The Right Documents Clarify Your Wishes

There are several different documents that are essential to a successful estate plan. Do you know which ones you’ll need and how each protects your assets and preserves your final wishes? Chicago guardianship lawyers can review commonly used documents with you and explain their purpose, including:

• A Living Will
• Last Will and Testament
• Health Care Power of Attorney
• Financial Power of Attorney
• Medical Directive
• Trust Documents

A guardianship lawyer can demonstrate how each of these documents work and determine which ones are necessary for your particular situation. Although there are Internet sites that let you download and prepare your own estate documents, you shouldn’t rely on these. Unless you understand how every document works and which ones are legal in your state, you should avoid trying to prepare the documents yourself. It is easy to misunderstand which documents you need, and you could leave out vital information when trying to prepare them. By speaking with a guardianship attorney from the outset, you’ll avoid complications down the line.

Reducing Estate Tax Liability

When you pass away, your heirs will face some staggering tax liabilities. A guardianship lawyer can help you find appropriate ways to divest yourself of your assets prior to your death so that your heirs won’t have to pay a large tax bill when you die. There are numerous laws surrounding this process, and you don’t want to make a misstep that could create greater problems for your descendants, so discuss your plans with Chicago guardianship lawyers prior to signing any paperwork. Your attorney will make sure that your heirs don’t end up facing huge tax liabilities or having to work through legal problems caused by your estate plan.

Guardianship Isn’t Just For Children Anymore

Guardianship lawyers are also valuable assets if you’re trying to decide who should care for your minor children or any dependent adults. In a world where people are living longer lives and parents are delaying starting their families until they are older, it isn’t uncommon for individuals to be caring for both young children and elderly parents or grandparents. It’s imperative that you discuss these issues with a guardianship attorney who can prepare the right documentation to protect your family members from others who may try to contest your own guardianship instructions.

Talk To Potential Guardians Before Preparing Your Estate

Being appointed as guardian to anyone, whether it’s an elderly individual with health problems or a young child, is a serious commitment. Make sure you discuss your wishes with the person or people you have in mind prior to having your guardianship lawyer draw up the papers. You don’t want them to be shocked to find out they have a ward or wards after you’ve passed away. You also want to make sure they are willing to undertake such an important responsibility.

Consulting with Chicago guardianship lawyers now is the best gift you can leave behind for those you love. Helping them legally avoid estate taxes and establishing your wishes for your children and other dependent family members is a wonderful last bequest that will make life simpler for your heirs.

Do You Need To Challenge A Guardianship?

Not all guardianships are challenged, and many don’t need to be. If you feel that the guardian cares for and is working hard to protect their ward’s health and happiness, it is fine to leave them in place. However, if you are concerned about possible issues such as mismanagement of funds, physical or emotional abuse or neglect, you should consider challenging the guardianship. This can be unpleasant in situations where the guardians themselves don’t realize they are no longer in a position to provide proper care for their ward. Whatever the reason for challenging the situation, you’ll be protecting yourself and the ward when you contact a litigation attorney. Chicago litigation attorneys at Peck Bloom will keep the best interests of the dependent person in mind throughout any dispute.

Disputing Guardianship On Your Own

There is no law regarding guardianships that says you must consult a litigation attorney. You can fill out the paperwork requesting that you be named the responsible party for a minor child, an elderly relative, or an incapacitated adult by going to the courthouse. If you don’t think the current guardian will fight you or if you know that he no longer wants to be responsible for the ward, you may be able to handle everything without a litigation lawyer. Chicago residents should understand, however, that it’s always best to talk to the other party before making any assumptions. Talk to them before you file any documents in court; they may turn over responsibility for their ward without a problem.

How A Litigation Lawyer Can Help

Sadly, there are many situations in which a simple transfer of guardianship turns into a legal battle in which Chicago litigation attorneys are crucial for success. If you’re disputing the situation because you don’t feel the ward is being properly cared for – he or she is being abused or neglected – or you suspect the guardian is misusing the ward’s money or property, you should talk to Chicago litigation attorneys with experience in this area.

