The Law Offices of Thaddeus M. Bond, Jr. & Associates, P.C.

Products And Services

• Divorce Attorneys

  Searching for Experienced Divorce Attorneys in Libertyville? Typical divorce proceedings in our state follow this pattern: 1. Petition One party to the marriage may begin the legal process for the dissolution of marriage by filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. The person filing the initial petition is referred to as the "Petitioner." The party responding to the proceedings is referred to as the "Respondent." Once the petition is filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court of the appropriate County, the Petition and a Summons will be served upon the respondent by a sheriff or a private process server. 2. The Response Once served, the Respondent has 30 days to file an appearance and written response. If the Respondent fails to file a Response in this time, the Petitioner may request the Court to hold the Respondent in default to proceed with the divorce. If either party requires that formal restraining orders or injunctions be placed against the other party, either party may file pleadings with the Court to request protection for themselves, dependent children or marital property. SERVING WAUKEGAN, LIBERTYVILLE, LAKE COUNTY, GURNEE & NEARBY AREAS OF ILLINOIS Divorce in Illinois allows you to terminate a marriage because of irreconcilable differences. The process in our state allows for couples to dissolve marriages quickly and efficiently, as long as they are in agreement about the terms. If they are not in agreement, the terms of divorce must be negotiated or decided by a judge. In all types of divorces, whether contested or uncontested, having an experienced divorce attorney on your side protects your rights and your best interests. To learn more about family law and retaining a divorce attorney in Libertyville, please browse the sections below. For a free consultation with our experienced, compassionate Libertyville and Waukegan divorce lawyers, please call the Law Offices of Thaddeus M. Bond, Jr. & Associates at 847.599.9101. Divorce in Illinois Mediation 5 Typical Phases of Divorce Proceedings Spousal Maintenance Child Custody – Parenting Responsibilities Child Support Property Division Your Free Consultation Resources: View a questionnaire for new clients. View a sample contract. Divorce in Illinois Divorce is also known as dissolution of marriage in Illinois. In our state, divorce is technically no-fault only. No longer do contested divorces based on proving fault hinge on whether one spouse can prove adultery, substance abuse, abandonment or other grounds. Instead, divorce proceedings must show only the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. Our experienced attorneys will help you dissolve the marriage. "Is there a waiting period?" In an uncontested divorce where both parties agree to the terms, there is no required waiting period. If you or your spouse contests or challenges the terms or the divorce itself, then there is an option of a 6-month separation period. This separation does not mean you must live at separate addresses, but that you are living separate lives. It goes without saying that the end of a marriage is an emotionally charged period of your life. In addition to any emotional pain you may be experiencing, divorce also has implications for your future and your children's future, financially and otherwise. Before divorce is granted, the following must be settled: Division of property Division of debt Alimony payments, if applicable Child custody and visitation Child support As experienced divorce attorneys, we will: Protect your rights and your interests Provide informed and experienced guidance Make sure you know what your options are Call us for more information about how we can help you dissolve your marriage with the most beneficial, amicable outcomes. We provide our legal services for all aspects of the process, including filing the petition for dissolution of marriage, filing restraining orders if appropriate, and discovery of assets and debts. Our attorneys negotiate terms in your best interest while maintaining professionalism with the other party. Mediation Mediation is a way for you and your ex-spouse to work out the terms of the divorce with minimal or no decisions made by a judge. It puts the decision-making and terms in the hands of you and your former partner. Many issues can be resolved through mediation, including: Parental responsibilities Parental time (i.e. custody and visitation) Debt division Division of real estate, investments and other assets Spousal support Mediators are neutral third parties. The idea is that the mediator does not have a preference for the interests of one party over the other. If an agreement cannot be reached through mediation, you can rest assured that the sessions were confidential. The mediator cannot talk to the judge or anyone else about what happened during those sessions.

  Link: Divorce Attorneys

• Child Custody

  In Illinois, what used to be called child custody is now called parenting responsibilities. The state made this change in 2016 to better reflect that what is in the best interests of the child in allocating parenting responsibilities, not necessarily awarding one parent custody and one parent visitation hours. To learn more about parenting responsibilities and our lawyers in Libertyville and Waukegan, Illinois, please call our law firm at 847.599.9101. Child Custody Issues in Illinois In the context of divorce, custody issues may be arranged one of two ways: In a parenting plan, also called a joint parenting agreement. This arrangement is usually preferable as it involves the two ex-spouses working out the terms of parenting responsibilities with the help of their lawyers. As part of an allocation judgement, which is ordered by the court when the parents are unable or unwilling to agree to parenting terms. The allocation judgement is decided based on many factors, with the ultimate guiding factor being what is in the best interest of the child. That may involve consideration of where the child goes to school, which parent has traditionally been the primary caretaker, and the child's preferences. These judgements are typically decided in a trial, and may include witnesses and expert testimony. These decisions are gender neutral, so a mother does not have a presumption of custody. Parenting responsibilities in Illinois designate each parent's time with the child, as well as each parent's share of decision-making responsibilities, which fall into 4 categories: Education Religion Healthcare Extra-curricular and after-school activities Decision-making responsibilities are determined in a parenting plan or allocation judgement. They do not have to be equally split among the parents. In fact, one parent may be allocated decision-making in all 4 categories. Most often, these decisions are divided between the parents based on what is best for the child. As for time spent with the child, many factors are considered, including how much time is spent with the child currently. Another factor is where the child goes to school. Sometimes the court seeks to split time evenly or otherwise fairly between parents, but not always. Ex-spouses disputing child custody may wish to attend mediation to attempt to resolve the issue. Our lawyers can help you make the most of mediation to make a Joint Parenting Agreement. If the mediation is not successful, we will guide you through discovery, pretrial conferences and eventually trial. During the process the court may appoint a guardian ad litem, child representative or lawyer for the child. The court may also appoint its own investigator to make recommendations to the court. Your Consultation with Experienced Family Lawyers Our law firm fights compassionately on behalf of clients dealing with child custody matters in Illinois. We know how trying these matters are. We serve as calm, skilled advocates to help you resolve this issue with your spouse in the best way possible and in the best way for you and your child. To arrange a consultation, please call our law firm at 847.599.9101.

