Estate Planning Lawyer in Wilmette
Clear, compassionate guidance for Wilmette families
At the Law Office of Johann Chau, we help Wilmette residents protect their loved ones and property with practical legal solutions. From probate and trust administration to guardianship and long-term care planning, we guide you through every step with clarity and care. Wilmette’s lakefront homes, family-focused neighborhoods, and long-standing community ties make estate planning unique, and we design strategies that reflect this North Shore village’s character and needs.
Serving Wilmette With Comprehensive Legal Support
Practical solutions for families and property owners
We offer a full range of legal services to Wilmette families and surrounding communities:
- Probate – Assisting executors and heirs with Cook County probate filings and estate settlement
- Trust Administration – Helping trustees manage and distribute assets under Illinois law
- Guardianship – Guiding families in obtaining legal authority to care for minors or incapacitated adults
- Special Needs Trusts (SNT) – Creating trusts that protect benefits and provide long-term support for disabled loved ones
- Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (MAPT) – Preserving homes and savings while preparing for nursing home and long-term care costs
- Real Estate Closings – Legal representation for buying and selling Wilmette homes and lakefront properties
Planning tailored to North Shore priorities
Addressing property and family needs unique to this community
Estate and trust planning in Wilmette often involves high-value homes, lakefront property, and multi-generational wealth. Probate through Cook County can take time, making it critical to have clear plans in place to avoid delays. Trustees frequently handle estates with a mix of real estate and investment assets that require careful management and documentation. We help Wilmette families navigate these responsibilities with practical, step-by-step guidance.
Personalized solutions for a close-knit community
Supporting parents, retirees, and caregivers
Wilmette’s strong family roots mean estate planning often involves both protecting children’s futures and preserving long-held family homes. Parents frequently focus on naming guardians and creating trusts to safeguard their growing families. Retirees review existing plans to ensure assets pass smoothly to the next generation and avoid probate complications. Families caring for aging parents or loved ones with disabilities often seek Special Needs Trusts or Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts to balance care needs with asset protection. We build plans that reflect Wilmette’s values and priorities.