If you need a litigation attorney, Chicago lawyers know what forms are necessary, how to proceed in court, and how best to demonstrate that you are the best possible guardian for your relative or loved one. A litigation lawyer understands the importance of proper evidence and how it should be presented in order to prove your case and increase your chances of success. Proper evidence and the statements of witnesses are particularly important if the ward cannot speak for himself. Chicago litigation attorneys are experienced in gathering and presenting this kind of information professionally.

Assuming guardianship of another person is a serious undertaking. Not handling the situation properly can lead to family conflict and lengthy legal battles. Fortunately, a litigation lawyer in Chicago can help you gain control over an unfortunate situation so that your loved one is cared for by you or another responsible guardian. Consulting with a litigation attorney may be the best thing you do for a loved one who is currently the ward of someone you don’t have confidence in.

Understanding Elder Abuse

The earliest instances of abuse are often the result of increasing frustration or resentment. Senior citizens may be subject to sexual abuse or physical assault, including punches, slaps, pinches or shoves. It can also be emotional; many abusers don’t realize that yelling, shouting, verbal humiliation or isolating the elderly is a serious form of elder abuse. If you suspect that someone is being neglected, exploited financially, or abandoned, Chicago elder law lawyers can help you protect your loved one when he or she no longer can.

What To Watch For

Many people miss the earliest signs of elder abuse because the senior citizen’s mental capacity may be diminished by Alzheimer’s or dementia. But even if the person requires a caregiver, you should listen to them and watch for the many signs of abuse. Although one sign might not be cause for alarm, if your loved one experiences several, it may be time to get an attorney experienced in elder law. Chicago residents often turn to Peck Bloom’s years of experience.

Watch out for these tell-tale symptoms:

• Frequent bruises, cuts, broken bones or sores that have no explanation
• Escalating or frequent arguments between the senior and his or her caregiver
• Poor personal hygiene
• Clothing and shoes that are inappropriate, insufficient for the temperature, or dirty and poorly fitting
• Large sums of money withdrawn from bank accounts or drastic changes in the financial situation
• A caregiver who won’t allow private conversations with the elderly person

There are other signs that may be missed, but talking to an elder law specialist is a good way to find out more. For instance, if your loved one’s personality has changed recently or they appear to be afraid of their caregiver, elder attorneys in Chicago can help you find out what the next step should be.

Fighting Elder Abuse

If you believe an elderly person you care about has been subjected to abuse in any form, contact the local police and one of the Chicago elder law lawyers at Peck Bloom, LLC. Our elder attorneys specialize in the various issues covered by elder law. We can prepare the appropriate paperwork to challenge a guardianship if needed or petition the court to assign you or someone you trust as a guardian. If you want a judge to appoint you as the guardian of an elderly person, our elder attorneys can help convince the courts that you are the best person for the job.

In some situations, elder law lawyers can ask that you be appointed immediately as temporary guardian so that an emergency situation can be addressed while the courts continue to look into the circumstances in order to make an appropriate decision.

Understanding Elder Law in Chicago

Elder law varies from state to state. In some, an elderly individual may have one physical guardian and another guardian who oversees the person’s finances. In many instances, these joint guardians are siblings caring for an elderly parent or grandparent. Perhaps one is able to care for the day to day needs of the individual, while another understands finances. If the two guardians can’t agree on how much money should be spent or what constitutes sufficient care, however, problems can quickly escalate. In these situations, it’s crucial to work with elder law attorneys in your area. The Chicago elder law lawyers at Peck and Bloom, LLC are familiar with every aspect of elder law, including those provisions that are unique to Illinois.

Don’t delay in taking action if you fear someone you love is being abused. Contact the appropriate authorities immediately and talk to our elder attorneys today. There is no better time to begin the process to rescue your loved one from elder abuse.

Ensure Your Family Is Protected From Contested Estates By Working With Probate Attorneys

The laws regarding estates are constantly changing, but Illinois probate attorneys keep up to date on the many issues surrounding the administration and probate of estates. The best time to meet with probate attorneys is now so that you can plan your estate and establish ironclad guardianship directives in case you, your spouse or other family members become unable to care for themselves or take care of their own financial needs.

