I watched my mother struggle for 8 years to find an attorney to help her untangle the very complicated documents that kept her from receiving her inheritance. I saw her reach out to, work with, and pay many lawyers, only to be told again and again, that there was nothing they could do, and that the documents were “iron-clad.” Honestly, after seeing her spend her very limited funds, only to be disappointed, I began to think it was impossible. She begged me, before she passed, to make this situation right for my children and their future, and to honor her parents that earned that money and designated it for their family, not a team of trustees and general partners. I hesitated to get involved, because it sounded so scary, but I knew it was the right thing to do.
When I did my research, and decided to pursue the matter, I reached out to Andrew for help. I was terrified and paranoid, and so angry at the lack of justice. He was able to get me to a calm and patient state of mind after only a few phone calls. I actually had to Google what “bedside manner” was called in the legal world for this review, and turns out, it’s still bedside manner, and Andrew has it in droves.
Working with Andrew was very collaborative as well. He presents issues in a way where your own knowledge and research is considered and appreciated. You will feel heard, understood and valued.
Andrew was indeed successful in getting all of the funds owed to me released. He did it! Something that multiple other lawyers called impossible, and he did it in 6 months! Please trust this man and his team with your legal issue. You will be so happy you did. On behalf of four generations of my family so far, Thank you Andrew!
– Melissa Maisa
They were super helpful. They got the job done in a timely fashion. They answered all my many questions! Highly recommend.
– Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company
I recently had the privilege of working with Hays Firm, and I cannot express enough how fortunate I feel to have had them as my legal counsel! Andrew went truly above and beyond to provide exceptional service throughout my very complex probate case. Thanks to Andrew and team, I achieved a favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations.
In addition to their professional competence, Hays Firm displayed genuine compassion and empathy throughout the process. I wholeheartedly recommend this firm!
– Laara Knight
I am a client of the Hays Firm regarding a corporate matter. For years, Andrew, Jamie, and the whole team have gone above and beyond every time that I have needed help. I would recommend the Hays Firm to anyone looking for legal help. The firm’s courtesy and attention to detail are second to none.
– Frank Kress
I am so blessed to know this couple personally and professionally. The work they do is phenomenal as they are brilliant and put their heart and soul into every action. The estate planning the Hays Firm did for my family easily guided the process when times were difficult due to the loss of family members. I am grateful for their devotion in practice.
– Jessica Bergman
We had Andrew Hays and his firm represent us in a fairly odd trust case. Andy and team did amazing work. They were always aware of what were in our best interests and were flexible with working through the peculiarities of our case. Trustworthy and efficient, I would certainly have them represent us again if the need arose
– Dylan Linde
Trustworthy and professional. We are very happy for the service provided. Answer every question and we clearly had the best results in our family legal matters.
Thank you Andrew and team !!
– Marcelo Fuenzalida
Incredible results on a most complicated case. Thorough, professional, and follow through. Our family appreciates Andy and his staff . Thanks
– John Bowman
The Hays Firm was incredibly helpful as my family and I navigated end-of-life matters for my sister in 2021. Andrew Hays and his team provided the answers we needed for us to plan in a short window. I will be doing further business with the Hays Firm.
– Anthony Gargiulo
The Hays Firm was incredibly helpful as my family and I navigated end-of-life matters for my sister in 2021. Andrew Hays and his team provided the answers we needed for us to plan in a short window. I will be doing further business with the Hays Firm.
– Anthony Gargiulo
I don’t know how we would have navigated thru this past year without Hays Firm. We suffered the loss of a family member in Chicago back in August of 2018 and had to make some quick decisions immediately after the funeral. Andy met with us and within days his assistant Jaime got us all set up with the legal documents necessary for us to move forward with settling the affairs of our loved one. Even though I was located in Arizona, anytime I had a question or encountered a problem they stepped up and provided us with the timely answers we needed. I wholeheartedly recommend Andy and Hays Firm if you need a solid estate attorney.
– Ramin Streets
As a Financial Advisor part of my responsibility to my clients is to
Review or develop strategies for Estate needs.
When I come across challenges or poorly designed estate plans
I generally go to Andrew Hays to review and advise on solutions
The Hays Firm is my resource for professional, knowledgeable & ethical attorneys
It is the firm that handles my personal estate needs
– Gene Witt
I worked with Hays Law Firm (specifically Andrew & Sarah) to convert my group to a non profit status back in 2013 and have been working with them ever since. They were extremely knowledgeable and helpful with my 501c3 application and continue to be a valuable part of my “team”. I know I can always go to them with legal questions and they are always quick to respond!
– Katie O’Connor
The team at Hays Firm LLC was professional, provided exceptional communication and great customer service.
