Itasca Estate Planning Lawyers

David J. Winthers is a lifelong resident of DuPage County having graduated from Wheaton Central High School in 1974 and Wheaton College in 1977.

I believe that every home should be titled in the name of a revocable living trust. Probate is nothing more than a way for lawyers to make money. If someone tells you that all you need is a will, they are wrong. A revocable living trust is the best way to avoid probate and plan for periods of incapitation. Creating a trust is not hard and it is not only for the rich. Therefore I have dedicated my career to making the estate planning process as easy and affordable as possible. It starts with using...

Mildred ("Millie") V. Palmer graduated Cum Laude from University of Flordia's College of Law in 1990 with a concentration in taxation and estate planning. After graduation she went to work for Ernst and Young as a tax attorney in the Special Services Group while taking LLM classes at Chicago Kent. In 1992 she moved from Ernst and Young to Gardner Carton and Douglas where she practiced tax law. As a tax attorney attached to a large firm, Millie saw a wide variety of work in the area of taxation, charitable giving, corporate work and estate planning. During this time, she...

Axel R. Cerny grew up in the DuPage County community, attending Wheaton Academy in West Chicago. Following graduation in 2006, Axel attended Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications/ Journalism studies in 2010. From there, Axel returned to the area to study at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. He earned a Juris Doctorate degree in 2013, and after passing the bar exam was promptly hired to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office as an Assistant State’s Attorney. There he worked for two years under DuPage County State’s Attorney, Bob Berlin, prosecuting...

Since 1991 Steve's practice has grown tremendously. Steve practices in foreclosure defense, estate planning, real estate and mortgage loan modifications and his practice has grown to include several lawyers and support staff. (Steve's partner Gary Newland and his team practices in personal injury_ Due to Steve's experience and expertise he is often asked to speak at bar association seminars to other lawyers on areas of law that he practices in. Steve has also volunteered his services to the foreclosure court help desk at the courthouse to assist individuals who are facing foreclosure. Due to Steve's success...

Ben Schneider is a client focused which means that it is important to him to cultivate a personal relationship with each of his clients. By doing this, he is able to give each new client’s case individual attention and analyze every legal issue thoroughly and completely.

Ben Schneider acts as the one of the principal bankruptcy attorneys for Schneider & Stone where he focuses on individual Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings as well as business Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 filings. Ben also practices in the areas of family law and litigation and is the point attorney for divorce and...

Bradley R. Kaye (“Brad”) is a licensed attorney concentrating in the areas of divorce, post-decree issues, estate planning, and criminal law. Brad is based in the Schaumburg office of Anderson & Associates, P.C., and handles cases primarily in Cook, DuPage, Kane and Will counties.

Makedonka Baloski earned a B.A. from Indiana University in 1996 with a double
major in History and Anthropology with a concentration in Eastern
European studies. In 2000, she received a J.D. from Valparaiso University School of Law. She served as an Article Editor for the Valparaiso University Law Review.

Upon admission to the Illinois bar, Makedonka worked in Chicago
mainly focused in civil defense. She is also admitted to practice in Indiana.

Attorney Robert Schaller has practiced law for more than 35 years. He is licensed to practice in the State of Illinois. Attorney Schaller is the founder of the Schaller Law Firm, P.C. and concentrates his legal practice on clients who need relief from IRS back-taxes. Schaller directs the National Offer in Compromise Academy, which offers online educational courses. Robert Schaller received his B.S. in Accountancy in 1982 from the University of Illinois at Champaign – Urbana. He earned his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law in 1985 and served on the College’s Law Review. He studied for an...

Attorney who helps bring peace and comfort to his clients by providing the individuals and businesses with solutions to help protect their interests and pursue their dreams and aspirations.

Don has been representing businesses and entrepeneurs in the Chicago metropolitan area since beginning his practice in 1975. He has experience advising individuals on the formation of their businesses, and the legal issues involved in operation of their businesses. This includes the drafting of corporate business formation documents, buy-sell agreements, LLC operating agreements, partnership agreements, independent contractor agreements, employment contracts, and business agreements in a variety of contexts. He has served as general outside counsel to businesses in the travel industry, construction industry, manufacturing industry, medical industry, and many other types of service industries. He is a great resource...

Bob Ross has practiced in Illinois in areas of wills and trusts, business law, acquisitions, succession planning and related commercial real estate matters since 1980.

I founded Corporate & Estate Legal Services, Ltd. to focus on business contracts, commercial litigation, estate planning and probate cases. I have decades of experience handling civil litigation and commercial contracts. I represent both plaintiffs and defendants. I have a broad spectrum approach to B2B litigation. I can negotiate deals, document agreements, litigate, pursue post judgment collection, and prosecute or defend judgments on appeal. I was a scholastic debater in high school and college. I am very comfortable with contract litigation, declaratory judgments, decedent's estates, and business torts. My experience affords me the luxury of handling all phases...

The most important thing to know about Mr. Larsens practice is the level of concern and commitment he brings to each and every client who come to him for representation. He realizes the outcome of these matters represent extremely important events in your life. People want service, quality and trust. Mr. Larsen is an experienced lawyer and he directly handles all the details associated with your legal issues. Count on his help and availability every step of the way, from your initial meeting with him to the final resolution of your case.

At Work

Brian J. Tharp is the founding partner of Tharp & Associates, Ltd. Brian is a graduate of St. Olaf College, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and a concentration in Asian Studies. Brian attended law school at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where he received a Juris Doctor Degree. In 2006 Brian began practicing as the Law Offices of Brian J. Tharp in the Chicago Loop. In 2010, Brian merged his practice with the Law Offices of Michael Gunderson, to form Gunderson & Tharp. In 2014 Brian moved his practice to Arlington Heights and...

