A Modern Approach to Estate Law
With Clear Guidance & Proven Results
Estate lawyers who provide strategic solutions, a clear legal roadmap, realistic results, and transparent costs—to protect your life & wishes.
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Servicing Cook, Lake, & Dupage County
Trusted by Families & Business Professionals Across Chicagoland
Choose The Right Estate 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.
A well-prepared will is the foundation of a secure and stress-free future for your loved ones. We draft, review, and update wills to ensure your wishes are clearly stated, legally binding, and protected from disputes. Whether you need a simple will, a complex estate plan, or updates to an existing document, we help you avoid legal uncertainties, unnecessary probate costs, and family conflicts. A properly structured will today means peace of mind for you and security for your family tomorrow—let’s put your wishes in writing.
Choosing the right trust is crucial to protecting your assets and securing your family’s future. We guide individuals and families through the trust planning process, ensuring your wealth is preserved, your wishes are honored, and your loved ones avoid probate delays. Whether you need a revocable trust, irrevocable trust, special needs trust, or asset protection trust, we handle the legal complexities so you can minimize taxes, prevent disputes, and ensure a smooth transfer of your estate. Build a legacy that lasts—let’s create a trust that works for you.
Probate can be a stressful, time-consuming, and costly process for families navigating the legal system after losing a loved one. We provide compassionate and strategic legal guidance to ensure assets are distributed according to the will or state law while avoiding unnecessary delays, disputes, and excessive court fees. Whether you need help with estate administration, contested wills, or probate litigation, we work to streamline the process, protect your inheritance, and resolve conflicts efficiently. Let us handle the legal burdens so you can focus on what truly matters—your family.
Effective tax planning is essential to preserving your wealth and ensuring your estate is passed on according to your wishes—without unnecessary tax burdens. We provide strategic estate planning solutions that minimize estate taxes, protect your assets, and maximize what your loved ones receive. Whether you need trust structuring, gift planning, charitable giving strategies, or business succession planning, we tailor legal solutions to reduce liabilities and avoid costly tax mistakes. Secure your legacy with smart tax planning—so your wealth stays where it belongs.
Planning for the future of your business is just as important as growing it. Our business succession planning services ensure a smooth transition of ownership, protecting your company, employees, and family from uncertainty. Whether you’re passing the business to family members, selling to a partner, or preparing for unexpected events, we create customized legal strategies that minimize tax burdens, avoid probate complications, and keep operations running seamlessly. Secure your legacy with a plan that protects your hard work and provides peace of mind for the next generation.
A power of attorney ensures that someone you trust can make critical financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to. Whether due to illness, injury, or absence, we help you establish a legally sound power of attorney that protects your interests and ensures your affairs are handled smoothly. From general financial management to healthcare directives, we tailor each document to your specific needs—so you stay in control, no matter what happens. Secure your future by putting the right protections in place today.
Planning for the Future, Protecting What Matters
"I worked with Jade on preparing estate planning documents and Jade's services and approach exceeded my expectations. She is extremely knowledgable about estate planning, cares about understanding her clients' needs and is creative and flexible in navigating open questions to create best possible outcome. I found her easy to work with and she made the whole process smooth and efficient."
Estate Planning Law Questions, Answered
Answers to clarify cost, time, outcome and strategy to help you make the right decision for your situation.
We provide comprehensive estate planning to protect your assets, secure your family’s future, and ensure your wishes are honored. From wills and trusts to probate, tax planning, and power of attorney, we tailor legal solutions that safeguard your estate and minimize complications. Whether you need assistance with wealth preservation, business succession planning, or healthcare directives, we guide you every step of the way. Our goal is to provide clear legal strategies, risk management solutions, and strong advocacy—so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your legacy is secure.
- Flat Fees – For services like wills, trusts, power of attorney, or healthcare directives, we offer clear, upfront pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
- Hourly Rates – For more complex matters such as probate administration, contested estates, or tax planning strategies, we charge competitive hourly rates with detailed billing transparency.
