Glen Ellyn Divorce Lawyer | DuPage County Business Attorney | Illinois

Can You Leave Anything in a Will in Illinois?

2026-07-17 00:00:00

In Illinois, you can leave almost any property you own to almost anyone you choose, as long as your will meets the state's legal requirements. This includes your house, car, savings, jewelry, and other personal belongings. But there are some real limits worth knowing before you sit down to write or update your will in 2026. A DuPage County will drafting and planning lawyer can walk you through those limits and ensure your wishes actually hold up.

What Types Of Property Can You Include in Your Illinois Will?

You can use your will to give away almost anything you own outright. This includes:

Real estate, like your home or vacation property
Bank accounts and investments not already assigned to a beneficiary
Vehicles, jewelry, and other personal belongings
Business interests you own
Sentimental items you want to go to a specific person

Do I Need a Prenup if We Don’t Have Many Assets?

2026-06-17 00:00:00

Getting a prenup is about much more than protecting wealth. Prenuptial agreements can be just as useful for couples who are starting out with very little. A prenup is really about setting clear expectations and protecting both people in the relationship, no matter what you own right now. It can also address future income, debt, and what happens if things do not work out.

If you are getting married and wondering whether a prenup makes sense for your situation, a DuPage County family lawyer can help you figure out whether one is right for you and what it should include.

What Is a Prenuptial Agreement?

A prenuptial agreement, also called a prenup, is a legal contract signed by two people before they get married. It spells out how assets, debts, and other financial matters will be handled during the marriage and if the marriage ends in divorce or death.

At What Point Do I Sue My Neighbors for Being Noisy?

2026-05-15 00:00:00

Loud neighbors are not only annoying but can diminish your quality of life. The noise can range from incessant barking to raucous music that prevents anyone in your house from sleeping well. At some point, you may need to turn to your legal options to resolve the issue. A Wheaton, IL civil litigation lawyer can help you figure out whether your neighbor's actions have moved into civil litigation territory in 2026.

When Does Noise from Neighbors Become a Legal Problem in Illinois?

Not all noise complaints require legal intervention. Dogs bark occasionally, and people can have parties. The law generally isn't concerned with ordinary, incidental sounds that come with living near other people.

Neighbors cross the line when noise is persistent, excessive, and unreasonably interferes with your ability to use and enjoy your own property. The state of Illinois has laws addressing broader environmental noise levels (415 ILCS 5/), but neighborhood noise complaints will generally follow local noise ordinances.

What Happens If a Seller Fails To Disclose Known Property Defects?

2026-04-16 00:00:00

Sometimes, the problems with a property you purchase aren’t apparent until well after the sale, but some are so obvious that there’s no way the seller wouldn’t have known about them.

If a home seller failed to tell you about issues before the sale in 2026, you’re not just stuck with the fallout. You have legal options. A DuPage County real estate lawyer can help you understand what the seller was legally required to tell you and how to proceed with a claim.

What Are Sellers Required To Disclose Before Selling a Home in Illinois?

The Illinois Residential Real Property Disclosure Act requires sellers to complete a written disclosure form identifying known material defects in a property before it is sold. This covers a wide range of conditions, including:

How Often Should I Update My Estate Plan?

2026-03-31 00:00:00

Most people feel a sense of relief once their estate plan is done. The will is signed, the beneficiaries are named – everything feels taken care of.

What many people do not realize is that estate planning is not a one-time task. If your documents are sitting in a drawer somewhere with years between now and the last time you looked at them, a Glen Ellyn estate planning attorney can help you figure out whether they’re still representative of what you actually want in 2026.

Is There an Ideal Schedule for Updating an Estate Plan?

There is no single rule that applies to everyone, but most estate planning attorneys suggest reviewing your plan every three to five years at a minimum. That review does not always result in changes. But regular check-ins help you catch things that have quietly become outdated before they cause problems.

