REAL
ESTATE
RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
The process of buying or selling a home can often be challenging and confusing. Finding the right home or the right buyer for your home is only a part of the process. We strongly recommend that you select an attorney before you make or accept an offer on a house. Our firm is here to help you navigate the often complicated road from contract acceptance to closing.
It is important to have peace of mind knowing that there is a qualified professional who understands how to negotiate real estate transactions throughout the entire process. From negotiating the contract to addressing various issues that arise in real estate transactions, our firm is here for you every step of the way.
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
Our firm has vast experience in negotiating commercial real estate transactions of all kinds. Having served as General Counsel for a commercial real estate development company, Mr. Stavropoulos developed a thorough understanding of commercial real estate by overseeing the management of retail shopping centers and office buildings. This oversight provided Mr. Stavropoulos with the unique opportunity to apply his legal acumen to the business side of owning commercial property. This experience translated into Mr. Stavropoulos being able to advise his clients of potential problems and issues related to commercial real estate investments by thorough analysis.
Having closed over $250 million in commercial real estate transactions, our firm has the experience and knowledge in successfully navigating commercial deals.
COMMERCIAL LEASE NEGOTIATION
Mr. Stavropoulos has negotiated hundreds of commercial leases for both tenants and landlords. Depending on whether we represent a landlord or tenant, our firm understands the goals of each party. With extensive knowledge and a thorough understanding of the management of shopping centers and office buildings, Mr. Stavropoulos understands how to advise clients on all legal and business matters of commercial leasing. With our understanding of not only the legal but the business side of leasing, we are able to provide clients with sound legal guidance on the impact of the many aspects of a commercial lease. Whether representing a landlord or tenant, our firm aggressively protects its clients’ interests in commercial lease transactions.
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BUSINESS
LAW
BUSINESS LAW
When starting a business, you are making the choice to turn a dream into reality. It is an exciting step, but owners and entrepreneurs will have many decisions to make along the way regarding how to best develop and grow their companies. One issue every business will face is determining what type of business entity to choose, which must take into account what services or products your business will offer as well as the financial and legal protections your business will need. Our firm can help. We are dedicated to client satisfaction as well as providing continued support to business owners throughout all stages of starting and growing their companies.
Choosing the right entity and overall structure can give your business a solid foundation to thrive. However, choosing an entity type that leaves your business unprotected from disputes and lawsuits, or not updating your financial and corporate records as your business evolves, can be a recipe for business failure and may result in personal liability for business obligations. These are just a few of the areas in which we provide guidance to protect your business venture.
Before you take steps to start or grow a business or franchise, it is essential that you have counsel from a business formation lawyer who can properly assess the current and potential future benefits that the right choice of entity will provide. Whether a business or franchise would benefit as a C or S corporation, general or limited partnership, traditional or series limited liability company or some other type of business entity, the services of an experienced business law attorney can help establish a solid foundation for success and an entrepreneur’s peace of mind.
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ESTATE
PLANNING
ESTATE PLANNING
If you have not yet started thinking about planning your estate, now is the time to do it. No matter how old you are, your current health status, or which types of assets you have, it is always wise to have an estate plan in place. Without one, your loved ones could be subject to the probate process, intestacy laws, and high taxes on your assets.
The most effective way to plan your estate is to work with an estate planning lawyer. There is more to estate planning than simply writing a will; you will want to consider an advance medical directive, beneficiary designations, and a power of attorney designation. You might also want to make use of trusts to preserve your assets for your loved ones or include charitable giving in your estate plan.
If you do not have a will in place when you pass away, your assets are subject to Illinois’ intestacy laws. These laws state which parties are to inherit a deceased individual’s assets depending on which descendants he or she has.
After receiving assets, beneficiaries can be subject to estate taxes if the deceased did not take careful measures to reduce or eliminate these taxes. In certain cases, receiving assets can put a beneficiary deep into debt.
Probate is the process through which the court identifies and appraises a deceased individual’s assets, then pays the associated taxes and debts, followed by distributing the assets to the deceased’s beneficiaries. Choosing an experienced estate planning attorney to help you draft or modify your plan can reduce or even eliminate the need for an estate to go through probate, which can be expensive for the deceased’s family and potentially create interfamilial problems.
An estate planning lawyer is well-versed in Illinois law, federal law, and the products and investment options available to you. Instead of facing this confusing, complicated process yourself, work with a lawyer who can act as your guide and advocate. Schedule your initial consultation with our firm and prepare a few questions to ask during the session. A productive conversation about estate planning will lead to empowered choices.
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LAND
USE &
ZONING
LAND USE & ZONING
Zoning ordinances and requirements have a major effect on businesses throughout Chicago and Illinois. The expansion of a business and its operations is a critical time period for many, and zoning requirements can present a serious obstacle. Skilled attorneys can smooth the process and anticipate problems before they arise.
Our firm serves the needs of businesses and landowners in Chicago and the surrounding area. The firm’s attorneys work closely with clients to ensure that the needs of their business or property are fully met in an efficient and timely manner.
Zoning and land use laws are created at the municipal level of government, and can have complex implications for commercial property owners. Many businesses typically have needs related to:
VARIANCES
Variances, sometimes called administrative adjustments, are permission from the zoning authorities to deviate from local requirements. These variances are often needed for lot area, building height, parking requirements, wireless communications and ground-floor commercial space requirements.
SPECIAL USES
The Zoning Board of Appeals may determine on a case-by-case basis whether the purpose a building or piece of real property is being used for qualifies as a “special use” that is excepted from zoning requirements. Special uses are so called because of their widely varying land use and operational characteristics.
ZONING AMENDMENTS
Zoning amendments are a procedural option when a particular building or piece of property is rezoned. Experienced attorneys can assist with the application process.
PUBLIC ENTITLEMENTS
Some businesses and individuals may qualify for public programs designed to benefit the community. Do not miss out on opportunities for your business to benefit.
There are many potential issues that arise with respect to zoning and businesses. A real estate lawyer familiar with the zoning process and complicated zoning codes in Chicago can protect your business from potential pitfalls.
The Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals is a five-member body that hears appeals from any order or requirement of Chicago’s Zoning Administrator. The board also considers Special Use and Variance applications. Hearings before the board can resemble a court hearing, including presenting a case, cross-examining witnesses and testifying by opponents. Witnesses may be required to swear an oath. We have appeared before numerous zoning boards and can safeguard your rights and interests during the process.
Do not trust the future of your business or property to a law firm unfamiliar with zoning law. Stavropoulos Law has over 20 years of experience on zoning law and related issues.
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CIVIL
LITIGATION
CIVIL LITIGATION
Our firm has represented hundreds of clients in all types of cases, from smaller claims to more complex matters. Our successes cover many types of civil litigation, including but not limited to personal injury, property damage, breach of contract and contract disputes, construction disputes and claims, eviction cases, and premises liability.
Regardless of the type of issue, our firm thoroughly investigates the facts and law underlying the case and diligently and skillfully participates in all stages of litigation. Our extensive experience handling depositions, hearings, arbitrations, trials, and appellate arguments benefits our litigation clients in all venues. We are always mindful that settlement negotiations may lead to advantageous results. However, when litigation becomes necessary, our firm aggressively pursues and protects our clients’ interests and rights in both trial and appellate courts.
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