Top 3 Qualities to Look for in Your Attorney

Your attorney should not speak in legalese.

Finding an attorney that is a “real person” can be difficult. Many attorneys surround themselves almost exclusively with other attorneys and are accustomed to speaking in ivory tower legalese. You should be able to connect with your attorney on a personal level, and he or she should speak to you in plain language that you can understand. You will be working very closely with this person on issues that are very important to you. It is important that he or she be down-to-Earth and someone that you connect with.

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Your attorney should be accessible.

The most common complaint that clients have of their attorneys is that the attorney is unreachable, does not communicate with them regularly, or does not promptly return your calls. Your attorney should reach out to you about your case regularly and respond within 24 hours to calls and e-mails. An open line of communication between you and your attorney is essential to building trust.

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Your attorney should be realistic with you about costs and outcomes.

Your attorney’s goal should not be to win at all costs. Rather, it should be to achieve a favorable outcome for you as efficiently as possible. It is important that your attorney set realistic expectations at the outset as to the costs you should expect, concerns that the attorney has about the outcome of your case, and the length of time that you should expect your case to take.

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Regardless of the nature your case, we have an experienced attorney who will focus on your individual needs. Our team of attorneys works closely together, bringing each of their different fields of experience to bear in order to optimize our client care.

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Family Law & Divorce

Our Chicago attorneys put the client first. We offer cost-effective rates, amazing client service, and a wide range of experience, our Chicago lawyers provide comprehensive representation that you can rely on in the areas of Chicago Divorce & Family Law, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration, Civil Litigation, Guardianship, Corporate & Contract Law, DUI & Criminal Law and all other Chicago legal matters.

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Family Law & Divorce

Our skilled Chicago divorce attorneys provide exceptional legal work, aggressive representation and above-and-beyond client service at affordable rates. Our Chicago family law attorneys will provide you with experienced and affordable representation for any family law matter including divorce, maintenance awards, adoption, child custody and support.

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Probate & Estate Administration

Probate matters can often be difficult and involve many elements. Our experienced Chicago probate attorneys will ensure your matter is handled quickly, efficiently and affordably. Our probate attorneys are familiar with all types of probate matters including probate litigation. Ensure you have a team on your side that will give your matter the attention it deserves.

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Estate Planning

Our Chicago estate planning attorneys will help you with all of your estate and probate needs. We will personalize and implement your estate planning tailored to your needs. Our experienced Chicago estate administration attorneys will draft and review all of your estate planning documents including revocable living trusts, wills and assist in estate tax planning, special needing planning, asset protection, and powers of attorneys.

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Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Our experienced Chicago litigation attorneys aggressively protect your rights. They work hard to achieve an efficient and cost-effective favorable outcome to your matter. Our Chicago dispute resolution attorneys have extensive the skill and experience in federal disputes involving commercial litigation, fraud, defamation, negligence, breach of contract, disputes between business partners, employment disputes, landlord/tenant disputes and evictions, construction law, and homeowners association disputes.

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DUI, