De Vries Melissa H

For individuals and families across Illinois, planning for the future, managing assets, and ensuring the well-being of loved ones are crucial considerations. Estate planning, elder law, and trust administration can seem complex, but with the right legal guidance, these processes can become clear and comfortable. In the heart of Chicago, Melissa H. De Vries, a dedicated attorney and partner at Hoogendoorn & Talbot LLP, specializes in these intricate areas of law. Melissa is renowned for her profound knowledge and ability to tailor sophisticated, yet easy-to-understand, plans for a diverse client base. Whether you're considering setting up a basic will or navigating complex tax and trust planning, Melissa H. De Vries is committed to providing personalized solutions that secure your legacy and provide peace of mind. This article will explore the expertise of Melissa H. De Vries, her convenient location, the range of services she offers, and what makes her an invaluable resource for locals throughout Illinois.

Melissa H. De Vries's practice is rooted in a philosophy that emphasizes personalized attention and clarity, recognizing that each client's financial situation and family dynamics are unique. She is dedicated to making the often-daunting process of estate planning as "comfortable as possible," as noted in descriptions of her approach. Melissa works closely with clients to truly understand their goals, whether they involve sophisticated tax and trust planning or more basic foundational documents. Her expertise extends to crafting appropriate plans that may include a combination of wills, revocable trusts, and powers of attorney, and she also explores advanced strategies such as irrevocable insurance trusts, qualified personal residence trusts, and lifetime gifting arrangements. Beyond individual client meetings, Melissa is frequently invited to speak at seminars for investment professionals, community groups, and on radio programs, demonstrating her commitment to educating the public on the importance of estate planning and leaving a lasting legacy. Her involvement with organizations like the Chicago Estate Planning Council and the Chicago Bar Foundation further underscores her dedication to the legal community and access to justice.

Melissa H. De Vries practices at Hoogendoorn & Talbot LLP, located in a prime, accessible area of downtown Chicago. The office address is:

122 S Michigan Ave STE 1220, Chicago, IL 60603, USA

This central location on South Michigan Avenue offers exceptional convenience for clients across Illinois. The office is easily reachable via Chicago's extensive public transportation system. Numerous CTA 'L' train lines (including the Red, Brown, Orange, Green, Purple, and Pink Lines) and multiple bus routes have stops within a short walking distance. This makes it straightforward for individuals traveling from various neighborhoods in Chicago and surrounding suburban and downstate areas to access the firm. For those who prefer to drive, numerous parking garages are available nearby, though it is always advisable to plan for urban traffic and parking availability. Being situated in such a prominent and well-connected part of the city reinforces the firm's commitment to serving a wide range of Illinois residents with ease and professionalism. The office environment itself is professional and conducive to confidential discussions regarding sensitive financial and personal matters.

Melissa H. De Vries's practice focuses primarily on estate planning and administration, offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to help individuals and couples secure their financial future and legacy. Her services include:

• Estate Planning: Crafting personalized plans to manage and distribute assets according to clients' wishes, often including:

  • Wills: Drafting last wills and testaments to specify asset distribution and guardianship for minor children.
  • Revocable Trusts (Living Trusts): Establishing trusts to avoid probate, manage assets during incapacity, and provide for seamless asset transfer.
  • Irrevocable Trusts: Utilizing various types of irrevocable trusts (e.g., Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts, Qualified Personal Residence Trusts) for advanced estate tax planning, asset protection, and charitable giving.
  • Powers of Attorney: Preparing documents for financial and healthcare powers of attorney, enabling trusted individuals to make decisions on a client's behalf if they become incapacitated.
  • Advanced Directives / Living Wills: Documenting healthcare wishes to guide medical decisions.
  • Succession Planning: Assisting business owners with plans for the transfer of their business interests.
  • Lifetime Gifting Arrangements: Advising on strategies for gifting assets during one's lifetime for tax efficiency and philanthropic goals.

• Estate Administration and Probate: Guiding executors and administrators through the legal process of settling an estate after a person's death, including:

  • Probate Court Proceedings: Navigating the court process to validate wills, appoint executors, and distribute assets.
  • Trust Administration: Assisting trustees with their duties in managing and distributing trust assets according to the trust's terms.
  • Inventorying Assets and Valuations: Identifying, valuing, and managing estate assets.
  • Paying Debts and Taxes: Ensuring proper settlement of debts and filing of necessary tax returns (estate, income, gift taxes).
  • Asset Distribution: Facilitating the distribution of assets to heirs and beneficiaries.

• Special Needs Planning: Developing strategies to provide for the financial future of individuals with disabilities without jeopardizing their eligibility for essential government benefits. This often involves Special Needs Trusts.

