I have helped many of my clients develop comprehensive estate plans that include revocable inter vivos trusts, often referred to as “living trusts.” A “living trust” is a legal document that allows a person to distribute their possessions and assets to the people they want to after they die. A living trust “owns” the property… Continue reading
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Foreign . . . in a domestic sense?; the plight of the insular territories
I am a legal news junkie. Although my various responsibilities connected to my family, my business, my church, and as a Village Trustee often require so much of my time that I can’t possibly keep up, I try to stay “tuned-in” to what’s happening in the legal world. Whether I read the legal news, listen… Continue reading

Estate Planning + Family Gatherings = Holiday Cheer?
I cannot emphasize this enough – it is essential that every adult prepare an estate plan. Regardless of how old you are, your marital status, or how much money you have, having a Will, advanced directives such as powers of attorney, and perhaps a trust or other plan, is important. Nearly 70% of Americans do… Continue reading
John R. Russell Co-authors Article About Analysis of Interest Arbitration During Economic and Social Crisis in University of Illinois and Chicago-Kent College of Law’s Illinois Public Employee Relations Report
John R. Russell has an of-counsel relationship with the Chicago law firm, Laner Muchin, Ltd. The firm concentrates exclusively in the representation of employers in labor relations, employment litigation, employee benefits and business immigration matters. The firm provides legal services to clients from coast to coast. Mr. Russell has been working with two of the… Continue reading

Estate Taxes and Life Insurance
It’s a question I am obliged to ask my clients at the outset of the initial consultation about estate planning. I will gravely ask if they think there will be a concern with federal estate taxation. A concerned look will cross their faces – “Should we be concerned?” I will reply that if their gross… Continue reading