Many people believe that probate attorneys focus on contesting estates and litigating trusts or guardianship issues, but probate attorneys are also powerful allies when you are organizing your own family’s future plans. Because they are so familiar with the ins and outs of estate planning and administration, they can help you avoid problems such as unclear or contestable estates and guardianships. Chicago guardianship lawyers are also very familiar with probate issues and elder law, making them indispensable when planning for your twilight years.

Proper Filing Is Crucial

A Chicago guardianship lawyer can prevent potential problems by ensuring that all of the proper legal papers are completed and filed. By helping clients put together this paperwork and get it filed properly, our Chicago guardianship lawyer can ensure that you’ll always have access to your assets and minimize the chances that someone will contest the guardianship.

They can also minimize any tax liabilities and help you structure your estate so that it addresses needs such as final living expenses, medical costs and other common needs. Your family can be protected after you’ve passed away or have become incapacitated if you meet with probate attorneys now and put together a guardianship plan for the future. In the event you have guardianship of an elderly adult or minor that is contested, Peck Bloom’s probate attorneys are experienced in defending your rights as a guardian.

Assisted Living And End Of Life Planning With Chicago Guardianship Lawyers

It’s natural to want to avoid thinking about what will happen if you or your parents end up living in an assisted living facility or nursing home, but ignoring the situation won’t make it go away. A Chicago guardianship lawyer can put together the proper guardianship forms and establish a full or partial guardianship in the event your loved one can no longer care for themselves or their finances. A guardianship lawyer is also familiar with nursing home, assisted living and in home care considerations and can guide you toward the solution that will work best for you and your family. He can also answer questions about how and when a guardianship should be put into place and explain the various types of guardianship to you.

Few people think about the future in terms of illness, mental incapacity or disability, but not planning for these eventualities can cause grave problems with your finances and lead to unpleasant disputes within a family. By meeting with a Chicago guardianship lawyer now, you can avoid emotionally draining confrontations in the future and protect the health, emotional well-being and finances of your loved ones in the future.

Properly preparing and filing court documents is only one aspect of an estate planning attorney’s job, but it is an essential one. Because there is a legal process that must be adhered to, estate lawyers are an invaluable help. Their familiarity with the correct procedures can help simplify the process while taking some of the mystery out of it by clearly explaining things in easy to understand terms.

Estate Attorneys In Chicago Leave Nothing To Chance

Experienced estate planning attorneys not only knows their way around the legal system, they are knowledgeable in the many ways they can protect your assets in the event of an illness, injury or death. Estate lawyers can smooth the way through probate court and assist you as you or your family members process a family estate or execute a guardianship.

Processing or administering an estate is complex, tedious and time consuming. If you don’t handle every phase properly, the estate can be tied up for months or even years, which is why the overwhelming majority of people hire estate lawyers. Chicago probate law can be very confusing, but working with a skilled estate planning attorney means minimal complications and quick access to any assets that are needed. At Peck Bloom, our estate lawyers have been resolving probate issues, preparing complex estates, setting up guardianships and defending the assets of our clients for years. We’ll protect you against unfortunate mistakes while guarding your family’s future.

What Can An Estate Planning Attorney Do?

The many details inherent in establishing an estate can be very confusing, and some of them have loopholes that the typical person isn’t familiar with. Estate attorneys address these issues and make sure you and your family end up with a plan that protects everyone financially and emotionally as well as legally. It requires intimate knowledge of the law and weeks of research, which is why it is so important to hire an estate planning attorney who understands legal and financial considerations.

At Peck Bloom, our estate lawyers have been paving the way to the smooth administration of estates for years and we’re proud of our record of successful set-up and administration of family estates. Our estate attorneys’ emphasis on continuing education is one of our most valuable tools, as estate and guardianship law is always evolving. Familiarity with Chicago, state and federal regulations is essential to properly organizing and executing a valid estate plan: our estate lawyers know the law at all levels. Call today to schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of our estate lawyers. You’ll quickly realize that having an estate planning attorney in your corner is the best gift you can give for your family’s future.