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• Child Support Lawyers

  Along with child custody, child support is one of the essential components of divorce proceedings in Illinois, and one of the reasons for seeking the representation of an experienced family law and child support lawyer. In Illinois, child support is the legal right of a child, not a parent, to support. As such, neither a parent nor his or her lawyer may waive child support. In Illinois, Judges are very diligent in ensuring that the appropriate amount of child support is set in dissolution cases. To learn more, and to arrange a consultation with our experienced Waukegan and Libertyville, IL, family lawyers, please call our law firm at 847.599.9101. In Illinois, supporting a minor/dependant child is an obligation of both parents. Generally speaking, the parent with residential care of a child is supporting the child by providing shelter, food, clothing, schooling, medical and related needs for the child. The parent with whom the child visits pays a percentage of his or her income to the residential parent toward the support of the child. In Illinois, the legislature has set forth a minimum statutory guideline for payment of child support based upon the number of children a couple is supporting. The child support guidelines are as follows: 1 Child..................................20% of net income 2 Children.............................28% of net income 3 Children.............................32% of net income 4 Children.............................40% of net income 5 Children.............................45% of net income 6 Children.............................50% of net income A court may deviate above or below these guidelines upon the showing of a need for such a deviation. Some of the factors a Court may consider in deviating from the guidelines include: The financial resources and needs of the child The financial resources and needs of the custodial parent The standard of living the child would have enjoyed had the marriage not been dissolved The physical and emotional condition of the child and the child's educational needs The financial resources and needs of the non-custodial parent A lawyer is in the best position to make the case either for or against deviation from statutory guidelines. In some circumstances, a court may set aside portions of the marital property to be held in trust for the child, in place of or in addition to regular child support payments from one parent to another. Child support is separate from, but in some circumstances related to, Alimony or spousal support, and your child support lawyer will make sure it is accounted for during the negotiation of settlement terms. If you find yourself facing the complications of child custody or a divorce in Libertyville, Lake County, or Waukegan Illinois, contact the experienced child support lawyers at the Law Offices of Thaddeus M. Bond, Jr, & Associates, P.C, for a free consultation on how we can help you be informed about and protect your rights and your livelihood during this difficult process. View a questionnaire for new clients. View a sample contract. Our Lake County area child support lawyers serve clients throughout Wisconsin and Illinois including Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Gurnee, Grayslake, and Waukegan.

  Link: Child Support Lawyers

• Alimony

  As you and your ex-spouse navigate divorce proceedings, you are likely to cross paths with matters of alimony. Discussing spousal support can be contentious and difficult, but our experienced attorneys will be at your side, acting as your calm and clear-minded advocates. To learn more, please call our Libertyville and Waukegan alimony lawyers at 847.599.9101. What is Alimony? Alimony or spousal support is called spousal maintenance in Illinois. Maintenance, like child custody, can be one of the most contentious and emotional aspects of divorce. Maintenance means one spouse pays another spouse money in a certain amount, for a certain time. Payments are decided based on statutory guidelines as well as the judge's discretion. These payments may be indefinite, temporary for the duration of the divorce, or for a specific amount of time to allow the ex-spouse to gain employment. Maintenance may be ordered when one of the ex-spouses is not able to support themselves financially, for various reasons. Perhaps that spouse has been unable to work or unable to complete higher education because of childcare duties. There are many other reasons as well. Maintenance may be ordered for men as well as for women; the law does not differ by gender. It's also important to note that maintenance is not a part of every divorce; it does not have to be ordered. To decide if alimony should be paid, the judge may consider the following factors: Combined income while you were married Length of marriage in years Properties owned Each spouse's earning capacity Physical limitations Mental conditions that would affect employability Lifestyle during the marriage Each spouse's contributions to childcare and household duties during the marriage Agreements made between the ex-spouses during or prior to marriage Financial and time requirements for an ex-spouse to become employed If the judge decides one spouse should receive support, the next step is to determine how much and for how long. Under Illinois law, if your combined income in your marriage is at or below a certain threshold, then the judge must follow statutory guidelines and formulas for determining the amount and duration of maintenance. If your combined income exceeds the threshold, the judge is allowed to use their own discretion in calculating support. If your marriage lasted 20 years or more, the judge can decide whether the maintenance should last the same number of years the marriage did, or if the maintenance should last indefinitely (which was formerly called permanent maintenance). Indefinite support payments continue until a qualifying event ends the alimony. Events include remarriage, retirement, death and certain other things. As experienced divorce lawyers, we will help you negotiate alimony. Typically it is in the interest of both parties to agree to spousal maintenance terms as part of their negotiated settlement agreement. If consensus cannot be reached, then the judge will determine support. Rely on our attorneys to fight for what is in your best interest every step of the way. Call Now to Learn More Our experienced attorneys in Waukegan and Libertyville, Illinois, know the tumult and stress caused by ending a marriage. Spousal maintenance is certainly a part of many divorces, and we can help resolve the matter with your best interests at heart. To arrange a consultation, please call our law firm at 847.599.9101.