Payment Plans – Available when applicable, depending on the nature of your estate planning needs. - Retainer – For ongoing estate planning and legal support, we require an initial retainer that covers consultations, estate document drafting, and trust administration. We provide regular case updates so you always know where your investment is going.
Payment Plans – Available when applicable, depending on the nature of your estate planning needs. - Payment Plans – Available when applicable, depending on the nature of your estate planning needs.
We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees or surprises. Our fee structure depends on the complexity of your estate planning needs. Here’s how we typically charge:
The estate law process varies depending on the case type, but most follow these general steps:
1. Consultation & Case Evaluation – Meet with an estate lawyer to discuss your legal concerns, assess estate assets, review existing documents, and determine the best strategy for estate planning or litigation.
2. Drafting & Filing Legal Documents – Create and file necessary estate documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or probate petitions to ensure proper legal protection and asset distribution.
3. Probate Process & Executor Appointment – If probate is required, the court officially appoints an executor or administrator to manage and distribute the estate according to the will or state law.
4. Debt Settlement & Asset Valuation – The executor identifies estate assets, pays off outstanding debts, taxes, and legal fees, and ensures the correct valuation of inherited property.
5. Beneficiary Disputes & Mediation – If heirs or beneficiaries dispute asset distribution, mediation or court intervention may be necessary to resolve conflicts and uphold the deceased’s wishes.
6. Estate Litigation (If Necessary) – If disputes escalate, estate litigation may be required for contested wills, breach of fiduciary duty, asset mismanagement, or inheritance claims.
7. Final Distribution & Court Approval – Once all debts are settled and disputes resolved, the remaining assets are distributed to beneficiaries, and the court provides final approval.
8. Post-Judgment Modifications & Trust Administration – If changes arise, such as new heirs, asset reallocation, or updates to trusts, modifications can be made to ensure ongoing legal compliance and estate management.
Each case is unique, and timelines depend on complexity, potential disputes, and court backlogs.
Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in your case. We're here to make your life easier, not harder.
Proven Estate Planning Strategies – We take a personalized, results-driven approach to crafting wills, trusts, and asset protection plans that align with your long-term goals.
Transparent Pricing & No Hidden Fees – You’ll know exactly what to expect from day one, with upfront pricing and no surprises.
Personalized Attention – Your estate plan isn’t one-size-fits-all—you’ll work directly with an experienced attorney who understands your unique needs.
Clear Communication & Case Updates – No waiting for answers—we keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring your estate plan is legally sound and aligned with your wishes.
Strategic Planning for Your Legacy – We take a proactive approach to minimize taxes, avoid probate, and provide long-term security for your family and beneficiaries.
During your free consultation, we provide a clear, step-by-step legal roadmap based on your unique situation. Each roadmap is designed to give you clarity, eliminate surprises, and provide a structured plan so you know exactly what comes next
To make the most of your free estate law consultation, we’ll need some key details about your estate planning needs. This helps us provide you with accurate legal guidance and a clear strategy for your next steps.
Basic Personal & Estate Information – Your full name, contact details, and a brief overview of your estate planning goals.
Relevant Documents – Any wills, trusts, deeds, financial records, or existing estate plans related to your situation.
Your Goals & Concerns – Whether it’s protecting your assets, avoiding probate, minimizing taxes, or ensuring smooth inheritance transitions.
Key Dates & Deadlines – Important life events, financial planning deadlines, or healthcare directives that impact your estate.
Questions You Have – Any legal concerns or clarifications you need to ensure your estate plan aligns with your wishes and protects your loved ones.
The length of an estate law case depends on the complexity of your estate, court schedules, and whether disputes arise. Here’s a general breakdown:
Wills & Trusts – Typically a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the estate and the specific planning needs.
Probate Cases – 6 months to 2+ years, depending on whether the estate is contested, the number of heirs, debts, and court processing times.
