Business owners invest a considerable amount of time, money and pride into their company, whether it is a small business or a large corporation. However, there will inevitably come a time when a business owner steps down, retires or passes away. If Illinois business...
Month: November 2013
Determining jurisdiction in a civil lawsuit
Jurisdiction of courts is among the first things students learn in law school, and yet questions continuously arise over whether a court has the power to decide certain cases or enter judgments against a person or a business. In its most basic form, jurisdiction is...
Shareholder deadlock can threaten closely held corporations
The shareholders of a business share an interest in the direction of the company and its success. But sometimes shareholders struggle to make unified decisions, leading to a deadlock. Deadlock situations happen most frequently in closely held companies whenever there...
Does your website designer have a fiduciary duty to not misuse your financial or confidential information? What could or should you do to protect your business?
Recently I was asked by a client what remedies there might be for a website designer who already had access to their financial and confidential information. The client suspected the web designer might be trying to misuse their access to that information and their...
How do I start an appeal?
A trial court’s judgment or court order that went against you can seem like a conclusive end to your case. However, if you feel the judgment was unfair or erroneous, you can file an appeal. This article discusses the basic procedures for starting an appeal in Illinois...
A look at the Illinois appellate court network
When a court makes a mistake in its ruling, either side could have an opportunity to overturn the decision. To do this, the appropriate appellate court has to hear the issue. There are five appellate districts in Illinois, and one federal court for the...
What should I do before installing a fence?
Fencing around your home is a must for security and privacy. Installing a new fence might seem like a good option, but it can also call up zoning issues and neighbor disputes if you're not careful. In this case, HouseLogic.com recommends the following tips to ensure...
Should you contest your loved one’s will?
You are still grieving the recent death of a loved one. Perhaps the deceased was your sibling, your parent or your spouse. Whatever your relationship, you have suffered an unimaginable loss. Despite your grief, you were still anticipating the probate process. You...
How should I respond to online defamation?
As an Illinois small business owner, your reputation has a direct impact on your success. That's why online defamation can be so damaging. False statements about you or your business may easily be believed by others, which in turn will harm your bottom line. Taking...
The long-term consequences of a business dispute
There are many ways in which business owners can approach business disputes, and various topics to explore. It is imperative to be aware of the different options that may be open to you if you have found yourself in this position, and you should also try to think from...