  Link: Alimony

• Permanent Maintenance

  One of the most common areas of contention in a divorce proceeding is the question of spousal support, or alimony. Because the state of Illinois does not have a set formula for calculating spousal support payments, hashing out the right spousal support payments is tricky, and you should not try to work it out on your own. This is especially true when discussing “permanent maintenance,” or the indefinite spousal support payment system that many divorce cases include. Permanent maintenance is usually an option when one spouse is at a significant financial disadvantage, either because he or she is unemployable or is only capable of finding low-paying work. The divorce attorneys at Thaddeus M. Bond Jr. & Associates, PC have years of experience with divorce cases and spousal support issues. We can help you reach a fair and equitable spousal support arrangement. There are a few different varieties of spousal support. The most important and impactful is undoubtedly permanent maintenance. Because of the indefinite nature of permanent maintenance, negotiating a good deal is vital. The lawyers at Thaddeus M. Bond Jr. & Associates, PC will work toward a spousal support system that does right by you. The Details of Permanent Support In “temporary maintenance,” one party pays spousal support to another during the length of divorce proceedings. “Rehabilitative maintenance” is a series of payments one spouse makes to another to enable the receiving spouse to get on his or her feet and become self-supporting. Permanent maintenance, on the other hand, is a series of spousal support payments that go on indefinitely. While there is no set formula in Illinois law for spousal support, there are some factors that are common to these questions. They include: The contribution of each spouse to the value of marital property (homemaker is explicitly recognized as a value-contributor) Value of property assigned to each spouse The economic well-being of each spouse Prenuptial agreements Child custody and child support This is not an exhaustive list. The divorce attorneys at Thaddeus M. Bond Jr. & Associates, PC will be able to walk you through exactly what will be considered in drawing up a spousal support arrangement. Ideally, any permanent maintenance agreement will be worked out in negotiations between the two parties. This is always preferable. However, should the divorce go to trial a judge will determine how spousal support will be arranged. Legal representation for permanent maintenance spousal support is exceptionally important. Despite its name, permanent maintenance isn’t truly “permanent;” payments can change based on a change in the situations of either party. If the spouse who is receiving payments dies or gets married, for example, permanent maintenance is usually ended. If the spouse who is making the payments retires, then the payments usually end. However, the spousal support payments arranged in divorce proceedings will impact you for years, and should not be negotiated lightly or without legal aid. The lawyers at Thaddeus M. Bond Jr. & Associates, PC will be able to explain the process to you. If you're a resident of the Lake County area and you need to discuss spousal support arrangements with a lawyer, please contact Thaddeus M. Bond Jr. & Associates, PC for a free consultation.

  Link: Permanent Maintenance

• Paternity Disputes

  Paternity Disputes - Paternity Attorneys SERVING WAUKEGAN, LIBERTYVILLE, LAKE COUNTY, GURNEE & NEARBY AREAS OF ILLINOIS Family law is always a sensitive area, as it deals with the most important parts of our lives. This is never more true than when children are involved. In cases where the paternity of a child is at question, tempers can easily flare. This is understandable. But if you're involved in a paternity dispute, you don't need anger: you need experienced representation. The Lake County family law attorneys at The Law Offices of Thaddeus M. Bond, Jr. & Associates, P.C. can help you in your paternity dispute and make sure you are treated fairly by the legal system and the other party. Paternity Disputes For The Purposes of Establishing Custody Paternity disputes tend to fall into one of two general categories. In the first, the father is usually suing to establish paternity so that he might be granted certain child custody rights. These rights can range all the way to a full shared custody agreement with the mother, or they can be as simple as visitation rights with the child. A DNA test is the only way to prove paternity and lay claim to your rights as the child's father. If the mother of your child is attempting to put the child up for adoption, you can attempt to halt the proceedings once you have established paternity. Once the test proves paternity you will have expanded legal options which you can pursue. The family law attorneys at The Law Offices of Thaddeus M. Bond, Jr. & Associates, P.C. are experienced with paternity disputes and helping fathers claim their rights under the law. Paternity Disputes to Establish Child Support The other broad category of paternity dispute is an attempt to prove paternity so that the father can be legally held responsible for paying child support. Child support law in Illinois is quite complicated, and the attorneys at The Law Offices of Thaddeus M. Bond, Jr. & Associates, P.C. will walk you through the process to ensure your rights are protected. In most instances, establishing paternity is a necessary first step to pursuing child support payments from the father. For this reason, it is crucial that you consult our Lake County paternity lawyers as soon as possible. If you're involved in either type of paternity dispute and you need help in pursuing your rights under the law, please contact The Law Offices of Thaddeus M. Bond, Jr. & Associates, P.C to arrange a free consultation.

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• Domestic Violence Attorneys

