Funds to Compensate Victims of Mesothelioma and Asbestos Related Cancers

There are tremendous numbers of ads from mesothelioma lawyer and attorneys across all media publicizing compensation for victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos related cancers and diseases. There have been over 50 funds established for people who have become ill as a result of long ago asbestos exposure. Hence companies such as SERS and many […]

Illinois Requirements for a Valid Last Will and Testament

The Constitution’s Tenth Amendment notes that any power not given to the federal government is reserved to the states or the people. The Constitution does not give the federal government power over the disposition of property upon someone’s death.[1] This is a power reserved to the states, and the law in this area varies from […]

Considerations in Appointing a Child’s Guardian in a Will

There are many reasons to create a Last Will and Testament, but for parents with a minor child, appointment of a child’s guardian is among the best.  Doing so may be a parent’s best chance at choosing a child’s guardian angel. Estate planning has many facets including property titles, trust documents and more, but none […]

A Will Alone Does Not Avoid Probate, A Living Trust Can Help

There are many reasons to have a will, but avoiding probate is not among them. Other tools such as a living trust can help achieve that goal. There are legal documents and procedures beyond having a valid Last Will & Testament that constitute “estate planning”.  A person’s “estate” is his/her “net worth” at any moment. […]

Consider the Association When Buying a Condo

The buyer in a real estate transaction certainly is advised to do their “due diligence” in making the decision to complete a purchase.  Due diligence is the process of systematically researching and verifying all information needed to make an informed buying decision.  For the purchase of a residential condominium this includes researching the Condominium Association, […]

Title Insurance: Buyers & Owners Policies

It is critical when making a real estate investment that the owner knows he owns the property free from any claims by third parties. When a buyer contracts to buy a home, he wants to be certain that the seller can legally sell it. Ownership of real estate can be very complex. There can be […]

Direct vs. Circumstantial Evidence: Observation vs. Inference

There are two types of evidence at a trial: direct and circumstantial. One, if believed, directly proves a fact; the other allows a fact to be inferred. In court a trial is held to determine specific facts and the legal implications of those facts. In a criminal trial, the question is if the defendant broke […]

Types of Property Ownership are Important in Estate Planning

The principal goal of estate[1] planning is to see that the wishes of the person who accumulated property[2] are met. The most familiar method for addressing this goal is a valid Last Will and Testament. An additional tool maybe a Revocable Living Trust[3].  Both of these legal tools are primarily designed to direct disposition of […]

Requirements for a Valid Last Will and Testament in Florida

While Florida gives a person much freedom to dispose of his property (known as his “estate”) at his death, this freedom is gained only through the execution of a valid will.  To be valid a will must meet defined formalities. Will execution formalities and the consequences of not having a valid will are found in […]

Real Estate Contract Contingencies & The Attorney Review Period

People making an offer to buy a home should be certain the written contract offer includes an attorney review period. Small contract matters can have big consequences. Residential real estate transactions typically begin with a written offer from an interested buyer to a seller.  Form contracts[1] are often used with blank spaces for the property […]