But you don’t have to be elderly yourself to need the expertise of elder law lawyers. If your parents or grandparents are aging and are struggling with decisions regarding end of life medical decisions, financial choices, nursing home issues, or problems with their estates, you may want to talk to a litigation lawyer with elder law experience so that you can help protect your parents’ assets and their personal security. If poor decisions were made in the past and now need to be challenged or reevaluated, a litigation lawyer has the experience to fight the appropriate battles in court, and elder law lawyers will have the necessary experience with confusing elder law issues. Finding an attorney who has both types of experience can be tricky. Our suggestions will guide you in the right direction to find the ideal legal representative for your family.

How Long Have They Practiced Elder Law?

Not all litigation lawyers regularly practice elder law in Chicago. Be sure you ask any litigation lawyer you’re considering about their elder law experience. How long have they been practicing in the area of elder law? Do they represent elderly clients on a regular basis, or is it simply something they do on occasion? Lawyers who practice in several different specialties such as criminal law, bankruptcy, and family law may be spreading themselves too thin. You’ll be better represented by hiring a law firm staffed with elder law lawyers who specialize in only one area – elder law issues. The attorneys should have at least ten years of experience in this area in order to give you the best possible representation.

You can get a feel for how much experience in elder law a litigation lawyer has by asking questions about what work they’ve done for former clients. Most attorneys can give you a thorough idea of what kinds of Chicago elder law issues they’ve handled regularly without revealing the details of former clients. If you have a specific concern, such as financial issues, ask how they handle these types of elder law situations.

How Are Attorneys’ Fees Handled For Elder Law Issues?

The cost of legal representation for elder law issues can quickly add up, so be sure you know up front what to expect. While some attorneys will quote a flat rate for a specific service, such as drawing up a will or setting up an estate, others bill their clients on an hourly basis. Be sure you know which option they use and how they figure their hourly rates. Are phone calls included? Do they break down costs by the minute? What about fees for supplies, courtroom filing and other expenses? Honest, dependable elder law lawyers will clearly outline how they bill their clients and be able to give you a rough estimate of how much their representation will cost, barring any unforeseen complications.

What Types Of Elder Law Issues Can They Handle?

Keep in mind that an experienced litigation lawyer who specializes in handling elder care issues will be familiar with the changing laws, various programs, and often extensive amount of paperwork surrounding elder care situations. At Peck and Bloom, we’ve been working with families to ensure proper elder care and protect the assets of the elderly for over a decade. We take the time to constantly update our knowledge of Chicago elder law issues through continuing education and life-long learning opportunities so that we can offer our clients the best possible representation and protect their savings now and in the future.

Ask Questions And Shop Around

Peck Bloom is proud to have several litigation lawyers on staff who are elder law specialists, but don’t take our word for it. Call for a free, initial consultation and ask questions. Our elder law lawyers will be happy to outline a plan of action that fits your family’s needs. Compare our services with those of other Chicago elder law attorneys. We’re confident you’ll discover that our elder law services are second to none.

Well Known Estate Planning Scams

Financial or estate planning scams tend to target retirees and the elderly simply because these individuals usually ask fewer of the right questions, and are often so embarrassed that they’ve been taken advantage of, they never contact the authorities or consult with a Chicago estate lawyer until it is too late.

One popular scam focuses on the sale of annuities or trusts. In most cases, the first contact is made not by the individual buying the annuity, but by an unsolicited sales person who aggressively pushes their product.  Chicago elder law lawyers report that two common scenarios involve either a follow-up phone call after you’ve attended a seminar, or a door-to-door canvas of local neighborhoods.

Leaving Out The Details

Annuity scams usually require you to liquidate your current investments, then place the proceeds into the seller’s annuity fund. If someone asks you to do this, you should consult a Chicago estate lawyer immediately and have them carefully review the plan.

In most cases, if you liquidate your assets and buy an annuity, you’ll take a heavy hit in the form of high taxes and various professional fees. In most cases, you’ll also end up paying a sizable commission to the salesman marketing the annuity. Chicago elder law lawyers can read over any agreements and tell you if the program is legitimate and how it will affect you in the long term.

