https://www.loughranlawpc.com/blog daily 0.75 2020-05-26 https://www.loughranlawpc.com/blog/we-stand-on-the-shoulders-of-those-who-have-gone-before-us monthly 0.5 2020-05-26 https://www.loughranlawpc.com/blog/dont-you-need-a-lot-of-money-before-creating-an-estate-plan-1 monthly 0.5 2020-04-15 https://www.loughranlawpc.com/blog/dont-you-need-a-lot-of-money-before-creating-an-estate-plan monthly 0.5 2020-04-14 https://www.loughranlawpc.com/blog/do-you-need-an-estate-plan monthly 0.5 2020-02-24 https://www.loughranlawpc.com/blog/estate-planning-faqs monthly 0.5 2020-02-24 https://www.loughranlawpc.com/about/our-expertise daily 0.75 2025-11-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1582506590275-09T5WZKXQOKQRPKE9NRX/Ed+-+Books.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1582479293683-EEJWU8SAFR2I8U2IADXJ/image-asset.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1583445842613-RPX3STA3PES5PYPYB97Q/1.png https://www.loughranlawpc.com/home daily 1.0 2025-11-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1582328176083-OVNUS8Q1XWC8PI6WT31R/Loughran+Law+PC+Web+Home+Cover.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1642782490503-17F4KZ4BK60GYUP8RHOW/LL+Website+Carousel.png Loughran Law P.C. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1642781920522-PZLGADIZEDEUI9YYM313/LL+Website+Presentation+%28169%29%29+%283%29.png Loughran Law P.C. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1642779467044-JZCZLHF5LPL9UILOT0PF/Commercial+Real+Estate+%28Presentation+%28169%29%29.png Loughran Law P.C. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1642780920057-ODRIL6NLYLLMAFGH88KB/LL+Website+Presentation+%28169%29%29+%281%29.png Loughran Law P.C. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1642779997791-ZABB4CRBOUG7A8HNA7KX/LL+Website+Presentation+%28169%29%29.png Loughran Law P.C. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1642781399300-I0QD4NQV61FDL7RZFOG7/LL+Website+Presentation+%28169%29%29+%282%29.png Loughran Law P.C. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/ac3d76ed-d313-4ed1-8722-9aee4ace6fed/Commercial+Real+Estate.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1582378810518-T7WQ3JZ13S87KUPBFZH9/4.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1582378797183-PKF1O30W83BD467S0J1K/image-asset.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1582492295208-94NAKSQQQWNIQ7AIC5OC/AdobeStock_292561185.jpg https://www.loughranlawpc.com/reviews daily 0.75 2026-02-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1582514175166-5AEFHA9Z1NCL91HOGYZL/All+White.png Reviews - Loughran Law P.C. https://www.loughranlawpc.com/real-estate-legal daily 0.75 2022-01-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1582501852445-3HOQXI04FE6KA2N1GZVY/AdobeStock_594546.jpg Residential & Commercial Real Estate - Buying or Selling? A home is the single most valuable asset many families will ever own. The exciting process of buying or selling your home can also be riddled with anxiety. We will guide you from the moment you decide to purchase or sell your property until closing. We review essential legal documents including: Mortgages and Payoffs Appraisals and Inspections Purchase and Sales Agreements Contracts and Negotiation Strategies Construction Contracts There are several laws involved with the procedure of buying real estate in Illinois. For sellers and investors, our job is to help you make the most out of your investment. One particular area where a Real Estate Attorney can offer valuable advice involves property disclosures and inspection issues. The Illinois Real Property Disclosure Act requires your real estate agent to fill you in on any problems on the property, including: Roof Defects Insect Infestations Property Drainage Problems Plumbing and Sewage Issues Problems with the Property Title Any Lead-based Paint in the Home Cracks with the Foundation Dangerous Pollutants such as Radon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1582502451988-SKE7FHA37DN1D7R32OUN/AdobeStock_267779969.jpg Residential & Commercial Real Estate - Expertise You Can Trust If you are buying or selling a home, chances are you already have a real estate agent assisting you. Once you have a (signed) residential real estate contract and have deposited earnest money, it is also advisable that you promptly seek the assistance of an effective Real Estate attorney. Most real estate contracts provide a brief modification period for attorneys to negotiate and adjust contract provisions other than the selling price. Careful review of the contract terms is essential to avoid certain contingencies or commitments that create extraordinary risks. Because the purchase or sale of your home is a major transaction, you should contact a real estate attorney to assist you with all the important details including: title aspects, mortgage origination and payoff, surveys, inspections and repairs, disclosure of known defects, and real estate tax prorations, in addition to warranty analysis in new home construction contracts. Among our services for “seller” clients, we handle the preparation of all closing documents. We will also order and obtain title insurance and surveys, as required. For our “buyer” clients, we will guide you through any lender issues both before and at closing, and also review all closing documentation to ensure that you receive a clear and marketable title. