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2024

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Best Estate Planning Lawyers in Chicago, IL

Our Recommended Top 13

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

706Reviewed

428Curated

13Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

111 North Wabash Ave. Ste. 100, Chicago, IL 60602

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (23)
Facebook
5.0 (8)
Google
5.0 (2)

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.

  • Business Litigation
  • Business Torts
  • Breach Of Contract

17W220 22nd St, Suite 300, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (3)

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.

  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trusts

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Tom Tuohy - PrincipalActive42 yrs
Tom Tuohy - PrincipalActive42 yrs

Chicago, IL 60601

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (7)

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 NameBar StatusExperience
Gary Newland - PartnerActive31 yrs
Stephen Newland - PrincipalActive33 yrs

579 First Bank Drive, Suite 240, Palatine, IL 60067

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (104)
Facebook
4.9 (23)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

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.

  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Chicago, IL 60647

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (104)
Yelp
5.0 (2)

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 NameBar StatusExperience
Mario Correa - FounderActive27 yrs

Chicago, IL 60607

Expertise.com Rating

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.

Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (2)

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 NameBar StatusExperience
Marc Blumenthal - PrincipalActive48 yrs
Marc Blumenthal - PrincipalActive48 yrs

Chicago, IL 60602

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (5)

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 NameBar StatusExperience
Stephen Golan - Managing PartnerActive46 yrs

La Grange, IL 60525

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
3.0 (1)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

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 NameBar StatusExperience
William Wilson - FounderActive41 yrs

Wheaton, IL 60187

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (2)
Facebook
5.0 (1)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

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 NameBar StatusExperience
Cynthia Haynes Hutchins - PrincipalActive37 yrs

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

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (5)

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 NameBar StatusExperience
Gregg Garofalo - Founding PartnerActive25 yrs
Gregg Garofalo - Founding PartnerActive25 yrs

Chicago, IL 60603

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (1)

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 NameBar StatusExperience
Kerry Peck - Managing PartnerActive46 yrs
Brandon Peck - PartnerActive15 yrs

Chicago, IL 60639

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)

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 NameBar StatusExperience
Philip Cowan - ChairmanActive62 yrs

Compare our Top Estate Planning Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Heeg Law Offices
111 North Wabash Ave. Ste. 100, Chicago, IL 60602
Tuohy Law Offices
17W220 22nd St, Suite 300, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Newland & Newland LLP
Chicago, IL 60601
Garces Law
579 First Bank Drive, Suite 240, Palatine, IL 60067
Correa Law
Chicago, IL 60647
Webb Law Group LLC
Chicago, IL 60607
Law Offices of Marc J. Blumenthal
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Golan Christie Taglia LLP
Chicago, IL 60602
Wilson & Wilson
La Grange, IL 60525
The Law Office of Cynthia Hayes Hutchins, P.C.
Wheaton, IL 60187
Garofalo Law Group
161 North Clark Street, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60601
Peck Ritchey, LLC
Chicago, IL 60603
Berger, Newmark & Fenchel P.C.
Chicago, IL 60639

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 does an estate planning attorney do?

    An estate consists of the total assets that form an individual’s net worth, no matter how large or small. Estate planning attorneys use their in-depth knowledge of state and federal laws to help people best manage what will happen with their estates after they die or become incapacitated. Estate planning attorneys can prepare wills, form trusts, reduce estate tax burdens, and decrease or eliminate the need for probate court.

  • What are valuable estate planning services an attorney can provide?

    With the many intricacies of assets, taxes, and state and federal laws that can affect a person’s estate, an estate planning lawyer can be a valuable professional asset, no matter how large or small a person’s estate may be. An estate planning attorney can:

    • Create a comprehensive plan to protect a client's legacy, that includes a will, power of attorney, trusts, life insurance, and advanced medical directives
    • Optimize an estate plan as tax laws, life events, assets, and goals change over time
    • Protect a client’s loved ones by preventing assets from entering probate
    • Help clients designate a person to make important health decisions for them if they become incapacitated

  • Can estate planning attorneys help create trusts/wills?

    Estate planning attorneys can create trusts and wills. Through a will, an attorney can help a client designate their estate’s beneficiaries and assign an executor to represent the will in probate court. These attorneys can also create trusts, allowing a client to assign a trustee to oversee the estate, potentially avoiding probate court and holding assets to be distributed over time.

  • Is estate planning the same as drafting a will?

    While both estate plans and wills officially document how their owners wish to allocate certain assets after their death, there are key differences. In estate planning, a will is often just one of several documents that form a comprehensive plan. In a will, people must designate a person responsible for executing their will after their death. The will can include guardians for their children when they die and beneficiaries to receive an inheritance of money, property, and other assets.

  • What are the steps involved in estate planning?

    To create a thorough and effective estate plan, individuals should follow these steps:

    • Prepare a will that designates an estate executor; indicate who will receive what assets, and assign a trust and guardians for any children. Consider using an attorney if the will is in any way complex.
    • To avoid probate, have an attorney create a revocable living trust.
    • Assign beneficiaries to other assets, such as life insurance policies, retirement plans, and securities.
    • Use an attorney to prepare a living will, name a health care proxy, and create a HIPAA release form.
    • Update the plan every five years.

  • How long does the estate planning process last?

    The length of the process can vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the estate, the specific law office, and whether there’s an emergency or urgent need. If you’re using an attorney, you can generally expect it to take one to five weeks. You may be able to speed up the process by immediately providing your attorney with any bank statements or other documents they need.

  • What is a trust?

    A trust is an agreement between a grantor, a trustee, and a beneficiary. In this agreement, the grantor allocates funds or real property assets to the trustee to be held either until the grantor passes away or until a specific, agreed-upon date. At that point, it's the responsibility of the trustee to distribute funds or property to the beneficiary or beneficiaries. While there are similarities between a will and a trust, a will is a more comprehensive document that typically requires probate court, while a trust allows assets to pass to the beneficiary without probate.