A Modern Legal Approach
With Clear Guidance & Proven Results
Lawyers who listen, strategize for the best outcome, and provide a clear roadmap with realistic results, transparent costs, and timelines.
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Servicing Cook, Lake, & Dupage County
Trusted by Families & Business Professionals Across Chicagoland
Choose The Right Law Firm
Get Answers, Not Legal Jargon
We understand how confusing it can be to find a lawyer who gets you and keeps your best interests first. At Zeidman & Carpenter, we listen first—understanding your situation and guiding you to the best legal options. Whether you need a lawyer or just the right advice, we’ll give you honest answers, not pressure.
Whether you’re facing divorce, a custody battle, alimony disputes, or need a prenuptial agreement, we provide compassionate guidance with a clear strategy. We help you avoid drawn-out court battles, excessive legal fees, and unnecessary stress by offering straightforward advice, firm legal protection, and solutions that prioritize your family’s well-being. Your future deserves a plan—let’s build it together.
Learn MoreWhether you need contracts drafted, business formation guidance, dispute resolution, or legal protection for your company, we provide clear, actionable advice and proactive legal strategies to keep your business thriving. If you want a lawyer who makes contracts simple, prevents lawsuits before they happen, and protects your business so you can grow with confidence, schedule a free consultation today. Grow your company worry-free.
Learn MoreIf you’re dealing with leasing, buying, selling, or negotiating contracts—you know one bad deal can cost you thousands. We’ve helped real estate investors, landlords, and business owners secure better deals, avoid lawsuits, and protect their assets. If you want airtight contracts, risk-free deals, and legal protection that ensures you come out ahead every time, schedule a consultation today.
Learn MoreEstate planning isn’t just about protecting your assets—it’s about protecting your family. If you want a legally sound plan that keeps your loved ones out of probate, avoids unnecessary taxes, and ensures your legacy is secured, schedule a free consultation today.
Learn More"First time using Zeidman & Carpenter for a real estate closing and it won't be the last! Lee and Corrie were great communicators during this super quick 7 day closing requested by the buyer. Lee had to navigate finding a surveyor who could get the property surveyed quickly which he did before I was able to utilize my contacts in this area at a very reasonable price. They were fantastic to work with and am looking forward to the next real estate transaction."
Your Questions, Answered
Answers to clarify cost, time, outcome and strategy to help you make the right decision for your situation.
Yes. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy—it ensures your wishes are honored, helps avoid legal complications, and allows you to designate who will make financial and medical decisions on your behalf if needed. Even if you have minimal assets, having a will, power of attorney, and healthcare directives is essential.
Your estate plan should be reviewed every 3-5 years or anytime a major life event occurs, such as marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, a significant change in assets, a move to another state, or a change in your executor, trustee, or beneficiaries.
A will is just one part of estate planning—it outlines who will inherit your assets but still requires probate. Estate planning includes a will but also trusts, power of attorney documents, and healthcare directives to protect you during your lifetime and streamline asset distribution. A full estate plan reduces legal delays, minimizes taxes, and ensures your wishes are carried out efficiently.
It depends. Family members may have personal insight into your wishes, but the role can be stressful, time-consuming, and lead to conflicts. A third-party executor, such as a professional fiduciary, attorney, or trust company, provides neutrality and experience, ensuring your estate is managed properly. We can help you determine the best choice based on your situation.
If you pass away without a will or trust, Illinois intestacy laws decide how your assets are distributed. This means the court will determine who inherits your estate, which can lead to delays, higher costs, and potential disputes among family members. Without a power of attorney or healthcare directive, the court may also appoint someone to make financial and medical decisions on your behalf.
Minimizing estate taxes can be done through trusts, gifting assets to heirs during your lifetime, maximizing tax-free inheritance options like life insurance, and structuring your estate to take advantage of federal and Illinois estate tax exemptions. Our team can help you navigate these options to protect more of your wealth for future generations.
