Rick's Blog at Ainsworth & Associates PC     At Ainsworth & Associates PC we are grateful for the continued support of so many faithful clients from the Chicago area, the State of Illinois, and many parts of the country.    We approach our work with passion!  We stay focused on the big issue; protecting the constitutional rights of our clients!  Call us for an appointment at (312) 984-0398, ext. 1.  We're here to help.                 In 2010 and 2011 our office interviewed people who were having problems with condo and coop bylaws.  Before buying into one of these legal entities, it's best to know what you are getting into. There are cooperatives run like condominiums, and condominiums run like cooperatives, and in my opinion, it will eventually be necessary for the law makers of Illinois to step in and pass legislation to protect prospective purchasers against fraud.  Be smart and hire a lawyer before you make a move!!           Let us never forget that freedom is not free.  We must work hard to protect the rights that we have and we must never forget that we can lose those rights, if we are not careful.  The right to vote is essential to the protection of our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of justice.  We must hold our elected officials and judges to the highest of standards.  Exercising our right to vote is a vote for freedom.  Let's protect our rights and pass them on.   EDUCATION, THE NEW BATTLE GROUND?... Parents should have the right to meet with, discuss and advocate for the best interest of their children in schools. A recent case that I am handling involves this issue.  My clients have been threatened and told " in so many ways" that this will not be allowed. Why?  What is the motive behind this?  At this time that is what I intend to find out.  This is not the first time that I have seen actions like this on the part of a local school district.   These situations illustrate why it is so important for people to have legal representation.  We are all in this together.  Like my grandfather, Zedrick Braden, Jr. (also a lawyer), used to say, "you can't fight a bear bare handed!" DEFENDING AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE....Domestic violence may come in many forms and the offender may have shown early signs of being a domestic violence offender when he or she began bullying others as a child.  That's right, a childhood bully may end up being a domestic violence offender.  Most of us are mindful of domestic violence against  women and its harmful effects, but parents must realize that grammar school and high school bullying is another form of domestic violence!  A victim of bullying can suffer emotionally for many years as a result of loss of self esteem.  One way to protect against bullying in school is to urge school students to report bullying. In Illinois a civil order of protection is a great way to deal with domestic violence at all levels.  Feel free to contact our office if you want to consider getting a civil order of protection for yourself or for your child.  At Ainsworth & Associates PC we are committed to helping and have the experience to get the job done!  Call for an appointment today. Our office number is (312) 984-0398 ext. 1. Get protection for yourself and for those you love!  Your child's school may be liable for damages, if school officials are aware of the bullying and do nothing to prevent it from continuing!	Contracts, Criminal Defense, Divorce, Real Estate The categories of cases listed above have one very important thing in common.  Protecting the rights of people!  Rights worth having are rights worth protecting!!            CHILDREN NEED TO BE TAUGHT THE HISTORY OF CIVIL RIGHTS..... The civil rights movement was necessary and the fight for civil rights is not over.  Our children need to be taught the history of civil rights in this country.  Freedom must be preserved, and knowledge is power.  Knowing civil rights creates a respect for the hard work and sacrifices of those from our past.    We must protect it and pass it on.   JURY TRIAL MAY BE A DELAY TACTIC IN LANDLORD TENANT CASES.........  That's right.  Some tenants will request a jury in Cook County, Illinois to delay a lawsuit brought against them by the landlord.  The best defense against this tactic is to ask the court to order the tenant to pay rent while the case is pending.  We filed such a motion on behalf of a landlord that we recently represented and we won again!!    IDENTITY THEFT; A BIG PROBLEM THAT YOU CAN AVOID....... Identity theft is a big problem.  If you are a victim, you know firsthand that the problem can continue for months; even years!!  Avoid using PIN #'s online, and if you need to make an online purchase, have your bank or credit card company supply you with a vanity PIN which is temporary and usually expires after one use.  This keeps you, your family and your resources secure.  Usually those who steal identity sell the information, and the information gets repeatedly sold, which multiples the risk to the victim.  Feel free to contact me, if you have been a victim of identity theft.  It's a problem that you can avoid.
THE BENEFIT OF ESTATE PLANNING, ETC.   No matter how much money you have or don't have, it makes sense to plan and keep the plan in force.  One valuable tool is estate planning.  Having a will, a general power of attorney and a healthcare power of attorney is smart.  At Ainsworth & Associates PC we realize that most problems that people face could have been prevented with careful planning. Just as there is preventive medicine, there are preventive legal strategies.  Helping our clients to develop and maintain preventive legal strategies is one of our goals every year.  Give us a call so that we can help you legally!!