Expertise.com
2024

Last updated:

Best Estate Planning Attorneys in Chicago

Our Recommended Top 13

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Chicago Estate Planning Attorneys on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

706

Reviewed

428

Curated

13

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
17W220 22nd St, Suite 300, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trusts

Why choose this provider?

Tuohy Law Offices serves Chicago and nearby suburban areas. Its owner and lawyer, Tom Tuohy, has prepared over 5,000 living trust estate plans and organized and maintained hundreds of small businesses for those in the metro since 1982. Tuohy and his legal team offer trust and estate planning services to help clients preserve their family legacies and avoid the lengthy probate process. The law office welcomes Spanish-speaking people, aiming to serve as a trusted advisor and friend to different families.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Tom Tuohy - Principal42 yrs
Tom Tuohy - Principal42 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
111 North Wabash Ave. Ste. 100, Chicago, IL 60602
  • Business Litigation
  • Business Torts
  • Breach Of Contract
  • Business Contract Review
  • Compliance & Risk Management
  • Business Formation

Why choose this provider?

Heeg Law Offices provides legal counsel to clients in Chicago and the surrounding metros. The firm helps individuals and married couples prepare adequate estate plans to protect their legacies and loved ones. It also represents clients in family law cases, criminal defense matters, and immigration hearings. Additionally, its lawyers resolve disputes concerning personal injury claims, real estate conflicts, and entertainment and intellectual property issues. Justin W. Heeg, the firm's principal, also holds an attorney's license in Tennessee.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (23)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (8)
Google
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Chicago, IL 60647

Why choose this provider?

Correa Law specializes in assisting clients in the Chicago area protect themselves and their families with proper legal planning since 2010. Founder Mario Correa recognized the need for a successful estate planning law firm and they focus on thinking about the issues most people don’t want to reflect on in order to protect clients with their technical expertise. The company provides legal services for matters that include estate administrations and guardianships, estate plans, elder law, and more. They are accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Mario Correa - Founder27 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (104)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
579 First Bank Drive, Suite 240, Palatine, IL 60067
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Garces Law is a private multi-practice firm that serves English-speaking and Spanish-speaking clients in Evanston and the surrounding areas. It provides legal assistance for probate proceedings, which includes the distribution of the deceased person's assets. It also offers related services such as estate planning and administration. Other practice areas include real estate and civil litigation. Principal attorney Stephanie Anali Garces has been practicing law for more than six years. She volunteers for the National Immigrant Justice Center.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (74)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (19)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Chicago, IL 60601

Why choose this provider?

Owned and operated for over 20 years by Stephen S. Newland and Gary A. Newland, Newland & Newland LLP serves the Chicago area with three main locations in Libertyville, Arlington Heights, and Chicago. They focus on providing reputable legal guidance and solving challenging legal problems for clients throughout the area. The company offers legal services for matters that include estate planning, bankruptcy, worker’s compensation, foreclosure defense and loan modification, business law, personal injury, and more. They are a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association, Association of Foreclosure Defense Attorneys, Manta, are accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and more.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Gary Newland - Partner31 yrs
Stephen Newland - Principal33 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

Why choose this provider?

Owned by Chicago native Marc J. Blumenthal since 1985, the Law Offices of Marc J. Blumenthal focuses on helping people change their lives, whether they’re an individual or business, with personalized service for each unique situation. Basing his firm in Buffalo Grove, Marc is active in the business, nonprofit, charity, and legal communities when he isn’t working. The company offers legal services for matters that include real estate law, estate planning, business matters, transportation law, and more. They are a member of the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association, Transportation Lawyers Association, Illinois State Bar Association, and more.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Marc Blumenthal - Principal48 yrs
Marc Blumenthal - Principal48 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (2)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Chicago, IL 60607

Why choose this provider?

Based in Chicago’s West Loop, Webb Law Group LLC focuses on bringing transparent and efficient legal services to each client. The firm provides legal services for matters that include estate planning, evictions, real estate transactions, guardianship, and probate services. They employ two attorneys, Ralanda Webb and Steven Todd Schmall. Ralanda is a managing attorney, specializes in landlord and probate legal matters, and is a former First Assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois. Steven counsels the firm’s clients on real estate matters, is a former Administrative Hearing Officer for an Illinois state agency, and is a former Assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois. Ralanda is a Bar member of the U.S. Court of Claims, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, U.S. District Court/Trial Bar, the State of Washington, the State of Illinois, and holds a Superb Award for Top Attorney Probate by AVVO. Steven is a Bar member of the No. District of Indiana, East. District of Wisconsin, Cent. District of Illinois, No. District of Illinois Trial Bar, and Illinois.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
Chicago, IL 60602

Why choose this provider?

A Chicago-based law firm founded in 1993, Golan Christie Taglia LLP focuses on delivering high-quality services, successful results, and personalized service. Their client list includes nonprofit organizations, high net worth individuals, family businesses, and entrepreneurs. The company offers legal services for matters that include real estate taxation, estate planning and taxation, reorganization and bankruptcy, intellectual property, employment law, commercial real estate, entertainment law, mergers and acquisitions, and more. The firm is a member of Leading Lawyers, rated by SuperLawyers, hold a Martindale-Hubbell® AV Rating, and hold the Best Law Firms Award in 2016 by U.S. News for Best Lawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Stephen Golan - Managing Partner46 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Chicago, IL 60603

Why choose this provider?