• Elder Law: Providing legal advice and services related to the unique needs of older adults, including long-term care planning, Medicaid planning (though not explicitly stated, common in elder law), and guardianship matters.

• Tax Planning and Preparation: Collaborating with financial and tax advisors to integrate tax efficiency into estate plans, including estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax considerations.

• Charitable Planning and Advising Charitable Organizations: Assisting individuals with philanthropic goals and providing legal counsel to non-profit and charitable organizations.

Melissa H. De Vries distinguishes herself through several key features and highlights that are particularly beneficial for clients seeking estate planning and related legal services in Illinois:

• Extensive Expertise in Estate Planning: Melissa's practice is deeply focused on estate planning, estate administration, special needs planning, and elder law, demonstrating a profound level of knowledge and experience in these complex areas.

• Personalized Planning: She is known for working "closely with to determine their goals and then tailor a plan accordingly," avoiding "cookie-cutter" solutions and ensuring each plan perfectly fits the client's unique needs, whether simple or sophisticated.

• Clear and Comfortable Process: Melissa aims to make the planning process "as comfortable as possible," ensuring that clients understand complex legal concepts and feel at ease discussing sensitive financial and personal matters.

• Collaboration with Financial Professionals: She often "works collaboratively with financial and tax advisors," providing a holistic approach to wealth management and ensuring that legal and financial strategies are aligned.

• Public Education and Commentary: Melissa actively shares her knowledge by leading seminars at various community groups and appearing on radio programs, demonstrating her commitment to educating the public and establishing her as a thought leader in her field.

• Diverse Client Base: She maintains a "diverse client base of individuals and couples with all levels of estate planning needs," indicating her ability to assist a wide range of clients from varying financial backgrounds and complexities.

• Commitment to Leaving a Legacy: Her discussions with clients often emphasize the importance of estate planning "in leaving a legacy," aligning her legal work with clients' broader life goals.

Based on the publicly available information, Melissa H. De Vries and Hoogendoorn & Talbot LLP do not explicitly advertise specific "promotions" or "special offers" in terms of discounted rates or limited-time packages. In the specialized field of estate planning and trust law, the value proposition typically lies in the attorney's expertise, personalized service, and the long-term security and tax efficiency achieved through comprehensive planning.

However, as is customary for professional legal services, it is highly probable that:

• Initial Consultations: Prospective clients can likely schedule an initial consultation to discuss their estate planning needs. While the cost of this consultation is not specified as "free," such meetings are essential for assessing a client's situation, understanding their goals, and outlining the potential legal strategies and associated fees. This initial engagement allows clients to experience Melissa's approach and determine if her services align with their requirements before committing to a full engagement.

Clients are encouraged to contact the firm directly to inquire about their consultation process and fee structure for the specific estate planning or administration services they require. Melissa's focus on making the planning process "comfortable" and "tailor a plan accordingly" suggests a transparent discussion about costs will be part of the initial engagement.

If you are an Illinois resident seeking expert guidance in estate planning, estate administration, or related legal matters, you can contact Melissa H. De Vries at Hoogendoorn & Talbot LLP in Chicago:

• Address: 122 S Michigan Ave STE 1220, Chicago, IL 60603, USA

• Phone: (312) 786-2250

• Mobile Phone: +1 312-786-2250

It is recommended to call the office to schedule a consultation and begin the process of securing your future with professional legal advice.

For residents across Illinois, particularly those in the Chicago metropolitan area and beyond, Melissa H. De Vries of Hoogendoorn & Talbot LLP is an exceptionally suitable choice for estate planning, estate administration, and elder law needs. Her prime location on South Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago offers excellent accessibility, making it convenient for clients to reach her office via public transportation or by car from various parts of the state. This practical convenience is invaluable when dealing with sensitive and often recurring legal matters related to family and finances.

Beyond the logistical ease, Melissa H. De Vries's core suitability for locals stems from her highly personalized and knowledgeable approach. She is known for meticulously working with clients to "determine their goals and then tailor a plan accordingly," ensuring that each estate plan is perfectly aligned with individual circumstances and aspirations. This is crucial for Illinois families who require nuanced solutions that go beyond generic templates. Her ability to make the complex planning process "as comfortable as possible" and her willingness to collaborate with clients' financial and tax advisors provide a holistic and reassuring experience. For anyone in Illinois looking to ensure their legacy, protect their assets, or plan for long-term care with an attorney who is not only an expert but also a dedicated educator and a thoughtful planner, Melissa H. De Vries offers a truly outstanding and reliable legal partnership.