  Abuse at the hands of a spouse or family member is a crime. In Illinois, domestic violence law covers physical abuse, intimidation and harassment. When another person tries to control you with physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse, then criminal domestic violence is probably occurring. At Thaddeus M. Bond, Jr. & Associates, our experienced family law attorneys know how to file orders of protection, whether it is part of a divorce proceeding or a standalone order. To learn more or to arrange a free claim evaluation, please call our Waukegan and Libertyville law firm at 847.599.9101. If you aren't ready to call our lawyers but need help now, please call the Chicagoland Domestic Violence Help Line at 1-877-863-6338, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE. These phone lines are open 24 hours daily. The hotline has both Spanish and English speaking advocates available to help. You can use the numbers on the phone to communicate if you are in the presence of the abuser. To get started with our lawyers, please view the following resources: View a questionnaire for new clients. View a sample contract. Illinois Domestic Violence Law Domestic violence/abuse includes: Assault Battery Harassment Threats Hitting Punching Choking Kicking Intimidation Interference with personal liberty Willful deprivation The Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA) protects victims of abuse perpetrated by "family or household members," which includes: Spouses Former spouses Blood relatives Boyfriends/girlfriends Former boyfriends/girlfriends Fiancés People with an alleged child in common People who live in the same home or used to live in the same home With more than 50 years of combined experience, the attorneys at our law firm are extensively familiar with the types of family laws in Illinois that may affect your situation and your ability to seek protection from your abuser. What To Do Next If you are leaving an abusive relationship, you must put your safety first. Then call our attorneys. We offer services with multiple issues you may be dealing with: Obtaining an Order of Protection. These are also called "restraining orders." They are issued by the Court and restrict the activity/proximity the alleged abuser can have in relation to you. Obtaining Exclusive Protection of Marital Residence. Under limited circumstances, the Court may grant you this type of order, which basically evicts the abuser from your home and disallows them from entering until the divorce proceedings are complete. The petition for Exclusive Protection may be granted if it can be shown that the spouse and/or children are in danger physically or mentally. It is a high standard that must be met, but we can determine if it is appropriate in your case. We can help with filling out the order of protection forms and with filing them with the court. Additionally, we can help with the hearings involved, as well as gather witness information and evidence. How to Get an Order of Protection The exact details of an Order of Protection varies based on the situation. The order may be created to: Stop the abuse Prevent the "respondent" (which is the abuser or the accused) from making contact with the victim Require the respondent to physically stay away from the victim and their children Require the respondent to pay child support Change the terms of child support and/or custody Require the respondent to leave the shared home These orders can be obtained in a civil proceeding, such as divorce or guardianship hearing. Or they may be ordered solely on the basis of alleged domestic violence. If the respondent violates the order, they may be arrested and charged with a crime. There are three types of Orders of Protection (OPs): Emergency OP. This order takes effect as soon as the judge orders it, and it does not require the abuser to be informed about the hearing. They last 2-3 weeks. Interim OP. This order lasts up to 30 days. It is typically granted once the alleged abuser has been served or attempts have been made to serve him. Plenary OP. Hearings must be held with both the petitioner (the person seeking protection) and the respondent (the person accused of abuse) in order for a plenary order to be issued. The lifetime of these orders is variable. As part of a divorce, a plenary order may last as long as the divorce decree. Domestic Violence Resources Please use the following resources if you or your children are experiencing abuse at the hands of your spouse, family member or a household member: Illinois domestic violence helpline: 1-877-863-6338 Domestic violence agencies by city Illinois Department of Human Services City of Chicago Division on Domestic Violence Illinois State Police Our attorneys are ready to provide legal guidance when you decide to pursue safety and justice through the courts.

  Link: Domestic Violence Attorneys

• Probate Attorneys

  SERVING WAUKEGAN, LIBERTYVILLE, LAKE COUNTY, GURNEE & NEARBY AREAS OF ILLINOIS Probate is a trying process because of the circumstances surrounding it. These usually include: The death of a loved one The pressure of dealing with large amounts of assets The difficulty in rounding up and discovering financial and personal information of the deceased Dealing with the delicate relations among various family members All of these strains and burdens may be eased or even erased with the help of experienced probate lawyers like The Law Offices of Thaddeus M. Bond, Jr. & Associates, P.C. What is probate? Probate is the process by which the probate court, with the help of a personal representative (the executor or administrator), determines who receives the property and assets of the deceased person. This would be heirs, creditors, or legatees (persons named in wills), etc. Probate also makes sure that the proper, entitled persons receive the property and assets. There may or may not be a will The person who died, known as the decedent, may or may not have left a will. If the decedent left a will, he or she is then called a "testator". Illinois Law requires that, If there is a will, all original wills be filed with the Clerk of the Court of the proper county. If there is not a will, the estate is known as an intestate estate and the law of "intestate succession" will decide the disposition of assets. In such cases, the Illinois legislature has set a statutory manner of distribution that will be followed. Opening probate Whether or not there is a will, a person wanting to open probate will file a petition with the court to open an estate. For the probate of a will, notice is generally sent after the will is admitted to probate and the executor is granted letters of office. For an intestate estate, it is required by law that notices be sent to all legatees and heirs. If this is not done, the appointment of an administrator and their waiver and consent to probate must be obtained. The personal representative Next, unless there is a will contest or formal proof of will, the named executor in a will (or in the case of intestacy some interested party) will be named the personal representative of the estate by the probate court. The representative's duties are quite simple. They are basically: To collect and preserve the assets of the estate To pay the debts and taxes To distribute the remaining assets as directed by the last will or the intestacy statute The task may be daunting for large estates or people not experienced with financial matters. A personal representative must keep an accounting of the records of all transactions involving the estate, and must prepare an inventory to present either to the court or to the heirs, depending on the type of administration. Once the estate is open, the court will issue "Letters of Office" to the personal representative which, combined with a death certificate, will let the representative to act on behalf of the estate. Creditors Claims must be filed by notified creditors during the "claim period" or their claim will not be allowed. A simple estate will be open for at least six months from the date the executor is named and notices are mailed to creditors. Often, no claims are filed and the estate can be closed. Finishing up After all claims are paid and the accounting and inventory are completed, the representative will distribute the assets of the estate as per the will, collect receipts from those person's receiving shares of the estate, and close the probate estate. The process can take anywhere from nine months to several years, depending on the complexity and size of the estate. Potential problems The most common and most tragic problems encountered in Probate arise when family members do not get along, and attempt to bring family troubles or grudges into the already complex realm of Probate. In most cases, when siblings or legatees get along or decide to cooperate, probate can be a relatively painless process. Other problems might also surface. There may be a will contest or challenge. In some cases, court proceedings may be necessary to recover estate property being held by a relative, or to recover possession of a family home from a relative living there. The person charged with administration of the estate may be less than truthful with the estate's heirs. In these cases especially, a prospective heir should seek the representation of a Probate attorney. Probate can be complicated and should not be attempted without the assistance of experienced probate lawyers like The Law Offices of Thaddeus M. Bond, Jr. & Associates, P.C. Please call or email us today for a free initial consultation. Our Lake County probate lawyers serve clients throughout Wisconsin and Illinois including Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Gurnee, Grayslake, and Waukegan.

