Resources

Ruh-Roh Raggy! Pet Ownership and Divorce in Illinois
February 28, 2023
Pet ownership skyrocketed during the global Covid-19 pandemic, with nearly 1 in 5 households adopting a new cat or dog.[1] While many households grew by four paws during the pandemic, relationship conflict and divorce inquiries were also on the rise.[2] As pet owners know, pets aren't just pets, they're members of the family. So, what happens when two pet parents go their separate ways? Read more...
Federal Inmate Release Under the CARES Act
February 13, 2023
On May 11, 2023, the COVID-19 National Emergency, first declared by President Donald Trump in the spring of 2020, will come to an end. The conclusion of this emergency period is particularly relevant to people incarcerated in federal facilities seeking release from prison under a special provision of the CARES Act. Read more...
Defamation and Tenant's Rights: The Fine Line Between Truth and Opinion
February 6, 2023
When dealing with a difficult or unreasonable landlord, it can be tempting for tenants to take to various online forums to express their frustrations. Unfortunately, doing so may cause more harm than good. Posting a negative review or sharing a bad experience can open the door for a defamation lawsuit . . . even when the statements made are true. Read more...
A Clean Slate: Automatic Expungements of Juvenile Records in Illinois
February 3, 2023
Possessing a criminal record can create a significant amount of worry and distress, even if the record originates from the juvenile years of a person's life. Adults who hold a juvenile criminal record most often fear that their past delinquent activity may bar them from obtaining their dream job. Similarly, parents of children who have had past delinquent occurrences often worry that their children's poor decisions will prevent them from attending college or another institution of higher education. Furthermore, children who possess juvenile records oftentimes fear that their past delinquency will determine how society views them for the rest of their lives: once a bad kid, always a bad kid. Read more...
What to Expect When You're Expecting…to go to Labor Arbitration
December 6, 2022
If you are a union member and your grievance has been advanced to arbitration. What should you expect next? Read more...
Give the Gift of Estate Planning
November 16, 2022
Talking about finances and property distribution with family can be difficult, but it's always best to have a plan in place in case the unexpected happens. CTM Legal Group can assist with the often overlooked task of estate planning. Read more...
CTM Legal Group Welcomes the Alliance of Business Lawyers (ABL) to Chicago
CTM Legal Group was proud to host the 43^rd General Assembly Meeting for the Alliance of Business Lawyers (ABL) in Chicago, Illinois from September 28 – October 1, 2022. The 45 delegates from 22 different member firms gathered in the Windy City, along with representatives from the Chicago business community. Delegates from across the country arrived for the event, as well as representatives from other continents, including countries like Brazil, Turkey, Germany, United Kingdom, and others all around the globe. Read more...
Protecting Yourself While Enforcing Your Rights as a Tenant
October 13, 2022
There are many laws that provide tenants with options if their landlord violates their rights. For example, if the tenant informs the landlord of a necessary repair and the landlord refuses to fix it within the required timeframe, the tenant can withhold a portion of the rent. However, the landlord may respond to the tenant's good faith conduct by retaliating against them. Fortunately, there are several laws that penalize the landlord when they retaliate against the tenant for exercising their rights. Read more...
Working in Healthcare with a Criminal Conviction
September 12, 2022
Pursuing a career in health care is noble, exciting, and potentially quite lucrative. In the current Covid era, CAN's, personal medical aids, and home health care assistants are in extremely high demand. However, many people who aspire to serve in these occupations are devastated to learn that certain criminal convictions will prevent them from ever becoming employed in the medical field. Even relatively minor offenses, such as misdemeanor retail theft, will prevent would-be professionals from obtaining employment under the Health Care Worker Background Check Act. 225 ILCS 46/1. Read more...
Changing School Districts: What to Know About Your Child's Residency
August 30, 2022
Illinois has an abundance of fantastic public schools across many districts. But if your child is enrolling into a new school district and must submit proof of residency within that district, there are a few things you should be prepared to provide. As school districts take this verification very seriously, you should also consider hiring an attorney to help advance your child's best interests. Read more...