Scam Trusts

There are two distinct versions of trust scams, although both of them appeal to elderly investors by playing on their concerns about taxes and/or burdening their descendants. Scam trusts require you to transfer your money and assets to business trusts in order to avoid paying taxes on their value. The scam artist makes his money by charging you an exorbitant fee for his or her assistance, but doesn’t protect you from the Internal Revenue Service, which will reveal that the trust established was illegal. At that point, you may need to hire Chicago elder law lawyers or Chicago litigation attorneys to help you negotiate a settlement of the back taxes, interest, and penalties the IRS will assess against you.

Mill Trusts

Mill trusts are documents that will supposedly relieve your beneficiaries from having to pay estate taxes or having to go through probate. Signing these kinds of contracts can be a costly mistake. Never sign any legal documents without having them reviewed by a Chicago estate lawyer. He or she can point out problems in mill trusts, although they aren’t always illegal. In some cases, Chicago elder law lawyers point out, mill trusts are legal; they just aren’t a good idea because the only person benefitting is the salesperson.

Because scam mill trusts focus primarily on dodging probate, they usually don’t address other important issues. Don’t get caught purchasing any type of trust without reviewing it first with a Chicago estate lawyer who can point out its limitations and any potential problems. In some cases, a mill trust never gets funded, making it pointless. If this happens to you, contacting Chicago elder law lawyers is the most important step you can take.

Don’t Ignore The Warnings

There are always red flags that the victims of financial or estate scams miss until it is too late. Don’t let this happen to you – know the warning signs and heed them:

* Salesmen who approach you first, without any request for information from you

* Special Discounts, One-Time-Only Offers and Pricing “Just For You”

* Pressure to commit right away because the deal is about to expire

* Sales people who ignore your reservations, encouraging you to sign without having an attorney review the paperwork

If you encounter any of the above scenarios, you should not sign anything until you’ve consulted a Chicago estate lawyer or Chicago elder law lawyers familiar with these kinds of scams. They will read through the fine print and ask the right questions and advise you on whether the deal you’re being offered is a legitimate one.

Help After The Fact

If you’ve already signed estate documents or trust papers and are now having second thoughts, don’t hesitate to contact a Chicago estate lawyer or schedule an appointment with Chicago elder law lawyers. They can determine whether you’ve been taken advantage of and will help you plan an appropriate course of action.

Legal Specialization – Various Kinds Of Attorneys

Although television programs most often portray lawyers winning court cases before a judge and jury, there are many attorneys who rarely, if ever, argue a case in the courtroom. In fact, the majority of lawyers spend most of their time doing research and organizing their cases in their offices. The reality may not be as glamorous as what you see in the movies, but in most cases Chicago litigation attorneys are handling your lawsuit in the best possible way.

Most attorneys never argue a case in a courtroom. Instead, they work tirelessly in their offices, pulling together research that backs their clients’ cases, preparing legal briefs and other legal documents, and talking to their clients about their options. Giving the right advice to their clients is at the core of a Chicago litigation attorneys’ practice. Some examples include Chicago estate attorneys, corporate lawyers, and general practitioners. Criminal law specialists focus on representing clients who have been accused of some kind of criminal activity. Criminal law attorneys often find themselves arguing in a courtroom, unlike most other legal specialists. There are also attorneys who work for local, state, or federal government agencies, including district attorneys, public defenders, and attorneys general.

Chicago litigation attorneys, on the other hand, specialize in civil cases rather than criminal cases. If you want to file a case against someone in civil court, a Chicago litigation attorney is the logical choice. These legal specialists will represent you to the best of their abilities both in and out of the courtroom.

Ask Your Chicago Litigation Attorney About His Background

All Chicago litigation attorneys are required to have four years of college followed by three more years of law school. By passing the bar exam, they prove they are qualified to practice in the state of Illinois. Many of them will also continue to expand their knowledge by taking continuing education courses in specialized areas of the law such as estates, bankruptcy, insurance, or divorce and family law. Ask potential Chicago litigation attorneys where they received their law degree and what continuing education courses they’ve taken that qualifies them to work on your case.

