According to the SECURE Act, all assets in an inherited IRA must be fully withdrawn by the end of the 10th year following the death of the IRA […]
Read more...