A boutique law firm founded in 1998, Peck Ritchey, LLC focuses on protecting each client and their loved ones both in and out of the courtroom for a peaceful home life. The company provides legal services for matters that include estate planning, special needs planning, Alzheimer's disease planning, guardianship litigation, probate and trust litigation, and more. They are a member of the Chicago Bar Association, a member of the Illinois Bar Association, a member of the ElderCareMatters® Alliance, hold an AVVO Rating for Experience and Industry Recognition for Professional Conduct, a member of the International Network of Boutique Law Firms, and are Peer Reviewed by the Leading Lawyers Network.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Kerry Peck - Managing Partner46 yrs
Brandon Peck - Partner15 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Wheaton, IL 60187

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 1997, The Law Office of Cynthia Hayes Hutchins, P.C. holds over 25 years of experience representing clients in the Wheaton and surrounding areas. Owned by Principle Attorney, Cynthia Hayes Hutchins, the firm focuses on using knowledge and expertise to assist each client through the legal process with integrity and professionalism. The company offers legal services for matters that include estate planning, guardianship, elder law, probate and estate administration, and more. Cynthia is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, American Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, DuPage County Bar Association, and more.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Cynthia Haynes Hutchins - Principal37 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (2)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Chicago, IL 60639

Why choose this provider?

Berger, Newmark & Fenchel P.C. focuses on serving each client with integrity and a tradition of service since being founded in 1919. Located in Chicago and assisting clients throughout the Midwest, their client list ranges from small family businesses to successful large companies. The company provides legal services for matters that include estate and trust planning, labor and employment law, commercial litigation, and more.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Philip Cowan - Chairman62 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)

Website
La Grange, IL 60525

Why choose this provider?

A family owned firm, Wilson & Wilson holds three locations in Northbrook, Tinley Park, and LaGrange since being founded in 1983. Established by James T. Wilson (who is now deceased) and his son William S. Wilson, the company focuses on serving each client with committed and professional legal representation. They offer legal services for matters that include estate and asset protection planning, guardianship, fiduciary services, nursing home injury litigation, elder law and Medicaid planning, probate and estate administration, planning for families with special needs children, and more. They are a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, a member of the Academy of Special Needs Planners, and a Five Star Professional in 2011 by Wealth Manager.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
William Wilson - Founder41 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Facebook
3.0 / 5 (1)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
161 North Clark Street, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60601

Why choose this provider?

Located in Chicago and founded in 2004, Garofalo Law Group focus on offering each client personal attention, preparation for each situation, innovative solutions and thinking, long-term relationships, and assistance in legal challenges. The company provides legal services for matters that include estate planning, professional licensing, business law, landlord and tenant rights, real estate, asset protection, elder law, and more. They are a member of SuperLawyers, Wealth Counsel, ElderCounsel, Advisors Forum and the Illinois State Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Gregg Garofalo - Founding Partner25 yrs
Gregg Garofalo - Founding Partner25 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (5)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Chicago, Illinois?

    Non-emergencies can be reported to the Chicago Police Department by calling (312) 746-6000.

  • What are some documents usually included in an estate plan in Chicago?

    A usual estate plan can have four important documents, and these are healthcare directive power of attorney, HIPAA authorization, property-related power of attorney, and the will. For individuals and families from the moderate-income level, a revocable living trust may also be needed. In general, an estate plan in Chicago should offer necessary protections on decisions involving healthcare, properties, guardianship, and wealth preservation.

  • Which court in Chicago can you contest wills?

    The Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County handles will contest cases. Its contact info is 312-603-6441 and ProbateDivservices@cookcountycourt.com. The division is located at 50 West Washington St., Room 1202, Chicago, IL 60602. It also handles cases involving estate administration, testamentary trustee appointments, and Illinois Insurance Code petitions.

  • When should you start with estate planning in Chicago?

    Lawyers recommend individuals and couples in Chicago start planning their estates when they tie the knot or buy their first homes. An estate plan should also be considered when a person has had to deal with a probate case from their parent's estate. Additionally, it's important to have plans early on if there are minor dependents or special children in a family. Persons nearing their golden years may also start planning if they don't have estate plans in place yet.

  • How can an heir claim tax refunds for an estate in Chicago?

    Heirs can only claim estate tax refunds through a court order. They may have to work with their lawyers and trust or estate representatives to obtain the court order. Once they have the court order, they can start the refund payment process at the Cook County Treasurer’s Office at 118 North Clark Street, Room 112, Chicago, Illinois 60602.

  • How can a special needs trust be beneficial to an heir in Chicago?

    Through a special needs trust, an heir with a disability can have personal money and continue to benefit from government assistance. These heirs will not be eligible for government benefits if their parents just leave them money unless through the trust. There would also be some restrictions on how the funds in the trust can be used, but they are generally favorable to the heir in Chicago.