For small businesses, every penny counts, and even a small bill left unpaid by a customer can make a big difference in your bottom line.  For some customers, a missed payment might be a simple oversight and a quick reminder may do the trick.  But for others, it might take a bit more work.  As frustrating as debt collection can be, it is possible to recover payment on past due invoices.  Here are some tips for keeping the bills paid and collecting on those that are late.

Begin With a Detailed Credit and Invoicing Process

Make sure you have a clearly laid out credit policy and that customers are fully aware of the terms and conditions.  Invoices should be detailed with amount due, payment due date and terms, description of the transaction and company address and contact details.  The quality of the invoice has a big impact on whether a payment will be made.

Keep Current Records of Customer Payment Histories

A customer that has a history of paying on time should be much easier to collect from should they miss an occasional payment.  Those who regularly miss payments may need a more aggressive approach.  It is wise to require upfront payment from customers who are currently or habitually late.

Keep Detailed Records When Attempting to Collect a Past Due Payment

Take thorough notes every time you speak to the customer or send any type of correspondence about money owed.  This could be very helpful for your defense if it were to escalate to a legal proceeding.   Successful debt collection can take time to master, but maintaining a calm demeanor and keeping your contact attempts to a reasonable, non-harassing limit can often lead to a favorable outcome.

No matter who the client is or how much they owe, it is your right to collect that debt.  Each situation should be looked at individually to determine the best course of action.  When legal assistance is needed, Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton can provide their years of debt collection expertise to help you understand your rights and legal options, and collect the moneys owed to you.  Contact us at 847-223-1500 to speak to one of our highly qualified attorneys.

Full referenced articles HERE and HERE

When entering into a transaction with another party for goods or services, it is always in the best interest of both parties to execute a signed contract, detailing the terms of the agreement.  However, this does not always guarantee a favorable end result, as there are a number of ways that a breach of contract may occur.

What is a Breach of Contract

When two or more parties have entered into a contract, each party promises to perform a certain duty or pay a certain amount.  A breach of contract occurs when one party does not fulfill their obligation according to the terms of the contract.  The remaining parties must then decide whether to accept it and move on or bring legal action to find a resolution.

Types of Breaches

A breach of contract can be classified in several different ways and damages would be based on the severity of the breach.  Failure to perform a nonessential condition of a contract would be considered minor, while more significant damages can be awarded for substantial violations, including the right to terminate the contract.

Types of Damages That Can Be Awarded

Typically, the amount of monetary damages awarded is the amount that it would take to make the aggrieved party whole, such as the actual value of the goods or services that were supposed to be provided.  A court could also force the breaching party to complete the service or deliver the goods that were promised in the contract.  If the breach was particularly heinous, a judge could award punitive damages, an additional monetary sum meant to punish the offender.  An experienced attorney, like those at Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton, can help determine what type of damages you would likely receive.

When to Consult an Attorney

The first step in resolving a contract dispute is to notify the party in breach of the contract and give them the opportunity to resolve it.  If this does not result in an appropriate response, speaking with an attorney is often the best course of action.

Contract law is very complex.  Resolving disputes can be intricate and complicated, often involving a vast number of variables that may affect the outcome of a lawsuit.  The attorneys at Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton have a precise understanding of the law and have successfully litigated all sizes of contract disputes.  Contact us at 847-223-1500 or visit dev-cqrh.pantheonsite.io for more information.

Full referenced articles HERE and HERE

Thank you so much to @GrayslakeCentral High School for the beautiful Homecoming window decorations!  You all did a fantastic job and have truly brightened up our office.  Have a great Homecoming – Go Rams!  #GCHS #homecomingweek #CQRH

A landlord’s perfect scenario is renting to someone who is quiet, respectful of their property and pays the rent on time every month.  Likewise, a renter expects a safe, well-maintained property in exchange for rents paid.  But when a landlord feels that the tenant does not abide by the rules set forth in their rental agreement, there is a specific eviction process that must be followed in order to remove them from the property.

Give Notice

This is the renter’s home and they cannot be told to move without warning.  A landlord must give written notice to the renter and allow them the opportunity to respond to the claims.  The three basic types of eviction notices are:

1. Pay Rent or Quit – gives the tenant a few days to pay past-due rent or “quit” the lease
2. Cure or Quit – allows the tenant to fix the problem (such as a pet or other violation) or quit the lease
3. Unconditional Quit – requires the tenant to leave the premises or quit the lease without any opportunity to correct a problem or get current on rent

Tenant Might Not Leave

Even if served an eviction notice, a tenant may feel that the landlord is the one at fault, and therefore they have a right to remain in the property.  The tenant’s defense could include factors such as the landlord not providing proper notice, poor maintenance of the rental property, retaliation for the tenant reporting code violations or discrimination in violation of the Fair Housing Act.

