Family Law
With the ever-increasing divorce rate in this country, our attorneys remain abreast in all issues concerning the family. Dissolution of the family unit involves complex matters pertaining to distribution of the marital assets and liabilities.
Our attorneys are sensitive to the psychological, sociological and economical needs of all family members during the dissolution process and/or the paternity procedure. Child custody, visitation and support are addressed with the utmost attention, respect and diligence.
Family Mediation Services
The Barclay Law Group provides aggressive representation for our clients who want to pursue their cases in court. But for those clients who may not be able to afford a long court battle, we offer mediation services. Mediation is a process where you and your opponent attempt to reach a settlement that you can both live with, without the stress and expense of going to court.
A successful mediation session depends on the skill and experience of the mediator (the person who facilitates the mediation). Lester Barclay has over 20 years of experience as a divorce attorney and attorney representing children in custody and visitation disputes. He has the skill and experience necessary to ensure that your mediation stands the greatest likelihood of success.
If you attempt to mediate your dispute and are unable to reach a settlement that seems fair to you, you still have the right to take your case to court.
Litigation
Our office maintains a diverse portfolio of clients. We represent associations, corporations, individuals, organizations, small business enterprises, etc.
On a regular basis, we appear and litigate for our clients in state and federal courts as well as appellate courts.
Corporate Law
Our attorneys are prepared to provide legal advice and representation for the development and preservation of numerous corporation and business structures. We offer unique and individually tailored ideas and solutions for corporate and/or partnership formation and dissolution, joint ventures, financing and restructuring.
We enlighten our clients with current information pertaining to the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a business or the consequences and ramifications involved in the sale of a business.
Employment Law / Labor Law
Whether employer or employee, our clientele is informed of existing policies along with recent trends and progress in confronting management and workforce agreements, disagreements and concerns.
These matters and the related areas of age, race, religion, sex and national origin discrimination, in the workplace, are handled by our attorneys at administrative agencies and before state and federal courts.
Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law
Why do I need Estate Planning? I am not rich! Estate planning is not only for wealthy individuals. Most people have a greater net worth than they realize – equity in family property, retirement funds, life insurance policies, etc.
Without a will, your assets will be distributed according to the State of Illinois rules, also known as intestacy. The State may not pass your assets to the people you care about most. We can assist in preparing your will so you can be sure.
An estate plan covers far more than your assets and possession. It is a set of documents that expresses your wishes and guides family members (a) should you die; or (b) if you become incapacitated by illness, accident, or mental infirmity. Our attorneys will guide you through all these important considerations.
Contact us today and schedule your free consultation to discuss creating a will or updating your current documents if your circumstances have changed. We make in-home visits for mobility-challenged clients.
Probate Law
If a loved one has been incapacitated by illness or accident, he or she should have a legal guardian. Guardianship is determined by a probate proceeding. It is necessary when the incapacitated person did not have powers of attorney or advance directives that provided instructions on the steps to take in case of such a situation.
At our firm, we have more than 20 years of experience helping people obtain guardianship over a loved one. Contact us if you want to learn more about how we can assist you with your guardianship needs. Losing a loved one is difficult. Don’t let the process of estate administration make it even more painful. We will assist you in ensuring that the final wishes of your loved one are carried out efficiently and effectively through vigorous legal representation.
Real Estate Law
The real estate market requires a specialized, unique approach. Our staff customizes our legal services to effectively meet our clients’ needs. We negotiate, prepare and review contracts for the purchase or sale of residential and/or commercial properties. We also resolve landlord/tenant disagreements and construction disputes prior to commencing litigation.
If your home is in Cook County, Illinois, we can also represent you at the Cook County Board of Review to ensure that you receive a fair and accurate assessed value of your residential property. With our help, the assessed value of your home may be lowered, resulting in a lesser property tax burden.
Municipal – Public Finance Law
As Co-Bond Counsel, the firm has participated in various bond transactions involving governmental entities and organizations. We provide explicit information to our joint-clients regarding the laws entailing the issuance of these bonds and the municipal bond holder.
Our attorneys remain abreast of the current disclosure, risk and tax issues and their immediate and long-term affect on the co-client.
Non-profit Law
Community organizations, religious groups and social entities require special legal needs as tax-exempt and not-for-profit establishments. Our legal staff is able to prepare the various required application forms for these associations.
We are also well-learned in and maintain a current understanding of the countless tax codes and its amendments, related municipal and other governmental zoning concerns, developments and problems along with an essential knowledge of the appeal process.
Elder Law / Senior Law
Elder Law refers to all legal matters relating to the “golden years” and beyond. Can you stay in your house with home health care? How will you pay for the nursing home? How can you legally transfer assets to your eventual heirs? How do you intervene to protect your elderly parents?
We can advise you on a wide range of matters for the elderly and their caretakers. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Veterans Benefits Consulting
Although most VA pensions are only for veterans who were wounded or disabled while they were serving in the armed forces, there are millions of veterans and their spouses that may be eligible for special monthly pension benefits solely because they are over 65 years of age and are homebound, in assisted/supportive living, or in a nursing home.
Those veterans and/or their survivors only need to prove that their medical expenses exceed certain income and asset limitations. The maximum benefit available can provide significant help in paying for long-term care costs. Contact us today for your free consultation and find out if you qualify for a VA pension.
Social Security Disability Law
Being denied Social Security Disability benefits can be frustrating. How will you support yourself and your family? How will you provide for basic necessities, such as food, rent, mortgage, or car payments? You’re too sick to work but can’t afford to work.
Our attorneys understand that this is a challenging time in your life, but at our firm, every client is treated with dignity. If you’ve been denied disability by the Social Security Administration, we can help with your appeal process. There are deadlines to file an appeal, so it’s important that you call us as soon as possible.