Probate Lawyers for Peoria, Illinois

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Meet some of our Peoria Probate Lawyers

Brett S. - Probate Lawyer in Peoria, Illinois
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5.0 (1)
Member Since:
September 15, 2023

Brett S.

Litigation and Contract Attorney
Free Consultation
Chicago, Illinois
8 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL
University of Illinois

I attended the University of Illinois- College of Law on a full merit scholarship. While in law school, I was a 711 Attorney at the Lake County State's Attorney's Office, specializing in traffic and misdemeanor cases. After graduation, I served as in-house counsel for one of the largest insurance companies in the world, managing thousands of cases from initial intake to trial. Upon leaving this position, I accepted a role as Legal Counsel to the Illinois Senate Minority Leader. There, I advised Senators on legislative matters, labor and employment law, and complex constitutional questions. After leaving public service, I accepted a role at a mid-size Chicago-based law firm, where I practice insurance defense and litigation. In addition to this, I also serve as outside general counsel to a food brokerage business, where I handle all of their labor and employment matters.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
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Frank V. - Probate Lawyer in Peoria, Illinois
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4.9 (8)
Member Since:
August 17, 2023
John B. - Probate Lawyer in Peoria, Illinois
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Member Since:
June 21, 2023

John B.

Principal Attorney
Free Consultation
Indianapolis, IN
16 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL IN
University of Illinois Chicago School of Law

I am an attorney with over 13 years experience licensed in both Illinois and Indiana. I spent the early part of my career as a civil litigation attorney. Eventually, I moved into an in-house role, specifically as general counsel, to help companies avoid the pains of litigation. In doing so, I gained significant experience in executive leadership, corporate governance, risk management and cybersecurity/privacy. I bring this wealth of experience to my client engagements to not only resolve the immediate issue, but help implement lasting improvements in practices to avoid similar problems going forward.

Daniel K. - Probate Lawyer in Peoria, Illinois
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Member Since:
August 9, 2023

Daniel K.

Founder and Managing Partner
Free Consultation
Chicago
10 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL NJ, PA
Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law.

My practice focuses on business and commercial litigation. I have worked with companies of all sizes from sole member LLCs to those in the Fortune 500. I've advised clients on mergers, equity issuances, commercial transactions, joint ventures, employment issues, and non-competition. I've also drafted and negotiated the underlying agreements for these transactions and more.

Megan W. - Probate Lawyer in Peoria, Illinois
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Member Since:
July 5, 2023

Megan W.

Principal Attorney
Free Consultation
Aurora, IL
12 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL
DePaul University College of Law

My solo attorney law office is focused heavily on Family Law, but I also do residential real estate, and prepare Wills & Trusts.

Karen H. - Probate Lawyer in Peoria, Illinois
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Member Since:
July 23, 2023

Karen H.

Former Division General Counsel
Free Consultation
Chicago
45 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL
Loyola University Chicago School of Law

During my tenure as VP & Division General Counsel of PepsiCo Inc. in Chicago, I built upon my diverse career overseeing legal matters for both the domestic and international businesses of PepsiCo and The Quaker Oats Co. My extensive practice areas included M&A, contracts, competition, NDAs, regulatory compliance, consumer product & protection, environmental, patents, and advertising regulations. Throughout my professional journey, I navigated legal complexities associated with an eclectic range of products, spanning juices, sports drinks, cereals, snacks, needlepoint kits, canned goods, eyeglasses, men's suits, car seats and toys. For further information, see my LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/karen-hunter-a700179

Charles M. - Probate Lawyer in Peoria, Illinois
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Member Since:
July 26, 2023

Charles M.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Chicago
23 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL
DePaul University

Mr. McElvenny has extensive experience handling and developing strategy for complex commercial and real estate cases. He’s drafted hundreds of complaints ranging from simple breaches of contract to complex commercial claims including breach of fiduciary duty, constructive trusts and misappropriation of trade secrets. He has an excellent record in trial, arbitration and mediation. He also has significant experience in motion practice in both state and federal court. Through his work in corporate law, Mr. McElvenny has developed considerable experience with Limited Liability Company member disputes and general corporate governance. He’s drafted a number of industry-specific documents such as Operating Agreements (for Limited Liability Companies), commercial leases, settlement agreements and employment contracts. Mr. McElvenny has also represented criminal defendants in felony matters and assisted in the defense of civil matters arising from alleged SEC violations. He has represented individuals appearing before the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation as a result of SEC proceedings. After graduating with a B.A. in Philosophy, Mr. McElvenny proceeded from Loyola University-Chicago to DePaul University College of Law, receiving his JD from that institution in 2002. In 2010, he earned his Master’s of Science in Accounting from Loyola University-Chicago’s Graduate School of Business. Mr. McElvenny was selected to Illinois’ Super Lawyers Rising Stars in 2010, 2012 and 2013.

