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It is a new year, and for many in Illinois, that means looking ahead to the future. We at Mockaitis Law remind you that making plans for the future also includes deciding what happens to your property after your death. If you have yet to take any estate planning steps, now is the time to start.

People in Illinois who find themselves facing a criminal conviction after being arrested may well be worried about how such a black mark on their record might impact their future. One area that a criminal record may impact is the ability to get a new job.

When a loved one dies, there are various things you and your loved ones will have to do to handle his or her estate. This can be a difficult process, especially if you are in a time of grief and upheaval due to the loss. Administering an estate is a tremendous responsibility, and you would be wise to learn what your expectations are and how you should proceed.

Citizens of Illinois arrested for a crime may see the state confiscate their property, such as houses or cars, if the state believes that the owner of the property used it in the commission of a crime, even if the use was only tangential.

If you were involved in an Illinois incident that resulted in the death of another person, charges may be brought against you. Although the charge typically depends on the circumstances and evidence, in situations where the death was inadvertent, the charges may be involuntary manslaughter.

If you have a DUI conviction, then the court will usually suspend your Illinois license. This means you cannot drive legally. This can be quite detrimental and inconvenient since driving is often an incredibly important part of your life. You have to drive to work, to the store and many other places.

It can be difficult to see your parents age and decline, mentally as well as physically. You always saw your parents as examples of strength and wisdom. As Illinois residents age, many will develop physical and cognitive conditions that can make them more vulnerable to abuse.

Your sentence of probation meant you avoided time in jail. This may have been a relief to you, but it certainly did not mean you were completely off the hook. You may have received probation in return for a plea of guilty, which means you still have a criminal record.

In the last decade since the economy has been recovering from the great recession, many people in Illinois have been buying and selling homes as their personal financial situations also rebound and maybe even improve. While it is not uncommon to buy or sell a home, that does not mean consumers should not take the process seriously.

You would probably not have to have a real estate agent — or an attorney, for that matter — involved when you buy a home in Illinois. However, regardless of whether it is a legal requirement, it is often a practical necessity to engage the services of someone who is familiar with the buying process.