A charitable remainder trust is an irrevocable estate planning tool that lets someone transfer assets into a trust, receive income for a set period or for life, and leave the remaining assets to one or more qualified charities. For families and business owners in Chicago and Homer Glen, the appeal is practical: support a cause,… Read more »
A will is supposed to make a difficult time easier for the people left behind. When it is unclear, incomplete, or not signed the right way, it can create confusion instead of direction. Under 755 ILCS 5/4-3, a valid Illinois will must be in writing, signed by the person making it, and attested in that… Read more »
A real estate dispute starts with one broken promise. A buyer may fail to close, a seller may refuse to deliver clear title, a landlord may ignore lease terms, or a contractor may leave defects unresolved. A breach occurs when a valid agreement exists, one side performs or is ready to perform, the other side… Read more »
People often assume estate tax applies to every family that owns a home, savings, and a few investment accounts. In reality, most estates never owe federal estate tax. The key point is that Illinois and federal law use different thresholds, filing rules, and planning opportunities. Berardi & Associates helps families and business owners prepare for… Read more »
A commercial transaction can look routine on paper and still create serious cost, timing, and liability problems once performance begins. The short answer is that business owners should look closely at scope, payment terms, default language, due diligence, dispute clauses, and the law that will govern the deal. Berardi and Associates handles commercial transactions, leases,… Read more »
Companies in Homer Glen and Chicago work with Berardi and Associates to prepare employment agreements that meet Illinois legal standards while protecting client lists, trade secrets, and competitive advantages. By matching restrictive covenants to the 2022 Illinois Freedom to Work Act thresholds and documenting clear consideration, the firm helps reduce turnover risk, safeguard data, and… Read more »
Berardi and Associates advises property owners in Homer Glen and nearby counties on how zoning and land use regulations shape what can be built, how property may be used, and how value follows. Zoning sets permitted uses, density, height, setbacks, and parking requirements, while land use rules implement a municipality’s comprehensive plan. Understand those rules… Read more »
Life changes quickly, and significant milestones often affect more than just your daily routine—they shape your long-term financial and legal landscape. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or retirement can fundamentally alter how you want your assets distributed or who should make decisions on your behalf. At Berardi and Associates, we help individuals and… Read more »