A Chance for Redemption: Drug Treatment and Mitigation
August 4, 2022
When an individual has been charged with a misdemeanor as minor as shoplifting or even with a felony as egregious as attempted murder, he or she may present to the court mitigation in the form of character reference letters, proof of employment, proof of community service, and other such documentation to illustrate why he or she should receive a reduced sentence or even why his or her case should be dismissed. While these examples stand as the most common forms of mitigation, some forms of mitigation only apply to certain types of legal cases. One very specific form of mitigation is proof of enrollment and participation in a drug treatment program, which applies to cases where a defendant's substance abuse serves as a focal point in his or her legal matter. Read more...
Guardian ad Litem, Child Representative, and Attorney for the Child: What is the Difference?
June 28, 2022
The court system can be as equally daunting as it is confusing, especially when minor children are involved. Although some may be familiar with the term “Guardian ad Litem” in some way or another, for many the concept of a Child Representative and an Attorney for the Child are foreign. So, what is the difference? Read more...
Cannabis In Cars: How To Play By The Rules In Illinois
June 2, 2022
Many Illinoisans celebrated in 2020 when marijuana became legal for recreational use for adults over the age of 21. With legalization came a new crop of dispensaries and an ability to buy a once-illicit product over the counter like any other purchase. Although it's easy enough to go out and buy legal marijuana with few obstacles for the average consumer, there are rules about how to drive with your purchase once it's in-hand. Read more...
Change in Eviction Laws Placed During COVID-19
April 28, 2022
As mask mandates come to an end, so do certain regulations put into place by Governor J.B. Pritzker that were aimed at relieving stressors related to housing insecurity during the global pandemic. The Illinois Rental Payment Program (ILRPP) deployed $1.1 billion in funding to renters and landlords in an effort to prevent evictions because so many people were without work, ill, or otherwise found it more difficult to make ends meet due to COVID-19. HB 2877 was also signed into law, which most notably allows for eviction records to be sealed so long as tenants meet certain criteria. Read more...
Navigating the DCFS Investigation and Appeal Process
April 12, 2022
Imagine that you come home from work and are flipping through your mail. You see an envelope from DCFS, the Department of Children and Family Services. You think nothing of it and leave it in the pile along with other junk mail, assuming it is some type of request for a charitable donation. A few days later you open it and are shocked to see that the Department has “indicated” you for abuse or neglect of a child. Your name is now included on the Central State Register, a database of child abusers. You have 60 days to appeal. Read more...
Chicago Tenants Get a Fair Shake Under the Fair Notice Ordinance
March 29, 2022
As many renters in Chicago know, the end of a lease raises levels of anxiety. Tenants must ask themselves: will my landlord renew my lease? Will I have to pay more rent to stay in the neighborhood I have lived in for years? Or will I have time to find affordable housing? Luckily, the City of Chicago passed the Fair Notice Ordinance which provides Chicago renters some certainty when their lease term is about to end. The Fair Notice Ordinance amends the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance and provides specific timelines for when a landlord may terminate a lease or raise rent. Read more...
Joy Silk Revival Poised to Provide Greater Protections to Workers Seeking Unionization
March 3, 2022
Back in August, National Labor Relations Board General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo issued a memo to the Board's regional offices in which she signaled the potential return to a long dormant standard related to an employer's bad faith refusal to recognize potential bargaining units. Read more...
Current State on Vaccine Mandates in Illinois
January 27, 2022
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present a public health crisis as we start 2022 off with the Omicron variant and sporadic surges in infections. State, Federal, and local governments continue to adjust to the new normal and have worked to limit the spread and severity of the plague with mixed results. Read more...
