David Wells & Associates PC

For individuals and families across Illinois, securing their financial future and ensuring their legacy often involves navigating complex legal terrains, particularly in the areas of estate planning, probate, and trust administration. These are deeply personal and critical decisions that require not only profound legal knowledge but also a compassionate and understanding approach. In Chicago, Illinois, David Wells & Associates PC stands out as a boutique law firm dedicated to providing exceptional legal services in these specialized fields.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of David Wells & Associates PC, highlighting their expertise, their convenient Chicago location, and the key features that make them a highly recommended choice for locals in Illinois. From crafting comprehensive estate plans to guiding through complex probate processes, this firm is committed to offering personalized counsel and building long-term relationships with their clients, ensuring peace of mind and the effective transfer and preservation of wealth.

David Wells & Associates PC is a distinguished, referral-only boutique law firm based in Chicago, Illinois, with an exclusive focus on estate planning, probate, and trust administration. Founded in 1999 by David A. Wells, Jr., the firm operates on the core principle of understanding the unique needs and concerns of each client, striving to deliver exceptional legal services with a highly personalized touch. David A. Wells, Jr., a cum laude graduate of the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University, brings nearly twenty years of experience in estate planning, having previously been a named partner in a well-regarded suburban Chicago practice. He is also a published author and a regular lecturer throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, demonstrating his recognized expertise and commitment to educating the community. The firm's team also includes Jack William Benge II, who focuses on trust settlement, probate estates, contract review, pre-marital agreements, and real estate transactions, and Richard A. Moen, who serves as the administrative bridge, working directly with clients on their estate planning, probate, and real estate goals. David Wells & Associates PC prides itself on not being the biggest firm, but rather on providing tailored, high-quality legal services aimed at forming long-term client relationships. They service a diverse client base, from young professionals to retirees and entrepreneurs, all with a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to helping clients accomplish their long-term goals for wealth transfer and preservation.

David Wells & Associates PC is conveniently located at 609 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613, USA. This address places the firm in the vibrant Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, offering excellent accessibility for clients throughout the city and the broader Illinois region. Addison Street is a well-known thoroughfare, making the office easy to find. In a dense urban environment like Chicago, accessibility is paramount, and this location excels. It is typically well-served by Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) public transportation, including the Addison Red Line 'L' station, which is just a short walk away, and numerous bus routes. This makes it highly convenient for clients who prefer not to drive. For those who do drive, street parking or nearby parking garages are generally available, though urban parking can sometimes require extra planning. The firm's location within a bustling yet residential area ensures that individuals and families seeking specialized legal services in estate planning and probate can comfortably and efficiently reach David Wells & Associates PC, integrating legal consultations seamlessly into their busy lives.

David Wells & Associates PC is a boutique law firm exclusively focused on estate planning, probate, and trust administration, with related services in associated areas. Their comprehensive counsel is designed to facilitate the effective transfer and preservation of wealth for their diverse clientele. Key services offered include:

• Estate Planning:
  • Drafting and Implementation of Documents: Crafting bespoke wills, various types of trusts (including revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and specialized trusts for asset protection or charitable giving), durable powers of attorney for healthcare and finances, and other essential estate planning instruments.
  • Wealth Transfer and Preservation Strategies: Providing comprehensive guidance on structuring assets to minimize taxes, avoid probate, and ensure a smooth transfer of wealth to chosen beneficiaries.
  • Business Succession Planning: Assisting owners of family-owned and closely-held businesses with plans for the orderly transfer of their business interests to future generations.
  • Charitable Giving Strategies: Advising on how to incorporate philanthropic goals into an estate plan while maximizing tax benefits.
• Probate Estates:
  • Full Representation in Probate Court: Guiding executors and administrators through the entire probate process, including validating wills, managing estate assets, paying debts, and distributing inheritances in accordance with Illinois law.
  • Small Estate Affidavits: Assisting with simplified procedures for smaller estates to avoid formal probate when applicable.
  • Contested Probate Matters: Representing clients in disputes arising during probate, such as will contests, claims against the estate, or issues regarding executor duties.
• Trust Administration:
  • Guidance for Trustees: Advising individual and corporate trustees on their fiduciary duties, asset management, and distribution responsibilities in accordance with trust agreements.
  • Trust Settlements: Facilitating the orderly settlement and distribution of trust assets upon the grantor's death or other triggering events.
  • Trust Modifications and Termination: Assisting with legal procedures to modify or terminate trusts when circumstances change or goals are met.
• Related Personal and Real Estate Services:
  • Contract Review: Offering legal review of various personal and business contracts related to their clients' estate and financial planning needs.
  • Pre-marital Agreements: Drafting and reviewing pre-marital (prenuptial) agreements to protect assets and define financial rights before marriage.
  • Real Estate Transactions: Providing support for real estate transactions as they pertain to the estate planning or trust administration needs of their clients, such as transferring property into a trust or handling property sales during probate.

