Individual Clients

The attorneys at Giffin, Winning, Cohen & Bodewes, P.C. possess diverse perspectives on the practice of law, with experience representing individuals in a wide range of areas.  For advice or representation with any of your individual or family legal needs in Springfield, Decatur, Jacksonville, or anywhere in central Illinois, contact Giffin, Winning, Cohen & Bodewes, P.C.

The firm's experience on behalf of individual clients encompasses: 

• Estate Planning/Probate
• Family Law
• Litigation       
• Real Estate
• Taxation

Estate Planning/Probate

The firm handles the creation of all wills and trusts, living trusts, and powers of attorney necessary to complete a comprehensive estate plan, with due consideration given to charitable giving and tax minimization.  Our attorneys see estates through the probate process, offer trust administration services, and represent clients in will contests and other estate claim litigation.  Our estate lawyers are also experienced in seeking guardianships of disabled adults when necessary, as well as advance planning to avoid the need for a guardianship in the event of incapacity.  For more information, see the firm's estate planning and probate page.

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Family Law

The firm's family law practice extends beyond the basic situation of divorce and related issues such as child custody and support, and encompasses matters such as adoptions, guardianships, and prenuptial agreements.   Our lawyers are sensitive to the emotional toll that a protracted legal battle can take on families, especially children, and seek to reduce that stress by resolving disputes without litigation whenever possible.  See the firm's family law page for more information.

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Litigation

For nearly a century, the litigators at Giffin, Winning have successfully resolved claims in a wide variety of areas.  Our attorneys draw on their experience prior to litigation to analyze the merits of a case, provide a fair risk assessment, and create a cost benefit analysis of filing suit.  Attorneys at Giffin, Winning also recognize that many disputes are best resolved through negotiation without a costly trial, and are adept in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.

Where settlement of a case is not an option, our litigators skillfully and aggressively take the case to trial.  Our attorneys will exhaust all resources to thoroughly investigate the facts, research the relevant legal issues, and develop a strategy that is most likely to produce a favorable result. 

Personal Injury (Plaintiff)

The attorneys of Giffin, Winning assist clients who have been injured in an accident, whether from an automobile accident or other incident.  While not all injuries call for a lawsuit, our lawyers will help you evaluate your case to determine whether you are eligible for compensation from the party or parties responsible for the harm you have suffered. 

No case is a guaranteed success.  However, because of our extensive experience as counsel for both plaintiffs and defendants, we can help you maximize your recovery. 

Medical Malpractice

For nearly a century our firm has handled plaintiffs' wrongful death and serious medical malpractice cases with the same skill and integrity common to our other areas of practice.   Medical malpractice is a complex area of the law, and to handle this type of case, attorneys must have legal expertise coupled with familiarity with the field of medicine. 

Medical malpractice is a broad term generally used to describe any treatment, lack of treatment, or other departure from accepted standards of medical care that results in harm to a patient.  Malpractice can include any of the following: 

• Misdiagnosis
• Improper treatment
• Failure to treat
• Delay in treatment
• Failure to perform appropriate follow-up
• Prescription errors

In many instances, medical malpractice is not obvious to a layperson and requires the review and analysis of medical experts.  If you are uncertain whether your case has merit, call our offices for an appointment and we will evaluate your case without charge. 

Employment Litigation

If you feel that you have an employment dispute that is not being sufficiently addressed by your employer, you may want to consider seeking an attorney to help you protect your interests.  Giffin, Winning has successfully represented wronged employees in a number of different matters including:

• Unemployment insurance protests
• Non-compete clause, confidentiality, and breach of employment contract claims
• Wage and hour claims
• Benefits litigation
• Disability, family, and medical leave claims

Civil Rights and Employment Discrimination

Our firm regularly represents current and former employees in discrimination claims.  Prompt action is required in these cases to protect your potential claim.  This area of law includes:

• Claims of discrimination based on age, sex, race, religion, national origin, pregnancy, and sexual orientation
• Workplace harassment claims
• Retaliation and whistle-blower litigation

Securities Fraud

The laws surrounding the buying and selling of stocks and commodities are complex, and the behavior of stockbrokers is highly regulated.  If you have been induced to trade stocks based on fraud or misrepresentation, or are the victim of a pyramid or Ponzi scheme, you may have recourse through a civil action to recover the money you lost and other damages.

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Real Estate

Residential

At Giffin, Winning, our attorneys help clients move quickly to a problem-free closing of their real estate transaction.  Whether a property is for sale "by owner" or through a realtor, having an attorney's advice throughout the process can provide the buyer or seller with peace of mind that the transaction will be conducted fairly and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.  Our attorneys help clients negotiate and draft the contract, order title work, prepare required disclosures, review loan documents, and conduct other matters required for closing.

Eminent Domain/Condemnation

When the government exercises its authority to take private property or infringe on the private owner's use and enjoyment, our attorneys stand up for the individual and make sure the citizen is justly compensated for the public use.

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Taxation

Our governmental practice includes working with individual clients to respond to tax audits at the federal, state, or local level.  Giffin, Winning assists in responding to audits and tax contests in the administrative process or through litigation as necessary to support the taxpayer's position.

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