Law Office of Johann Chau
Your Family’s Future Deserves Care
Estate planning can feel overwhelming. We’ll make it simple, personal, and tailored to your needs—serving families across Chicago and the suburbs.
A Law Firm That Feels Like Family
Compassionate guidance for life’s important decisions
At the Law Office of Johann Chau, we know planning for the future isn’t just about documents—it’s about people. As a husband-and-wife team, we offer a warm, personal approach to estate planning and probate. Whether you’re making your first will, settling a loved one’s estate, or planning for special needs, we’re here to guide you every step of the way with care, clarity, and compassion.
Planning Made Simple and Personal
We help you take the next step with confidence
Planning for the future doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. We help individuals and families across Chicago and nearby suburbs create clear, customized plans to protect loved ones, preserve assets, and ease life’s transitions. From young parents in Lincoln Park to retirees in Naperville, our services are tailored to meet your needs.
Estate Planning
Thoughtful wills, trusts, and powers of attorney designed to reflect your goals and provide peace of mind for the road ahead.
Probate & Trust Administration
Step-by-step guidance for executors and trustees navigating Illinois estate settlement after the loss of a loved one.
Guardianship
Compassionate assistance for families seeking legal authority to care for minors or loved ones who can no longer manage their own affairs.
Special Needs & Medicaid Planning
Protecting benefits for disabled loved ones and helping families plan for long-term care without losing everything to nursing home costs.
Planning today so your family feels supported tomorrow—every step, every detail, every story.
Meet Johann and Mina
Here to guide you
At the Law Office of Johann Chau, you’ll work directly with Johann, an experienced estate planning attorney who takes the time to listen, explain, and make sure every detail is handled with care. By his side is Mina, a dedicated paralegal who helps clients feel at ease throughout the process and keeps everything running smoothly. Together, they’ve built a modern, family-focused practice that feels less like a law office and more like a trusted partner helping you plan for life’s most important moments.
Common Questions About Estate Planning
Helpful answers when you’re just getting started
Do I really need an estate plan if I don’t own much?
Absolutely. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone who wants to make their wishes clear and ease the burden on their loved ones. Even if you don’t own a home or have a large estate, a will can ensure your belongings go to the people you choose and avoid unnecessary legal hurdles for your family. In Illinois, dying without a will means the state decides who inherits your property, which may not align with your wishes. We help clients in Chicago and the suburbs create tailored plans that fit their unique lives.
How long does it take to create an estate plan?
For most clients, we can complete the estate planning process in just a few weeks. Our step-by-step approach ensures you’ll never feel rushed or left in the dark, and we’re happy to move at your pace. Some families come to us with urgent needs—like an upcoming surgery or international travel—and in those cases, we can expedite documents to provide peace of mind quickly. Whether you’re in Lakeview or Naperville, we’ll guide you from start to finish with clarity and care.
What happens if I die without a will in Illinois?
If you pass away without a will, Illinois intestacy laws will decide how your assets are distributed. This often means your property is divided among your closest relatives, which may not reflect your wishes. For example, unmarried partners and stepchildren are not recognized under these default laws. Without clear instructions, your family could face unnecessary stress, legal delays, or even disputes. We help clients throughout Chicagoland create simple, legally sound plans to avoid these issues and give their loved ones peace of mind.
Do you offer consultations in languages other than English?
Yes, we’re proud to offer services in English, Cantonese Chinese, and Vietnamese. We understand how important it is to feel fully informed and comfortable when making legal decisions, especially for families navigating cultural or language barriers. Whether you’re in Skokie, Hyde Park, or Schaumburg, we can provide personalized guidance in the language you’re most comfortable with.
I’m dealing with a loved one’s estate—can you help?
Yes, we regularly assist executors and trustees with settling estates and managing trust administration. The probate process in Cook County and surrounding areas can feel daunting, but we’re here to simplify each step—handling paperwork, court filings, and deadlines so you can focus on your family. Even if your loved one had a living trust, there are still legal steps to complete. From Evanston to Orland Park, we provide compassionate guidance to help you close this chapter with confidence.
