Javier Porcayo

Easter is a time of renewal, reflection, and family traditions—from church services to egg hunts in the backyard. But while the kids are searching for eggs, we don’t want your family one day searching for your important documents, passwords, or your wishes.

Just like you wouldn’t hide the golden egg without leaving clues, you shouldn’t leave your loved ones scrambling to figure out your estate.

Whether it’s a will, a power of attorney, or a living trust, having a solid estate plan in place ensures that your legacy isn’t left up to chance (or probate court). And if you’re a homeowner or real estate investor, now’s the perfect time to review how your properties are titled and whether they’re protected in your plan.

This Easter, instead of hiding your assets—protect them.
Let’s make sure your family is celebrating—not stressing—when it matters most.

🐰 Book a consultation with us this month and mention this blog post to receive 10% off your estate planning services. Good through May 31, 2025

We’re growing! To better serve our clients, we’re excited to announce our new downtown office location—designed for convenience, professionalism, and accessibility. Whether you need assistance with real estate transactions, estate planning, probate, business law, or nonprofit formation, our expanded presence allows us to meet your legal needs with even greater flexibility.

Why Downtown?

Chicago’s downtown area is a hub for business and legal matters, making it the perfect location for our newest office. With easy access to courthouses, title companies, and business districts, we’re right where you need us—close to the action and ready to advocate for you.

By Appointment Only—Here’s Why

We value efficiency and personalized service. Our new office operates by appointment only, ensuring that every client gets the dedicated time and attention they deserve. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or family seeking legal guidance, we’re here to provide strategic, one-on-one consultations tailored to your needs.

How to Schedule an Appointment

Booking a consultation is easy! Contact our office to set up a time that works for you. We offer both in-person and virtual meetings to accommodate your busy schedule.

📍 New Downtown Office: 332 S Michigan Avenue Suite 900 Chicago, IL 60604
📅 Appointments Available Now
📞 Call to schedule 833-878-7837

Ready to meet with us? Call our office today and let’s get to work!

When working on construction or renovation projects, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers want to ensure they get paid for their work. A mechanics lien is a powerful legal tool that protects their right to compensation. However, for property owners, an unexpected lien can cause significant issues. Whether you’re a contractor filing a lien or a property owner facing one, knowing how mechanics liens work is crucial.

What Is a Mechanics Lien?

A mechanics lien is a legal claim against a property for unpaid construction work or materials. It serves as security for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers, ensuring they are compensated for their labor and materials. Once filed, it becomes a cloud on the property’s title, making it difficult to sell or refinance until the debt is settled.

How Contractors Use Mechanics Liens to Get Paid

If a property owner or general contractor fails to pay, subcontractors and suppliers can file a lien against the property. Here’s how the process generally works:

1. Preliminary Notice – Many states require subcontractors and suppliers to send a notice of intent to file a lien before actually filing. This alerts the owner and gives them a chance to resolve the payment issue.
2. Filing the Lien – If payment isn’t received, the contractor files a mechanics lien with the county recorder’s office where the property is located. This must be done within a strict timeframe, which varies by state.
3. Enforcing the Lien – If the owner still doesn’t pay, the contractor may initiate a lawsuit to enforce the lien and possibly force the sale of the property to recover their payment.

How Property Owners Can Protect Themselves

While mechanics liens protect contractors, they can create headaches for property owners. Here’s how to safeguard against unexpected liens:

• Get Lien Waivers – Before making payments, request lien waivers from contractors and suppliers to confirm they’ve been paid and won’t file a lien.
• Verify Payments – Ensure the general contractor is paying subcontractors and suppliers on time. Direct payment options may be necessary in some cases.
• Understand State Laws – Each state has specific rules on filing and contesting mechanics liens. Property owners should be aware of their legal rights and options.
• Act Quickly – If a lien is filed, owners can negotiate payment, dispute the claim, or challenge it in court to prevent delays in refinancing or selling their property.

Legal Help for Contractors and Property Owners

Whether you’re a contractor needing to secure payment or a property owner dealing with a lien, legal guidance is essential. At The Law Office of Dionna Reynolds LLC, we help clients navigate mechanics liens, ensuring their rights and financial interests are protected.