In most cases, a Chicago litigation attorney will focus on one or two areas of the law, such as divorce and family law, trusts and estates, or bankruptcy. Throughout their careers, these lawyers will continually add to their base of knowledge, keep up with the most recent changes within the law, and improve their skills.

What Will Your Chicago Litigation Attorney Do For You?

Your Chicago litigation attorney’s essential duty is to represent you in your court case from the beginning to the end, ushering it successfully through the court system, always looking out for your best interests. Pre-trial research and preparation of legal documents to begin your lawsuit are the first steps. He may also write a letter asking for resolution without having to go through a lengthy trial process. Questioning witnesses, gathering evidence, discussing future courses of action, and answering any questions you have are all part of Chicago litigation attorneys’ responsibilities.

Some cases can’t be settled out of court. In these situations, your Chicago litigation attorney with represent you during a trial. He will prepare and present your case, question witnesses, provide evidence, and argue your case, working toward a favorable outcome for you. Each case is different, and Chicago litigation attorneys will help determine whether a court case or a settlement is in your best interests.

The Advantages of Hiring A Chicago Litigation Attorney

Chicago litigation attorneys are familiar with the laws surrounding your case as well as any court rules governing your case. They will follow the rules and procedures that must be adhered to in order to properly handle your case. Being represented by a Chicago litigation attorney will give you the confidence to pursue your lawsuit to the best possible conclusion.

Regardless of whether you’re looking for Chicago estate attorneys or litigation lawyers, it’s crucial to understand their qualifications and areas of expertise. The experience and guidance of Chicago litigation attorneys is irreplaceable, so make sure you choose the proper attorney for your situation.

But estate planning lawyers don’t just draw up wills and living wills; they can also guide you through the complexities of inheritance laws so that you can protect your heirs from exorbitant taxes while giving you the freedom to dispense your assets as you see fit. Probate attorneys can also help beneficiaries find, secure and sell the assets of an estate while protecting the letter of the law and minimizing potential problems.

How Estate Planning Lawyers Protect The Finances Of An Estate

Many people who inherit something of significant value don’t realize until it’s too late that there are financial obligations that must be met. Among the many issues faced by beneficiaries and probate attorneys are inheritance taxes, outstanding debts and active loans. The longer you delay making good on these kinds of issues, the greater your chances of having to pay fines or penalties. Chicago estate planning lawyers can assist beneficiaries and/or the executors of an estate, giving them the guidance needed to make sure all obligations, including the deceased person’s outstanding financial obligations, are met before the estate is settled.

Peck Bloom’s estate planning attorneys in Chicago can also determine what income taxes or inheritance taxes must be paid and how they should be paid with minimal financial impact on the heirs. Some savvy investors and property owners consult with Chicago estate planning lawyers before they become incapacitated or die in order to structure their own estate in the best way possible so that their heirs are protected. If you have a sizable estate, meeting with estate planning lawyers today can mean your heirs will be very grateful to you tomorrow.

Probate Attorneys: A Beneficiary’s Best Friend

Probate attorneys focus on helping the beneficiaries of an estate. Regardless of the value of the estate or whether the decedent had a Last Will and Testament in place, probate attorneys can help make being an heir less stressful. In many situations, heirs don’t have immediate access to a deceased person’s properties, bank accounts, deeds, or other assets. Chicago probate attorneys excel at locating and securing these assets, including real estate and/or bank accounts.

Estate planning lawyers and probate attorneys can also ensure that the beneficiaries don’t neglect to file appropriate paperwork, don’t distribute assets inappropriately, and don’t neglect their new responsibilities. They can write and file new deeds with the beneficiaries’ names as titleholders, cash-in life insurance policies, and navigate the rules and regulations of a decedent’s retirement accounts or pension funds.