Timothy J. - Probate Lawyer in Peoria, Illinois
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Member Since:
August 1, 2023

Timothy J.

Corporate Counsel
Free Consultation
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
10 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL FL, WI
Illinois Institute of Technology: Chicago-Kent College of Law

Financial Services, Business, Corporate, Personal Injury, and Healthcare. I've represented fortune 100 companies and defended individuals in personal debt litigation. Wide breadth of experience, ready to assist.

Dennis W. - Probate Lawyer in Peoria, Illinois
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Member Since:
August 2, 2023

Dennis W.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Chicago/Schaumburg
33 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL
The John Marshall Law School

2008 - Present: Sole Practitioner – Dennis W. Winkler, P.C. Practice primarily in finance and business transactions, as well as commercial real estate transactions. Represent developers, investors, lenders, and businesses, in such matters as: corporate entity selection, drafting and negotiating complex asset purchase agreements, corporate mergers and sales, stock purchase agreements, and various other business contracts for closely related businesses. Involved in a variety of real estate developments, multi-family apartment buildings, construction and acquisition financing, commercial leasing, sophisticated workout transactions, joint ventures, and tax-deferred exchanges. Advise on tax and other savings incentives available to business owners and real estate owners in Illinois. Advise companies involved in related real estate activities such as sales, leasing, property management, brokerage, and construction. Tax experience that includes the representation of taxpayers in State and Federal controversies including: sales/excess tax disputes and responsible parties’ tax assessment protest. Additionally, Dennis has experience in the protest of real estate taxes of commercial and multi-family real estate. As a legal and business advisor, Dennis is committed to helping clients find, develop, and close deals that further their business objectives. Dennis regularly advises entrepreneurs and closely held businesses on matters incidental to their day-to-day business operations as well as their capital raising and start-up needs, corporate structure, private equity raises, and operating agreements. Much like general counsel, Dennis’s breadth of experience allows him to not only provide strategic planning and routine business transactional support to companies, but he also regularly advises on a number of unique issues facing companies by spotting issues and engaging specialists when needed, such as intellectual property, environmental, and bankruptcy counsel. As such, Dennis has been actively involved in sales and acquisitions of manufacturing companies, trucking companies, and logistics companies.

Ronald P. - Probate Lawyer in Peoria, Illinois
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Member Since:
August 10, 2023

Ronald P.

Associate General Counsel
Free Consultation
Woodridge, IL
45 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL
Loyola University of Chicago Law School

Senior experienced contracts/transactions attorney in the Software Technology space. Also very versed in general corporate legal matters relating to business operations.

Andre T. - Probate Lawyer in Peoria, Illinois
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Member Since:
September 6, 2023

Andre T.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Chicago
33 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL MO
University of Missouri - Columbia

Commercial Litigation attorney providing advice and counsel to management regarding employment related matters and risk management issues

Nadir C. - Probate Lawyer in Peoria, Illinois
View Nadir
Member Since:
September 6, 2023

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Probate Legal Questions and Answers

Probate

Power of Attorney

Illinois

Asked on Jul 24, 2025

How do I get my deceased son affairs taken care of. If I don’t have a power of attorney.

My son was murdered and he was not married. I’m his mother and they are telling me I need a power of attorney. But my son is deceased.

Randy M.