– Marc Sinclair
Always a great experience. Professional in performance and at the same time treated with compassion and care. We feel fortunate to receive services from this practice. Thank you.
– Lorry Krolicki
I had a very good experience with Jaime Nolan the Hays Law firm was the best Jaime keep me posted on my information thank you again
– Charlene Gardner
Exceptional and hard working attorney who keeps clients informed and gets the job done. Highest recommendation
– Richard Meehan
Wonderful! Great follow through!
– Laura Rose
– Stephanie Spears
– Rob N
– Dan Fink
– Pat Berger
I was fortunate to have this firm represent me in a very complicated and sensitive matter. Andrew was professional as well as very knowledgeable. Communication was excellent and I was always well informed. Everyone at the firm was helpful and very kind.
I would 100% recommend this firm.
– Jennifer Justice
good people. helped me tremendously in a very difficult time
– Gerry Kanonik
good people doing honest business.
– Johnny Scheff
Anxiety, more often than not, comes with legal matters. Unfortunately, we can’t help everyone. But if we can post something with some practical knowledge and a hint of guidance, it just might save someone time, spare them worry, and leave them with a slightly greater sense of confidence in moving forward.
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The Staza Law blog has answers.
Probate is a court process to oversee both the collection of assets and payment of debts of the deceased, for people with or without a will. Probate requires the help of an attorney.
A trust provides a more detailed explanation of how and when those assets are distributed.
A trust may prevent your estate from having to be settled in probate.
Your estate is everything you own minus everything you owe at the time of your death.
Your will is a legal document specifying to whom you’d like your assets to be distributed upon your death.
Trust Administration is the out of court estate management and distribution process where the trustee follows through on the wishes of the deceased.
Trust Litigation is what often follows when the issues to be resolved are complex – if the validity of the will or trust is challenged, if a beneficiary feels the will is unfair, if there are differing interpretations of the will or trust, etc.
The parties on either side of the dispute each hire their own trust and estate litigation attorney.
FAQs.
Q
How is a trust different than a will?
Q
How do I know which type of trust is right for me?
Q
Can anyone be my beneficiary?
Beneficiaries of a trust or will can be individuals (such as family members, friends or loved ones), charities, or even another trust. If you pass away without an estate planning document, the distribution of your assets will be determined by state law.
Q
I’ve been named the trustee of my family member’s trust. Now what?
You’ve been selected as a trustee by a family member who believes you are the best person to manage and distribute their assets. This legal responsibility can be both emotionally and administratively difficult.
- First, read the trust document carefully to ensure you understand the terms of the trust. This includes identifying the beneficiaries and determining what the assets are you will need to distribute.
- Formally accept the role of trustee by signing an acceptance of trusteeship, if required by the trust document.
- Gather and secure the assets.
- Notify the beneficiaries that they have been named in the trust document and keep them informed throughout the process.
- Use the trust to pay any outstanding debts, taxes or legal fees.
- Follow the instructions of the trust on how and when to distribute the assets to the beneficiaries.
- If applicable, close or formally terminate the trust.
Q
Why is the estate distribution taking so long?
Q
Which of my assets will not be included in my estate?
Q
I think I need to speak with a probate trust administration lawyer. How can I be sure?
Have a question about which assets are included in your estate?
to schedule a time to talk.
There are several types of guardianship recognized in Illinois because the circumstances necessitating a guardian, the identification of a guardian in a will, and the degree of an individual’s need all vary. It is important that all available options be considered to determine the appropriate form of guardianship for each individual.
Learn here about the various types of guardianship identified under the Illinois Probate Act:
Limited Guardianship
Plenary Guardianship
Guardianship of the Person
Guardianship of the Estate
Temporary Guardianship
Temporary Guardianship is appropriate when the ward’s disposition/incapacities require(s) immediate attention that cannot wait for the appointment of a more permanent guardian. Temporary guardianship lasts 60 days at the most.
Successor Guardianship
Successor Guardianship is put into motion upon the death, disability, or resignation of the ward’s guardian.
Need help determining which type of guardianship best suits your situation?
FAQs.
Q
What is the difference between a guardian and a conservator?
Both guardians and conservators are court-appointed individuals responsible for the care of adults who cannot manage their affairs. However, their meaning and use differs by state. For example, in some states the words are interchangeable. In others, guardians are responsible for the day-to-day and health decisions of their ward while conservators handle the finances. In Illinois, guardians and conservators are not the same. In fact, Illinois courts do not recognize conservatorship, and the term is not used in guardianship law.
Q
My family has filed a petition requesting that the court appoint me a guardian. How do I prevent this?
