We're back! Take a look at our October newsletter.
Legal Answers ALL THE ANSWERS TO YOUR LEGAL QUESTIONS
ChicagoTaxTeam.com | (312) 664-6649 | 150 N. Michigan Ave. #1120, Chicago, Illinois 60601 | October 2022
Back in Circulation WHAT WE HAVE BEEN (AND WILL BE) UP TO
Hello there! It has been a while since one of my newsletters last arrived in your mailbox. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, a lot changed. The health precautions interfered with our activities, so we didn’t have much to report. But now, we’re back up and running on all cylinders. I’m so grateful and have been enjoying the opportunity to socialize with my clients and advertising partners again. I recently sponsored events for WLS 890 AM, WGN 720 AM, and WIND AM 560 The Answer. One exciting opportunity was at Oakbrook Pinstripes, where I introduced radio host Chris Plante to the crowd. We had a great turnout, and I loved watching everyone go wild as he walked out. I also sponsored and attended the Black & Right Cruise on Lake Michigan with John Anthony. He broadcast live from the boat, and we had a fantastic time. I particularly enjoyed my opportunity to address the crowd. There’s still more to come. On Saturday, Nov. 5, we’re sponsoring the Freedom Summit hosted by The Answer 560 AM in Itasca. Some big names will be in attendance, including Larry Elder! We’re also looking forward to resuming our Suite Night Out events, where we treat our loyal customers to an evening in a corporate suite at the United Center. The tickets always come in high demand, so keep an eye out for more information. While I love how so many things have gotten back to normal, a few things have changed over the past two years. Namely, I’ve relocated my office from downtown Chicago to Bannockburn, where it is just a little quieter. I spent so much time at the office over the years that I always thought I’d move to Chicago. But the reverse ultimately happened. I have shaved 3 hours off my commute each day and can’t help but wonder why I didn’t do this years ago. But it wouldn’t have been possible before we started conducting court hearings over Zoom. Further, I find that most of my clients have no interest in going downtown anymore. It’s easier to get here, and we have plenty of parking. Working close to home certainly comes with a few perks, and the proximity comes in handy on Halloween. I can always use the extra time to set up my annual hot dog stand — a neighborhood tradition of about 20 years.
Why hot dogs on Halloween? While attending law school in Chicago, I bought a hot dog stand and used it to make money. I never got rid of the thing, and it came with us once we had kids and moved up north. We would bring it out regularly for friends and family. And one year, it made an appearance on Halloween. It was such a big hit that we couldn’t even think of going back to candy. We’ve been out there every year since making hot dogs for trick-or- treaters. We didn’t even stop in 2020, though the turnout was much smaller. We usually hand out about 200 hot dogs, and the neighbors line up down the street for their turn. It’s a lot of fun watching the kids get excited about something so simple. I enjoy watching the trick-or-treaters grow up over the years and seeing how their taste evolves. The smallest kids want a plain hot dog. Eventually, they graduate to ketchup, then once they’re a little bit older, they want other condiments like relish. There’s nothing like when a 4-year-old proudly announces to me, “I’ve been coming here my whole life.” It seems to be a highlight of their night. And who can blame them? I’ve always said I make the best hot dogs in Chicago! If you’re in the neighborhood on Halloween, stop by and judge for yourself.
–Steven A. Leahy
1
(312) 664-6649
Attorney Nishay Sanan is a frequent guest on my radio show, “The Trust Radio Network.” He also makes appearances on other well-known television and radio shows to weigh in on important and timely legal issues. He defends individuals in federal court — cases that some describe as “white-collar” crimes, such as tax issues, security cases, and the like. Attorney Sanan has represented many high-profile defendants, including John McAfee. In fact, Sanan was McAfee’s attorney when he met his demise in a Spanish jail. Through experience, Attorney Sanan has a unique view of the federal court system, our constitutional system of government, and public policy. If you ever find yourself under indictment for a federal crime, Attorney Sanan will fight the government on your behalf. Learn more about what Attorney Sanan can do for you at Chicago-LawOffice.net. Meet Attorney Nishay K. Sanan
Introducing David Schwaner Attorney Schwaner helps and guides clients who desperately need relief after an injury has turned their lives upside down. He has spent his entire career representing the injured and, in the process, has helped recover many millions of dollars for the seriously injured. At the age of 31, Schwaner became one of the youngest attorneys in the history of Illinois to win a gross jury verdict of over $1 million. Now, after working to recover millions of dollars on behalf of clients, Schwaner is a renowned personal injury attorney who is on a mission to fight back against the insurance companies.
Learn more about Schwaner’s work and get in touch at SchwanerInjury.com.
Guest Author: Attorney David Schlueter (Trusted Professional)
You can see my Aug. 10 interview with Nishay Sanan here: Vimeo.com/741185939.
