ESTATE PLANNING

Estate planning is not just for the wealthy or the elderly.  If you are a young family just starting out, an estate plan with language designating who the guardian of your minor child(ren) will be and who will oversee their money if something happens to you is of primary focus and concern.  Our attorneys do not craft a “one-size” fits all estate plan.  Whether you need a will, or trust, or a combination of the two depends on a myriad of factors as unique as your family.  Our attorneys can help you navigate the estate planning options available to help you plan for an event of disability and upon your death, which can include the preparation of a Last Will & Testament, Testamentary Trust, Revocable Living Trust, Irrevocable Trusts, Power of Attorney for Healthcare, Power of Attorney for Property, Living Will Declaration, Illinois Transfer on Death Instruments, etc.  A properly executed, understood, and efficient estate plan can give you the peace of mind that in the event something happens to you, whether it’s a disability or a death, your family will have the authority and guidance they need to navigate what can already be an incredibly difficult road.  Give our office a call for an intake sheet to help get you started. 

PROBATE AND TRUST ADMINISTRATION

The loss of a loved one is a difficult time in the life of a family. Our firm takes great pride in assisting our clients during this trying time to make things easier. Our attorneys work with you to identify what needs to be done to accomplish those tasks necessary to resolve a loved one’s affairs after their death, whether the process involves a probate proceeding, trust administration, small estate affidavit, or beneficiary claims forms.  A “probate” is the judicial process whereby one person, an “executor,” is given the authority by the court to handle the property of one who has passed.  The executor is charged with following the terms of the will, if any, ensuring all bills are paid, and the remaining assets of one’s estate are distributed to those entitled to receive.   A trust administration, although generally not a process filed with the court, still requires proper notice, accounting, and distribution to the beneficiaries of a trust in accordance with the terms of a trust. Let us help you walk through the process after losing a loved one. 

REAL ESTATE:  Residential, Agricultural, Commercial

The attorneys of Wittman & Lorton, P.C., have represented hundreds of individuals in the sale or purchase of their home, farm, hunting/recreational ground, or business. With a combined 50 years of real estate experience, let us help you navigate, what is for most, the single biggest investment of your life.   Whether you are looking to buy or sell real estate we can assist you in the negotiation and preparation of the real estate sales contract or real estate installment contract.  Laef Lorton is the owner of Preferred Title & Escrow, Inc.  Which means if there are any questions or issues that arise from a title search, examination, or on the commitment, you can be certain such issues are handled prior to getting to the closing table.  Our attorneys pride ourselves on our relationships with community lenders and realtors, and such relationships allow us to provide exceptional service to our clients.

Our experience does not just end at the closing table.  Our attorneys are experienced in the issues that may arise after a closing, including clouds on title, boundary line disputes, easements, claims of adverse possession, and trespass.  If you have questions regarding your rights as a property owner, give us a call. 

CIVIL LITIGATION

Whether someone has wronged you or you find yourself a defendant in a lawsuit, give us a call.   Our attorneys handle debt collection matters, small claims, foreclosures, breach of contract, contract disputes, landlord-tenant, evictions, and much more. 

PERSONAL INJURY

If you have been hurt in a car accident, on the job, or while undergoing a medical treatment, give our office a call.  Our attorneys handle claims involving serious and permanent injuries, even death, when such injury is caused by the misconduct or negligence of another.  Our firm represents those injured from cases involving traffic accidents, trucking accidents, boat or motorcycle accidents, worksite injuries, premise liability, products liability, and wrongful death.  Our team of dedicated and skilled attorneys fight for the rights of our clients to help them receive the compensation they deserve.

GUARDIANSHIP

Our attorneys handle both disabled adult guardianship cases and minor guardianship cases.   If a family member or loved one becomes incapacitated, a guardianship may be the only avenue to ensure their personal safety and financial security.  Minor guardianship cases can involve the care and custody of young children when mom or dad are unable or uncapable of handling their day to day needs. If you need assistance with a guardianship matter, one of our knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys can help you.