In Illinois, estate planning documents like wills and trusts are governed by the Illinois Probate Act (755 ILCS 5) and the Illinois Trust Code (760 ILCS 3). These laws do get updated from time to time, and a change in state law could affect how your documents are interpreted or carried out. It’s important to make sure your plans stay current with the legal landscape.

What Should You Review Before Signing a Commercial Contract?

2026-02-16 00:00:00

Before signing a commercial contract, there are several elements you should review. These terms decide what your business must do and what happens if something goes wrong. Many business disputes start with contracts. According to the U.S. Courts, more than 30,000 contract cases were filed in federal courts during one year, showing how often business agreements lead to legal disputes.

As of 2026, Illinois courts enforce commercial contracts based on the written terms. This means business owners across DuPage County are usually bound by what they sign. Our Wheaton, IL business contract lawyers help business owners review contracts so they can avoid unnecessary risk.

What Payment Terms Should You Review Before Signing a Business Contract?

Payment terms are one of the most important parts of a contract. They explain how much you will be paid, when payment is due, and what happens if payment is late.

Filing for Divorce in Illinois

2026-01-19 00:00:00

Filing for divorce is a major life decision, and many people feel unsure about where to start. Divorce remains common across the country. In 2025, data from the National Center for Family and Marriage Research reported a refined divorce rate of about 14.2 divorces per 1,000 married women in the United States. Illinois divorce law focuses on clear procedures, fairness, and resolving disputes in a practical way whenever possible.

If you are thinking about ending a marriage in 2026, speaking with Glen Ellyn, IL divorce lawyers can help you understand what is involved in filing and how Illinois law applies to your situation.

Who Can File for Divorce in Illinois?

Either spouse may file for divorce in Illinois. The legal term used by the courts is dissolution of marriage. Under 750 ILCS 5/401, at least one spouse must have lived in Illinois for a minimum of 90 days before filing for divorce in the state. This is a requirement before the court can move forward with the case.

How Can I Use My Estate Plan To Protect My Family From Probate?

2025-12-25 00:00:00

As of 2025, Illinois law allows several estate planning tools that can reduce or avoid probate. The probate process can raise concerns about delays, costs, and privacy. With the right estate plan, you can take steps to reduce how much court involvement your family may face, and our experienced Wheaton, IL estate planning lawyers can help.

What Is Probate in Illinois and Why Do Families Try To Avoid It?

Probate is the legal process used to settle a person’s estate after death. It involves validating a will, paying debts, and distributing property. These cases are handled under the Illinois Probate Act. Probate is not always a bad experience. However, families prefer to avoid it because it can delay access to assets, increase expenses, and expose private matters to the public record.

When Can You Get an Uncontested Divorce in Illinois?

2025-11-27 00:00:00

An uncontested divorce is faster, cheaper, and less painful than a contested divorce, but it requires cooperation and compromise from both spouses. If you and your spouse are interested in getting an uncontested divorce, speak with our Wheaton, IL divorce attorneys today.

What Are the Requirements for an Uncontested Divorce in Illinois?

Under 750 ILCS 5/401, at least one spouse must have lived in Illinois for at least 90 days before filing for divorce in the state. This ensures Illinois courts have jurisdiction over your case.

You must have a written settlement agreement covering all issues. Illinois courts will not grant an uncontested divorce based on verbal agreements or vague understandings; everything must be in writing and signed by both spouses.

Can I Ask My Employee to Sign a Non-Compete in Illinois?

2025-10-29 00:00:00

For many Illinois business owners, protecting trade secrets and competitive advantages is a top priority. One of the most common ways to safeguard these interests is through a non-compete agreement. These contracts restrict an employee from joining a competitor or starting a similar business for a certain period after leaving your company.

However, recent changes in both Illinois state law and federal policy have significantly limited when and how employers can use non-competes. If your business operates in DuPage County, check with a Wheaton business law attorney before asking an employee to sign one.

What Does Illinois Law Say About Non-Compete Agreements?

Illinois does not prohibit non-compete agreements outright, but as of October 2025, the Illinois Freedom to Work Act (820 ILCS 90/) still places strict limitations on when they can be used.