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Thomas J. Olofsson
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Thomas J. Olofsson
The Law Office of Thomas J. Olofsson
9924 S. Walden Parkway
Chicago, IL 60643
Phone: (773) 905-1193 | Fax: (708) 876-0230
http://mytrustlawyer.com
Making Life Easier For Families
Legal Topic
Wills, Trusts & Estates
Preferred New Clients
I enjoy working with people who care about their families and loved ones.
Sub-Categories
Wills, Trusts & Estates
- Nolo Document Review
- Charitable Giving
- Charitable Trusts
- Drafting Trusts
- Drafting Wills
- Estate Administration
- Estate Planning
- Living Trusts
- Living Wills
- Probate
- Asset Protection
- Guardianship
- Power of Attorney
- Special Needs Trust
- Supplemental Needs Trust
- Revocable Trust & Irrevocable Trust
Bar Admissions
IL, Nov 1992
Other Court Admissions
Illinois State Courts
Association Memberships
Continuing Education
I attend Continuing Legal Education seminars on estate planning, elder law, asset protection, and professional responsibility. I teach courses for members of the Insurance and Financial industries.
Example Cases
Estate planning for divided families, family.
Education
Degree:
Doctor of Laws (J.D.)
School:
City:
Chicago
State:
IL
Year:
1992
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Illnois
Firm Focus and History
My mission is to make life easier for families. I help my clients so arrange their affairs that family wealth is preserved, family unity is protected, and family values are perpetuated.
I help individuals and families plan how they will pass on their wealth. I meet with my clients and discuss their family situation and how best to protect their assets during their lifetime and how to create a lasting legacy for their loved ones. Asset Protection Planning has become a larger part of his practice in recent years and, in light of the sweeping changes in our society, I expect this trend to continue.
Previous Employment Summary
I worked for a medium sized law firm in Chicago while I was in law school. I have been an estate planning attorney ever since I became a lawyer.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Knowledge is power. I wish everyone knew more about the law. It is all around us and affects our lives every day.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Absolutely. I am happy to go over what you have done and tell you whether your hard work is likely to achieve what you want to accomplish. I limit this review to estate planning documents as this is my area of greatest knowledge.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
No sir, I do not represent myself in court either.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
My uncle was a Cook County Circuit Court Judge. When I was in high school, he used to let me come to court and watch justice unfold. I was inspired by his example.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
The largest part of my work is counseling families. Writing documents is the part that people see, but counseling is where the real magic happens. Growing up in a large family was a big part of my education. I learned at an early age that getting along with people and mediating disputes is an important skill to have in life. I can do more by ironing out the issues before a problem comes up than I could by going to court to straighten out a problem after a family has been torn apart.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
When my uncle died, I saw much of his estate wasted on needless legal fees. He left most of his wealth to charities and they received less than they could have if he had structured his estate differently. I have made it my mission to keep my clients and their families out of court whenever possible (and appropriate).
What do you like best about your career?
I love the freedom it brings me. I get out of the office and visit with people in their homes. I also love to write and a big part of my job is writing for clients.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner, which means that each client gets my personal attention. I meet with each client and I personally prepare the estate planning documents. Most attorneys in the U.S. work by themselves or with one other lawyer (according to the ABA). My assistant, Kelly, keeps in contact with our clients and gathers needed information. I bring other attorneys in when they are needed for special situations.
What are your strengths and style?
My focus is on you.
The planning process begins with you and your wishes for your family. My first concern is for you and your family. My job is to make sure that your plans for your loved ones come true.
My practice is limited to helping individuals and families plan their estates. I do this by meeting with you to discuss your family situation and how best to pass your assets on your loved ones.
Why I make house-calls.
I came from a large family. I remember how much work it was for my mom to load all of us into the station wagon when it was time to visit the doctor. I always thought it would have made more sense for the doctor to hop in his car and come to our house.
With this in mind, I meet with my clients in their homes. Many families have told me that my coming to them makes life easier particularly when a member of the family is elderly or has special needs. It is much easier and it makes more sense for me to hop in my car... well, you get the idea.
My office is at the Southwest section of Chicago in the Beverly area. I do not expect you to come here. I am available to meet with you in your home. I look forward to meeting you and I will be happy to talk with you about your particular situation.
Personal Interests:
My personal time is filled with family activities. We have three children and a new grandchild.
Fax
(708) 876-0230
Office Hours
We can find a time that works for you. Evenings and weekends are available.
I am happy to help with special estate planning situations and emergencies.
I have met with clients in hospitals and nursing homes.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
We have flat fees for our services. At the conclusion of our meeting you will tell me what you want me to do and you choose the fee.
Hourly Rates
We do not work on hourly basis.
Free Initial Consultation?
The free initial consultation is an old idea. Our new plan is to offer you a free review of your existing plan. I am happy to come to you and let you know how well your current will or trust stacks up against what we recommend for our clients.
Typical Retainer
I do not work on retainer. When we have met and I have made a recommendation you will know what it will cost and you can tell me what you want me to do. There is no charge for the review and there is no obligation to hire me.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