Legal Intervention

When a tenant refuses to abide by the terms of an eviction notice, legal action is required to resolve the dispute and ensure that the terms of the lease are being followed.  Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton can represent both landlords and tenants throughout the legal proceedings, from preparing and filing the proper documents through litigation, if necessary.  Contact us at 847-223-1500 to speak to one of our knowledgeable attorneys or visit dev-cqrh.pantheonsite.io for more information.

Full referenced article HERE

We recently had nine tax appeal cases in one day and WON every case.  EVERY client was granted a reduction.  That’s what we call a successful day.

Need help getting rising property taxes lowered?  We work hard for each and every one of our clients and it shows in our results.  Experience, integrity, knowledge, diligence – those are the reasons our clients trust us to advocate on their behalf.  One successful day after another for 100 years and going strong.

Call Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton at 847-223-1500 for dedicated assistance in an extensive range of legal areas.

For more info:

https://grayslakelaw.com/practice-areas/real-estate/

Many states do not require a home buyer to have legal representation during the purchase transaction, but considering the size of the investment and the problems that can often arise, it is very important to have an experienced real estate attorney on your side during this complex process.

Documents the Attorney Reviews

• Purchase agreement – many sellers use standard forms, but your attorney will read through the agreement and suggest changes to meet your specific needs. These could include the terms of financing, alterations to the property or the conditions of escrow.
• Mortgage documents – these documents are prepared by the lender and usually cannot be changed, but it is very important that you understand what they mean so you can abide by the terms
• Title documents – these show any current liens or claims against the property
• Transfer documents – these transfer ownership from seller to buyer

Problems Can Arise During the Transaction

While some transactions go perfectly smoothly, in many cases there will be problems that need to be resolved.  Your attorney may find errors in the mortgage documents that need to be corrected, the inspection may uncover issues that need to be addressed before finalizing the purchase, the title search may reveal liens or claims against the property, or the seller may try to back out.  It is in these cases where you will be thankful that you have an experienced attorney like those at Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton to help sort through and resolve the issues.

Can’t You Just Use Your Real Estate Agent Instead of Hiring an Attorney?

Your real estate agent may be very good at their job, but they are not legally trained and should not give legal advice.  Remember that this is a legal transaction and mistakes cannot be undone once the papers are signed.

The purchase process is very stressful and the closing can be overwhelming.  The attorneys at Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton have extensive experience in real estate law and will be there to worry about the details so you do not have to.  Contact us at 847-223-1500 or visit dev-cqrh.pantheonsite.io to see how we can help.

Referenced article found HERE and HERE

Churchill, Quinn, Richtman, & Hamilton were happy to be a sponsor of Grayslake Summer Days!

Enjoy this short video of the parade!

#Grayslake #Grayslake Colts #CQRH   dev-cqrh.pantheonsite.io/community/

Keep your eyes on the skies as the 6^th annual Grayslake Color Aloft Balloon Festival takes flight on August 25th.  This exciting event, sponsored by Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton, will feature hot air balloons being inflated and competing to see which one can land closest to the Fox River.  Once retrieved and returned to the park, the balloons will be illuminated by their burners in a captivating glow that you don’t want to miss.

Along with the beautiful balloons, you can enjoy musical entertainment, a Civil War era baseball game, children’s activities, storytelling and business booths.  There will not be any food vendors, so be sure to pack a snack!

This free event runs from 3:00pm until 9:00pm at Central Park in Grayslake, located at 250 Library Lane.

For more information about the balloon festival, click here: http://business.grayslakechamber.com/events/details/6th-annual-color-aloft-balloon-festival-694

Celebrate the end of summer at this great family event sponsored by Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton.  Grayslake Summer Days is happening on August 17^th and 18^th and will have tons of fun activities to choose from.

Listen to great music, try your luck at the carnival games, enjoy delicious food or visit the many business booths.  There will be a bike and pet parade on Saturday at noon, bags tournament at 12:30pm and go-kart races at 1:00pm so make a day of it and enjoy everything this fun event has to offer.

The event is FREE and will take place on Friday from 5pm – 12am and Saturday from 11am – 12am and is located at the Whitney Street Festival Site in Downtown Grayslake.

For more event info: http://business.grayslakechamber.com/events/details/summer-days-08-18-2018-693

When it comes to settling an estate, most people have heard that it is best to avoid probate whenever possible.  But how many people even know what it is?  It is a lot easier to navigate this issue when you have the necessary information, so here are the basics of probate.