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1582517557844-E7FPVKIWGZVN15QITZ27/image-asset.jpeg Residential & Commercial Real Estate - We’re Involved At All Stages Buying & Selling Commercial Property Real Estate Contracts, Leasing & Developments New Construction & Office Build-Outs Get Legal Advice Early Whether you are buying, selling, or leasing or commercial realty, you should seek professional legal advice early in the process before you sign a binding document that limits your options or commits you to undesirable consequences. If you are a first-time commercial property owner or already own commercial property and intend to acquire a commercial or industrial site, Loughran Law P.C. can help you by drafting a customized lease, an application form for evaluating the credit-worthiness and desirability of potential tenants, and a list of rules and regulations governing usage of your rental property by the tenants and their guests. Do not underestimate the potential tax consequences of a contemplated sale of commercial real estate. Current federal tax laws provide incentives to structure a transaction so as to defer taxation on the gain realized. https://www.loughranlawpc.com/estate-planning daily 0.75 2022-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1582493137566-YXL67QTX736OADB6TBTA/image-asset.jpeg Estate Planning: Wills, Trusts & More - Dying Without a Will If you die intestate—meaning without a Last Will—the State determines who gets your property. Without your action, the Court will act according to local law and may act in a manner contrary or inconsistent with your objectives or desires. If you die testate—meaning with a Last Will—you get to decide who receives property unless that property is jointly owned or already has a designated beneficiary. This is the beauty and essence of estate planning: it ensures that the sacrifices we make today are investments in future generations and the institutions we want to see thriving long after we are gone. If you fail to draft a valid Last Will or a trust instrument, you lose your ability to personally decide on how you will influence the future. Creating an Estate Plan A well-devised estate plan empowers you to care for your family after you die. Certain estate planning techniques—including some trusts—can also provide you with effective investment opportunities and tax advantages during your lifetime. We analyze your individual circumstances and estate planning goals to tailor an effective strategy for your needs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1582518449886-9O74KH79UKK9H987FK5G/AdobeStock_292561185.jpg Estate Planning: Wills, Trusts & More - How Do Wills Work? You can direct the distribution of your assets and name the personal representative of your estate and a guardian for your minor children by having a valid Will. In the absence of a Will, your assets that are not transferred by law at death (such as those assets held in joint tenancy with right of survivorship) or by suitable designation of beneficiaries (as contained in insurance policies, retirement accounts and most Illinois land trusts), will be transferred in accordance with the laws of intestate succession. This State default distribution plan often will not coincide with your intentions. A valid Will gives you the opportunity to customize the transfer of your accumulated assets after death to the people or organizations you choose. It can also be used to disinherit persons or to minimize the amount of assets transferred to them at death. It can also minimize the amount of estate taxes that might otherwise be due, by making effective use of the unlimited marital deduction or prudent charitable deductions. Let us determine whether you need a Will or if your current Will should be updated based on changed circumstances, such as a death, marriage, divorce, and birth or adoption of children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1584480311095-ME2GNUSB2OPOP6AZSUCQ/AdobeStock_313988887.jpeg Estate Planning: Wills, Trusts & More - How Do Trusts Work? Trusts are commonly used for estate planning purposes for many reasons, the paramount one being to avoid probate. What is probate? Probate is a minimum six-month court-required process where you must meet statutory requirements before the assets of the Estate can be distributed. Probate is a process that includes court costs, attorneys’ fees, time and the emotional and relational costs of wrapping up a loved one’s Estate. Creating a Trust allows you to avoid these extensive costs. Compared to the costs of probate, even a modest household can tremendously benefit from the creation of a Trust. Additionally, Trusts are used to facilitate competent management of assets even through a period of disability. They provide a mechanism for the substitution of trustees; or to preserve assets and insure the availability of financial resources for identified beneficiaries. Trusts may also be created for insurance policies, to support charities, gun Trusts, to generate immediate income tax deductions and to save on potential estate taxes. We can assist you in drafting, amending and/or interpreting Trust Agreements of various types. Many clients request our help in establishing revocable trusts (often described as “living” trusts) to be used in conjunction with pour-over Wills, Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts or other estate planning instruments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1582493896612-1RKVLR842NI6G1C0F2D0/AdobeStock_132483651.jpeg Estate Planning: Wills, Trusts & More - Power of Attorney for Property Similar to a Power of Attorney for Health Care, a Power of Attorney for Property is provided by Illinois Statute. In a Power of Attorney for Property, the individual grants authority to another person (the agent) to enter into various types of financial transactions on his/her behalf, as well as engage in the purchase and sale of investments and real estate, apply for loans, open or close safe deposit boxes, resolve tax claims and litigation, conduct his/her business operations, and perform other types of authorized financial activities as well. We can assist you in preparing Powers of Attorney for Property to fit your particular needs or evaluate any Power of Attorney for Property documents you currently have in place. We have considerable experience to explore the various estate planning options available to you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1584480390613-WIAYQVVUVJJ87P1OWXQI/AdobeStock_256636414.jpeg Estate Planning: Wills, Trusts & More - Power of Attorney for Health Care Illinois has a statutory, short-form Power of Attorney for Health Care, which enables an individual to grant to his/her designated agent the power to make medical decisions based on guidelines chosen by the individual. As your Health Care Power of Attorney, we express your intentions in writing, in a legal document that is widely recognized by care providers. Having a Health Care Power of Attorney available during a time of medical emergency can permit doctors and nurses to act quickly knowing that your designated agent has legal authority to make critical health care decisions. We can help you decide if a Power of Attorney for Health Care is appropriate for your specific situation. You can be assured that we have the experience to effectively review the health care directives available to you. Do your children need health care directives? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1582493060645-QX9Y20ROG9MPBHBTSH5I/AdobeStock_57959727.jpeg Estate Planning: Wills, Trusts & More - Living Wills A Living Will is similar to the Power of Attorney for Health Care in that it is an expression of a person’s intentions regarding the use of life-prolonging medical procedures. However, a Living Will is much narrower in scope because it only applies in cases of incurable or irreversible injury, illness, or terminal conditions, and does not designate a particular agent to make general decisions regarding medical treatment. A Living Will should be made at a point in time when a person still has mental capacity before illness or medications impair an ability to understand. A Living Will can minimize the emotional burden on family members who might otherwise be faced with stressful, subjective, or even contentious decisions at the end of a loved one’s life. We can help you decide if a living will is appropriate for your specific situation. Be assured that we will review your specific estate planning objectives and provide you with effective assistance in pre-planning the handling of your affairs in the last stages of life. Don’t wait until an unfortunate event happens. https://www.loughranlawpc.com/business-creation-coaching daily 0.75 2020-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1582479293683-EEJWU8SAFR2I8U2IADXJ/image-asset.jpeg Business Creation, Counseling/Coaching - Build A Strong Business Whether you need to form a new company or expand your existing one, an experienced corporate attorney should be an integral part of your plan. Retaining knowledgeable legal counsel can often mean the difference between building a successful, sustainable organization or losing your investment. We help companies run smooth, thriving businesses by assisting with: Incorporations & Formation of LLCs Partnership Agreements, Disputes, Dissolutions Contract Review, Drafting and Negotiations Business Transactions Commercial Leases, Taxation & Insurance Mergers & Acquisitions Government Compliance Employee Issues & Non-Compete Agreements If you want to find out how a lawyer could help with your business, do not hesitate to contact us at (815) 308-0792 to schedule your free consultation today. Our team is here to assist you! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1584476294936-7BHZUCN35RMY8ARAH210/AdobeStock_164917506.jpg Business Creation, Counseling/Coaching - Launch Your Company The preparation needed to start a company can be exciting and challenging. We will help you establish the most appropriate business entity, guide you in creating an effective business plan and assist you in maneuvering through the complex regulatory and statutory rules. Our meticulous counsel allows you to remain in compliance with the law, review your contracts, revise your business model and develop more efficient, effective procedures and processes. Negotiate With Ease With a firm agreement, you will feel confident that your business interests are protected. Ed Loughran is a powerful negotiator— directing discussions toward solid agreements that reflect your important business goals. As an expert, he is able to anticipate potential problems (before they become problems) and will draft provisions that clearly address potential issues from arising. Resolve Disputes A lingering dispute absorbs valuable resources, time and money. We act with efficiency to resolve your case and minimize the damaging impact on your business. Your corporate reputation is tied to the actions of your legal counsel. A properly handled dispute will help you preserve business relationships and promote a positive public response. We