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• Landlord Rights and Tenant Disputes

  As a landlord, you take what steps you can to vet your tenants. Background checks, leasing history, references – you may rely on these things and then end up with a bad tenant anyway. When that happens, our experienced attorneys provide aggressive, knowledgeable legal services to help you evict your tenant or to reach another outcome. For a complimentary initial consultation, please call the Law Offices of Thaddeus M. Bond, Jr. & Associates, at 847.599.9101. We proudly serve areas throughout our region of Illinois, including Waukegan, Gurnee, Libertyville and all of Lake County. In the meantime, please browse the sections below for more information: Common Disputes and Disagreements with Tenants How Our Attorneys Can Help Important Landlords' Rights You Should Know About Choosing an Attorney Questions to Ask at Your Consultation Complimentary Consultation Common Disputes and Disagreements with Tenants To a certain extent, tenants act as caretakers of the homes they are occupying. They also agree to pay their rent in the correct amount and on time. Failure to meet these commitments hurt your business and should be dealt with swiftly. As experienced attorneys for landlords in Illinois, we have witnessed first-hand the myriad ways a tenant can violate a landlord's trust, as well as the terms of the lease agreement: Failure to pay rent on time Failure to pay rent at all Violating the terms of the lease Causing unreasonable damage to the property Failing to communicate with you about pests, bed bugs, mold or other issues requiring attention, as outlined in the lease Failing to report maintenance problems in a timely fashion Changing locks or otherwise preventing you from entering the home This list is not exhaustive. If you feel your agreement with this individual has been violated, you probably have a case we can help you with. After reviewing the terms, we can determine the options available to you. Most of our clients who are landlords want to resolve these disputes as quickly, efficiently, painlessly and cheaply as possible. We are sensitive to those needs and to your bottom line. Although we cannot guarantee specific outcomes or timelines, we do know what to expect and we can determine the choices available to you. Unfortunately, bad tenants rarely get better. Call our attorneys for guidance and to prevent any critical missteps when your tenant violates the agreement. How Our Attorneys Can Help The experienced lawyers at the Law Offices of Thaddeus M. Bond, Jr. & Associates, provide legal services for landlords. These services include: Writing an enforceable lease Preventing or monitoring damage to the property Getting rent on time Avoiding rent lost to repair-and-deduct actions Evicting troublesome tenants Assembling documentary evidence in defense or prosecution of a civil trial over property damage Protecting yourself against code violation charges The lease agreement is the bedrock upon which your entire relationship with your tenants is built. A large part of what we do is help landlords like you draft good leases. This document is binding and is what is relied upon as you work to show how your tenant wronged you. We assist with drawing up leases, but also provide legal services for when things go wrong during the term of an already-signed lease. Our landlord-tenant dispute attorneys will help you resolve the situation without running into missteps, errors or pitfalls. Such mistakes can be disastrous for getting payment, evicting your tenant, gaining entry or achieving other outcomes. We know all of the relevant laws, regulations and codes to help you navigate the process with the best possible outcome for you. Important Landlords' Rights You Should Know About Just like your tenant, you have certain rights. Of course each party has certain responsibilities as well. But misbehaving tenants often try to claim their landlords are in the wrong, and that they had to withhold payment or make an unapproved change to the apartment as a result. While that may sometimes be the case, it's not uncommon for a tenant to be mistaken. Consider your rights as a landlord in Illinois: The right to visit and inspect your property. Your tenant does not have the right to bar you from accessing the real estate that you own. The law requires only that you visit at reasonable times and with reasonable notice. Absent an emergency, it is best to give notice of a visit at least 24 hours in advance. Notice of an inspection can be given by telephone, voice mail, text or e-mail. The right to a well maintained property. Your tenant does not have the right to damage your building or to make improvements or alterations without your permission. Make sure you have strong language in your lease on these issues. Failure to properly maintain the property or to pay required utilities can be grounds to terminate a lease early and/or evict a tenant.