Probate Defined

Probate is the legal process of a court validating a person’s will and distributing their estate after they pass away.  This can be a complex and lengthy process, especially if a will was never prepared prior to death or if there is a large estate involved.

The Probate Process

The court first names an executor, or administrator, of the estate which may be stated in the will or assigned by the court if there is no will.  It is the executor’s duty to prove validity of the will, as well as provide a list of the deceased’s assets and debts.  Creditors must usually be paid from the assets of the estate before the beneficiaries can receive anything, although there are sometimes exceptions to this rule.

Once all of the debts have been satisfied, necessary tax returns have been filed, disputes settled, beneficiaries paid and the estate closed, the executor’s role is complete.  There are many details involved in this process and help is often needed.  Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton has experienced probate and trust administration attorneys who can help you sort through these details in order to avoid further stress during a difficult time of loss.

Probate Causes Problems

The probate process can be very long, sometimes lasting for years.  Heirs can be left waiting for inheritances that they are counting on.  All fees and expenses get paid from the estate and can therefore significantly reduce the value of the estate over time.  And the process can cause stress on a family, sometimes even tearing families apart.

Avoid Probate

The best way to avoid the pitfalls of probate is through appropriate planning ahead of time.  Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton can prepare a will, set up a trust, establish joint ownership of assets and address many more estate planning issues in order to aid in the effective administration of an estate, whatever your situation may be.  Call us now at 847-223-1500 or visit dev-cqrh.pantheonsite.io for more information.

See fully referenced articles HERE and HERE

Owning commercial real estate can be a very rewarding experience but purchasing it can be a challenge.  Some people may be hesitant to make the investment because they think it will be too complicated.  But by doing some preliminary research and having the right experts helping you, anyone can enjoy the benefits that commercial real estate can offer.

Know What You Are Looking For

You must ask yourself a lot of questions up front in order to determine how to start.  What can you afford in terms of down payment, repairs and financing?  What purpose will the property serve?  How much work do you want to put in to the property?  These and many other questions will help you determine the right property to look for.

Be Sure to Look at Many Different Properties

It is never wise to settle for the first property you visit.  Tour many different places so you can compare the features of each.  Decide what is most important to you and always consider the location of the property as one of the most important factors.  Your final choice should be what fits best with your specific situation and needs.  Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton’s attorneys have experience in transactions involving office buildings, retail centers, warehouses, and apartment and condo properties so we can help with whatever you decide on.

Choose Experts to Help

Whatever the property, the process can be quite complex so the right experts can make all the difference for a smooth transaction.  A commercial real estate agent, mortgage broker and accountant will all most likely be needed to provide assistance.

One of the most valuable experts you need to hire is an attorney, and Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton has extensive experience to guide you through all steps of the process.  From negotiating and drafting a contract to performing due diligence, all the way through the details of closing the deal and transferring funds, we will ensure you know exactly what your rights and obligations are.

Contact us at 847-223-1500 or visit dev-cqrh.pantheonsite.io for more information about our attorneys and practice areas.

 

Full referenced article HERE

The end of summer marks an exciting time for recent high school graduates as many of them will be heading off to college and university campuses to start a new chapter of their lives on their own.  While they may be prepared with books, supplies and dorm room essentials, there are a few legal documents that you probably did not think of but are essential to their safety.

Power of Attorney

Once your child turns 18, you no longer have any legal authority to make healthcare or financial decisions for them.  If something drastic were to happen, such as being involved in an accident or becoming extremely ill, and your child were to become unable to speak for themselves, a power of attorney would give you court approval to act on their behalf.  Accidents and sickness are very real possibilities so it is essential to have a qualified attorney like Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton prepare this important document which would allow you to speak to doctors about care and gain access to medical and financial records and accounts.

Living Will

The living will document specifies which healthcare procedures they do or do not want if they were to become terminally ill or in a vegetative state.  While it is not a pleasant thought, it is important to know your child’s wishes about life-extending medical treatments or organ donation.

When it comes to a child, nobody wants to imagine the possibility that something could go wrong, but the reality is that life is very unpredictable and the best way to prepare is to have your affairs in order ahead of time.  Getting ready to head off to college is the perfect time to discuss these issues with your child, and to let them know that you want to always be there for them if they need you.

The legal team at Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton can correctly prepare these important documents in order to ensure that there are no questions if the unexpected happens.  Call us at 847-223-1500 or visit dev-cqrh.pantheonsite.io for more information.

