Matt Wildermuth from Law Offices of Matthew R. Wildermuth

Matt Wildermuth

Law Offices of Matthew R. Wildermuth

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Even a minor injury can become a major disruption if it stops you from working or enjoying your life. Law Offices of Matthew R. Wildermuth gets cli...
Many local businesses are preparing to bring workers back on site.  Is your internal COVID policy and Employee Handbook ready for that?  I have pre...
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"He is not an attorney but has more than a decade of experience assisting the attorneys he works..." Read more "He is not an attorney but has more than a decade of experience assisting the attorneys he works for in identifying potential options for distressed homeowners and helping the homeowners understand the credit implications of the various options."
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Recent Activity

Matt from Law Offices of Matthew R. Wildermuth Answered this on May 11, 2020
Payroll and other expenses that qualify for forgiveness only.  We are not happy that some of our good workers who just happen to be 1099 independent contractors are getting left out of this program (at least on its face) but there is some hope this can be fixed when the final forgiveness rules... (more) Payroll and other expenses that qualify for forgiveness only.  We are not happy that some of our good workers who just happen to be 1099 independent contractors are getting left out of this program (at least on its face) but there is some hope this can be fixed when the final forgiveness rules are written.  But we will make advance payroll disbursements to some within the operable 8 weeks if needed to tap out the proceeds and keep our independent contractors fed and happy (relatively) by other means.  But, yes, it is tricky and -- worse -- potentially political.

Matt from Law Offices of Matthew R. Wildermuth Answered this on April 03, 2020
I am in Illinois and for Illinois residents I can assist them through a video or phone consultation to first determine whether a will is the best approach or if there are other (and potentially better) options depending on circumstances. Illinois temporarily permits electronic notarization of... (more) I am in Illinois and for Illinois residents I can assist them through a video or phone consultation to first determine whether a will is the best approach or if there are other (and potentially better) options depending on circumstances. Illinois temporarily permits electronic notarization of legal documents that ordinarily must be done in person so a will, trust, property power of attorney or deed for property can be completed remotely with the appropriate precautions for security and confidentiality.  Message me if interested and stay safe and healthy! 

Matt from Law Offices of Matthew R. Wildermuth Answered this on April 02, 2020
We started going paperless January 1 before Covid-19 was a "thing" and that process completely accelerated with recent events.  Within the last month we developed and implemented platforms for conducting video conference and telephone consultations with current and prospective clients originally... (more) We started going paperless January 1 before Covid-19 was a "thing" and that process completely accelerated with recent events.  Within the last month we developed and implemented platforms for conducting video conference and telephone consultations with current and prospective clients originally as a convenience and now we rely on it as a means of survival.  With the CARES Act SBA loan program we are optimistic that we will be able to keep up to 95% of our staff who were in place on March 17.  We have been able to address client-critical issues on unemployment, new workplace leave rules, potential lender flexibility (or not!), probate matters and certain other general litigation issues for our current and potential clients while working remotely.  People want and need access to their problem solvers in any crisis but even more so in one of this proportion so we are blessed to be able to work through these issues with our fellow community member businesses and individuals.  Stay safe and productive, everyone!

Matt from Law Offices of Matthew R. Wildermuth Answered this on March 10, 2020
Most of the literature I have seen recently confirms what other posters have said - most force majeure clauses do not explicitly address health crises.  Had the SARS outbreak been as widespread as coronavirus appears to be, it likely would be more common.  One important consideration not to be... (more) Most of the literature I have seen recently confirms what other posters have said - most force majeure clauses do not explicitly address health crises.  Had the SARS outbreak been as widespread as coronavirus appears to be, it likely would be more common.  One important consideration not to be underestimated in all of this is the potential applicability of commercial insurance policies to losses occurring in this context.  There are multiple coverage types that could be triggered and the law is not settled on these type of health issues (as compared to fires, floods, volcano eruptions, etc.).  Happy to take a look at that issue for anyone out there who does not want to leave that potential path to recovery on the table.
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Matt from Law Offices of Matthew R. Wildermuth Answered this on July 20, 2018
Any such system also has to allow you to designate documents as being pertinent to specific issues so you can search by topic, not just by name. Billions of dollars are spent every year on electronic legal research and in a vast majority of the cases, the fruits of the completed research "die on... (more) Any such system also has to allow you to designate documents as being pertinent to specific issues so you can search by topic, not just by name. Billions of dollars are spent every year on electronic legal research and in a vast majority of the cases, the fruits of the completed research "die on the vine" with that specific case because insufficient attention has been paid to the potential applicability of that research. Trust me, Lexis, Westlaw, CCH and others are just fine with these inefficient habits continuing to the next generation of legal professionals. If the newest crop of lawyers would spend as much time "tagging" their legal research as they do their Snapchat and Instagram photos, the world would be a better place (research-wise, anyway). My two cents. 

Matt from Law Offices of Matthew R. Wildermuth Answered this on April 27, 2018
Have you appeared before this judge before generally (not on this case) and has anything happened yet in the case you have now? First instinct is to say that the judge should immediately recognize the conflict and recuse from the case. If he or she doesn't do so right away, you have to weigh some... (more) Have you appeared before this judge before generally (not on this case) and has anything happened yet in the case you have now? First instinct is to say that the judge should immediately recognize the conflict and recuse from the case. If he or she doesn't do so right away, you have to weigh some competing interests. I've seen attys do themselves in by challenging the judge's integrity through a motion to substitute judge. Many judges somewhat reflexively treat it as a direct  attack on their character and accusation of inherent bias. You may prevail on this case but consider the ripple effect for future matters. I'm not condoning the mindset of judges who look at it that way, and you are obligated to do what is best for your client, I just urge you to consider that in the mix.  I would also discuss it with your client and have them share ownership in the final decision. It is an important strategic decision and you want them informed (if not fully on board). That can diminish opportunities for finger pointing later if, God forbid, your worst fears come true.  I frankly would be surprised if the judge does not take this issue out of the case by refusing but I've seen some crazy shit in 30 years. Good luck! 

Matt from Law Offices of Matthew R. Wildermuth Answered this on March 16, 2018
Based on what you described, I would expect the prosecutors to charge, at a minimum, negligent homicide with the potential to escalate to murder based on the strength of the evidence of the perpetrator's intent. Even if there was no physical touching, the act of steering someone into the path of... (more) Based on what you described, I would expect the prosecutors to charge, at a minimum, negligent homicide with the potential to escalate to murder based on the strength of the evidence of the perpetrator's intent. Even if there was no physical touching, the act of steering someone into the path of moving heavy machinery is not mere "horseplay." Hypothetically, even if there was proof of some provocation by your son, the perpetrator's disproportionate response supersedes his conduct. I would ask a whole lot more questions and consult a local attorney if you feel you are being stonewalled.
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