Business Details
Your Trusted Chicago Estate Planning Law Firm
Matlin Law Group compassionately guides families through estate planning and administration with professionalism and sensitivity. Our Chicago-based attorneys provide a safe space for clients to discuss complex matters, offering tailored solutions for wills, trusts, probate, and guardianships. With decades of combined experience, our team prioritizes client relationships and transparent communication, serving communities across Lake County, Cook County, and the Chicagoland area.We offer free initial consultations and have successfully represented clients in appellate court cases, demonstrating our commitment to excellence. Our attorneys regularly contribute to legal education through seminars, publications, and community outreach programs.
Services
Estate Planning
Wills
Trusts
Probate
Guardianships
Estate Litigation
Power of Attorney
HIPAA Authorization
Living Will
Trust Administration
Highlights and features
- We offer a free 1-hour estate planning consultation with experienced attorneys
- Our team takes a compassionate, client-first approach to sensitive legal matters
- Attorneys have demonstrated success in appellate court cases
- Transparent pricing packages for various estate planning needs
- Serving Chicagoland communities with personalized legal solutions
What people say
Compassionate guidance
Efficient service
Thorough expertise
Clear communication
Professional approach
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services help clients create comprehensive plans for asset distribution, healthcare directives, and financial power of attorney. We work with individuals and families to develop customized wills, revocable living trusts, and irrevocable trusts that meet their specific needs. Our attorneys guide clients through complex estate tax considerations and help ensure their wishes are properly documented and legally protected.
Probate Administration
We assist executors and administrators with the probate process, helping settle estates efficiently while minimizing family conflict. Our services include inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing property according to wills or state law. We provide experienced representation in contested probate matters and help navigate complex estate administration challenges with compassion and expertise.
Trust Administration
Our trust administration services support trustees in fulfilling their fiduciary duties while protecting beneficiaries' interests. We handle trust funding, asset management, tax compliance, and distribution issues. The firm assists with both revocable and irrevocable trust administration, including special needs trusts and insurance trusts, ensuring proper implementation of grantors' intentions while maintaining legal compliance.
Estate Litigation
We represent clients in estate and trust litigation matters involving contested wills, trust modifications, and fiduciary misconduct claims. Our attorneys handle disputes over asset distribution, guardianship appointments, and elder exploitation cases. We strive to resolve conflicts through negotiation but are prepared to advocate aggressively for clients' interests in court when necessary.
Power of Attorney
We help clients establish comprehensive power of attorney documents for both healthcare and financial matters. Our services include creating durable powers of attorney, healthcare proxies, and living wills that ensure clients' wishes are honored during incapacity. We guide agents and family members through their responsibilities while maintaining compliance with Illinois legal requirements.
People
Eric G. Matlin
Founder & Of Counsel
With decades of experience, Eric G. Matlin specializes in estate planning and administration. He focuses on creating customized solutions for complex estates while maintaining a compassionate approach to client care.
Johannah K. Hebl
Managing Partner
Johannah Hebl provides expert guidance in estate planning and probate matters. Her client-centered approach helps families navigate difficult decisions with clarity and confidence through personalized legal solutions.
Mary E. Vanek
Managing Partner
Mary Vanek handles complex estate administration and trust litigation cases. Recently admitted to the Florida Bar, she brings additional expertise in multi-state estate planning and administration.
Talia M. Shambee
Associate Attorney
Talia Shambee specializes in estate litigation and appellate practice. She recently achieved a significant victory in the Illinois Appellate Court, demonstrating her strong advocacy skills in complex legal matters.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I really need?
Every adult should have a will, healthcare power of attorney, and HIPAA authorization. Depending on your situation, we may recommend revocable living trusts, durable powers of attorney for property, or specialized trusts for complex estates.
How much does estate planning cost in Illinois?
Our packages start at $800 for power of attorney documents, $1,500 for simple will packages, and $2,500 for revocable trust packages. We offer free initial consultations to determine your specific needs.
Can I handle probate without an attorney?
While possible, we strongly advise against it. Probate involves complex legal requirements and potential tax implications. Our experienced attorneys help executors navigate the process efficiently while minimizing family conflict.
What happens if I die without a will in Illinois?
Your assets will be distributed according to Illinois intestacy laws, which may not align with your wishes. Having a valid will ensures your property goes to your chosen beneficiaries through proper legal channels.
How do I choose a healthcare agent?
Select someone trustworthy who understands your values and wishes. We can help you evaluate potential agents and document your healthcare preferences through proper legal instruments.
Can I update my estate plan after it's created?
Yes, we recommend reviewing your estate plan every 3-5 years or after major life events. We offer plan updates and can help ensure your documents remain current with changing circumstances and laws.