Saving Your Family Money CREATE A LIVING TRUST NOW
Attorneys and legal document preparation companies often sell wills to people without understanding this reality: A will cannot be legally relied upon by any party without a court case and the blessing of a probate judge. In probate cases, the distribution of assets is often delayed. There are court costs, publication to creditors fees, attorney’s fees, and possible bond fees. The probate case is also in county public record, allowing anyone who is curious to see who received assets and how much they received.
as real estate agents, appraisers, locators of heirs, and those interested in purchasing personal items from an estate will have your contact information. The probate case also provides a forum for individuals who may wish to intervene and object. So, the person who passed doesn’t always have the last say. A living trust, on the other hand, allows for a private and orderly disposition of assets without a court case and the related expenses. The trust can be kept open longer than a probate case and is a good way to provide for payouts over time to younger beneficiaries. It may provide other sensible restrictions enforced long term as desired by the settlor
of the trust. Initial payouts from trusts are not delayed as they often are in a probate case.
You should consider spending money to create a trust now rather than have your beneficiaries deciding between themselves who will pay an attorney’s retainer, court fees, possible bond fees, and publication fees. Trusts can be drafted on a flat fee basis just like wills. Want to learn more? Contact Attorney Dave Schlueter at Dave@schlueterlawoffice.com or by phone at (630) 285-5300.
Here’s another annoying side effect: Estate- related vendors and strangers such
2
ChicagoTaxTeam.com
The Man Who Felt 20 Years Younger Wanted to Legally Change His Age
We’ve all heard about people legally changing their name or sex, but have you ever heard about someone trying to change their legal age? In 2018, a 69-year- old Dutch man named Emile Ratelband petitioned a court for permission to change his age. He wanted to alter the year he was born on his birth certificate by 20 years so he could be 49 years old. So, how did this case end? Let’s find out. What was his reasoning? Ratelband wanted to change his age because he argued that he felt 20 years younger. He said his doctors told him that he had the body of a younger man, and his health was far better than most men his age.
He alleged that he experienced age discrimination because, being 69, he is limited in what he can do. If he were 49, he could buy a house and car and work more hours, and his chances on the dating app Tinder would improve if he were younger. What was the court’s decision? Ratelband’s argument did not convince the district court in the Dutch city of Arnhem. The court said there was no evidence that Ratelband had experienced age discrimination. It stated that, unlike legally changing your name or gender, changing your age causes many problems such as the many rights and duties related to age, such as voting, attending school, military obligations, and pension.
Although Ratelband has the freedom to feel 20 years
younger, mentally and physically, he cannot legally change his age because of the legal and societal implications that would follow, the court added.
The district court rejected Ratelband’s request, but he plans to appeal.
In the Netherlands, the public doesn’t take Ratelband’s claims seriously. They even make fun of his international exposure and willingness to provide interviews worldwide to justify his wishes. So what do you think of this legal case? Is age just a number? Let us know your thoughts!
On the third Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m., Attorney Steven A. Leahy will host a live webinar for subscription members only. ANNOUNCING LIVE MEMBERS-ONLY WEBINARS!
SUDOKU
Each webinar will cover a few specific topics. Some examples include:
• • • •
Taxes
• • •
Technology
Record-keeping Management
Websites
Email marketing
Marketing
More information will be sent to your email address with the link to the webinar site.
Upcoming Webinar: Nov. 16, 2022 Preparing for the 87,000 IRS Surge
Attorney Steven A. Leahy will let you in on some ways you and your business can prepare for the coming IRS buildup because of the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act. He will discuss the practical steps you can take, right now, to prevent a future audit — AND reduce future tax obligations. Our Vimeo platform promotes engagement with live chat, polls, and Q&A for a fully interactive webinar experience. We will be sending invitations to this event — you won’t want to miss it!
3
(312) 664-6649
2525 Waukegan Rd., Ste. 210 Bannockburn, IL 60015
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
(312) 664-6649 ChicagoTaxTeam.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
It’s Good To Be Back
2
Trusted Professionals Why You Should Make an Estate Plan Today
3
Age Is Just a Number Members-Only Webinars Are Here! Sudoku
4
Benefits of Volunteering for Older Adults
DOING GOOD DOES YOU GOOD BUILD THE COMMUNITY THROUGH GIVING
Volunteering not only strengthens the community but also benefits the person who serves. For those who enjoy spending their time giving back, check out how volunteering opportunities can benefit you! Improves Mental and Physical Health When you do good, you feel good. Those positive emotions lead to emotional resilience, which helps you in the face of crisis or stress. They also decrease stress while increasing positive, relaxed feelings. Volunteering gives you a sense of meaning and appreciation, which can reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Volunteer activities also keep people moving. Whether it is carrying donation boxes, walking around the neighborhood, planting a community garden, or even cleaning litter from the roads, this moderate physical activity can help strengthen muscles, reduce blood pressure, and even alleviate symptoms of chronic pain. Prevents Isolation and Promotes Socialization Many older adults face social isolation, and it can have negative impacts on their overall health. Volunteering is a great way to network with members of the community and meet new people.
Likewise, after moving to a new neighborhood or leaving a career, it is difficult to find a new social group. But when you work with
people toward the same goal, you may find you have common interests with other volunteers. You can even invite your family or friends to help, and then catch up while doing something good for the community.
Gives a Feeling of Purpose Sometimes as life changes and you grow older, your sense of purpose may begin to fade. Volunteering can help recharge a zest for life and may even motivate you to set and accomplish new goals. You should volunteer for many reasons, whether it’s to give back to the community, help the environment, or satisfy your own personal needs. No matter why, it’s a great way to get out there and do some good.
4
ChicagoTaxTeam.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator