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2024

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Best Probate Lawyers in Waukegan

Our Recommended Top 19

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

37Reviewed

29Curated

19Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

100 South Saunders Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045

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5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Lexern Law Group is a team of probate lawyers in Waukegan. This law firm offers a unique "Family Wealth Planning Session" that aims to empower clients to make the necessary decisions to protect their family and properties. The team offers assistance in areas such as building family legacies, kids' protection planning, asset protection planning, and avoiding probate. This law office operates according to a client-centered approach that guarantees each individual case is addressed according to the client's specific goals.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Oleg Feldman - FounderActive16 yrs

736 North Western Avenue, Lake Forest, IL 60045

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5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Reda & Des Jardins, LLC is a law company consisting of estate planning attorneys near Waukegan. Since 1958, the company has been providing individuals and businesses with legal services that suit their estate planning needs. Through its office located in Lake Forest, Reda & Des Jardins, LLC assists clients with the preparations of living wills, property powers of attorney, and health care powers of attorney. Reda & Des Jardins, LLC also offers legal services for businesses.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Robert Reda - PrincipalActive35 yrs

1512 Artaius Parkway, Suite 300, Libertyville, IL 60048

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4.9 (40)
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5.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Newland & Newland, LLP, is a full-service law firm serving Waukegan. The company's probate litigation attorneys represent clients in estate validation, settlement of debts and obligations of the estate, and asset distribution to the heirs named in the decedent's will. The firm was founded by brothers Steve and Gary Newland, who have been legal partners since 1993. The two lawyers have been featured in numerous publications and have spoken at bar association seminars, advising other lawyers on how to better serve their clients.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

707 Skokie Blvd., Ste 500, Northbrook, IL 60062

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5.0 (24)

Why choose this provider?

Heggie Wochner Law Firm caters to families and individuals in Waukegan. It provides legal assistance in different areas of probate law. The practice drafts estate plans that include wills and living trusts. It helps clients prepare the needed estate planning documents to protect beneficiaries from probate issues. It offers solutions for estate and trust administration disputes. In addition, it deals with business planning tasks. One of the principal partners, Corinne Cantwell Heggie, is the former president of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois.

  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Corinne Heggie - Partner / PrincipalActive22 yrs

1880 West Winchester Road, Libertyville, IL 60048
Website

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5.0 (7)
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5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Maloney Law LLC is a Libertyville-based law firm that was founded in 2009. Founder David Maloney is passionate about real estate transactions, estate planning, commercial leases, investment properties, and business formation. Throughout its 11 years of servicing clients, the law firm is keen on offering accessible legal services. The company aims to guide clients with a reliable hand throughout each matter that its team of capable attorneys is entrusted with.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
David Maloney - PrincipalActive19 yrs

1800 Nations Drive, Gurnee, IL 60031

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4.9 (69)
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5.0 (39)
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4.5 (8)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Judy K. Maldonado is a law firm in Gurnee that provides legal guidance in areas of real estate and estate planning. After working in a Chicago-based firm for five years, Judy Maldonado left and founded her own practice in 2012. She has worked on landlord/tenant issues and has spoken at several forums related to landlord rights and eviction processes. Currently, her team includes Alicia Ayala, who has proven knowledge in residential and commercial real estate transactions.

  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Judy Maldonado - PrincipalActive21 yrs

4229 Grove Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031

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4.5 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Robert A Monahan handles probate law matters for individuals and families in Waukegan and the surrounding metros. The firm assists clients with their duties and responsibilities, such as petitioning the probate court to name an executor or administrator, liquidating estate assets, publishing mandatory notices, deciding which creditors should be compensated, and distributing assets to the proper heirs. Founding attorney Robert Monahan has been practicing law since 1999. He wrote the book “Estate Planning Confidence!" and hosts the cable TV show "Everyday Law."

  • Estate Planning

4473 Old Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031

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4.5 (13)

Why choose this provider?