Prior to a guardian being appointed to you, the court must determine that one is needed. Both you and the person filing the petition requesting you be assigned a guardian will be interviewed and investigated. You will also be screened by a physician to provide additional information about your capabilities. All documentation will be presented to the court, so that the judge can make the appropriate choice.
Please ensure you know your rights in guardianship court, including the fact that you are entitled to your own attorney for the guardianship proceedings. Additionally, be aware that verdicts can be changed. If you are inappropriately appointed a guardian, you may contest the ruling.
If you are preparing for guardianship court and don’t know how to move forward, our team at Staza Law is available to help. Our attorneys will provide representation in court for persons objecting to a guardianship or the appointment of a certain individual to the role of guardian.
Need an answer to another question?
Tavern and Consumption on Premises
When the sale of alcohol that is consumed strictly on the premises is the primary function of the business, for instance, a tavern, bar, pub, lounge, or night club.
Packaged Goods
When liquor is sold at retail in a liquor store, convenience store, or grocery store, and is sold in a manufacturer-sealed and labeled bottle, can, carton, or other container.
Consumption on Premises - Incidental Activity
When the retail sale of alcohol is incidental or complimentary to a business but is not its primary activity or purpose
– for instance, a hotel, theatrical venue, bowling alley, banquet hall, etc. Note that the alcohol must be consumed on premises.
Caterer’s
When a catering company located in the City of Chicago wants to serve alcoholic beverages off-site yet within the city limits. Note that an additional Retail Food Establishment License must also be obtained.
Outdoor Patio
When a business that already sells alcoholic beverages and is in possession of a Tavern, or Consumption on Premises – Incidental Activity Liquor License wants to expand their space to include a privately owned outdoor area adjacent to the existing business. Note that Outdoor Patios cannot operate past 11PM Sunday – Thursday, and past midnight Friday and Saturday, and that music, whether live or recorded, may not be played or performed with this license.
Late Hour
When a business that already sells alcoholic beverages and is in possession of a Tavern, or Consumption on Premises – Incidental Activity Liquor License, this license allows them to remain open until 4AM, Monday–Saturday, and until 5AM on Sunday. Note that the business must demonstrate the consent of 51% of the legal voters registered within 500 feet of the business.
Not sure which type of liquor license is best suited to your business? We’ve got that. Find a time to meet with one of our attorneys right…
FAQs.
Q
Do I need a license for the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois?
Yes. Chicago businesses with a liquor license must also obtain a State of Illinois Liquor License. While both require a license, the City of Chicago regulates the retail sale of alcohol, and the state of Illinois regulates wholesalers and manufacturers of alcohol.
Q
What’s the latest I can keep my bar open?
If you obtain a Late Hour license, you can sell alcohol and keep your bar open until 4AM, Monday–Saturday, and until 5AM on Sunday. Note, however, that the business must demonstrate the consent of 51% of the legal voters registered within 500 feet of the business.
Q
How long do I have to wait to hear if my license will be granted?
The City of Chicago will arrive at a decision within 60 days of the application being filed and complete.
Q
How often do I have to get a liquor license renewed?
Every two years. That’s how long your liquor license is good for. Renewing it is far simpler than obtaining it. You can renew it online, by mail or in person if you prefer. Note that if your liquor liability insurance is not current, you will be denied. Always keep proof of your insurance on the premises.
Q
Are there any regulations for happy hours?
The City of Chicago and the State of Illinois limit happy hour to a maximum total of 15 hours a week / 4 hours a day. Note that the 4 hours need not be consecutive. As for what you charge, the price of drinks can be reduced during that time, but cannot extend beyond the 4 hours per day / 15 hours per week.
Q
What is a ‘dry’ area?
Certain precincts within the City of Chicago have been voted ‘dry’ through a local referendum, and no liquor licenses will be issued within the precinct. Even in areas that are not ‘dry,’ liquor licenses are not permitted within 100 feet of a church, public or private school, hospital, nursing home, library, or building used for education.
Q
Can nearby neighbors stop me from opening a bar down the street?
When you apply for a liquor license, the city mails a public notice to all the registered voters who live within 250 feet of the space your business proposes to occupy. There is a 35-day window during which neighbors may object to your license being issued. If that happens, you can appeal the refusal within 20 days.
Q
What’s the difference between an ‘outdoor patio’ and ‘sidewalk cafe’?
An Outdoor Patio Liquor License allows a business to sell liquor on an adjacent private property, i.e. a physical extension of the existing indoor business. If, on the other hand, you wanted to sell liquor or food on the sidewalk out in front of your business, that’s public property, and that requires a Sidewalk Café Permit. In addition to the permit, you’ll also need a Retail Food Establishment License and/or liquor license if you plan to sell it and don’t already have one.