Ottawa Office: 815-434-2000
Earlville Office: 815-246-8121

Areas of Practice

Real Estate Transactions

The firm is actively engaged in assisting both sellers and buyers of residential, commercial, and agricultural real estate whether as a sale by owner, through real estate brokers, auction, or option sales. The firm assists in preparation of the initial contract of sale, deeds, closings, leases, buy/sell agreements, and land trusts. As an agent of Attorneys' Title Guaranty Fund, our office also issues title insurance. Whether the transaction involves seller financing, installment sales, deed and mortgage or trust documents, our attorneys and staff assist in structuring the agreement to provide maximum protection to our clients while facilitating transfer of the property.

Probate, Wills and Trusts

The firm has vast experience in counseling those who wish to plan their estate through the use of a will, living trust, joint tenancy document, or other instrument to achieve maximum tax savings and preservation of family assets while fulfilling the client's intent for disposition of property. Powers of attorney for property and health care are tools commonly utilized. Small estate affidavits may be available for transfer of assets when no probate proceedings are required. For more extensive estates, probate and trust administration are handled by our attorneys and staff with an eye toward an expeditious settlement and timely distribution to beneficiaries of estates.

Business Law

Creating a new business, such as a corporation or limited liability company, requires knowledge of not just the law concerning those legal entities but also the law of contract, taxation, franchise agreements, and non-competition clauses. Our law firm can offer assistance in setting up a business and provide continuing services including keeping current annual meetings of shareholders and directors as well as other corporate problems as they may arise. This firm can also provide counsel in case of conflict and corporate litigation between shareholders.

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death

Injuries come in many forms. They can be physical, emotional, or a combination of the two. They can be minor, severe, and even catastrophic. There may be hospital bills, missed work, mobility issues, pain and suffering, and changes in the quality of life. When one person is injured, it can sometimes be due to the negligence or otherwise wrongful conduct of another. The knowledgeable and experienced lawyers at this firm are determined to help victims and their families through very difficult times and obtain the relief they deserve from the harm they have suffered. If you have been injured, do not hesitate to call our firm.

Family Law

Cases dealing with families, especially divorces and child custody matters, almost always present the most emotional and difficult circumstances imaginable. Family matters are by nature so sensitive that although the people involved want many of the same things at heart, they simply cannot communicate without an argument or a misunderstanding. In addition to providing the guidance of a trained professional who understands the law surrounding each case, an equally important element that our family attorneys offer is the ability to represent your interests while at the same time keeping negotiations peaceful. If you are in need of a lawyer for divorce, child custody, adoption, or any other circumstances involving family, give us a call and let us find the best solution.

Criminal Defense

Being charged with a crime is scary. Depending on the offense, a criminal defendant stands to lose everything from employment options to their very freedom. The attorneys at this firm recognize the especially serious nature of criminal matters and have the experience necessary to expertly defend criminal cases. Often times the most difficult thing for people to do after being charged with a crime is to admit they need help and pick up the phone. However, making that first step and speaking with a professional who can advise you on your situation will provide you with immediate relief. Whether it be a DUI, petty crime, misdemeanor or felony, if you are a defendant in a criminal matter, call our office immediately. There is never a charge for a consultation, and all matters are kept extremely confidential.

Traffic

While traffic stops have become commonplace in today's society, they are still a serious threat to your driver's license. Often when you are ticketed, the police officer will imply that it is a harmless process, and that the easiest thing for you to do is to just plead guilty and pay the fine. However, this is almost always a bad idea, as it will result in a conviction appearing on your driving record. In addition to making insurance coverage more expensive, just a few convictions for moving violations can be enough to suspend or revoke your driver's license. That is why it is important to do everything you can to prevent a traffic ticket from becoming a conviction. Contacting our office immediately after you are ticketed for a moving violation or other traffic offense is the best course of action to protect your driving privileges. Let our knowledgeable and experienced attorneys work to find the best disposition of your case and keep your driving record clean.