  Link: Landlord Rights and Tenant Disputes

• Eviction

  Dealing with problem tenants uses up your resources, not least of which is your time and energy. Having our experienced eviction attorneys on your side ensures all steps in the process are carried out correctly and efficiently, with the goal of resolving the process effectively in a timely manner. Don't let missteps in the process end up costing your financially or in other ways. For a complimentary case review, please call the Law Offices of Thaddeus M. Bond, Jr. & Associates, at 847.599.9101. Our experienced attorneys have decades of combined experience with landlord-tenant disputes and other legal matters in Lake County. Representing Landlords in Illinois Regarding non-payment of rent or problem tenants, our attorneys can provide assistance both with building the right foundation (the lease) and eviction when things go wrong. We can help with: Drafting a lease agreement Evicting a current tenant Preparing the eviction notice (5, 10 or 30-day notice) Ensuring proper service of the notice Planning and carrying out all phases of the court hearing As a landlord, you probably already know the wording and content of your lease agreement is vital. The lease sets the expectations and parameters for the renter, including what happens when rent is not paid in full and/or not paid on time. Our attorneys help with writing lease agreements. You'll be able to rest assured that you have laid out the right parameters in the agreement. Our real estate attorneys also assist with evictions. We can help you with many aspects, including ensuring the eviction is legally justifiable and that procedural mistakes are not made. Such mistakes could end up being very expensive in the end. The Eviction Process Eviction may be appropriate for any number of reasons, such as: Non-payment of rent Violation of rental agreement Criminal activity If your tenant violates the lease terms and does not promptly correct the violation(s), you can move forward with the eviction process. Most evictions stem from a failure to pay rent, though tenants can also be evicted for violating other provisions of the lease. The following process must be followed when evicting a tenant: First, you serve a tenant with a notice to correct or notice of eviction. There are several different forms landlords can use for this, and we will help you choose the right one. Second, depending on which notice you use, landlords must wait the appropriate time period before filing suit. That usually ranges from five to 30 days. Third, once that period of time is over, you must file the required forms with the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Thaddeus M. Bond Jr. & Associates will help you fill out the complaint, attach all the necessary paperwork and file it. Fourth, have the sheriff’s office or private process server serve the tenant with a copy of the eviction complaint. Finally, there will be a hearing to determine if the eviction will come through. We will help you prepare for this hearing. That will include assembling all the necessary paperwork and witnesses. As a landlord, you have the burden of proof in an eviction case. You must prove the tenant violated the lease and that you have followed all the necessary steps. If you win your hearing, the judge will present an order for the tenant to vacate the premises and pay a certain amount of money damages. You should understand two things: First, the tenant will usually have a certain period of time in which he or she can pay off the damages, so you will likely not receive that money immediately, if at all. Second, you cannot enforce the eviction order yourself. You must enlist the help of the local sheriff if the tenant will not abide by the possession order. We also assist with trial if necessary. We will represent you at the hearing and obtain the best possible outcome on your behalf. If the tenant still does not vacate the premises, the Sheriff must physically remove them. We can help with all aspects of this process. Our Fees for Eviction Services We charge a flat fee of $500.00 plus actual costs for an uncontested eviction case. When a tenant requests and is granted a trial or otherwise challenges a default judgment, our fee will increase to $800.00 plus actual costs. Costs can vary from case to case and include the court filing fee, service of process fees and/or the costs to have the Sheriff schedule and attend an eviction. Our fee shall be the aforesaid amount regardless of any award of attorney's fees or costs made by the presiding judge. Although many leases provide that the landlord is entitled to fees and costs, the amount awarded, if any, is left to the discretion of the judge and may or may not be the same as our firm's fee. Our fee covers only the preparation and filing of the pre-suit notice and complaint, arranging for service of process, attendance at scheduled court hearings and/or trial and scheduling of an eviction if necessary.

  Link: Eviction

• Commercial Real Estate Lawyers

  Transactions and agreements involving commercial real estate carry a lot of risk and serious implications for the people involved. If you are a buyer, seller, landlord or other interested party, our experienced attorneys in Lake County are ready to provide legal assistance and guidance. You can benefit from having an experienced advocate on your side. To learn more, please call our experienced real estate attorneys in Waukegan and Libertyville at 847.599.9101. Commercial Real Estate Services Our skilled lawyers can provide legal services related to many aspects of buying, selling and leasing commercial real estate in Illinois. We work with multiple parties, including: Buyers Sellers Property managers Developers Builders Owners Landlords Commercial Tenants Investors Financial institutions Our legal services related to commercial real estate are wide-ranging and include: Acquisitions and dispositions Leasing and leasing agreements Landlord/tenant disputes Financing and loan document review Tax deferred exchanges (1031 exchanges) Development and construction transactions Title, survey, zoning and planning We review and draft offer sheets and letter of intent. We review and draft all documents necessary to a successful real estate closing, including security agreements, mortgages, deeds, land contracts, financing and settlement statements, liens, notes, title documents and easements. We advise clients on title and financing matters, and draft all necessary documents to protect our client's interests, including all leases, construction and financing agreements, vendor and subcontractor contracts and material agreements. We file all necessary documentation to perfect liens, and advise our clients regarding performance or non-performance of contracts. Call us today to find out if we can help you. Experienced, Knowledgeable Attorneys Our attorneys have 50 years of combined experience with these types of matters in Lake County, Illinois. Experience counts when it comes to real estate issues. We know the relevant laws, regulations, precedents and other issues related to buying, purchasing, development and leasing. We pride ourselves on our accessibility to our clients. No matter how busy we are, our attorneys are personally committed to staying in touch with you about your case. This commitment includes returning your phone calls and emails promptly. You deserve to know what is happening every step of the way. Our real estate attorneys are driven by obtaining the best possible results for our clients. We don't just take any case. We are highly selective so that we know we are matching our skills with the right cases. The only way to know if it's a good fit is to call us for a free case review. Find Out If We Can Help You For a consultation with our experienced commercial real estate attorneys in Libertyville, Waukegan, and all of Lake County, Illinois, please call the Law Offices of Thaddeus M. Bond, Jr. & Associates, at 847.599.9101. For arrangements of this magnitude, let our attorneys look out for what is in your best interest.

