Real Estate and Estate Planning Lawyer in Chicago

Law Firm in Chicago Providing a Full Range of Services to Clients
When dealing with legal issues, the situation can quickly go from manageable to overwhelming for the average person. To avoid unnecessary stress and potentially costly legal outcomes in the future, seeking experienced legal counsel from one of the city’s most respected law firms is a smart first step. Whether seeking legal counsel before or during the process of a legal transaction, working closely with an experienced lawyer at any stage of the process ensures your best legal interests are protected. Our legal team is dedicated to guiding clients through an otherwise potentially stressful legal scenario while fighting on their behalf for the desired end result. From buying commercial property to ensuring your will holds up in a court of law, let an experienced lawyer in Chicago serve your legal needs today.
At our firm, we work to create not just legal solutions, but truly individualized estate plans that reflect your unique needs and the wishes of your loved ones. For some, this means building a comprehensive estate plan that protects assets and minimizes inheritance taxes. For others, it may involve addressing complex property ownership issues, ensuring business continuity, or safeguarding wealth for future generations. Our Chicago estate planning attorneys also provide tailored guidance for high-net-worth individuals who require advanced strategies to manage liabilities while protecting their estates. Whatever your situation, we are here to serve clients with care and attention, helping you maintain control over your own affairs and ensuring your family’s long-term stability.

How Can a Real Estate Lawyer in Chicago Help Me?
The process of buying or selling real estate often involves more than just finding the right buyer or seller. Whether you are closing on a residential home or negotiating the purchase of a commercial property, the legal aspects of these transactions can be complex and, at times, overwhelming. While a real estate agent may guide you through market values or listings, they are not equipped to handle the legal issues that can arise during a property transfer.
An experienced real estate lawyer in Chicago can provide the clarity and legal protection you need when entering into a real estate transaction. From reviewing purchase agreements and ownership documents to identifying potential liabilities and negotiating contract disputes, legal counsel ensures that your rights and interests are fully protected. This can make the difference between a smooth closing and one that becomes tied up in costly delays or litigation.
For those investing in commercial real estate, additional considerations such as zoning laws, lease agreements, liability concerns, and business contracts require close attention. A Chicago real estate attorney can also help resolve title disputes, ensure compliance with state and local laws, and advise on property transfers involving multiple parties.
By hiring a real estate attorney in Chicago, you gain a professional advocate who understands how to minimize risk, negotiate favorable terms, and protect your financial investment. With the right legal guidance, you can move forward confidently, knowing that every step of the process has been carefully reviewed with your best interests in mind.







How Can a Lawyer Help Protect Your Future?
Legal matters can often be complex, emotional, and high-stakes. Whether you’re planning for the future, navigating a major transaction, or facing an unexpected legal issue, having the right legal team by your side can make all the difference. At Nery & Richardson, LLC, we work closely with clients to understand their unique goals and challenges—delivering thoughtful legal solutions that protect their rights, assets, and peace of mind.
Our attorneys offer strategic guidance at every stage of the legal process, helping individuals, families, and business owners avoid costly pitfalls and make informed decisions. From drafting important legal documents to negotiating agreements or representing clients in court, we are committed to delivering the experience and care you deserve. When your future is on the line, you want a trusted legal partner who’s responsive, knowledgeable, and truly invested in your success.
Is Hiring a Chicago Real Estate and Estate Planning Attorney Necessary?
In most states, including Illinois, you are not required to hire an attorney to create wills, a durable power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, or other legal documents related to estate planning. Some people attempt to draft their own paperwork, sign it, or have it notarized to prove its legality. While this approach may appear cost-effective, it often creates long-term complications. Many documents eventually pass through probate, and judges carefully review whether they meet the requirements of a legally binding agreement. Any mistakes, vague wording, or missing signatures can delay the process, increase costs, or jeopardize the wishes of the deceased.
Although Illinois does not mandate an attorney for matters like selling real estate or preparing a short sale, working with an experienced estate planning attorney in Chicago provides peace of mind. A professional law firm with an experienced team can address complex estate and trust planning, handle revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, and living wills, and ensure that beneficiary designations are updated and enforceable.