approach trial and mediation with the highest level of professionalism and ethics, always putting your best interests first. https://www.loughranlawpc.com/criminal-defense daily 0.75 2020-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1582517784419-VX5IIHPZZ0SX19NG3L6T/AdobeStock_51963669.jpg Criminal Defense - Loughran Law P.C. - Defending Your Rights Being arrested for a criminal offense has severe legal and financial consequences for the individual charged with the crime, as well as their family. It is critical to see us as soon as possible if you have been accused of a crime, or have learned that there is a possible criminal investigation into you. A criminal defense attorney assists you throughout the criminal justice process, including pre-trial. In the pre-trial stage, a criminal defense attorney can guide you on how to respond to questioning by authorities and even convince the court to drop charges against you on the grounds of insufficient evidence or improper procedure. In the United States, a person is considered innocent of a crime unless proven guilty in a court of law. You are protected by the U.S. Constitution and by precise local rules of criminal procedure if you are charged with a crime. Understanding how the law applies to your case is vital to ensuring that you are treated with justice and fairness through all stages of arrest and prosecution. Whatever you do, don’t talk to the police without first seeking advice of legal counsel. You have a right to remain silent and it is not your duty to prove yourself innocent to the police or to the Court. If you are ever arrested and questioned about an alleged criminal event, (apart from personal identifying information), please kindly and respectfully tell the officer you desire to remain silent and request legal counsel. If you desire to better understand the reasons for this, check out the video below, Don’t Talk to the Police: Edward M. Loughran, Jr. is a polished litigator with over 30 years of trial experience and in-depth knowledge about criminal law. We will vehemently defend your fundamental constitutional rights to a fair trial and just verdict that is based upon the merits of your case. We demand that the prosecution present evidence that proves its case beyond a reasonable doubt. If the case of the State’s Attorney fails to meet this strict standard, we aggressively fight for charges to be dropped or assertively pursue a not-guilty verdict at trial. Our substantial courtroom experience gives us the insight to recognize when negotiating with the prosecution is in your best interest and to skillfully construct a fair plea deal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1582482178636-HT87LHITFPWC13FCSQN0/AdobeStock_4346460.jpeg Criminal Defense - Loughran Law P.C. https://www.loughranlawpc.com/personal-injury daily 0.75 2020-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1583451498193-GEE8KT9BACADAG936KF4/AdobeStock_192968720.jpeg Personal Injury - Loughran Law P.C. - Holding Parties Responsible After an injury, you may deal with a number of physical, mental, emotional and financial challenges. It is particularly frustrating if your accident was the result of someone else’s actions or negligence. If you’re dealing with this situation, we can help. Personal injury laws protect individuals who have been harmed by another person or a corporation. The judicial system holds wrongdoers accountable for their negligent actions and promotes safety measures and regulations that positively affect our community. We will carefully evaluate whether: The defendant acted negligently or recklessly. The negligent or reckless actions caused your injuries. The injuries were foreseeable. You had no preexisting conditions, there were no intervening causes, and you did not assume the risks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1582498260997-WD6IHYHOAUM42TV3414U/AdobeStock_233010231.jpeg Personal Injury - Loughran Law P.C. - Accidents & Injuries It’s important to seek the guidance of a skilled attorney to handle your personal injury claim and help you seek compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, and the loss of future earning capacity. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims can vary from state to state. In Illinois, the statute of limitations is two years, so you must file your case within that time frame. Some cases require notice provisions within one year. For injuries or conditions that are not immediately apparent, the statute of limitations period starts as soon as the symptoms begin. If you or a loved one has been injured, you need an experienced attorney to ensure that the right result for you is obtained, whether that be through an early settlement or a trial verdict. Our goal is to obtain the maximum compensation you deserve to cover expenses, prolonged medical care, pain, and loss of income. Your free 30-minute case consultation is only a phone call away. https://www.loughranlawpc.com/privacy-policy daily 0.75 2020-03-17 https://www.loughranlawpc.com/books-resources daily 0.75 2022-04-21 https://www.loughranlawpc.com/books-resources/p/2022edition monthly 0.5 2022-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1650532726555-23DI9K68N6OLAFWTBPZO/mock-00597.png Books & Resources - Take Control of Your Future - Free eBook https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d6d33088a813e000102ad81/1650532726846-3E49C7UQJDRA1EAYS4XA/mock-00513.png Books & Resources - Take Control of Your Future - Free eBook