  Link: Commercial Real Estate Lawyers

• Real Estate Closings

  Whether you are the buyer or the seller, the closing of a real estate purchase is a very important event. By signing the final contract, legal obligations are triggered. As experienced real estate lawyers in Illinois, we can assist both purchasers and sellers in these transactions. To learn more, and for a complimentary consultation, please call the Law Offices of Thaddeus M. Bond, Jr. & Associates, at 847.599.9101. Please read about common mistakes during closing and what you can do to avoid them. A Closing Lawyer on Your Side When it comes to real estate closings, our attorneys can look out for what is in your best interest with the following services: Review of sales contract Correction of unusual or improper terms Negotiations on home inspection items Review of the title search and survey Review of the loan documents and closing documents Attending the closing Call us today to find out how we can help you. Combined, our attorneys have more than 50 years of experience practicing law in Lake County. We are personally committed to accessibility and to obtaining the best possible results for you. Please visit our case results page to learn more. With years of experience in real estate transactions, our attorneys can provide referrals for realtors, loan officers, home inspectors, title companies and surveyors with whom we have had positive experiences. Contact us today to learn more. How We Can Assist with Real Estate Closings Whether you are the seller or the buyer in the deal, don't wait to call our real estate attorneys. We can provide the legal services you need, tailored to where you are in the process. Here are some of the things we do for our clients: Title Examination and Title Insurance. The purchaser of real estate needs to make certain that the seller has good and marketable title to the property. Your real estate lawyer will order a title search from a reputable title insurance agent with intimate knowledge of the land records for your area. He will review the title commitment and resolve any curable defects at or prior to closing. Your lawyer will explain to you any limitations on your rights that cannot be removed so that you are fully informed as to the status of the property. Your lawyer will also make certain that the purchaser receives a policy of title insurance that protects both the purchaser and the seller in the event a party alleging an undisclosed interest in the property makes a claim. He will assure that the purchaser's lender, if any, receives a title policy meeting its requirements. Real Estate Survey. Your real estate lawyer will order and/or review a survey of the property prepared by a reputable licensed surveyor, unless the property involved is a condominium. He will ascertain whether the house and other structures are within the boundary lines and whether the purchaser's rights in the land are protected. He will advise the seller on how to resolve any encroachments that may be discovered. Real Estate Closing. Your real estate attorney will prepare many of the documents required to close. He is intimately familiar with recent changes in the law and will make certain that the paper work complies. In addition, your real estate lawyer will review the numerous documents prepared by the purchaser's lender and will explain those documents to you. Your real estate lawyer is also responsible for preparing and/or reviewing all closing figures. He will explain what is happening with your money and assure that you do not pay any inappropriate charges. Any real estate deal – residential or commercial, big property or small – is a significant transaction for both parties. Our attorneys will make sure all steps in the process are carried out in the appropriate manner, so that you can rest assured you are getting a deal you feel good about. Attorney's Fees for Closing Services For the majority of residential closings in Lake County, Illinois, we charge a flat rate of $500. Call us for more information and to find out if this fee applies to you. Our case reviews are free. With decades of combined experience in our area, we know the local laws, ordinances, rules and customs that could affect your closing. Rely on us to look out for what is in your best interest. Find Out How We Can Help You Are you closing on a real estate purchase? Are you looking to sell your home? It's never too early in the process to call us. For a complimentary consultation, please call the Law Offices of Thaddeus M. Bond, Jr. & Associates, at 847.599.9101. We have two Illinois office locations, in Libertyville and Waukegan. We proudly advocate for people from across the region, including Gurnee and all of Lake County.

  Link: Real Estate Closings

• Bond Title Services

  Title insurance protects both the seller and buyer of real estate by insuring against financial loss arising from defects in the title. It is meant to protect an owner's or a lender's financial interest in real property against loss due to title defects, liens, survey defects or other matters. A covered party will be defended against any lawsuits attacking the title and will be reimbursed for actual monetary loss incurred from a title defect up to the dollar amount of insurance provided by the policy. There are two types of title insurance policies - Owner's Policy Loan Policy The owner’s policy insures the new buyer. The loan policy insures the buyer’s lender. Nearly all mortgage lenders require title insurance at the time of the purchase of the property or a refinance to protect their interest in the real estate. A loan policy provides no coverage or benefit for the buyer/owner and so the decision to purchase an owner policy is independent of the lender's decision to require a loan policy. In Illinois, the seller usually purchases the owner’s policy and the buyer purchases the loan policy. Premiums are typically based on the sales price and can vary from transaction to transaction depending on particular requirements. Bond Title Services, Inc. is a boutique title insurance agency wholly owned by the Law Offices of Thaddeus M. Bond, Jr. & Associates, P.C. We are underwritten by the largest and most solvent title insurer in the nation. Our full service agency completes its own title searches, title commitments and policies on behalf of our underwriter. We are also a licensed escrow agent and handle closings ourselves rather than through a third party vendor. Though not required, we recommend that all property sellers who retain our law firm to handle a closing also use Bond Title Services, Inc. This one stop approach eliminates many of the problems and delays which arise when other lawyers outsource title and/or escrow services to third parties. Our clients and the other parties to a real estate transaction always walk away impressed with the efficiency of our operation. Bond Title Services, Inc. is also available to assist mortgage lenders in both northeast Illinois and southeast Wisconsin with title insurance and escrow closing services required for mortgage refinances. Additionally, we frequently assist banks, lenders and tax sale certificate holders with the title searches they need to assist them with foreclosure of their liens. Contact us now if you are interested in using Bond Title Services!