Seek Legal Counsel Today
Whether seeking advice and representation as an individual or a business, you deserve aggressive yet compassionate legal care from a firm ready to work with you in open communication in order to achieve the best possible outcome for your particular situation and needs. With a focus on winning while protecting the client’s best interests, hiring legal counsel from one of the most trusted firms in Chicago is always the right decision.
Legal matters can quickly turn into a headache without proper legal counsel when you need it most. If you are ready to take the next step in securing your future, call 773-232-6643 today for an initial consultation to see what legal avenues may be available to you based on your unique situation.
What is the difference between residential and commercial real estate?
Residential real estate is defined as a property that is a residence or home. Commercial real estate is defined as property intended not for residence but rather for business purposes. There are different laws and regulations related to each type of property, but an experienced real estate lawyer will be able to handle all types of real estate transactions. From paperwork and forms to legal options when a buyer backs out of a sale at the last minute, a lawyer will be able to help you navigate all areas of buying and selling both residential and commercial properties.
Do I need a lawyer to buy or sell my business?
When buying or selling a business, there are a lot of legal considerations to keep in mind. For example, if you are attempting to buy or sell a business, you will need certain documents in order prior to the transaction. With the help of an experienced lawyer, you can navigate this complex legal process from start to finish. While you are not required to work with a lawyer, it is a good idea for peace of mind to make sure your legal interests are protected. Working with a real estate agent and an experienced lawyer during the transaction is a smart business move.
What is estate planning?
Estate planning is a process where you create legal documents to outline what will happen to property and assets once you pass away. Estate planning may also include working with a lawyer to determine personal matters such as naming legal guardians for minor children in the event of your death, what to do with pets, and even burial wishes. Without proper planning on your part, property and assets may be handled by the courts and then potentially distributed in a way that goes against your wishes. A lawyer helps create wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents related to estate planning law to ensure the full legality of the documents while helping you understand your estate planning needs.
Do I need estate planning if I have no heirs or children?
Yes, you should still have an estate plan in place. As previously noted, without estate planning, your property and assets may end up being held up in probate court, or they may be distributed against your wishes. Estate planning is not only for people with children—everyone needs to plan for their eventual death. From matters like medical directives to burial wishes, a will acts as your legal word once you are gone. An experienced Chicago estate planning lawyer will ensure your will has the full legality required for the document to be held up in court, ensuring your last wishes are honored.
What is probate?
Probate is the legal process where the property and other relevant assets (their estate) of a recently deceased person are distributed by the courts. During this process, a judge will consider the legal validity of the will, appoint an executor of the estate (if one is named in a legally valid will), and oversee the matters of liquidation and distribution. The probate process of estate planning law can be stressful and drawn out, which is why creating a valid will is crucial in estate planning. Probate litigation may also be used with power of attorney and other guardianship types for what is called living probate when someone is unable to make decisions for themselves.
How do I avoid probate?
It is important to note that having a will in place does not help you avoid probate. A valid and legal will helps speed up the process of probate and ensures your final wishes are honored by the courts. In order to avoid probate, you may be able to set up a fully funded revocable living trust, which would allow your beneficiaries access to the estate without dealing with the probate process. It is best to speak with Chicago estate planning attorneys on this matter since a revocable living trust may not be the best legal choice for everyone.
How can a lawyer help my business or corporation?
A lawyer may be able to help your business or corporation in a variety of ways, such as representing your business when faced with litigation, ensuring that all necessary legal documentation is in place, and offering counseling on matters of legal importance pertaining to the overall operations and success of your business. Whether you are just starting your small business or you are in charge of a well-established corporation, a lawyer will be able to assist you in legal matters of both minor and monumental importance while protecting the best interest of the business.
What types of documents are used for estate planning?
There are four main types of documents involved in estate planning. Most people will need a will, a HIPPA authorization, power of attorney for medical decisions, and power of attorney for property-related matters. Some people may also require a trust as part of estate planning. In some cases, the same person may be named as power of attorney for both medical and property decisions. By working with an experienced estate planning lawyer, you can navigate these various (and often complex) documents to ensure everything is in order prior to your death.