For nearly 40 years, Gregory Turza has helped hundreds of individuals plan their estates, providing practical and effective answers to complex problems with explanations that are clear, cogent and accurate. His firm’s goal is to bring you peace of mind knowing that your family’s inheritance is protected and that surviving family members find themselves in harmony instead of in court by creating plans that suit your unique financial, personal and family circumstances. Don't delay managing these most critical areas of your life.

I offer independent advice to people just like you who make prudent and informed decisions about protecting and...

I am an experienced attorney that specializes in Criminal Defense including DUI and Traffic Law, Bankruptcy, Landlord/Tenant Disputes, Debt Settlement and Estate Planning. I was awarded the Rising Star award by Super Lawyers in 2023. I am an experienced litigator with several years of litigation experience having tried over 50 cases in both the jury trial and bench trial setting. I have served as an Assistant State's Attorney for the State's Attorney's Office prosecuting criminal and traffic offenses. I also have tried and obtained favorable results for Criminal Felonies and Criminal Misdemeanor trials. After my service with the State's Attorney's...

Thomas Hansen was born in Chicago, Illinois and grew up on the South Side of Chicago and Park Ridge, Illinois. Thomas lives in Park Ridge, with his wife and three children. Thomas received a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Northern Illinois University, a Certified Public Accountant Certificate from the University of Illinois, a Master of Science in Taxation from DePaul University, a Juris Doctor with Distinction from John Marshal Law School. Thomas is a member of the Illinois Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, the Northwest Suburban Bar Association, American Association of Attorney-Certified Public Accountants, Illinois Society of Certified Public...

Working to help clients protect their property and deal with difficult financial situations

About Attorney Douglas Boodt I received my law degree from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago and have been practicing law since 1999. Prior to attending law school, I built and managed a small business for ten years. I established my law practice in 1999 to provide professional and committed legal representation in the legal fields of Estate Planning and Business Law. I have assisted hundreds of clients in reaching their goals and giving them peace of mind by handling their legal affairs with integrity, respect and intelligence. I will listen to you and assist you in building a...

I have been assisting families in family law and estate planning for over 25 years.

- Chicago-Kent College of Law - Loyola University Chicago - Former Sergeant of United States Marines

Professional Career Senior tax accountant and manager at Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. Partner at a boutique law firm Founded Anthony J. Madonia & Associates, Ltd. (AJM&A) in 1995. Practice areas include estate planning & administration, business strategy & planning, corporate law, and taxation Anthony J. Madonia & Associates, Ltd. came from the vision of a service-oriented, hands-on practice where clients receive comprehensive support and expedient attention. Early in my career, I recognized the value of providing multi- dimensional insight when guiding clients through complex transactions. We are a law firm that prides itself on being a resource for helping privately held firms,...

Jason Taken is a Navy Veteran turned Estate Planning and Probate attorney. Jason serves Cook County and the broader Northern Illinois areas.

Kerry Peck is the past president of the Chicago Bar Association (CBA) and founder of the Elder Law Committee of the CBA. He is also the managing partner of the Chicago law firm, Peck Ritchey, LLC, whose clients include families, hospitals, banks, the State of Illinois, County of Cook, and City of Chicago. He provides legal representation for trust and guardianship litigation, business planning, and estate planning.

Mr. Peck is well experienced in guiding his clients through the probate process, assisting in the transfer of assets and resolution of claims, and implementing estate plans. He is also very dedicated in...

Philip M. Fornaro is the managing attorney at Fornaro Law. Adopting a “never give up” attitude, Philip has become known for his ability to succeed where others fail for the last 20 years. His decision to diversify his practice in 2004 has resulted in the creation of a full service law firm which provides quality representation in a variety of legal areas. Philip follows the rule that positive energy will yield positive results. This energy is the driving force behind the success of Fornaro Law. He has become adept at creating a network and team between clients,...

Founded in 2009 by Lee Zeidman, Zeidman & Associates Ltd. set out to provide legal services to clients in a unique and ambitious manner. Focused first on the goals of each client rather than the bottom line, Zeidman & Associates built its foundation upon not only providing legal services but advising clients on the most efficient manner to resolve their legal issue or create their new business. In each of its practice areas, Zeidman & Associates strives to provide a unique experience for its clients so that they continue to return for each of their legal and consulting needs....

Over 30 years ago, Bill Wilson began his legal career along side his dad, James T. Wilson and practiced with him until his passing in 2008. Bill carries on the legacy of compassionate, expert legal counsel concentrating in the areas of Elder Law, Estate Planning, Business Succession, Medicaid Planning and Estate Planning for Families that have Children with Disabilities.

Bill feels a “profound obligation to provide counsel that ensures the safety of the hard earned assets of families.”

He extends that obligation outside of his practice too. Currently, he serves as President of Aging Care Connections Board, a not-for-profit agency in La...

I am the founding attorney and owner of Qazi Law Offices. I received my Juris Doctorate from DePaul University Law School and my Bachelor of Arts from Loyola University Chicago.

In law school, I became fascinated and horrified by the prevalence of human trafficking. As an intern and associate at the International Human Rights Institute, I handled cases from hundreds of victims of trafficking who lived in Latin America. As horrible as their experiences were, I realized this was my calling: I could help them regain their voices and I was determined to fight for their liberties.

As an...