COVID-19 UPDATE - MARCH 23, 2020
Dear Valued LLPH Clients, Friends and Colleagues,

We hope you are all staying safe and healthy. If we have learned anything from the current COVID-19 situation, it’s that everything can change, and quickly. As some of you may know, on Friday, March 20, 2020, Governor Pritzker issued an Executive Order directing all Illinois residents to stay at home until April 7, 2020. The Order also limits travel and restricts the operation of businesses. Click here to view the Executive Order .

We, however, are still here to help and want to be a resource to you. While the Order does affect the operation of certain businesses, law firms qualify as an “essential business” under the Order. This means that we are still available to assist you with your trust, estate, guardianship, probate and related legal matters, and are striving for the least amount of interruption as possible.

As mentioned in our prior communication here , we remain focused on the health and safety of our employees, as well as the community at large. While we are still open for business, our office remains closed through April 7 th . The guidelines under the Order require even essential businesses to take significant precautions in efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus. We believe keeping that keeping people out of the office as much as possible is the safest and most responsible choice. In general, our employees are working remotely. In order to serve your needs, and to provide the personal experience that you are accustomed to, we are offering conference calls and videoconferencing. Please contact your attorney to learn more.

Estate Planning

In January LLPH posted guidance regarding significant changes to Illinois law on trusts and Federal law affecting retirement plans. While we are working to find ways to execute estate planning documents virtually, for now that remains a challenge. However, we can still prepare and help you finalize trusts without witnesses or a notary. You can take critical steps now to finalize and implement your estate plan, remotely, with the help of our attorneys and staff. Please contact us for more information.

Tax News

In Federal news, outlined in IRS-2020-58, the IRS and Treasury Department have extended the deadline of filing income tax with no penalties or interest to July 15, 2020. According to the notice, “this deferment applies to all taxpayers, including individuals, trusts and estates, corporations and other non-corporate tax filers as well as those who pay self-employment tax”. Click here for more details . While we do not prepare income tax returns, this news may come as some relief to our clients.
We thank you for trusting in us during this time and we remain committed to serving you. If you have any questions, please contact us at 847-295-8800. More importantly, please stay well. 
Sincerely,

Lesser Lutrey Pasquesi & Howe, LLP
191 E. Deerpath, Ste. 300
Lake Forest, IL 60045
847-295-8800