Estate Litigation – Several months to multiple years, especially if disputes arise over inheritance, asset distribution, or executor misconduct.
Business Succession Planning – A few weeks to several months, depending on the legal structure, ownership transfers, and tax considerations.
Power of Attorney & Healthcare Directives – Immediate effect once signed, though legal disputes over validity may extend timelines.
Every estate law case is unique, and while we strive to achieve the best possible outcome, no attorney can guarantee a specific result. However, here’s what you can expect when working with us:
Clear Expectations Upfront – An honest assessment of your estate plan or probate case, outlining potential risks, legal obligations, and the best course of action.
A Strong Legal Strategy – A customized estate plan designed to protect your assets, minimize tax burdens, and ensure your wishes are carried out exactly as intended.
Expert Guidance in Probate & Estate Litigation – Proven legal strategies to navigate probate smoothly, resolve beneficiary disputes, and enforce wills or trusts effectively.
Transparent Communication – Regular updates on your estate planning process, probate timeline, or legal proceedings—so you always know what comes next.
A Focus on Protecting Your Legacy & Loved Ones – We provide long-term estate planning solutions to safeguard your family’s financial future, prevent legal disputes, and ensure seamless asset distribution.
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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."
Our Estate Law Process:
From Start to Winning Outcomes
We make the estate planning process clear, structured, and stress-free. Whether you need wills, trusts, probate assistance, or asset protection, we guide you every step of the way to safeguard your legacy and ensure your wishes are honored.
- Strategic Consultation & Legal Assessment
- Will & Trust Drafting
- Tax Planning & Asset Protection
- Probate & Estate Administration
- Ongoing Legal Support & Updates
At Zeidman & Carpenter, our estate planning consultations go beyond the basics. We take the time to understand your financial situation, family dynamics, and long-term goals to provide a clear, strategic estate plan. Whether you're planning for asset protection, wills and trusts, tax-efficient wealth transfer, or guardianship arrangements, we break down your options in plain English, ensuring you’re informed and prepared. No legal jargon—just practical solutions tailored to secure your legacy and protect your loved ones.
Ensuring your will and trust documents are legally sound, enforceable, and strategically structured is critical to protecting your legacy. Whether you're drafting a will, establishing a trust, or designating beneficiaries, we create comprehensive estate plans that safeguard your assets, minimize taxes, and prevent disputes. Our meticulous approach ensures clarity, legal compliance, and long-term security for your loved ones, giving you peace of mind that your wishes will be honored.
Protecting your wealth and minimizing tax burdens is essential to preserving your legacy. Our estate planning approach includes comprehensive tax strategies and asset protection solutions to safeguard your financial future. Whether you need trust structuring, tax-efficient wealth transfers, or legal protections against creditors and liabilities, we help you navigate complex tax laws to reduce liabilities and maximize asset security. Before finalizing any estate plan, we conduct a thorough legal review to ensure it aligns with your long-term goals and protects what matters most.
Our experienced team ensures that wills are validated, assets are properly accounted for, debts and taxes are settled, and distributions to beneficiaries follow legal requirements. Whether you’re navigating probate court, administering a trust, handling creditor claims, or resolving estate disputes, we provide strategic legal support to minimize delays, prevent conflicts, and ensure full compliance with estate laws. Our goal is to streamline the process, protect your loved one's legacy, and provide you with clarity and peace of mind during this important transition.
Ongoing estate planning support is essential to ensure your wishes remain protected as life changes. We provide long-term legal guidance to help you update wills, trusts, and estate documents, adjust plans for new assets or beneficiaries, and navigate evolving tax laws. Whether you need revisions to your estate plan, assistance with probate matters, or proactive legal strategies, our firm acts as your trusted resource—ensuring your legacy remains secure for generations to come.
When You Can’t Afford To Be Wrong, Get Clear Answers
Our Free Consultations Include:
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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.