A Second Chance: The Importance of Mitigation in DUI and Traffic Cases
January 26, 2022
DUI's, misdemeanor, and felony traffic violations can throw one's driving privileges into grave jeopardy; they can lead to a year-long suspension of one's driver's license or even the permanent revocation of his or her driving privileges in the State of Illinois. As a result, many people believe that the moment they receive a DUI or commit a serious traffic violation, especially if they hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or rely on driving to commute to and from work, their lives as a driver are over. However, this assumption sways miles from the truth. Through a process known as mitigation, one holds the ability of possibly persuading the court to grant him or her a lesser sentence or even to dismiss his or her DUI or traffic case in its entirety. Read more...
Traffic Tickets and License Suspensions: How Small Traffic Fines Can Result In Big Trouble
December 7, 2021
In Cook County, there are various traffic citations for moving violations that require drivers to appear in court. Drivers often believe that showing up to court and paying the fine is the end of their responsibility. Some drivers think that the time invested in fighting a traffic ticket isn't worth it; they would rather plead guilty, pay the fine, and be on their way. Although many people are aware that tickets can cause “points” on their driver's license, there are additional consequences from the Illinois Secretary of State that motorists may not know about. Read more...
Two Steps Before You Can Pursue a Medical Malpractice Case in Illinois
December 7, 2021
To pursue a case for medical malpractice in Illinois, it is not as simple as hiring an attorney and filing a case. There are additional requirements which involve a longer presuit investigation process necessitated by statute. 735 ILCS 5/2-622. Read more...
Announcement: New Partners at CTM Legal Group
November 10, 2021
CTM Legal Group is pleased to announce that Cara Anthaney, Bradley Fuller, Lauren Goyette and Richard Miller have all been named Partners. Each has demonstrated exceptional legal ability, a commitment to the firm and a dedication to the continued growth of their fellow attorneys and staff. They join the ranks with fellow Partners Joe Coli, Jonathan Magna, Matthew Brady, and Managing Partner William Tasch. Read more...
Illinois Unemployment Overpayment Waivers Still Unavailable as Department Continues to Send Repayment Demands
November 8, 2021
Since March 12, 2020, Illinois has been in a state of emergency and the Governor has utilized successive 30-day Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamations to provide the State additional tools for handling the effects of the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic and associated variants. Though the evictions moratorium was recently ended in early October, some programs continue to be impacted by the Governor's emergency powers, including unemployment benefits. Read more...
General Guidelines for Providing Legal Testimony
October 18, 2021
Testifying in court or at a deposition can be a deeply stressful experience. Being subjected to cross-examination questions is a particularly unfamiliar and tense circumstance. However, by adhering to the following general guidelines, one can greatly reduce the anxiety associated with providing sworn testimony. Read more...
How to Obtain an Order of Protection in Cook County During COVID-19
October 4, 2021
Anyone considering filing a legal Petition for an Order of Protection or “OP” is strongly advised to speak with a competent, experienced attorney before proceeding with legal action. Of course, victims of abuse and/or stalking who feel that their safety is potentially at risk should immediately call 911 to report the situation. Read more...
Cook County Tenants Now Have Additional Rights!
August 19, 2021
Good news for tenants residing in Cook County! The Cook County Board of Commissioners recently passed a new ordinance called the Cook County Residential Tenant and Landlord Ordinance (“CCRTLO”) that offers extra protections to most tenants in Cook County. The CCRTLO applies to most Cook County leases beginning June 1, 2021. Read more...
Increased Scrutiny on Marriage-based Green Card Petitions
July 6, 2021
Marriage-based green card petitions are carefully scrutinized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Marriage-based petitions have special priority and allow immigrant spouses to live, work, and study in the U.S. legally. One of the most significant reasons that I-130 petitions get denied, or marriage fraud is suspected, is because of lack of evidence of a bona fide marriage. In order to qualify, you must be able to show USCIS that you are sharing or have plans to share a life together... Read more...