Need assistance with a mechanics lien? Contact us today for expert legal support.

Most people don’t like to think about what happens after they’re gone, but avoiding the conversation can lead to absolute chaos for loved ones. As an attorney, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when someone passes away without a will—families torn apart, assets tied up in court, and unnecessary legal battles that could have been avoided with just a little planning. Let’s talk about the probate nightmares that happen when there’s no estate plan in place.

The Family Feud Over an Estate

Someone passes away, and everyone assumes they know what that person would have wanted. The problem? Nothing was put in writing. Now, multiple family members feel entitled to the same assets, leading to bitter disputes, court battles, and relationships that may never recover. Without a will, the court—not the family—decides who gets what, often in ways that don’t align with the deceased’s true wishes.

The Long-Lost Heir Problem

When there’s no will, the state’s laws determine who inherits. This means distant relatives, estranged family members, or even people who had little to no relationship with the deceased can suddenly have a claim to the estate. I once handled a case where someone thought their children would inherit everything, only to have a distant cousin—who hadn’t been in the picture for decades—legally entitled to a portion of the assets. A simple estate plan would have prevented that outcome.

Frozen Bank Accounts & Unpaid Bills

Without proper estate planning, bank accounts can be frozen, leaving families struggling to cover funeral costs, mortgage payments, and other urgent expenses. I’ve seen cases where surviving spouses couldn’t access funds for months—sometimes even years—because everything was tied up in probate. A simple beneficiary designation or trust could have ensured immediate access to essential resources.

The Step-Parent Surprise

Blended families add another layer of complexity. In many states, if someone passes away without a will, assets are divided based on legal formulas—not personal relationships. I’ve seen situations where a surviving spouse (who is a step-parent) inherits everything, leaving biological children with little or nothing. A clear estate plan would have ensured fair distribution according to the deceased’s actual wishes.

How to Avoid Your Own Probate Horror Story

The good news? These disasters are completely preventable. A properly drafted estate plan—starting with a will, and in some cases a trust—can ensure that your wishes are honored, your assets are protected, and your loved ones avoid unnecessary legal battles.

If you don’t have a will, now is the time. Don’t let your family’s future be decided by the court system.

Schedule a consultation today, and let’s put a plan in place.

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about roses and chocolates—it’s also a great time to show appreciation for the people who help your business thrive. At Law Office of Dionna Reynolds, LLC, we believe that strong relationships—whether personal or professional—are built on trust, care, and planning for the future.

This Valentine’s Day, let’s talk about how you can protect what you love and build lasting legacies.

1. Love Your Legacy: Estate Planning Matters

You work hard to build wealth, invest in real estate, and create opportunities. But have you taken the steps to ensure your legacy lasts? A well-crafted estate plan ensures your loved ones are protected, your assets are managed properly, and your wishes are honored. Whether it’s a will, trust, power of attorney, or healthcare directive, taking action now is the ultimate love letter to your family.

2. Home Is Where the Heart Is: Protecting Real Estate Investments

Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or real estate professional, your property is one of your most valuable assets. But what happens if ownership is unclear, title issues arise, or probate complications delay the transfer of property? This Valentine’s Day, give your investments the legal protection they deserve—so your real estate can be a gift, not a burden, to future generations.

3. Business Relationships Deserve Love Too!

If you’re a business owner, you’ve poured your heart into building something meaningful. But do you have the right legal protections in place? Whether it’s partnership agreements, contracts, or succession planning, ensuring your business is set up for long-term success is a great way to show it some love.

4. Let’s Make It Official – With Legal Documents!

Much like marriage, securing your assets requires commitment. If you haven’t yet established a will, trust, or power of attorney, now is the perfect time. Love isn’t just about emotions—it’s about taking responsibility for those who depend on you.

Ready to Protect What You Love?

This Valentine’s Day, give your family, your business, and your future the gift of security. Contact [Your Business Name] to discuss how we can help you with estate planning, real estate protection, and business law.

💌 Schedule a consultation today—because love lasts, and so should your legacy! 💌