Best Estate planning lawyers in Chicago, IL (2026)

How we ranked: Our editorial team evaluated Chicago estate planning attorneys using four weighted criteria. Practice focus and specialization in trusts, wills, and estate administration carried 35% of our assessment. Online reputation signals, including directory recognition and peer reviews, accounted for 30%. Service breadth, particularly tax planning and complex estate matters, represented 25%. Accessibility factors such as consultation availability and transparent fee structures made up the remaining 10%. We prioritized firms demonstrating depth in estate planning rather than generalist practices.

1. The Dynasty Firm

The Dynasty Firm leads our 2026 rankings as our editorial pick for personalized trust and estate administration services. Attorney Jacklyn Truppa presents a focused practice dedicated exclusively to estate planning matters, which we valued highly in our assessment. The firm's marketing emphasizes customization over template-based solutions, a distinction that stood out during our review. We selected this practice for readers seeking boutique-level attention to complex trust structures. The singular focus on estate planning, rather than diversification across multiple practice areas, aligned perfectly with our methodology's emphasis on specialization. For clients prioritizing individualized service and dedicated expertise, this firm merits serious consideration.

2. Neal Gerber Eisenberg

Neal Gerber Eisenberg ranks second in our assessment as our pick for high-net-worth estate planning. This established Chicago law firm explicitly markets its services toward affluent individuals and families, suggesting a practice calibrated for complex financial situations. We appreciated the firm's institutional presence and the positioning of estate planning within a broader private wealth services framework. The integration with related wealth management disciplines impressed our editorial team as valuable for clients with multifaceted financial profiles. While larger firms sometimes dilute specialization, the dedicated estate planning division structure here mitigated that concern. For clients with substantial assets requiring sophisticated tax strategies and multi-generational planning, this firm represents a strong choice in our opinion.

3. Peck Ritchey, LLC

Peck Ritchey, LLC secured third place in our rankings for its integration of elder law and estate planning services. The firm offers an array of services including wills, trusts, and notably nursing home planning, which we found particularly relevant for Chicago's aging population. This dual focus addresses both legacy planning and late-life care concerns, a combination that stood out during our evaluation. The firm also maintains substantial experience in probate and guardianship litigation, adding depth to the estate planning foundation. We selected this practice for clients anticipating long-term care considerations alongside traditional estate matters. The phone consultation availability and established Chicago presence further supported our ranking decision.

4. Matlin Law Group

Matlin Law Group earns our fourth position for its geographic accessibility across Chicago and Northbrook locations. The firm's offering of free initial consultations particularly appealed to our evaluation of client accessibility. Matlin presents itself as specializing in trusts, wills, and estate administration, hitting the core services our methodology prioritized. The multi-location model suggests capacity to serve clients across the broader Chicago metropolitan area, not just downtown. We viewed the combination of specialization depth with regional reach as valuable for clients seeking convenience without sacrificing expertise. The firm's marketing emphasizes trust building, which aligns with the relational nature of estate planning work. For clients in northern suburbs or seeking flexible meeting locations, this firm warrants consideration.

5. AGDG Law

AGDG Law ranks fifth in our assessment, selected particularly for its stated experience with complex tax avoidance strategies. The firm explicitly mentions handling matters beyond traditional wills and trusts, extending to sophisticated tax planning scenarios. This range impressed our editorial team as evidence of capability with high-complexity estates. The Chicago trusts and estates team presents as experienced across the full spectrum from straightforward to intricate planning situations. We valued this versatility, as it suggests the firm can grow with clients whose estate planning needs evolve over time. For clients with business interests, significant investment portfolios, or multi-state assets requiring advanced tax strategies, this practice merits evaluation in our view.

6. Bott Estate Planning

Bott Estate Planning claims our sixth spot, standing out for its transparent consultation pricing structure. The firm explicitly mentions a $500 consultation arrangement, a level of pricing clarity we found refreshing in our review. This Chicago-based practice emphasizes ensuring assets are handled according to client wishes, a client-centric positioning we appreciated. The straightforward marketing approach suggests a practice focused on accessibility and clear communication. We selected this firm for readers who value upfront cost transparency and direct engagement. While we cannot verify the full scope of services from the available information, the commitment to working closely with clients on asset disposition resonated with our assessment criteria for personalized service.

7. Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP

Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP ranks seventh in our evaluation, selected for its emphasis on asset protection through sophisticated planning. The firm's wills, trusts, and estates practice group presents itself as providing sound and sensible counsel focused on protecting client assets. We appreciated the protective framing, which aligns with a core estate planning objective. As a litigation-capable firm with a dedicated estates division, the practice appears positioned to handle contentious matters if they arise. This dual capability impressed our team as valuable insurance for clients whose estate plans might face challenges. The established institutional presence suggests stability and resources. For clients prioritizing asset preservation and seeking a firm capable of defensive planning, this practice merits attention in our opinion.

8. Correa Law

Correa Law takes eighth place in our rankings as our pick for integrated elder law and estate planning services. The firm presents itself as specializing in estate planning, elder law, wills, trusts, and probate matters, offering what it describes as personalized legal strategies. We valued this holistic approach to aging and legacy planning. The emphasis on asset protection alongside traditional estate planning documents suggests attention to preservation concerns. The marketing promises customization rather than cookie-cutter solutions, which aligned with our methodology's preference for tailored service. For clients seeking a practice that addresses both estate planning and elder care legal issues under one roof, this firm represents a solid option in our assessment. The personalized strategy emphasis particularly appealed to our editorial judgment.

9. Bradford Miller Law, P.C.

Bradford Miller Law, P.C. ranks ninth in our evaluation, selected particularly for its dual focus on real estate law and estate planning. This combination stood out as potentially valuable for clients whose estates include significant real property holdings. The firm emphasizes integrity and experience across its Chicago real estate and estate planning practices. We found this pairing logical given the importance of property in many estate plans. For clients with complex real estate portfolios, rental properties, or commercial holdings, the integrated expertise presents as advantageous in our opinion. The firm's marketing suggests a practice built on experience, though we note it also handles matters beyond estate planning. For real estate-heavy estates requiring coordinated legal strategies, this practice warrants consideration.

10. Ted London Law

Ted London Law rounds out our top ten as our editorial selection for community-focused southside Chicago estate planning services. The firm describes itself as Chicagoland's leading practice for estate planning and probate, alongside personal injury work. We selected this firm for its explicit geographic focus on Chicago's southside communities, which may offer cultural competency and accessibility for residents in those neighborhoods. The combination of estate planning with probate experience suggests capability across the estate lifecycle. While the firm also handles accident and injury matters, the dedicated estate planning positioning within a community context impressed our review team. For southside Chicago residents seeking local representation with neighborhood roots, this practice represents a consideration-worthy option in our judgment.

FAQ

What should I look for when choosing an estate planning lawyer in Chicago?

In our editorial opinion, prioritize attorneys who dedicate substantial practice time specifically to estate planning rather than generalists. Look for evidence of experience with situations similar to yours, whether that involves business succession, blended families, special needs trusts, or tax-minimization strategies. Accessibility matters too, including consultation availability, clear fee structures, and communication style that matches your preferences. Finally, consider whether you need ancillary services like elder law or real estate expertise that might be valuable to coordinate with your estate plan.

How much does estate planning typically cost in Chicago?

Costs vary widely based on estate complexity and attorney experience. Simple wills might start around $500 to $1,500, while trusts and more sophisticated plans can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more for high-net-worth or complex situations. Some firms charge flat fees for defined services, while others bill hourly. We recommend requesting clear fee structures during initial consultations and comparing total expected costs across multiple firms. The cheapest option rarely proves most valuable, but transparency about pricing should be standard regardless of cost level.

Do I need a trust or is a will sufficient for my estate?

This depends entirely on your individual circumstances, assets, and goals. Wills handle basic asset distribution but require probate, which in Illinois can be time-consuming and public. Trusts avoid probate, offer more control over distribution timing, and provide privacy, but cost more to establish. Our editorial view is that individuals with minor children, significant assets, real estate in multiple states, or privacy concerns often benefit from trusts. However, simpler estates with straightforward distribution wishes may find wills adequate. Consult with an attorney who can assess your specific situation rather than relying on general rules.

How often should I update my estate plan?

Most estate planning attorneys recommend reviewing your plan every three to five years, or whenever significant life events occur. Marriage, divorce, births, deaths, substantial asset changes, business sales or acquisitions, and moves to different states all warrant immediate review. Tax law changes can also necessitate updates, though your attorney should proactively notify you of relevant legislative shifts. In our opinion, treating estate planning as a one-time transaction rather than an ongoing process represents a common mistake. Establish a relationship with an attorney who will help you maintain current, effective planning as your life and the law evolve.

Editorial opinion only. Rankings reflect our independent assessment based on the criteria above, drawn from publicly available information current as of 2026-05-14. No firm paid for placement or editorial review.