CTM Legal Group expands its reach to better serve clients
July 6, 2021
CTM Legal Group has recently brought on new talent to our team of attorneys and staff. The new attorneys bring on a wealth of experience and proficiency in legal matters that build upon our already diverse and knowledgeable team of attorneys. Read more...
CTM Legal Group Attorney Naomi Frisch scores big wins for clients.
April 26, 2021
Attorney Naomi Frisch of CTM Legal Group works for the Labor and Employment practice group protecting hardworking men and women on the job. She fights for clients who have experienced discrimination or harassment in their workplace, have been terminated unlawfully, and other similar cases. Read more...
‘Tis The Season For Home Repairs: Know Your Rights In Illinois!
March 26, 2021
With the weather becoming warmer in Illinois, many homeowners are looking to make repairs or improvements to their homes. However, many are fearful that they may be subject to a scam or that the contractor they hire takes their down payment and is never seen again. Before hiring any contractor to perform home repairs, it is important for Illinois homeowners to know their rights. Luckily, The Home Repair and Remodeling Act (the “Act”), 815 ILCS 513/1, outlines what homeowners should know and demand from their contractors before they sign any contract for home repairs. Read more...
Video: Attorney Bradley Fuller discusses Illinois Criminal Justice Reform bill
February 22, 2021
In this video, Attorney Bradley Fuller discusses the newly signed Illinois Criminal Justice Reform bill. Read more...
You Went to the Chapel and Now Want to Change Your Name
January 26, 2021
The process to changing your name after a marriage is a straightforward, albeit tedious. There is no legal requirement for a name change after marriage, so it is a self-initiated venture. In Illinois, each agency or business you need to change your name with, has their own process and requirements. It also is not free. Below are common steps to take to change your name across the board... Read more...
Extensions of Federal Unemployment Programs
January 22, 2021
COVID-19 has brought numerous changes for people in Illinois and across the nation, including an unprecedented number of lay-offs. As a result, Illinois and the United States as a whole have witnessed a dramatic increase in applications for unemployment benefits. Thankfully, under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Congress has enacted various federally mandated programs to assist those individuals who do not qualify for traditional unemployment benefits and to provide extra relief to claimants who currently are collecting unemployment benefits. While the CARES Act expired on December 31, 2020, Congress recently passed legislation, the Continued Assistance for Unemployed Workers Act of 2020 (“the Extension”), which extended the availability of some of these federal benefits. The following is a summary of programs that will be available through the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES): Read more...
What You Should Know if You or Someone You Know is Being Arrested
January 15, 2021
If you or someone you know has been arrested there are a number of things that you should know. Read more...
Understanding the Basics of Scott's Law
December 21, 2020
Scott's Law requires drivers to move over when an emergency vehicle has its emergency lights illuminated, or at least reduce speed and proceed with caution. This applies to police cars, fire and ambulance, as well as highway maintenance vehicles. Read more...
The Rights of Nursing Home Residents and Recovery for the Wronged
October 19, 2020
Residents of nursing homes are a recognized class of people under Illinois law. They require protection above and beyond what the common law can provide. Residents are reliant on their facility for a spectrum of daily living needs, including housing, medical care, and treatment. This relationship creates a power imbalance between the cared for and the care providers. Read more...
How to Rebuild Credit After Bankruptcy
October 7, 2020
Rebuilding credit after bankruptcy may seem like a long, tough road, but it is not as difficult as you might think. A bankruptcy will not completely destroy your finances. Instead, it can give you a financial fresh start, allowing you to build a better future. Although a bankruptcy can stay on your credit report for up to 10 years, there are some general steps you can take to get your score back in shape. Read more...
Basic Steps to Take Immediately after a Car Accident
September 22, 2020
Having represented persons injured in car accidents for over 20 years, I have observed certain key steps you can take immediately after a crash to help preserve and maximize your claim. Obviously, most people who have just been involved in an accident are not thinking about a potential case. The reality, however, is that the actions taken at the scene can have an impact on your level of recovery down the line. Read more...