Answered Aug 30, 2025

I'm truly sorry for the loss of your son. I know this is an incredibly painful time, and the last thing you need is confusion around legal processes. What you were told about needing a power of attorney simply isn’t correct. A power of attorney only works while someone is alive. Once a person passes away, it becomes legally invalid. Because your son has passed, the legal route to handle his affairs is different. You’ll need to be appointed as the administrator of his estate through the probate court in Illinois. That’s the only way to get the authority to manage his accounts, deal with any property, pay off debts, and take care of the responsibilities that come with closing out his affairs. Since you’re his mother, and assuming he wasn’t married and didn’t have children, Illinois law gives you first priority to serve in this role. The court will issue you what’s called “Letters of Administration.” That document proves you have legal authority to act on behalf of your son’s estate. Now, there are two possible paths forward, and it all depends on the size and type of his estate. If his total assets are under $100,000 and he didn’t own real estate, you may be able to use what’s called a Small Estate Affidavit. It’s a simpler and much quicker process than formal probate. With that affidavit, you can approach banks and other institutions directly to access his accounts. On the other hand, if the estate is worth more than $100,000 or includes real estate, you’ll need to go through the full probate process. That involves filing a petition with the probate court in the county where your son lived. To get started, you’ll need a few things: several certified copies of his death certificate, a basic overview of what he owned and owed, proof that you’re his next of kin, and the court forms specific to your county. Once you’re appointed as administrator, you’ll be legally allowed to collect and manage his assets, access his bank accounts, pay any outstanding debts, handle insurance matters, and make sure whatever is left is distributed according to Illinois law. Given that this involves a murder investigation, things may be more complicated. Some of your son’s property might be held as evidence. There may also be a wrongful death claim or crime victim compensation to consider. These are important legal details, and it’s a good idea to work with a probate attorney who understands how to navigate both the probate process and the criminal case. If you're ready to take the next step, start by contacting the probate court in the county where your son lived. Most counties in Illinois offer self-help resources, forms, and guidance to help you begin. Still, given the circumstances, having a legal professional walk you through everything may bring some peace of mind. Here are some resources that may help: • Illinois Courts Self-Help Center: https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/self-help/ • Illinois Legal Aid: https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/ • Illinois State Bar Association Lawyer Finder: https://www.isba.org/public/illinoislawyerfinder • Cook County Probate Court: https://www.cookcountyclerkofcourt.org/ There are also Illinois probate attorneys here on Contracts Counsel who would be happy to assist you. Again, I’m sorry you’re having to deal with all of this. The people who told you to get a power of attorney probably meant well, but they were misinformed. What you need is a court appointment as the estate administrator. And as his mother, you have the legal right to take that step. Best wishes to you.

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Probate

Last Will and Testament

Missouri

Asked on May 5, 2026

Wat type of lawyer do I speak with about an estate that didn't use private court

My father passed away and his wife got/took everything without my knowledge. I am certain that my father would have left something to me and my sister but never heard anything from his wife .

Joseph B.

Answered May 12, 2026

I am very sorry that you are having to deal with a situation like this during such a difficult time in your life. You are most likely looking for a probate attorney. Probate attorneys handle the distribution of an estate after a person dies. They work with the court, debtors, heirs, etc. to distribute the estate per state law and any estate planning documents the person had.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Probate

Last Will and Testament

Tennessee

Asked on Sep 27, 2021

Is a deed of trust enough to prove ownership of a home when a spouse dies intestate in Tennessee?

My stepfather just passed away intestate. He has 2 adult children from a previous marriage. My mother (the widow) does not believe her name is on the property deed, but knows her name is on the Deed of Trust for their home. The home was purchased after marriage, as a couple. They resided together in the home for nearly 20 years. She is worried she will lose their home to intestate succession laws.

Forest H.

Answered Sep 28, 2021

It is unlikely that she will lose the home. She has certain rights to a spousal share of his estate regardless of the surviving children or the title to the home. She would certainly benefit from speaking with a local probate attorney who can assist her in protecting her interest.

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Probate

Power of Attorney

New Jersey

Asked on Feb 9, 2022

Can I hire someone to negotiate with my brother to settle or dead parents estate

Parent passed 7/2021 3 siblings, 2 agree completely on everything, the 3rd stole 200k over the last 2 years, strike his inheritance house for $1 and still wants 1/3 of remaining assets. Mom was incompetent by he was poa and breached his duties. We have mountains of bank records and just want him to go away with everything he already stole. He won't talk to us and his lawyer is hiding from phone calls.

Michael B.

Answered Feb 15, 2022

I certainly could have a detailed conversation, for free, and see how I can assist. I have more than 30 years experience as a lawyer in New Jersey, and I also am a trained mediator. If you want to contact me, we can schedule a mutually convenient time for a review of the circumstances.

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