David Wells & Associates PC stands out as a premier choice for estate planning and related legal services in Illinois due to several distinguishing features and highlights:

• Exclusive Focus on Estate Planning, Probate, and Trust Administration: This boutique firm's dedicated specialization ensures clients receive highly focused and expert counsel in these complex areas, rather than generalized legal advice.
• Decades of Experience: David A. Wells, Jr., brings nearly twenty years of experience in estate planning, augmented by his extensive background in well-regarded Chicago practices. This long tenure provides a wealth of practical knowledge and strategic insight.
• Referral-Only Practice: Operating as a referral-only firm speaks volumes about their reputation and the satisfaction of their existing clientele. It suggests that satisfied clients and other professionals are confident in recommending their services.
• Personalized and Client-Centric Approach: The firm is "premised on an understanding of the unique needs and concerns of each and every client," and "strives to provide exceptional legal services with a personalized touch and focus on long-term client relationships." This commitment to individualized counsel ensures tailored solutions.
• Published Authors and Lecturers: David A. Wells, Jr., is a published author and a regular featured lecturer, indicating his recognized authority and contribution to the field of estate planning beyond his direct client work. Jack William Benge II is also a published author in Wealth Counsel Quarterly.
• Comprehensive Guidance Beyond Documents: The firm emphasizes that their guidance "extends to more than just the drafting and implementation of documents." They recognize the personal and sometimes difficult decisions involved, providing necessary counsel and assistance for long-term goals.
• Involvement in Charitable Entities: David A. Wells, Jr.'s involvement with organizations like the National Runaway Switchboard and WTTW/WFMT's Planned Giving Advisory Committee showcases a commitment to community service and an understanding of philanthropic considerations in estate planning.

As a boutique, referral-only law firm specializing in complex areas like estate planning and trust administration, David Wells & Associates PC typically does not advertise traditional promotions or discounts. Their value proposition lies in their highly personalized service and specialized expertise. However, it is standard practice for legal firms of this caliber to offer an initial consultation. This meeting serves as a crucial opportunity for prospective clients in Illinois to discuss their specific estate planning, probate, or trust administration needs directly with an experienced attorney. During this consultation, you can gain a clear understanding of the firm's approach, assess how they can help you achieve your goals, and inquire about their fee structure. Client reviews praising "good advice" and "best estate planning in the city" suggest that the firm's focus is on delivering exceptional value rather than promotional pricing. To obtain the most accurate and current information regarding their consultation policies or fee arrangements, it is highly recommended to contact David Wells & Associates PC directly via their provided phone numbers. This direct communication allows for a personalized discussion tailored to your unique financial and family situation.

For individuals and families across Illinois seeking expert legal counsel in estate planning, probate, or trust administration, David Wells & Associates PC is readily available. Their office is located at 609 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613, USA. You can connect with their team by calling their main phone number: (773) 477-6231. For mobile inquiries, the same number, +1 773-477-6231, is also provided for convenience. Given their specialized and personalized approach, it is highly advisable to call ahead to schedule an appointment. This ensures that David Wells, Jr., or another experienced team member can dedicate sufficient time to thoroughly discuss your unique legal needs and provide the focused, strategic attention that wealth preservation and generational planning demand.

For residents and families throughout Illinois, especially those in the Chicago metropolitan area, David Wells & Associates PC stands as an exceptionally suitable and highly advantageous choice for their estate planning, probate, and trust administration needs. Their exclusive focus on these complex areas means clients benefit from a depth of expertise and a nuanced understanding of Illinois law that general practice firms may not offer. David A. Wells, Jr.'s extensive experience, coupled with his reputation as a published author and regular lecturer, provides a level of authority and insight that instills confidence. The firm's commitment to a "referral-only" practice underscores their proven track record of client satisfaction and their ability to forge long-term, trusted relationships. Clients in Illinois seeking to preserve wealth, ensure their wishes are honored, or navigate the intricacies of probate will find the personalized approach and meticulous attention to detail at David Wells & Associates PC invaluable. Their convenient Chicago location further enhances accessibility, making it easier for locals to engage with a firm renowned for providing "good advice from an experienced estate and trust attorney" and offering "best estate planning in the city." Choosing David Wells & Associates PC means entrusting your most significant personal and financial matters to a dedicated and highly respected team committed to your long-term well-being.