Have a predatory tribal loan? Read this.
September 8, 2020
Native American tribal lenders frequently claim that they do not have to comply with state lending laws. Those that take that stance generally do not get the necessary licenses to provide consumer loans. Often these loans will be made with an interest rate of 250%. Sometimes over 500%. In desperate times, consumers turn to these loans because they offer loans that no one else offers. Read more...
Health Care Facility Workers Score Temporary Victory In Attempt to Access Emergency Leave Provisions
September 8, 2020
As the Covid-19 virus continues to wreak havoc on the nation, employees, employers, and state and local governments continue to seek guidance on the federal government's emergency leave programs. Read more...
HUD Extends Protections To Homeowners With FHA Backed Loans
August 27, 2020
HUD Extends Protections To Homeowners With FHA Backed Loans As homeowners continue to navigate life during the novel coronavirus pandemic, they should be aware that the federal government has extended some protections for them during these difficult times. Read more...
Eviction During Covid-19
August 5, 2020
One of the most discussed public impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the ability of tenants to pay rent and remain housed, with a large number of tenants experiencing financial hardship due to loss of employment or other sources of income due to the pandemic. In response, government on the federal, state, and local levels have implemented measures relating to evictions. It is important for tenants to understand their rights relating to potential evictions. Read more...
Considering Bankruptcy? Here's what you need to know first
July 7, 2020
Does COVID-19 have you in a financial bind and right now you're wondering how to pay your debts? Are you considering filing a bankruptcy but don't know if it's the right solution for you or if you qualify? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you've come to the right place for answers. Bankruptcy is a great tool to aid individuals/businesses in getting a better handle of their debt and a great starting point on the path of financial freedom. Read more...
Chicago Tenants: You Have Rights Before You Even Step Into Your Apartment (And After You Step Out Too!)
June 19, 2020
As Illinois begins to lift its COVID restrictions and Chicago tenants begin to transition to new apartments, it is it is important to remember your rights under the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (“RLTO”). Specifically, that the RLTO provides protections for tenants both before they occupy an apartment as well as after the tenant has vacated that apartment. Read more...
PUA, FPUC, PPP, Oh My!
June 17, 2020
The CARES Act went into effect on March 27, 2020, and includes many programs to help struggling workers. You may have heard acronyms such as PUA, FPUC, and PPP, and are wondering what they are and if they can help you. If you have been laid off, furloughed, or offered unpaid leave because your company is experiencing a loss of business during the pandemic, these programs can help. Read more...
Wrongful Uses of Arrest Records
June 11, 2020
The consequences of an arrest on your record can be dire. But so too are the consequences for those who wrongfully use it. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulates what arrests can be considered. The Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) prohibits employers and landlords from using an arrest record at all. Read more...
Know Your Rights When You Protest
June 8, 2020
Protester Rights, Freedom of speech and the right of the people to peaceably assemble are fundamental liberties guaranteed by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article One, Sections Four & Five of the Illinois Constitution. There are, of course, limits to these rights, and anyone engaged in public speech should possess at least a basic understanding of the law. Read more...
Shelter-in-Place Order Prompts More Domestic Violence Incidents
June 1, 2020
COVID-19 and the various shelter-in-place orders across the country have led to several unforeseeable consequences, including a rise in domestic violence. While being faced with a pandemic, most everyone these days is under enormous amounts of stress whether it be about getting sick, financial issues due to the pandemic, or dealing with the loss of a loved one. These stressors, along with the shelter-in-place order, have led to an uptick in domestic violence incidents in Illinois. Read more...
Collection Proceedings During the Time of COVID-19
May 29, 2020
Whether you have a money judgment that was entered against you, or you are attempting to enforce a money judgment against someone else, the restrictions put in place in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted some of the procedures typically used to collect such a judgment. Read more...
