Author: Linsi Tuttle

Worker Misclassification: How a Seemingly Simple Mistake Can Cost Your Business Dearly

Posted on December 9, 2024

Naperville, IL business lawyer

One of the critical tasks you will face as a business owner is ensuring that you properly classify your workers as either employees or independent contractors. There is a significant legal difference between your responsibilities if you employ an independent contractor versus an employee. Additionally, misclassifying a worker can result in legal issues. Even a seemingly minor mistake can result in massive fines and penalties for worker misclassification.  If you own or manage a small or medium-sized business, an experienced attorney can ensure that you understand and comply with essential […]

Posted in Business Law

Evaluating the Advantages and Disadvantages of Purchasing a Franchise

Posted on June 2, 2023

naperville business law attorney

When we think about business owners, we often imagine an individual establishing a startup or building a business from the ground up. However, for many entrepreneurs and prospective business owners, buying a franchise offers an alternative option with many advantages. In this blog, we will evaluate some of the advantages associated with franchise ownership as well as the potential downsides of buying a franchise. Benefits of Owning a Franchise in Illinois A franchise business is one in which the company owner grants licenses allowing other parties to sell its products, […]

Posted in Business Law

Six Signs it is Time to Update Your Will

Posted on June 2, 2023

naperville estate planning lawyer

Your last will and testament is the foundation of your estate plan. Your will explains how your property should be distributed to beneficiaries, designates a guardian for minor children, and describes your final wishes. It can be thought of as an instruction manual in probate showing how you want your assets to be distributed.  Creating a will is essential. However, it is not a one-and-done task. Many different life changes and circumstances will necessitate an update of your will and other estate planning documents. In this blog, we will explain […]

Posted in Estate Planning

Opening a Retail Store? Watch for These Important Legal Concerns

Posted on May 25, 2023

naperville business law attorney

Consignment stores, clothing boutiques, health food stores and other small, locally-owned retail stores seem to be popping up everywhere recently – and for good reason. Now that COVID-19 restrictions have lifted, many customers are eager to explore brick-and-mortar stores in their neighborhoods. Tired of the generic items they find at big box stores and ready for a more personal touch, customers are increasingly interested in shopping locally. If you plan to open a retail store, there are plenty of opportunities. However, starting or purchasing a retail business can also be […]

Posted in Business Law

What is Digital Estate Planning, and Why is it So Important?

Posted on May 23, 2023

naperville estate planning lawyer

Consider the last time you shared pictures of your grandchildren or your latest vacation with your friends. Were the pictures in a physical photo album? If you are like most people, your recent photographs are likely on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Every day, our lives are becoming more and more digitalized.  A crucial part of estate planning is determining what happens to online accounts and digital assets. E-mail accounts, photographs, videos, social media accounts, and smartphone applications are just some of the thousands of digital assets you probably own. […]

Posted in Estate Planning

Social Media Use, TikTok, and Your Small Business

Posted on May 18, 2023

naperville business lawyer

For several months now, lawmakers have expressed security concerns regarding the wildly popular video app TikTok. Several countries have already forbidden government employees from using the application, citing worries over user data being shared with the Chinese government or fears that the application will be used to spread misinformation. The future of TikTok in the United States is uncertain, and some lawmakers have pushed for the app to be banned entirely. In fact, the governor of Montana signed a bill this week to ban TikTok in the state. However, banning […]

Posted in Business Law

Estate Planning Instruments for Transferring Real Estate

Posted on May 17, 2023

naperville estate planning lawyer

For many people, real estate properties are the most valuable assets they own. Personal residences, vacation homes, and other real estate properties also have significant personal and sentimental value.  Many people include their home in their will, but there are many different estate planning instruments above and beyond a will that allow for the transfer of real estate. If you intend to leave one or more real estate properties to your loved ones, make sure you are using the right legal tool for the job. Joint Tenancy with Right of […]

Posted in Estate Planning

Patent Trolls: What Are They and How Can They Harm Your Business?

Posted on May 8, 2023

naperville business law attorney

Patents allow inventors and entrepreneurs to prevent other companies from manufacturing, selling, or using their patented inventions for a set period of time. Governments grant these rights in exchange for detailed public disclosure of the innovation. A patent is essentially a temporary monopoly granted to a business or individual that allows them to profit from their unique innovations. When used correctly, patents encourage innovation by rewarding creativity and novelty while simultaneously fending off intellectual theft. However, the U.S. patent system is not infallible, and it can be abused. Businesses have […]

Posted in Business Law

Unmarried? Make Sure You Understand How This Influences Inheritance Rights and Estate Planning

Posted on May 8, 2023

naperville estate planning lawyer

Did you know that less than half of adults in the United States are married? Over the past few decades, marriage rates have dropped significantly. Fewer and fewer people are choosing to get married, and living with a romantic partner to whom you are not married is becoming increasingly frequent. For many couples, waiting to say “I do” is the smart choice. Nobody should rush into a marriage unless they are truly ready to marry. That being said, unmarried couples should understand the risks involved in foregoing an official marriage […]

Posted in Estate Planning

Should I Use a Non-Disclosure Agreement When Selling My Business?

Posted on April 28, 2023

naperville business lawyer

If you are planning to sell your business, you will need to discuss detailed information about your business operations, financials, and other sensitive information with prospective buyers. Understandably, this can make some business owners a little nervous. After all, confidential information that gets into the wrong hands can be used against you and your business, essentially undoing your years of hard work. A non-disclosure agreement or confidentiality agreement is a legal contract used to prohibit parties from sharing certain information. An NDA can be a very useful tool during the […]

Posted in Business Law

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