Legal Services for Chicago Neighborhoods
Serving Families Across Chicago’s Communities
Tailored guidance for every stage of life
The Law Office of Johann Chau proudly serves families in Chicago’s many neighborhoods, from Lincoln Park and Lakeview to Hyde Park and the West Loop. Our practice focuses on helping individuals and families with probate, trust administration, guardianship, and planning for special circumstances like disability or long-term care. We understand the unique needs of city residents and design legal solutions that reflect both personal goals and the realities of urban living.
Comprehensive Legal Support in Chicago
Guiding city families through life’s important decisions
We provide a full suite of services for clients across Chicago neighborhoods:
Probate
Assisting executors and heirs with the Cook County probate process and estate settlement.
Trust Administration
Helping trustees manage and distribute assets according to Illinois law.
Guardianship
Guiding families through the legal process of caring for incapacitated loved ones or minors.
Special Needs Trusts (SNT)
Creating trusts that protect benefits for loved ones with disabilities.
Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (MAPT)
Preserving assets while planning for nursing home and long-term care costs.
Real Estate Closings
Providing legal representation for buyers and sellers in Chicago home and condo transactions.
Understanding the Needs of Chicago Families
Addressing urban-specific legal considerations
Estate and trust matters often look different for city residents. In neighborhoods like Hyde Park or Ravenswood, multi-generational homes and long-standing family properties require careful planning to avoid probate complications. Condo owners in West Loop or South Loop must account for association rules and documentation during real estate transactions or trust administration. Families in Lincoln Park and Lakeview frequently seek guidance on guardianship and special needs planning to protect their children and vulnerable loved ones. Our experience serving Chicago neighborhoods allows us to navigate these nuances with clarity and care.
Frequently Asked Questions for Chicago Families
Legal guidance tailored to city living
What makes probate different for Chicago properties?
Probate for Chicago-based estates involves filing through the Cook County Probate Court, which follows strict procedures for validating wills, notifying heirs, and addressing debts. City properties can present unique challenges due to historical ownership records or multiple parcels under one estate. For older homes in neighborhoods like Hyde Park or Logan Square, title research is often necessary to ensure clean transfers. We help executors meet all requirements and resolve property-specific issues to keep the process on track and minimize stress.
Why is trust administration important for Chicago families?
Trust administration allows assets to be managed and distributed without going through probate, but it requires trustees to follow precise legal obligations. In Chicago, trusts often include real estate in high-density neighborhoods and investment properties, which require special attention to valuation and management. Trustees must also maintain detailed records and keep beneficiaries informed. Our role is to guide trustees step by step, ensuring they comply with Illinois law and protect the trust’s integrity for all parties involved.
When is guardianship necessary for city residents?
Guardianship becomes necessary when an individual cannot make decisions for themselves and no prior legal documents are in place. In Chicago, this often applies to elderly parents living independently in the city, incapacitated adults, or minors needing a legal caretaker. The process requires court approval and ongoing oversight, which can feel daunting. We help families petition the court and fulfill their responsibilities while making the process as straightforward and compassionate as possible.
How do Special Needs Trusts help Chicago families?
A Special Needs Trust allows you to provide financial support to a loved one with disabilities without affecting their eligibility for Medicaid or SSI. For families in diverse Chicago neighborhoods, this is a critical tool to ensure long-term care and quality of life. These trusts can cover supplemental needs such as therapies, education, and personal care. We work with families to structure SNTs correctly under Illinois law so they integrate seamlessly with existing benefits and estate plans.
Why should I consider a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust in the city?
Chicago families face rising costs for nursing homes and long-term care facilities, making proactive planning essential. A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust shields certain assets—like your home or savings—while allowing you to qualify for Medicaid benefits when needed. Because of the five-year look-back period, it’s important to set up a MAPT well before care is required. We help city residents structure these trusts to preserve wealth and secure care for the future without sacrificing their legacy.