Barbara J. Swanson is an estate planning and probate attorney that serves individuals in Waukegan and surrounding areas. Based in Gurnee, Swanson helps clients navigate through the entire probate process, from case filing to the administration and distribution of properties. The founding attorney also works mostly in the related areas of estate planning, specifically, in the preparations of wills and living trusts. The firm also practices in the areas of real estate law and guardianship.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Barbara Swanson - OwnerActive41 yrs

100 S. Saunders Rd., Suite 150, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Website

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4.9 (23)
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4.0 (11)
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5.0 (10)

Why choose this provider?

Daniel E. Levy, Ltd. Attorneys at Law prepares wills and trusts for the people of the Waukegan area and the neighboring communities. The firm strives to gain and keep its clients' trust by walking them through the whole process of probate, from the inventory and distribution of assets to the settlement of outstanding debts and taxes left by the decedent. Daniel Levy, the firm's founder, draws on his 35 years of experience in handling various legal concerns.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

1401 North Western Avenue, Lake Forest, IL 60045

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The Law Offices of Robert J. Kolasa is located in Lake Forest, serving clients in and around the Waukegan metro area. Since 1993, probate attorney, Robert J. Kolasa, has been providing legal services in the area of probate administration, which includes filing of a court petition, sending notices to heirs, inventory and appraisal of assets, paying estate debts and taxes, sale of specific assets, distributing assets to legatees. The Law Offices of Robert J. Kolasa also offers estate planning services.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Robert Kolasa - PrincipalActive33 yrs

128 N. West Street, Waukegan, IL 60085

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5.0 (52)
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3.5 (3)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Incorporated in 2009, Finn & Finn, LTD, Counselors at Law, has been providing counsel and representation to the Waukegan community. Among the legal team's practice areas are estate planning and administration that covers probate and guardianships. Its practitioners prepare and deliver instruments including wills and trusts to help with the preservation of one's wealth and avoid complex probate proceedings. The firm also engages in civil litigation and advises clients on real estate and animal law. Partner attorney Amy Lynn Lonergan is a former Assistant Corporation Counsel to the City of Waukegan.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Anna Vinson - PartnerActive15 yrs

501 North Riverside Drive, Gurnee, IL 60031

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4.6 (8)
Facebook
1.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Hood Law P.C. is a law corporation based in Gurnee that also serves clients in Waukegan and surrounding areas. The father-and-son team of probate attorneys, Tom and Dan Hood is focused on providing personalized legal services in the area of probate law. Hood Law P.C. is committed to providing assistance to its clients in navigating the whole probate process, from the initial filing of court petition to the collection and distribution of the decedent's remaining assets.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Thomas Hood - PartnerActive39 yrs

438 N. Sheridan Road, Waukegan, IL 60085
Website

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Google
5.0 (5)
Avvo
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Timothy Evans in Waukegan assists clients in probate proceedings. Timothy helps individuals and families avoid probate by drafting wills, living trusts, and powers of attorney. He is also ready to go through a probate court hearing when necessary. The firm covers a broad range of practice areas, including criminal defense, personal injury, real estate, and immigration law. Timothy applies his experience as a former police officer and prosecutor and as a current administrative law judge to every case.

  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Timothy Evans - PrincipalActive30 yrs

1641 North Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville, IL 60048

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5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Henderson and Henderson, P.C. is a Libertyville-based general pratice law firm established in 1968. Its team of attorneys is highly experienced in the areas of Probate, Estate Planning, Real Estate, Elder Law, and Civil Litigation. The team is committed to solving their clients' problems, and also offers consultations on construction disputes, as well as unfair debt collection. House calls are accommodated upon request to better assist elderly or disabled clients.

  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
J. John Henderson - PartnerActive58 yrs

438 Lakehurst Dr, Waukegan, IL 60085

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4.3 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Ferris & Thompson, LTD, is a law practice that caters to the residents of Waukegan. It offers legal counsel in cases involving probate and estates. One of the firm’s attorneys, Michael Zweig, has been locating persons who are entitled to receive unclaimed assets and money for more than two decades. For this purpose, he employs a network of researchers in different countries. He has also been featured in “Heir Hunters,” a Court TV national cable television show.