Initial steps to divorce pending Covid-19
May 27, 2020
Family law in the time of a pandemic brings about additional questions surrounding parenting time, financial obligations, and asset distribution. Additionally, while we are told to stay at home, some people find themselves in an anxious, harmful, or otherwise unstable home life. Attorney Karina Keshokova breaks down the divorce process during this uncertain time. Read more...
Chicago Tenants: Know Your Rights During COVID
May 22, 2020
These are truly unprecedented times and tenants in Chicago need to know their rights under law as well as how their rights are affected by the resulting executive orders and disaster proclamations issued by Governor J.B. Pritzker. Read more...
Estate Planning and Notarizations During the Coronavirus Pandemic
May 20, 2020
It's never a bad time to get your affairs in order. A benefit of the additional time people have with their family is that it allows for everyone to discuss a long-term care plan. Read more...
Informational video: What are the limits of the Stay at Home order?
April 28, 2020
Attorney Bradley Fuller, Esq. of CTM Legal Group is here to break down some of those questions and discuss your rights as a citizen. Read more...
Can I be Arrested for Violating the Stay at Home Order?
April 16, 2020
In a free society such as ours, certain questions immediately arise; what authority does our state government have to enact such broad restrictions, and how exactly will this law be enforced? To put it plainly – what can happen to someone who is accused of violating the Stay at Home order? Read more...
Are you getting harassed by debt collectors?
April 6, 2020
If debt collectors are harassing you or sending you letters, call CTM Legal Group. Read more...
COVID-19
On this page we will be updating our clients and the public concerning legal developments of interest pertaining to the COVID-19/Coronavirus outbreak. Read more...
Attorney Mark Arnecilla Commended for His Work in Immigration and Asylum
October 2, 2019
Recently, the National Immigrant Justice Center commended Attorney Mark Arnecilla for winning asylum for a woman from the Ukraine. "Pro bono attorney Mark Arnecilla from Illinois Advocates won asylum for a woman from Ukraine, and she was also released from detention." - National Immigrant Justice Center Facebook feed. Read more...
What is contempt of court?
September 4, 2019
What happens if a person fails to appear in court when ordered to do so? Or if a person fails to comply with a mandate set forth in a court order? This conduct is considered contempt of court. Read more...
Attorney Michael Orescanin Published by Chicago Bar Association
August 23, 2019
The Chicago Bar Association's @TheBar publication published an article by Attorney Michael Orescanin. Read more...
Lauren Goyette Becomes Newest Senior Associate
March 14, 2019
CTM Legal Group is proud to announce our newest Senior Associate. Read more...
Illinois Laws on Wage Payment and Deductions
November 21, 2018
Numerous questions surround the subject of payment of wages and deductions, especially in the event of a separation from employment. The Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act (“IWPCA”) establishes laws for payment of wages, final compensation and the deductions that an employer can make from an employee's wages. The IWPCA covers private employers and units of local government. Read more...
Matt Carpenter Becomes Newest Senior Associate
September 21, 2018
CTM Legal Group is proud to announce our newest Senior Associate. Read more...
Visiting a Loved One in Cook County Jail
August 15, 2018
Venturing to see a friend or family member who is in incarcerated can be a difficult and emotionally taxing experience. The process can feel both strange and fraught with stressful regulations. However, visiting cherished ones who are unfortunately jailed provides both you and the inmate with precious, necessary human interaction. By simply educating yourself about what to expect, and following a few helpful guidelines, the process can be made much easier, and hopefully even enjoyable. Read more...
Attorney Bradley Fuller's article in United Nations publication
June 28, 2018
An article by Associate Attorney Bradley Fuller has recently been published in Freedom from Fear Magazine with an piece entitled, "Equality of arms: the continued development of due process rights at courts of international character." In his article, Fuller focuses on due process in court cases involving international parties involved in a criminal courtroom setting. Fuller expands on historical events since the Nuremberg trials and offers insight to how these events helped mold the criminal courtroom environment today and the rights of those charged with crimes in international contexts. Read more...
