Estate Planning

I like to take on new clients in all areas of probate law and estate planning, but particularly those clients who believe they have a complicated problem that is incapable of a solution. I also like to represent clients who are involved with the process, and are available for ongoing communication during the pendency of their case.

IL, Nov 1991
Bar Number: 6206774

Northern District of Illinois Federal Court, and Illinois

• Illinois State Bar
• American Bar Association
• Illinois State Bar Association
• Chicago Bar Association

I attend continuing legal education seminars on elder law issues, estate and gift taxation, probate litigation, estate planning, guardianship law, asset protection and legislative updates on all probate law issues. I also attend meetings of various bar association committees, and participate in conference calls with committee members. I usually exceed the required number of continuing education hours annually.

• Assisted an independent executor administer an intestate estate for deceased uncle, where there were numerous contentious heirs, and a fraudulent deed recorded on the decedent's real estate. A lis pendens and supplemental proceeding to void the fraudulent deed were accomplished, the property was sold, all heirs consented to the final account and the estate was closed.

• Represented two beneficiaries of grandfather's testamentary trust established for the benefit of their father, and assisted them with obtaining their distributive share of the father's trust, after it was determined that the trust declaration could not be located. Negotiated and drafted a settlement agreement, executed by the trustee, surviving spouse and beneficiaries, which was subsequently approved by the probate court.

1

Illinois

Established October 11, 2010, we are a Chicago-based Probate Firm, specializing in estate and trust administration, guardianships of minors and disabled adults, contested estate and trust issues, probate litigation, elder law, and affordable estate planning. Services also include durable Powers of Attorney, health care directives, living wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, OBRA trusts and third party-funded Supplemental Needs trusts.

• 1988 — 2008: Robert W. Karr & Associates, Ltd.: Civil litigation firm, associate attorney, represented plaintiffs in personal injury, wrongful death and medical malpractice cases, also handled all of the firm's probate cases, including guardianships, and estate administration.

• 2008 — 2010: Peter J. Latz & Associates LLC: Full service probate firm, of counsel attorney. Estate and trust administration, guardianship law, elder law, contested estate and trust issues, probate litigation and estate planning.

• 10/11/2010: Established my own practice, Chicago-based, convenient to main courthouse.

Provide pro bono work for non-profit organizations in order to obtain 501(c)(3) status

(312) 853-2557

Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Weekend/evening and home/hospital visits by arrangement

Yes

Translators are available for a variety of languages if arrangements are made in advance.

Estates planning flat fees, depending on what documents are drafted, range from $300 to $1800.
Estate and trust administration, elder law and guardianships are at an hourly rate (depending on complexity of issues) ranging from $215 to $250.
Contested estate and trust matters are hourly, ranging from $250 to $350, and can be contingent fee cases by agreement.

See above.

Free initial consultation — no limit on time.

$1500 (negotiable).