Selling An Inheritance Can Be Tricky

Some people inherit property or material goods that they don’t want to keep. In these situations, Chicago estate planning lawyers and probate attorneys can help expedite the sale of the properties or assets. The sale of these kinds of properties can be quite complex due to the need for appraisals and the sometimes confusing array of properties and valuables. In addition to handling the sales, estate planning attorneys will also file any legal paperwork required when selling off part or all of an estate.

Chicago probate attorneys and estate planning lawyers are valuable to anyone who has become the executor or beneficiary of an estate. Peck Bloom’s experienced specialists can guide you through the many issues surrounding the proper distribution of an estate and ensure that, as a beneficiary, you’ll be taking the right course for you and your future.

Because there are so many laws that affect civil suits, it’s best to hire a litigation attorney in Chicago who is familiar with civil law issues. Peck Bloom’s litigation attorneys specialize in specific types of civil law such as elder law, probate, the administration of estates or other issues that are extremely complex and detailed. You will increase your chances of winning an appropriate judgment if you hire litigation attorneys who have handled many civil lawsuits over the years and who keep up with the frequent changes in litigation case law.

Why A Litigation Lawyer Should Handle Your Civil Suite

Filing a civil lawsuit is time consuming, requiring hours of research and detailed, accurate writing in order to prepare the initial filing. Litigation attorneys in Chicago at Peck Bloom, LLC will prepare the initial paperwork only after they’ve carefully reviewed the evidence, talked to any witnesses or interested parties, and researched the relevant case law in order to prepare the best case possible.

The initial pleading will contain any formal charges that you, as the plaintiff, are leveling against the other party (the defendant). The initial paperwork prepared by a litigation lawyer is the “Summon and Complaint for Lawsuit,” which will contain your allegations. After the defendant has had the time to review the Summons filed by your litigation attorney, he or she will usually file an Answer that may include a Counter-claim against you. This can be very stressful for both parties, but Peck Bloom’s experienced litigation attorneys in Chicago are familiar with the process and can help you prepare your own response to the counter-claim and allay your fears as the civil suite progresses. Litigation attorneys can also explain each charge against you clearly and determine whether you have cause for any concern.

Litigation Attorneys Excel At Discovery

After all your pleadings have been filed in your civil suit, the case will enter the next phase, called Discovery. During discovery, a litigation lawyer will be hard at work on your behalf reviewing any documents, gathering and reviewing the evidence and putting together a strategy to help you win your case. In most cases, litigation attorneys in Chicago go through reams of evidence, interview witnesses, and prepare legal documents that include Interrogatories and Depositions. Both of these ask the defendants and/or their witnesses specific questions pertaining to your case. A litigation attorney’s Interrogatories are questions that need to be answered in writing so that they can be documented by the court. Depositions are questions asked verbally and recorded by a court reporter. A skilled litigation lawyer can use these responses to prove that there are discrepancies in a case or that the information provided by the defendant is contradictory. In some cases, a recorded deposition can be submitted by a litigation lawyer in lieu of having a witness appear in court.

The Trial Phase Of Civil Suits

During the actual trial, both parties will submit a Brief that gives an overview of the case and a list of evidence to the judge. After these have been reviewed and approved, the trial process will begin in earnest. In most cases, litigation attorneys for opposing sides have already tried and failed to come to an agreement. Opening statements are prepared by both sides and submitted to the judge and/or jury, after which all the litigation attorneys involved will have the chance to submit evidence and testimony in more detail. The closing arguments are the final summations of the case from the perspectives of the plaintiff and the defendant.

The Final Judgment: A Litigation Attorney Helps You Collect

If the jury or judge rules in your favor, the defendant will be compelled to make payments or turn over an award to you. In some cases, defendants refuse to pay and litigation attorneys need to pursue the Award in other ways. Litigation attorneys can file a Writ of Execution, which enforces any monetary judgment by legally seizing the defendant’s property and selling it at auction with the proceeds going toward your Award. Writs can also be filed to garnish wages, seize a bank account, or put a lien against properties owned by the defendant. Litigation attorneys in Chicago can determine which method is best for your specific situation.

If you’re interested in filing a civil suit against someone, call Peck Bloom today for more information and a complimentary consultation to discuss the merits of your case and how our team of litigation attorneys can help.