Barry C Bergstrom & Associates Ltd.

When seeking legal assistance for important matters such as estate planning, probate, or other personal legal needs, finding an attorney who is not only knowledgeable but also reliably communicative and diligent is crucial. For residents across Illinois, particularly in the Chicagoland area and specifically in Lansing, the choice of legal counsel can significantly impact the outcome and ease of handling complex affairs. This article aims to provide an overview of Barry C. Bergstrom & Associates Ltd., located in Lansing, Illinois, to help local users make informed decisions about their legal representation.

Legal processes, especially those involving sensitive family matters or financial inheritances, require careful attention and consistent follow-through. It is natural to expect clear communication, timely action, and a dedicated approach from your chosen legal professional. This overview will delve into the specifics of Barry C. Bergstrom & Associates Ltd., including their location, general services, and what prospective clients in Illinois might consider based on publicly available information and client feedback. Our goal is to present a factual and informative perspective, empowering you to navigate your legal choices wisely.

We understand that selecting an attorney is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of various factors, including the attorney's experience, responsiveness, and track record. This overview is designed to offer a comprehensive look at Barry C. Bergstrom & Associates Ltd., allowing you to weigh the various aspects that are important to you in your search for legal assistance in the Prairie State.

Location and Accessibility

Barry C. Bergstrom & Associates Ltd. is conveniently located in Lansing, Illinois, making their legal services accessible to individuals throughout the Chicagoland area, especially those in the South Suburbs. Their office is situated at 3330 181st Pl #104, Lansing, IL 60438, USA. This address places them within a well-established area of Lansing, which typically offers ease of access. For individuals commuting from nearby communities like Lynwood, Calumet City, or even parts of Northwest Indiana that border Lansing, the office's location should be straightforward to reach, minimizing travel time and logistical concerns.

This local presence in Lansing underscores Barry C. Bergstrom & Associates Ltd.'s commitment to serving the immediate community directly. It allows for more convenient in-person consultations and, ideally, fosters a deeper understanding of local court procedures and the specific legal dynamics of the area. The aim is to provide a setting where clients can comfortably discuss their sensitive personal and legal matters, with legal assistance located close to home.

Services Offered

Based on the provided client reviews, Barry C. Bergstrom & Associates Ltd. appears to handle matters related to estate planning and probate. One review specifically mentions "review estate papers" and dealing with issues "after losing our beloved father" and concerning "our dad's hard-earned savings and our inheritance." These details strongly suggest a focus on:

• Estate Planning: This typically involves assisting individuals in planning for the distribution of their assets and the care of their dependents after their passing. Services generally include the drafting of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other relevant documents to ensure clients' wishes are honored and to minimize tax implications and probate complications.
• Probate and Estate Administration: Guiding families and executors through the legal process of probating a will, administering an estate, settling debts, and distributing assets to heirs or beneficiaries after a loved one has passed away. This can be a complex and often lengthy process that requires diligent legal oversight.

While the reviews specifically point to these areas, it is common for attorneys with a focus on estate planning and probate to also handle related matters such as real estate transactions (especially those involving inherited property) or other aspects of general civil law that might intersect with family or property issues. However, the primary focus, based on available information, appears to be in the realm of estates.

Features / Highlights

When considering any legal professional, it's helpful to look at various aspects of their practice. Based on the provided client reviews, several key points to consider regarding Barry C. Bergstrom & Associates Ltd. include:

• Experience as a Multi-Generational Attorney: One client noted Mr. Bergstrom was their "multi-generational family attorney." This suggests a long-standing history of practice and a client base that has entrusted him with legal matters across different generations, which can indicate familiarity and established relationships within the community.

However, it is equally important to acknowledge the significant concerns raised in the provided customer reviews. These highlight potential issues that prospective clients should be aware of and consider during their decision-making process:

• Lack of Communication/Responsiveness: Both reviews heavily emphasize a severe lack of communication, with mentions of "obfuscate and avoid countless phone calls and emails" and "several calls which were not returned." This is a critical concern for any legal service, as timely and clear communication is paramount for client satisfaction and case progress.
• Lack of Action/Dilatory Conduct: Clients report that Mr. Bergstrom "did nothing" despite taking a deposit and that they were "waiting in vain for him to do his job." This raises serious questions about the firm's diligence and ability to progress cases in a timely manner.
• Financial Loss for Clients: Both reviews cite significant financial detriment to the clients, with "tens of thousands of dollars of our dad's hard-earned savings and our inheritance" being cost and a "deposit over two months ago" not resulting in any work. This directly impacts clients' financial well-being and trust.
• Failure to Return Deposits/Funds: One review explicitly states asking for a deposit to be returned after no work was done, and the attorney was "checking it out and will get back to me," indicating potential issues with refunding client funds.
• Compounded Grief/Negative Impact: In a sensitive area like estate planning/probate after a loss, one client reported "two years of compounded grief" due to the attorney's alleged inaction, highlighting the emotional toll of their experience.

These points suggest a need for prospective clients to conduct extremely thorough due diligence, including asking specific questions about communication protocols, case management timelines, and fee arrangements, and seeking recent references to ensure their expectations can be met.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a professional legal service, it is less common for law firms to offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional retail sense. Legal fees are typically based on the complexity of the case, the time invested, and the attorney's experience. However, standard practices in the legal field that benefit clients often include:

• Initial Consultations: It is common for attorneys to offer an initial consultation, sometimes at a reduced fee, to discuss the client's legal issue and determine if the firm is the right fit. However, the provided reviews indicate potential issues even with the handling of initial deposits for such services.
• Fee Structures: For estate planning and probate, attorneys may charge hourly rates, flat fees for specific services (like drafting a will), or a percentage of the estate in probate. Transparency in billing and clear agreements are critical for client satisfaction.

Given the concerns raised in the reviews regarding deposits and fees, any potential client should prioritize a clear, written agreement detailing all costs, services, and timelines before engaging the firm.

Contact Information

For those in Illinois considering legal assistance from Barry C. Bergstrom & Associates Ltd., you can reach their office using the following details:

• Address: 3330 181st Pl #104, Lansing, IL 60438, USA
• Phone: (708) 895-7040
• Mobile Phone: +1 708-895-7040

When contacting any legal office, particularly with the concerns noted in the reviews, it would be advisable to clearly state your inquiry and expectations for communication and service from the outset.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For the residents of Illinois, particularly those in Lansing and the wider Chicagoland area, who are seeking legal assistance for sensitive matters such as estate planning or probate, the choice of attorney requires careful consideration. Barry C. Bergstrom & Associates Ltd. is a locally based firm, which offers the geographic convenience of proximity, making it easier for local clients to attend in-person meetings and manage their legal affairs without extensive travel.

However, it is crucial for local residents to weigh the available public feedback diligently. While the firm's presence as a "multi-generational family attorney" could suggest a long-standing relationship with the community, the significant and repeated concerns raised in client reviews regarding a severe lack of communication, alleged inaction, and considerable financial loss are paramount. These concerns directly impact the core expectations clients have of their legal counsel: diligence, transparency, and effective advocacy.

Therefore, while the firm's local presence in Lansing offers geographical suitability, prospective clients in Illinois are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution and perform thorough due diligence. This should include seeking clear, written agreements on services and fees, verifying communication protocols, and perhaps seeking alternative legal counsel to ensure that their vital legal matters are handled with the necessary professionalism, responsiveness, and care.