Working with us
What can I expect from my initial consultation?
This meeting allows us to analyze the problem and explore various options that may or may not be available to you. Attorney Grace will thoroughly explain the process and answer any questions you may have. Although we prefer a face-to-face meeting, these initial consultations can also be conducted via telephone or Zoom, which is great for our clients outside of Chicago.
Real estate
Why do I need a real estate attorney when buying or selling a property?
A real estate attorney is licensed and trained to give legal advice relating to real property transactions, whether commercial or residential, and can assist with resolving issues that may occur. A real estate attorney can handle and interpret any and all documents that relate to the transaction, for example mortgage contracts, purchase and sale contracts, HOA declarations, title documents and surveys, handle the closing, and represent you throughout the entire purchase or sale process.
What is attorney review?
In Illinois, most residential contracts give each side five business days after signing for their attorney to review the contract and propose changes. During that window your attorney can modify terms, negotiate inspection issues, or cancel the contract. Once the period ends, the contract is binding as written.
What is earnest money, and can I lose it?
Earnest money is the deposit a buyer puts down after signing the contract, held by the broker or title company until closing, when it is credited toward the purchase. A buyer who backs out for a reason the contract allows gets it back; a buyer who walks away without one can forfeit it. That is one reason to have the contract reviewed before the deadlines pass.
Who pays transfer stamps in Illinois?
The seller pays the state and Cook County transfer tax, $1.50 per $1,000 of the sale price together. In the City of Chicago the seller also pays $3.00 per $1,000 and the buyer pays $7.50 per $1,000. Many suburbs charge their own stamp, and which side pays varies by town; your attorney confirms this before closing.
Immigration
What is a lawful permanent resident?
A lawful permanent resident, also known as a “green card holder,” is a foreign national who is authorized to live and work anywhere in the United States, sponsor certain relatives for their own green cards, and ultimately apply for U.S. citizenship.
Why would a green card application be denied?
A green card application may be denied by the U.S. government for several reasons, including but not limited to mistakes on the required forms, missing documents, insufficient financial resources, or failure to demonstrate eligibility.
Can I work in the U.S. while waiting for my green card?
Anyone who already has a valid work visa (for example, an H-1B or L-1 visa) can usually continue working in the United States even while applying for a U.S. green card. Otherwise, green card applicants are not allowed to start working in the United States until they obtain a work permit by filing Form I-765.