The law never sleeps. While I am not sure this is a quotation I can attribute to anyone, in particular, the sentiment is all too true. Recently the Illinois legislature made even more changes to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA) by the passage of Public Act 100-0520. These changes follow on the…
The U.S. Supreme Court recently affirmed the fundamental principal of freedom of speech by unanimous decision (absent new Justice Gorsuch) on June 19, 2017. This case might not be so significant if it had been decided in a different time in our history. Frankly, the case is simply an extension of 200 years of jurisprudence…
The confirmation hearings for Judge Gorsuch are playing out for the world to see. While the decision whether to confirm Judge Gorsuch may seem like a distant event, it has an impact on all of us. We might consider the obvious impact of the decisions that Gorsuch will make if he is confirmed,, but there…
In May, the Department of Labor issued its final rules regarding overtime minimum salary levels and other regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The new Illinois overtime rules take effect December 1, 2016, and require employers to provide overtime to all “white collar” employees making less than $913.00 per week or an annual salary of…
The handling of small estates has always been problematic. The probate process is not quick, or easy or cheap. The probate process can particularly be a burden on small estates. For years, the State of Illinois has provided an alternative mechanism for handing small estates, but the limitations excluded many estates that might otherwise qualify, making it…
The 2013 tax year is in the books (for most of us who did not file for an extension), and the 2014 tax year is in full swing. Now is the time to consider changes that have taken place and to make adjustments accordingly while you can. Unfortunately, those changes will mean higher taxes for…
Illinois has long had one of the toughest eavesdropping laws in the union. With the proliferation of devices (like the ubiquitous cell phone) that are able to record conversations easily, the Illinois eavesdropping law is triggered far more often than most people ever realize. A recent Illinois Supreme Court decision, decided March 20, 2014, changes…
Have you ever wondered how nice it would be if the Illinois State Legislature took a year off? Of the making of new laws there seems to be no end. People who count these things estimate over 40,000 new laws are passed in the United States each year. Many people might be glad to give our State…
Most people who live in Illinois and have access to radio, TV, the Internet or newspapers know that the law banning handheld electronic devices while driving goes into effect January 1, 2014. Of course, ignorance of the law is no excuse, Rip van Winkles and cave dwellers included. “But officer, I didn’t know” will not get you a free…
Times have changed considerably from 30 or 40 years ago. Liquor laws continue to become tougher as lawmakers attempt to stem the tide of liquor-related deaths and injuries. Taking effect January 1, 2013, the State Liquor Control Act prohibits any person from knowingly authorizing or allowing underage posession or consumption of alcohol at home. Anyone thinking…