Custody of Pets in a Divorce
June 13, 2018
In a divorce, arguments over who keeps the family pet can become very contentious and often lead to resentment between parties. Historically, the courts have treated pets as property, but under new Illinois law, this mindset has changed. More couples see their pets as integral parts of the family and seek custody of the pet during divorce proceedings. As a result, as of January 1, 2018, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act was amended to provide guidance for judges to assist in determining who has custody of pets. Read more...
What should be included with a lease?
February 15, 2018
If you are a tenant in Chicago, you have likely come across a lengthy lease with one or more of your landlords. If you are a landlord, you probably want to know what you have to include and what is ancillary. There are multiple things that need to be included in Chicago lease or disclosed with an offered lease under the Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (“RLTO”) [Chicago Municipal Code 5-12-010 et seq]. Read more...
Impounds No Longer Retrievable through Bankruptcy
January 5, 2018
In the past, Chapter 13 debtors whose cars were in an impound lot due to parking tickets were able to retrieve their vehicles with no money paid up front to the City of Chicago. However, as of this year, the City has filed numerous cases in the bankruptcy court challenging this common practice – and the City has been successful in convincing the court. Read more...
Sexual Harassment and Discrimination in the Workplace
December 13, 2017
While most of the focus in the news today is on sexual harassment, it is important for people to understand the full extent of protections available to employees that feel they have been harassed or discriminated against in their work place. Read more...
Holiday Parenting Time
October 30, 2017
The holidays are supposed to be a time to celebrate with family and friends. However, if you are separated or divorced from your children's other parent, this time of year can be extremely stressful. Trying to figure out a schedule so both parents can celebrate with the children can be difficult. Read more...
Supreme Court Sets Sights On Public Sector Unions
October 4, 2017

Court's new makeup sets stage for overturning public sector unions' rights to charge "fair share" fees to non-members.
Read more...
Minimum Wage Increases in Cook County and City of Chicago
September 8, 2017
The attorneys at CTM Legal Group can assist you in navigating the rules around minimum wage and ensure that you are being paid fairly and accurately. Read more...
Divorce and College Expenses
August 23, 2017
As many recent high school graduates are eagerly waiting to begin college, many parents are nervous about all the accompanying expenses. For divorced parents, such a concern may even be a bigger issue with the uncertainty about who has to pay for the college expenses and the extent of those obligations. Read more...
Federal and State Meal, Rest and Break Laws
August 4, 2017
Federal and State Meal, Rest and Break Laws Federal and state law mandates employers to adhere to certain provisions regarding meals, rests and breaks for their employees. Read more...
Three Things Everyone Should Know about Criminal Law
July 19, 2017
Three common misconceptions clients have about criminal law. This is information that could be useful to anyone with a criminal law issue. Read more...
What Clients Should Know During a Custody Proceeding
June 25, 2017
Upon opening a child custody case, it is important to have focused and clear idea of what type of relief that you, the client, are seeking. In order to best serve our clients, your vision of the most desirable outcome for your specific situation needs to be reasonable within the framework of what you realistically may obtain as a legal remedy. Read more...
Tips on Defending an Illegal Downloading Lawsuit
June 5, 2017
Initially, it is extremely jarring to be notified by your internet service provider (“ISP”) that a subpoena has been issued in a case that is against an IP address that you own. Your immediate inclination may be to either ignore the notice, or to immediately settle for whatever amount the adverse party in the case tells you to pay. Before doing anything, consider the following and speak to an attorney to understand your rights and the full range of options you have. Read more...
Chicago Tenant's Rights
May 20, 2017
Tenants make up the lion's share of residents of the City of Chicago. In many instances, tenants are at a disadvantage in their relationship with landlords. Typically, landlords control the majority, if not the entirety of the terms within a lease agreement from day one. However, there are local ordinances that restore the balance between a landlord and tenant, namely, the Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (“RLTO”) (5-12-010 et seq.) and the Keep Chicago Renting Ordinance (5-14-010 et seq.). Read more...