 

Referenced articles can be read HERE and HERE

Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton is proudly sponsoring the 27^th Annual Grayslake Chamber of Commerce 5K Run & Walk through historic Grayslake.  Runners, walkers, strollers and wheelchair athletes of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate in this fun community event on July 14th.

Awards will be given out based on age groups as well as overall finishers so there are many opportunities to claim a prize.  But this event is not all about winning – it is a great opportunity to share a day and be healthy with friends and family.

A kids fun run for ages 5-8 will begin at 7:30am and the 5K will start at 8:00am.  Race shirts are guaranteed to the first 500 registered participants, so be sure to sign up early.  Proceeds from this event will go to the Grayslake Chamber Scholarship Fund so come out to support a great cause!

For more event info: https://www.signmeup.com/site/reg/register.aspx?fid=BF2V5H7

 

When construction or improvements are done on a property, sometimes things do not go according to plan.  When problems arise and contracted payments are not made, the situation can result in a mechanic’s lien being filed.

What is a Mechanic’s Lien?

A mechanic’s lien is a “claim” against your property, similar to a mortgage, filed by someone who has done construction or home improvement work on your property such as a contractor, subcontractor, laborer or material supplier.  When the contractor or laborer has not been paid, they can record a lien with the county recorder’s office in order to ensure a payment.

How a Homeowner is Affected by a Mechanic’s Lien

The homeowner is the person who is ultimately legally responsible for payment of the lien, even if they have already paid the contractor.  Problems that can arise include:

• Not paying the lien can result in foreclosure on the property
• The lien gets recorded on the property’s title, which can affect the ability to borrow against it or sell it
• The homeowner may end up paying twice for the same work

How Mechanic’s Liens Work for a Contractor or Supplier

A mechanic’s lien is a very powerful tool that allows for the ability to receive payment for the goods or services provided by a contractor, subcontractor or supplier.  If the agreed-upon work has been completed but payment has not been made, a mechanic’s lien can provide a solution.  When Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton helps you file the lien, it can benefit you as a contractor/supplier by giving you the ability to legally collect the debt.

• It will prevent the property from being sold, refinanced or transferred
• It can put pressure on lenders and property owners to address the debt
• It can give the debt first priority over other debt

The attorneys at Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton are well-versed in the enforcement of mechanic’s liens.  Contact us at 847-223-1500 or visit dev-cqrh.pantheonsite.io to learn how we can help you navigate the complexities of this law.

Referenced articles can be read HERE and HERE

While it might seem logical to be happy about an increasing home value, when it comes to the tax assessor’s office you want your value to be as low as possible.  Since your real estate taxes are based on your assessed value, convincing the government that your home is worth less than they say it is can save you money.

The county is not always correct in their assessment and there are steps you can take to appeal your taxes and get changes made:

Make Sure You Meet the Deadline

Once you receive your assessment, you have only 30 days to file an appeal.  Make sure you are aware of the specific deadline for your property’s location.  Contact our office at 847-223-1500 as soon as you get your blue tax card to assure there will be time to assemble your case.

Understand Assessment Ratios

If your home’s value seems low on your assessment, they may be using an “assessed value”, which is only a percentage of the full market value.  You can confirm this on the assessor’s website before building your case.

Make Sure Your Property Information is Accurate

We can request a copy of the internal notes and data the assessor used when determining the value of your home and verify that they used the correct lot size, house age, room count for bedrooms and bathrooms, or anything else that might affect the value.  We also make sure they compared your house to similar homes based on size, age, etc.

Hire an Attorney to Help in the Process

There are many details to consider during the appeal process and even if you present a good case, the assessor does not have to agree with you.  Often times they will do their best to defend their original estimate.  A qualified attorney can make a significant difference in a successful appeal.

The attorneys at Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton in Grayslake are experienced in reducing real estate tax liability.  We will provide a free evaluation to determine if an appeal is warranted and will not charge any fee unless we successfully reduce your taxes.  Contact us at 847-223-1500 or visit dev-cqrh.pantheonsite.io for more information.

Click HERE for a list of 2018 filing deadlines for Lake County

Read the full referenced article here

In what promises to be an enjoyable day, downtown Grayslake is set to host the 23^rd annual Arts Festival & Wine Tasting on June 23^rd.

This free event will offer the opportunity to view the works of over 60 local artists who will be displaying and selling their work.

There will be great entertainment throughout the day, food vendors, children’s activities, a high school art exhibit and a “Wines Around the World” wine tasting event.

Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton is a proud sponsor of this great family festival event that you don’t want to miss!

http://business.grayslakechamber.com/events/details/23rd-annual-arts-festival-annual-wine-tasting-688