Bankruptcy

In today’s struggling economy, it is not surprising that over one million Americans file for bankruptcy each year. Bankruptcy often is a major, life altering decision, however, many people find that filing for bankruptcy is the best option available. The bankruptcy process allows individuals to work out a plan to repay the money over time under Chapter 11, 12, or 13 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, or eliminate debt in Chapter 7. Using these processes is frequently the only process available to allow individuals to get out from under their debt and to obtain a fresh start. There are many organizations, agencies and banks that further help individuals filing for bankruptcy to re-build their credit and once again be able to qualify for loans.

When choosing an attorney it is important to find an attorney who is familiar with issues from the perspective of both the debtor and the creditor. This will help you navigate through the bankruptcy process in a much more concise and logical manner. When going through the bankruptcy process one needs to remember that it is not an end, but a new beginning and a fresh start in life.

At Franks, Gerkin & McKenna we are a full service law firm practicing in the areas of Personal Injury; Worker's Compensation; Business Law; Real Estate; Zoning; Wills’ Estate Planning; Probate; Divorce/Family Law; Criminal, Traffic and of course, Bankruptcy.

Disclaimer: All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. Franks, Gerkin & McKenna, P.C. makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis and is not intended as legal advice. Even though Franks, Gerkin & McKenna is a law firm and the information on the blog relates to legal topics reading this blog does not create an attorney client relationship. By using the blog, you agree and understand that the information does not constitute legal or other professional advice and no privileged relationship is created. Do not consider the blog a substitute for legal advice from a qualified attorney.

Personal Injury

In a personal injury lawsuit, an individual is seeking to have another held accountable for the injury or damages they have suffered. Injuries can occur in a wide variety of situations such as motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, product liability, batteries or actions on any other person, animal attacks, and also on the job accidents that may involve claims against parties other than an employer. Whatever the nature of your claim may be, it is important that you act quickly and concisely. The first step in doing so begins even before you meet with an attorney. Before meeting with an attorney, you can become as prepared as possible by writing notes about the incident, documenting your injuries, preserving evidence, taking photographs, talking to witnesses and obtaining a police report. If you do this initial research, you will come to your attorney meeting well prepared to discuss the damages you have suffered. Potential damages in a personal injury case can include both medical and property damages as well as damages for your pain and suffering.

During a personal injury lawsuit, you must be represented zealously by an attorney you trust. At Franks, Gerkin & McKenna we are a zealous, trustworthy, full service law firm practicing in the areas of Worker's Compensation; Business Law; Real Estate; Zoning; Wills’ Estate Planning; Bankruptcy; Probate; Divorce/Family Law; Criminal, Traffic and of course, Personal Injury.

Driving Under the Influence

Effective January 1, 2009, several changes were made to Driving Under the Influence (DUI) laws. The amount of time a first-time DUI offender’s driver’s license is suspended has doubled. If an individual provides a breath sample over .08, his or her license is suspended for six months and if a driver refuses to provide a breath sample his or her license is suspended for one year. The suspension begins on the forty-sixth day following a DUI arrest. Therefore, it is vital that one begins defending his or her driving privileges immediately following arrest for a DUI.
The second major change to the DUI law was the end of the Judicial Driving Permit (JDP). In place of the JDP, individuals may drive after obtaining a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP). The MDDP requires a driver to have a Breath Alcohol Ignition Device (BAIID) installed in his or her vehicle. Once the BAID is installed, an individual may drive wherever he or she may need, unlike the JDP, which permitted driving only to work, education, or to counseling facilities. However, the BAID requires repeated maintenance and reporting and does have a substantial cost. It is a felony to drive without a MDDP if you are required to have one.

At Franks, Gerkin & McKenna we have extensive courtroom experience defending DUI charges. Many of our attorneys gained this experience as former prosecutors. We are a full service law firm practicing in the areas of Personal Injury; Business Law; Real Estate; Zoning; Wills’ Estate Planning; Probate; Divorce/Family Law; Bankruptcy; Worker’s Compensation, Criminal, Traffic and of course, defending DUI charges.

Disclaimer: All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. Franks, Gerkin & McKenna, P.C. makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis and is not intended as legal advice. Even though Franks, Gerkin & McKenna is a law firm and the information on the blog relates to legal topics reading this blog does not create an attorney client relationship. By using the blog, you agree and understand that the information does not constitute legal or other professional advice and no privileged relationship is created. Do not consider the blog a substitute for legal advice from a qualified attorney.

Divorce/Family Law

According to the Circuit Clerk’s Office, approximately 1,180 divorces were filed in McHenry County last year. These divorces impacted the lives of thousands of individuals from all economic backgrounds and more importantly thousands of children. The Illinois Joint Simplified Divorce Procedure is available for those individuals married less than eight (8) years, who earn a combined less than $35,000 a year and meet a few other specific criteria. Unfortunately even the simplest of divorces often turn into very difficult situations. When beginning a divorce some things to consider include: who will have custody of any children, child support, maintenance (formerly known as alimony), the marital home, personal property, insurance, pensions, stocks, repayment of any debts and any other assets and liabilities the parties may have.

During any divorce proceeding the parties have a tremendous power to handle the situation amicably and to avoid a great negative impact on those individuals who suffer the most, children. At Franks, Gerkin & McKenna we are a full service law firm practicing in the areas of Personal Injury; Business Law; Real Estate; Zoning; Wills’ Estate Planning; Probate; Worker’s Compensation; Criminal, Traffic and of course, Divorce/Family Law.


Disclaimer: All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. Franks, Gerkin & McKenna, P.C. makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis and is not intended as legal advice. Even though Franks, Gerkin & McKenna is a law firm and the information on the blog relates to legal topics reading this blog does not create an attorney client relationship. By using the blog, you agree and understand that the information does not constitute legal or other professional advice and no privileged relationship is created. Do not consider the blog a substitute for legal advice from a qualified attorney.