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
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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
Powers of Attorney Problems (POAs)
My mantra as an estate planning attorney is “Estate Planning is all about planning for everything you own and everyone you care about – including yourself.” It’s this last concept that is most often overlooked in the process — there is a lot more to think about when you plan for the future than what… Continue reading
Saving through your Mortgage Escrow
SAVING THROUGH YOUR MORTGAGE ESCROW If you own your own home, odds are you financed the purchase of the real estate with a mortgage. Usually, the lender requires the buyer/borrower to escrow funds to assure the payment of real estate taxes and hazard insurance. This escrow is funded as part of the monthly mortgage payments —… Continue reading
Helping Seniors Avoid the Pitfalls of Do-it-Yourself Estate Planning
All of us have people in our lives who are aging. Grandparents or parents, Uncles and Aunts, people we go to church with, or people we work with. Getting older always has the same consequences – bodies deteriorate, sight dims, hearing is more difficult. Reflexes are slower, aches and pains seem more pronounced, memory issues… Continue reading