Household Median Income Test in Bankruptcy
May 1, 2017
In order to qualify for bankruptcy, federal law requires that a debtor fall below a certain income to qualify for a bankruptcy. This is called the median income, and is based on location and household size. Read more...
Inspection Reports for Real Estate Transactions
April 18, 2017
The process of finding a future home can be an exhaustive process. While hearing that the Seller has accepted your offer to purchase a home comes with a sense of relief and excitement, the work for a home buyer is not yet complete. One of the most important clauses in a standard real estate purchase contracts is the Inspection Contingency. Read more...
Income Shares Model for Child Support
March 17, 2017
Starting July 1, 2017, Illinois will join the majority of the country and start using the income shares model to calculate child support. This new model is a more comprehensive way to calculate child support and it fairly distributes the cost of raising a child between both parents. Read more...
Are you a new client? What to expect from CTM Legal Group.
January 15, 2017
The attorneys and staff at CTM Legal Group want to remind our new and potential clients that we are committed to excellent service. Read more...
Congratulations Attorney Cassandra Voissem!
November 18, 2016
CTM Legal Group welcomes Attorney Cassandra Voissem. Read more...
Welcome Attorney Lauren Goyette!
September 1, 2016
CTM Legal Group welcomes Attorney Lauren Goyette. Read more...
Can a debt collector really put me in jail?
August 30, 2016
If a debt collector has threatened you with jail time for refusal to pay a debt, he or she may be lying to try and coerce you into paying. Read more...
Cara Anthaney Becomes Newest Senior Associate
August 22, 2016
CTM Legal Group is proud to announce our newest Senior Associate. Read more...
How late can a debt collector call me?
August 15, 2016
If you are in northern Illinois and you've been targeted by late-night, harassing debt collection calls, contact a debt collection attorney in Chicago today to fight back and reclaim your well-deserved rest. Read more...
Welcome Attorney Stephanie Lieberman!
July 7, 2016
CTM Legal Group welcomes Attorney Stephanie Lieberman. Read more...
Can debt collectors garnish your wages or federal benefits?
July 6, 2016
Don't take chances with your paychecks and your savings. We can help stop illegal threats from debt collectors. Read more...
Welcome Attorney Jennifer Filipiak!
July 5, 2016
CTM Legal Group welcomes Attorney Jennifer Filipiak. Read more...
Got a Traffic Ticket? Some Tips for Contacting an Attorney
April 6, 2016
Useful advice for drivers who receive traffic tickets. Find out what you need to do. Read more...
Attorney Cara Anthaney and Office Manager Kyle Tasch Present to Local 727 Funeral Directors
December 10, 2015
CTM Legal Group attorney and office manager share their expertise during a continuing education seminar. Read more...
Being a Debtor
March 2, 2015
Having our attorneys help you can relieve some of that overwhelming burden of debt. We are here to help, just give us a call. Read more...
Attorney Mark Arnecilla Teaches Continuing Education for 727 Funeral Directors
January 8, 2015
Mark Arnecilla, Attorney at CTM Legal Group, shared his experience on the different aspects involved in estate planning, drafting and filing wills. Read more...
Help With Loan Modification Programs
January 7, 2015
Attorneys at CTM Legal Group are available to guide and expedite you through the process of loan modification programs and foreclosure alternatives. Read more...
Why You Should Use An Attorney When Buying or Selling A Home
January 7, 2015
Illinois requires an attorney to prepare the closing documents when buying or selling a home, but the title company's attorney will not be able to advise you. Read more...
Attorney William "Bill" Tasch Selected for 2015 Illinois �Rising Stars� List
January 1, 2015
William (Bill) Tasch, CTM Legal Group Senior Associate has been recognized by Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers 2015 as a rising star. Read more...

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