Our Blog - Surety Matters

  When Joseph Stancak died in Chicago at the age of 87, he left behind $11 million, and had no will. Now, six years later, 119 distant relatives have been identified and will inherit a…
Read Moreabout Unclaimed Estate: $11 Million

  In many families, property, specifically the family home, is the most important asset for consideration during estate planning.  Accordingly, lawyers share advice about how the dual goal of remaining securely at home while we…
Read Moreabout Life Estates Explained

  Although residential construction continues to lag, nonresidential construction and infrastructure builds are on the move. There’s even some optimism and murmuring that recession is not a foregone conclusion. Ready to dig in? Here’s where…
Read Moreabout Breaking Ground?

  Headed into 2023, increased hiring of women, new construction materials, green building, modular and prefabricated building and all things tech are making it to the top of the to do list—especially for builders intent…
Read Moreabout Five Construction Trends for 2023

  Estate planning increasingly involves the establishment of a trust, which is a practical way to designate funds for our own needs and for beneficiaries, including children or those with special needs. Trusts allow for…
Read Moreabout What Is a Trust?

  Probate is the legal, public process that brings closure to our affairs when we die. Probate protocols vary by state, and at some point, most families will navigate the appropriate proceedings upon the death…
Read Moreabout Probate Complications

  Industry experts point out that specialty contractors are taking a big risk: if the market for their specific skillset declines, they are without alternative revenue streams. Strategic diversification through services that complement your primary…
Read Moreabout Specialize vs Diversify?

  Every owner wants expansion and growth, but with economists forecasting that there could be a construction recession on the 6-18 month horizon, it’s best to be on our toes. Many builders were caught off…
Read Moreabout Lessons Learned: Recession?

  Trusts can play a variety of roles in our estate plans, since they can be specifically set up to attend to particular life circumstances. For example, a retirement plan trust shields the principal of…
Read Moreabout Retirement Plan Trusts Explained