Law Offices of Jeffrey R. Gottlieb, LLC

The Law Offices of Jeffrey R. Gottlieb, LLC is a well-established legal practice located at 616 N North Ct #160, Palatine, IL 60067, USA. Operating effectively within the "Lawyers Near Me" category, this firm specializes in providing comprehensive legal services in the critical areas of estate planning and estate administration. For local users in Palatine and the surrounding northwest suburbs of Chicago, Jeffrey R. Gottlieb and his team offer experienced and compassionate legal counsel. You can reach the Law Offices of Jeffrey R. Gottlieb, LLC by phone at (847) 991-2250 or via mobile at +1 847-991-2250.

The office in Palatine, Illinois, provides a professional and accessible setting for clients to discuss their sensitive estate planning and probate needs. The firm has been located in northwest suburban Palatine for over 30 years (including its predecessors), indicating a deep-rooted presence in the community.

The client reviews provide an exceptional glimpse into the firm's client-centric environment. Clients consistently praise Jeffrey Gottlieb for being "extremely intelligent and a good listener," and for taking the time to "explain these important documents" in a way that makes complex legal matters understandable. This highlights an environment where client education and clear communication are prioritized.

Furthermore, the testimonials speak volumes about the support staff. "Kris and Liz" are described as "two of the kindest people on the planet, who jumped right into action." This demonstrates a highly compassionate and proactive team that provides immediate and effective assistance, particularly in challenging and urgent situations, such as the auto accident scenario described in one review. The staff's foresight, attentiveness, and ability to resolve problems quickly contribute significantly to a reassuring and efficient client experience. The firm also emphasizes convenience, offering free initial consultations via in-person meetings, video conferencing, or conference calls, and providing multiple safe options for document signings, reflecting their adaptability to client needs and current circumstances (like the COVID-19 pandemic).

The Law Offices of Jeffrey R. Gottlieb, LLC focuses exclusively on estate planning and estate administration, including probate and related litigation. This specialization allows them to maintain deep expertise and stay current with the evolving laws in these areas. Their services include:

• Estate Planning Services: These services are designed to help individuals and families plan for the management and distribution of their assets during life and after death, while minimizing taxes and avoiding probate where possible. Key services include:
  • Wills: Drafting and reviewing legal documents that outline how assets should be distributed and who should care for minor children.
  • Revocable Living Trusts: Creating trusts that can be modified during the grantor's lifetime, often used to avoid probate and maintain privacy.
  • Powers of Attorney: Establishing legal documents for property, healthcare, and living wills, allowing designated individuals to make decisions on one's behalf if they become incapacitated.
  • Federal & Illinois Estate Tax Planning: Strategic planning to minimize estate taxes at both federal and state levels.
  • Charitable Giving and Trusts: Assisting clients with philanthropic goals through various charitable trusts and giving strategies.
  • Gift Planning and Irrevocable Trusts: Strategies for gifting assets to reduce estate size and potential taxes, often through irrevocable trusts.
  • Estate Plan Review and Updates: Periodically reviewing and updating existing estate plans to ensure they remain current with life changes and legal developments.
  • Special Needs Planning: A particular focus, given Jeffrey Gottlieb's personal experience as the father of a daughter with autism, on planning for families with special needs children to ensure their financial security and care.
• Probate and Trust Administration Services: Guiding executors, trustees, and beneficiaries through the legal processes involved in managing and distributing an estate after someone has passed away. This includes:
  • Probate Estates: Assisting with the court-supervised process of validating a will, valuing assets, paying debts, and distributing property in Cook, Lake, DuPage, Kane, and McHenry Counties.
  • Trustee Representation for Trust Administration: Advising trustees on their legal duties and responsibilities in managing and distributing trust assets.
  • Federal and Illinois Estate Tax Return Preparation: Preparing and filing necessary estate tax returns.
  • Estate and Trust Litigation: Representing clients in disputes arising from wills, trusts, or estate administration, including contested estates.
  • Beneficiary Representation: Protecting the rights and interests of beneficiaries in estate and trust matters.

Jeffrey R. Gottlieb's background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting, which provides him with a strong financial understanding that is highly beneficial in estate and tax planning. He was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2000 and has nearly 20 years of experience exclusively focused on these areas. He also maintains an award-winning blog, "Plan for the Road Ahead," which provides valuable insights into trusts and estates, recognized by the ABA Journal as a top legal blog in 2015.

The Law Offices of Jeffrey R. Gottlieb, LLC offers several distinctive features that make it a highly desirable choice for clients:

• Deep Expertise and Specialization: Exclusive focus on estate planning and administration provides a high level of expertise in these complex and constantly evolving areas of law.
• Intelligent and Explanatory Approach: Jeffrey Gottlieb is praised for his intelligence and ability to clearly explain intricate legal documents, making the process accessible and understandable for clients.
• Compassionate and Proactive Staff: The team, particularly Kris and Liz, demonstrate remarkable kindness, attentiveness, and foresight, offering proactive support and resolving immediate problems, which is invaluable during times of crisis.
• Personalized and Detail-Oriented Service: The firm's commitment to fitting solutions to individual needs and handling documentation flawlessly ensures precision and satisfaction.
• Affordable and Transparent Costs: While not explicitly stated as "affordable" in the provided reviews, the first review mentions the cost was "far less than what we had originally anticipated," suggesting fair and transparent pricing. The firm also offers free initial consultations.
• Community Involvement and Thought Leadership: Jeffrey Gottlieb teaches adult continuing education classes on trusts and estates, presents on legal topics for various institutes, and serves on the Planned Gifts Committee for Northwest Community Hospital Foundation, demonstrating his commitment to legal education and community service. His blog is also a valuable resource.
• Adaptability: The firm offers flexible meeting options (in-person, video, phone) and safe signing procedures, demonstrating a commitment to client convenience and safety.

For local users in Palatine, IL, and the wider Chicago metropolitan area, who are seeking highly competent, compassionate, and understanding legal assistance for estate planning, probate, or trust administration, the Law Offices of Jeffrey R. Gottlieb, LLC stands out within the "Lawyers Near Me" category. The overwhelming positive testimonials highlight their ability to simplify complex legal processes, provide clarity, and offer genuine support, especially during difficult times.

If you are considering preparing your will or trust, need help administering an estate, are involved in estate or trust litigation, or require specialized planning for family members with special needs, Jeffrey R. Gottlieb and his team offer the expertise and empathy you need. Their commitment to personalized service and client education creates a reassuring and effective legal experience.

To learn more about their services or to schedule a free initial consultation, you are encouraged to contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey R. Gottlieb, LLC. You can reach them by phone at (847) 991-2250 or via mobile at +1 847-991-2250. Their office at 616 N North Ct #160, Palatine, IL 60067, USA, provides a convenient and accessible location for consultations, ensuring local access to specialized and highly-rated legal expertise.