Most experts agree that it is a seller's market. Homes are in great demand, supply is low, and house prices are skyrocketing. If you are like many people, you may be interested in selling your home. However, selling your home is a major undertaking and it can be easy to make mistakes or overlook responsibilities. As you prepare to sell, consider the following suggestions.

Choose an Experienced Real Estate Agent

It is possible to sell your home without a realtor. However, there are many serious risks associated with "for sale by owner" transactions. Usually, these risks outweigh any potential cost savings associated with an FSBO sale. Real estate agents have access to large networks of potential buyers and ample experience with the home selling and buying process. Your agent can help you identify unqualified buyers and negotiate the best price possible.

Retain a Skilled Real Estate Lawyer

In addition to your agent, you should also consider retaining a knowledgeable real estate lawyer. Selling your home is most likely one of the largest and most consequential financial transactions you will ever make. A real estate lawyer will help you ensure all agreements and contracts are executed properly and do not contain errors or omissions. Your attorney can conduct due diligence and attend the real estate closing with you. If unexpected disputes or legal problems arise, your attorney will be there to handle it.

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It can be hard to know when a marriage is broken down irreparably. Spouses may try to reconcile their differences by talking through their problems, undergoing couples counseling, or even agreeing to a trial separation. For some couples, however, these attempts do not work and the marital turmoil continues. The only two people who can know for sure that a marriage is over are the spouses. However, there are often signs that may mean a marriage has deteriorated to a point that divorce becomes the best option.

Issues That May Be Symptomatic of Irretrievable Marital Breakdown

There is no one way to know whether a marriage can be saved or not. Some couples are able to resolve their disagreements and continue a long, healthy marriage. Others realize that their differences cannot be reconciled and decide to divorce. Some signs that may be indicative of an impending divorce include:

• You no longer enjoy being around each other. – Everyone gets annoyed by their spouse once in a while. However, if spouses are going out of their way to avoid each other for long periods of time, this may mean that divorce is the best option.
• You have stopped communicating. – Marital conflict can only be resolved when the spouses are able to communicate with each other. If you and your spouse have reached a point where you cannot even discuss issues, this may be a sign that the relationship cannot be saved.
• Trusted friends and family encourage you to end the marriage. – If your most trusted loved ones are encouraging you to divorce, they may recognize that the marriage is no longer healthy or beneficial.
• You and your spouse do not respect each other. – Mutual respect is at the foundation of a successful marriage.
• There is a complete absence of physical intimacy. – If spouses no longer act affectionately toward each other, this can be a major red flag.
• There are more negative interactions than positive interactions – Every couple experiences arguments and difficulties from time to time. However, if the negative interactions far outweigh the positive interactions, it may be time to think about ending the relationship.
• You do not trust your spouse. – Whether a lack of trust is due to an extramarital affair or another reason, spouses who cannot trust their partner may be unable to save the marriage.
• You have different core values. – Spouses who do not share the same values and beliefs may find themselves constantly arguing.
• You do not feel safe with your partner. – If your spouse has abused you physically, mentally, or emotionally, threatened you, or harassed you, divorce may be the safest option.
• You have fallen out of love. – Sometimes, spouses simply fall out of love with each other. Only the spouses can know if the love they used to share may be rekindled.

Contact a Wheaton Divorce Lawyer

If you are ready to start exploring your divorce options, contact our skilled, experienced DuPage County divorce attorneys for help. Call Stock, Carlson & Asso. LLC at 630-665-2500 for consultation.

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A last will and testament is a key component in any estate plan. Your will allows you to dictate how your property is distributed to heirs upon your death. It can also be used by parents of minor children to name a guardian should a tragedy occur and the parent dies before the children are adults.

The decisions made in a person's will are the testator's decisions to make. However, family members are not always pleased when they learn what a friend or family member's will contains. If a beneficiary doubts the authenticity of a will, they have the right to contest the will in court. A no-contest clause is a provision in a will that discourages beneficiaries from challenging the will in court.

No-Contest Clauses Are Used to Dissuade Heirs from Contesting the Will

There are many valid reasons to contest a will. For example, if an elderly woman suffering from dementia suddenly changes her will to disinherit her children and instead leaves her estate to someone she hardly knows, this is obviously very suspicious. The woman's family may challenge the will based on lack of testamentary capacity.

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If you dream of starting your own business and breaking free from the rigidity of a 9 to 5 job, you may be interested in a startup. Entrepreneurs who intend to start their own business have a great number of issues to contend with. Although television shows like Shark Tank can make it look easy, building a successful startup is a challenging process full of potential pitfalls. Almost 90 percent of all startups eventually fail. However, proper preparation and working with an experienced business law attorney can help you avoid pitfalls and build a thriving business.

Do Not Underestimate the Amount of Capital You Will Need

Most people hoping to start a business greatly underestimate how much money they need to actually start the business. You must consider not only initial costs but ongoing costs. It is also important to have some “cushion” so you can cover any unexpected expenses you face. Bank loans, private loans, and investors are usually the first places entrepreneurs look when building capital.

Reach Out for Help And Advice Before You Need it

Humility and a willingness to accept advice are two crucial traits of any entrepreneur. Do not be afraid to ask successful business owners and entrepreneurs for advice. They can tell you what mistakes they made when they were starting their businesses so you avoid making the same mistakes. Furthermore, work with a skilled business law attorney to make sure you do not put yourself in a position to experience any unexpected legal problems in your business.

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Business owners have countless issues to consider when starting or expanding a business. One major concern for many business owners and entrepreneurs is securing a place in which to operate the business. If you are a business owner looking for commercial real estate, it is important to take your time and fully evaluate your options.

Before you sign a commercial real estate lease, it is essential that you have the lease reviewed by a skilled real estate attorney. Your attorney may be able to help you negotiate more favorable terms, and ultimately save you and your business money. Furthermore, your attorney can help you spot red flags that may be signs a commercial lease agreement is not in your best interests.

The Landlord Suggests a Verbal Agreement Will Suffice

As a business owner, you probably already know the importance of getting any business relationship in writing. Unfortunately, even the savviest business owners have been ticked by smooth-talking landlords who assure them they have nothing to worry about. Make sure you get the lease in writing and have your attorney review the lease before signing.

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