Legal Services for Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs
Serving Families in the Northwest Suburbs
Legal guidance tailored to growing suburban communities
The Law Office of Johann Chau serves individuals and families throughout Chicago’s northwest suburbs, including Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Barrington, Palatine, and Hoffman Estates. We focus on probate, trust administration, guardianship, and planning tools designed to protect both loved ones and property. Whether you’re managing a family estate or planning for long-term care, we provide clear, personalized legal support close to home.
Comprehensive Legal Support for Northwest Suburban Families
Helping you navigate important decisions with confidence
We offer a full suite of services to clients across the northwest suburbs:
Probate
Guiding executors through the court process in Cook, Lake, and Kane Counties
Trust Administration
Helping trustees manage and distribute assets according to Illinois law
Guardianship
Assisting families seeking legal authority to care for minors or incapacitated loved ones
Special Needs Trusts (SNT)
Creating trusts to protect benefits and provide long-term care for loved ones with disabilities
Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (MAPT)
Preserving homes and savings while planning for nursing home and long-term care costs
Real Estate Closings
Representing buyers and sellers in suburban home transactions
Addressing the Needs of Northwest Suburban Communities
Practical solutions for family and property planning
The northwest suburbs are home to a mix of long-time residents and growing families. In Schaumburg and Arlington Heights, homeowners often prioritize protecting property value through proper probate or trust planning. In Barrington and Palatine, multi-generational estates and family businesses create unique considerations for trustees and executors. Families in Hoffman Estates frequently seek guidance on guardianship and special needs planning to secure care for children or aging parents. Our familiarity with suburban court systems and local priorities allows us to create legal solutions that truly fit these communities.
Frequently Asked Questions for Northwest Suburban Families
Legal guidance for Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, and beyond
How does probate work in the northwest suburbs?
Probate is filed in the county where the deceased person lived, which for these suburbs is often Cook, Lake, or Kane County. Each county has its own court procedures, deadlines, and filing requirements. For example, Schaumburg and Arlington Heights residents typically file through the Rolling Meadows courthouse, while Barrington estates may involve Lake County. We guide executors through these local processes, ensuring all requirements are met to settle estates efficiently and accurately.
Why is trust administration critical for families here?
Trust administration is key to transferring assets smoothly, especially for suburban families with significant real estate or investment holdings. In areas like Barrington and Palatine, trusts often include multi-property portfolios or family-owned businesses. Trustees must follow Illinois law and keep beneficiaries informed while managing assets responsibly. We provide structured guidance to make sure trustees handle their duties correctly and avoid disputes or liability.
What makes guardianship important in the northwest suburbs?
Many families in Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates care for elderly parents or have minor children who may need a legal guardian in case of unexpected events. Guardianship provides court-approved authority to make decisions about health, finances, and daily care when someone cannot manage on their own. The process can feel complex, but we guide families step by step, ensuring the court petition is handled properly and that guardians understand their ongoing responsibilities.
How do Special Needs Trusts benefit suburban families?
A Special Needs Trust allows you to provide long-term financial support for a loved one with disabilities while keeping them eligible for Medicaid or SSI benefits. In suburban communities where families often have more assets, an SNT is a critical tool to protect benefits while enhancing quality of life. These trusts can cover supplemental needs such as therapy, education, or personal care. We help families structure SNTs that integrate with their overall estate plan and comply with Illinois regulations.
When should I consider a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust in the northwest suburbs?
With the rising cost of long-term care in Cook and Lake Counties, planning early is essential to preserve family assets. A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust shields property and savings from being depleted by nursing home expenses while ensuring you qualify for Medicaid when needed. Many families in Arlington Heights and Barrington choose to set up MAPTs as part of proactive planning in their 50s and 60s to protect homes and wealth for future generations. We help navigate Illinois’ five-year look-back rules and integrate MAPTs into broader estate strategies.