If you are unable to make decisions due to illness or injury and don’t have an estate plan in place, a court may appoint a guardian or conservator to manage your finances and medical care. This process can be costly, time-consuming, and may result in decisions that do not align with your wishes. A power of attorney and healthcare directive prevent this by ensuring a trusted individual handles these responsibilities.
Yes, but challenges are rare if your estate plan is properly structured. Common reasons for contests include claims of undue influence, lack of capacity, or unclear documents. To minimize disputes, keep your estate plan updated, work with an experienced estate attorney, use trusts to provide more control over asset distribution, and communicate your wishes to family members in advance. We ensure your estate plan is legally sound to reduce the risk of challenges and protect your legacy.
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Case Study
Protecting a Family’s
Legacy in Skokie, IL
"First time using Zeidman & Carpenter for a real estate closing and it won't be the last! Lee and Corrie were great communicators during this super quick 7 day closing requested by the buyer. Lee had to navigate finding a surveyor who could get the property surveyed quickly which he did before I was able to utilize my contacts in this area at a very reasonable price. They were fantastic to work with and am looking forward to the next real estate transaction."
Chicago Law Firm
Tailored To What You Need
At Zeidman & Carpenter, we understand that estate planning can be a complex and emotional process. That’s why we offer personalized attention and guidance every step of the way, to ensure that your estate plan reflects your wishes and protects your loved ones.
Our Legal Process:
From Start to Winning Outcomes
We make the process simple and stress-free. Whether you're handling estate planning, business law, or family law, we guide you every step of the way to ensure clarity, confidence, and results.
- Strategic Consultation & Case Evaluation
- Personalized Legal Plan
- Transparent Review & Client Approval
- Case Execution & Legal Filings
- Case Resolution, Ongoing Support & Guidance
At Zeidman & Carpenter, you get a one-on-one consultation where we listen to your situation, assess your legal needs, and provide an honest, strategic plan tailored to your case. We break down your options in plain English, ensuring you understand every step before moving forward. o confusing legal jargon, no pressure—just clear advice so you know exactly what to expect.
Once we understand your desired outcomes, we create custom legal documents that protect your interests, whether it’s a business contract, divorce settlement, or estate plan - which every document is drafted with precision and foresight to ensure legal security and peace of mind. We eliminate loopholes, costly mistakes, and unnecessary delays by making sure everything is done right the first time.
We take the time to review each document with you in detail, ensuring clarity and accuracy. Our attorneys answer any questions, make necessary revisions, and provide guidance. We give you the opportunity to ask questions and make adjustments, so you feel confident and in control of your legal decisions. No surprises, no rushed decisions—we take the time to ensure everything aligns with your best interests. We ensure that you fully understand your legal plan and that it reflects your intentions before finalization.
We move your case forward efficiently and accurately, ensuring deadlines are met and filings are done correctly. We handle all necessary legal filings, negotiations, or court submissions on your behalf. No delays, no missing paperwork, no endless waiting—just a clear path to resolution.
We’re here even after your case is resolved, offering long-term guidance so you’re never left without support. Get continued legal support, whether it’s updating your estate plan, handling business agreements, or ensuring your legal protections stay strong. We remain a trusted legal resource whenever you need us.
When You Can’t Afford To Be Wrong, Get Clear Answers
Our Free Consultations Include:
Clear Roadmap Guarantee
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Honest Advice with No Pressue
Proactive Problem Prevention
Complex Legal Terms Explained In Plain English
Contact us
We offer two ways to get started:
1. Quick Contact Form (Right →) : If you have a general inquiry or need a brief consultation, fill out the simple form to connect with us.
2. Detailed Intake Form (Below ↓) : If you’re ready to take the next step, our intake forms help us gather key details upfront—saving you time and allowing our attorneys to quickly determine how we can assist you. These forms help qualify cases and ensure we provide the most relevant guidance.