  Link: Bond Title Services

• 5 Common Closing Problems Experienced by Realtors and How We Can Help You Avoid Them

  The Lender Doesn’t Have What They Need from the Title Company Even the best lenders have trouble meeting time deadlines and getting ready to close on time. A frequent complaint is that the title company did not get requested information back to the lender in a prompt fashion. With the new TRID regulations in place, it is more important now than ever that the title company is accessible and answers requests for information and documentation promptly. Since our title agency is part of our law firm and we don’t farm out our title services to third parties, we have one less layer of communication and always move quickly to meet a lender’s needs. This keeps the deal moving towards an on time or early closing. Convenient closing times and/or locations are not available Certain days are very popular for closings. For example, the last day of the month or any Friday, especially a Friday before a holiday weekend. Far too often, a title company juggling many different clients simply does not have enough time slots, closers and closing rooms available to accommodate everyone. Since our law firm handles our closings in house, we always have sufficient time and space available. We are never overbooked. We have two conference rooms available at our main office in Libertyville and another one at our satellite office in Waukegan. Closing rooms are cramped and uncomfortable Ever been stuffed into a closing room where there are not enough chairs, no room to move around and a conference table that is too small to accommodate everyone who must use it? We have and we hate it. Bond Title Services provides large conference rooms, large conferences tables, comfortable seating and plenty of room to get up and move around. And we always have coffee, cold water and chocolates available to make a visit by you and your clients more comfortable. Changes to a closing statement take forever and/or the closer is nowhere to be found Far too many title companies have their closing statements prepared at a central facility and not at the actual closing site. Adding this extra layer of personnel serves to significantly delay the time it takes to make changes. Bond Title Services always has the ability to promptly make adjustments to the closing statement on the spot with a closer you will see and who is not hiding in some back room most of the time. We use the best and latest technology so that documents can be transmitted back and forth with the lender quickly. No more waiting forever for the closing package to be slowly transmitted to the lender for review. Title company fees are outrageously high and upset your client Far too often, buyers and sellers express that they don’t understand what title insurance is and why it is so expensive. Experienced real estate professionals know that title insurance protects everyone involved in the transaction and provides the best guarantee that you and your client won’t experience an unexpected and expensive problem after the closing is done. While title insurance claims are infrequent, they can be expensive to resolve and the payment of premiums helps spread the costs around. However, costs are frequently not fully disclosed to buyers and sellers before closing. They can also vary from company to company by hundreds of dollars. We promise that our fees are not only competitive but almost always well below those charged by other title companies. These reasonable rates make you look good to your client and help everyone walk away from the closing table happy.

  Link: 5 Common Closing Problems Experienced by Realtors and How We Can Help You Avoid Them

• Small Business Law

  Whether you are starting a new small business or own a business that has been up and running for some time, our experienced Illinois attorneys provide legal services to protect your interests and to help set you up for the best chances at long-term success. Your initial consultation with us is complimentary and we charge reasonable, competitive rates for our business services. Please call our Waukegan and Libertyville business lawyers at 847.599.9101. View a questionnaire for new clients looking to start a new corporation. Please browse the sections below to learn more. Small Business Lawyers Buying a Business Business Acquisitions, Setup and Sales Choosing a Small Business Lawyer Your Consultation Small Business Lawyers The team at the Law Offices of Thaddeus M. Bond, Jr., & Associates provides numerous legal services to the owners of small businesses. We can help you with many aspects of starting, running and selling a business, such as: Buying real estate Advising you of the best choice of entity, which may be an LLC or a corporation Drafting operating agreements or by-laws to govern the relationship between you and any other owners of the business Completing reports and documents required by the state of Illinois Reviewing contracts, employment agreements, non-compete agreements, succession plans, etc. Protecting you from legal problems Representing you in a lawsuit Resolving contract disputes Enforcing a contract Collecting debts Handling the legal aspects of small business can feel overwhelming, especially if this is your first venture. Even if you feel confident about what is required of you, you may want an experienced, knowledgeable attorney on your side to ensure matters are completed accurately and promptly. Our lawyers handle all of these matters, including helping with the formation of the business, legal documents and dispute resolution. Once your business is up and running, our business lawyers can assist you with many of the issues you will be forced to face: complying with state laws and regulations, collecting unpaid debts, acquiring and selling assets, changes in ownership, unwanted lawsuits, etc. You need an experienced business lawyer who will be on your side and who wants you to succeed. Buying a Business Thinking of buying a small business? The legal issues can become complex, whether you are buying all the assets or only a portion, or even if you are buying the entity without any physical assets. If you are purchasing an entity, you have to decide whether you will merge it with other businesses you may own or whether they will continue to exist as separate entities. These transactions can often come with strings, including attempts by the previous owners or third parties to stop the purchase or sale. This can be true even for the smallest family-owned business, over which communities often feel they share ownership. The transactions can also suffer serious tax penalties if not properly conducted. To make sure you avoid these pitfalls, consult a lawyer as soon as you begin considering the purchase or sale of your business. Here at the law offices of Thaddeus M. Bond & Associates, our small business attorneys have extensive experience with business transactional law in this area. We have seen what makes a deal successful, and what can make it fail. We can help you structure the deal to maximize your benefit. Once the deal is structured, we can help you navigate the complexities of the entire transaction, including: Writing a non-disclosure agreement that allows detailed discovery about the entities involved, but protects the information during and after the disclosure process. Writing a letter of intent that does not unintentionally commit you to an unfavorable course of action or allow the other party to take advantage of unspecified details. Writing the definitive agreement structuring the transaction. Securing the help of local experts on all aspects of the process, including accountants, lenders, even tax advisors. Please contact our Illinois business acquisition lawyers if you are considering buying or selling a small business in our region. We will help you navigate the process as smoothly as possible. Business Acquisitions, Setup and Sales We counsel clients in various matters, including: Contract negotiations Business formation Labor and employment issues Routine governance We can also provide the ongoing legal maintenance required of small businesses to sustain their status as a valid entity. We will help you with the acquisition or sale of stock or of business assets. We review and draft letters of intent and purchase agreements. We will review or draft all documents necessary to a successful closing, including security agreements, financing and settlement statements, mortgages, notes and contracts.

  Link: Small Business Law