  • Inheritance Taxes
  • Estate Settlement

950 Main Street, Antioch, IL 60002

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5.0 (17)
Google
4.8 (12)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Thomas C. O'Brien addresses the legal needs of individuals and small businesses facing matters related to estate planning, bankruptcy, divorce, and real estate transactions. Its team of probate lawyers in Waukegan has more than 30 years of experience in bringing tailored solutions and handling cases in different practices, including wills, trusts, guardianship and conservatorships, and divorce. With offices in Antioch, IL and Trevor, WI, it has provided comprehensive counsel to clients within the two communities and their surrounding areas.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Thomas O'brien - PrincipalActive56 yrs

191 East Deerpath Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045

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5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Lesser Lutrey Pasquesi & Howe, LLP is a law firm formed by probate attorneys near Waukegan. Based in Lake Forest, the lawyers of the firm concentrate on providing client-centric assistance in estate planning and wealth transfer. The firm provides regular reviews of wills or estate plans to ensure the clients' legal documents are up-to-date with the changes in federal and state tax laws and to help minimize the estate taxes. Lesser Lutrey Pasquesi & Howe, LLP also handles guardianship matters.

  • Trusts
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
David Lutrey - PartnerActive28 yrs
Jennifer Howe - Managing PartnerActive26 yrs

1580 S Milwaukee Ave Ste 207 Hilltop Executive Center, Libertyville, IL 60048
Website

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5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Marlon T. Sunkin Attorney at Law offers legal services to clients in and around Waukegan. Since 2002, the firm's founder, Marlon T. Sunkin, is a probate attorney that focuses on helping individuals resolve probate administration matters. Additionally, Sunkin's office also assists clients involved in traffic law, family law, and real estate cases. Marlon T. Sunkin graduate law from DePaul University and practices in various areas for more than 40 years.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Marlon Suskin - PrincipalActive28 yrs

1545 Waukegan Rd #2-9 Number 2-9, Glenview, IL 60025
Website

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Google
5.0 (80)
Yelp
3.8 (4)
Avvo
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

The Heartland Law Firm operates on the philosophy of helping Waukegan residents maintain their legal well-being. It represents families in probate proceedings and helps them make informed decisions by educating them about the legalities of their case. It works to reduce probate and make partial distributions before the case is closed. The law practice also offers The Freedom Plan, an estate planning solution that can help families avoid the probate process in the future. It includes will and trust drafting, unlimited amendments, and annual reviews.

  • Estate Planning
  • Estate Taxes

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 with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

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

    The non-emergency contact number for the Waukegan Police Department is 847-360-9000.

  • Is there a deadline for filing a petition for probate in Waukegan?

    If the decedent had a will, the individual in possession of it must file it with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the decedent resided at the time of his or her death. This must be done within 30 days after the decedent's death. Once the original will has been filed, the executor named in the will has 30 days to file a petition to probate the will in Waukegan.

  • Is probate necessary for small estates in Waukegan?

    According to the Probate Act of 1975, 755 ILCS 5/Art. XXV, if a decedent's assets are valued under $100,000 and he or she did not own any real estate, then a formal court probate proceeding is not necessary. The executor or administrator can file a small estate affidavit in Waukegan instead.

  • When is probate required in Waukegan?

    Probate is necessary in Waukegan when the decedent owns any type of real estate or has more than $100,000 worth of non-real-estate assets outside of a trust. The executor should receive Letters of Office from the probate court once it is determined that probate is necessary. This is so he or she can collect the assets of the estate to distribute to the decedent's beneficiaries or pay creditors. Probate is also necessary when the decedent’s family believes there may be an heirship dispute or will contest.

  • Are all assets subject to probate in Waukegan?

    Not all assets are subject to the probate process in Waukegan. Some of the common non-probate assets are assets held in trust, retirement accounts, the proceeds of a life insurance policy, and certain types of jointly held property. Assets that go through the probate process are assets in the decedent's name alone, assets valued at over $100,000, or decedent-owned real estate in his or her own name outside of a trust.

  • What happens when a person dies without a will in Waukegan?

    Waukegan follows the Intestacy Laws of Illinois in determining who will receive a decedent's assets in the absence of a valid will. The probate court will assign an administrator to take care of the decedent's estate when there is no will. Assets that fall under intestacy laws include bank accounts, properties, and retirement savings in the name of the decedent.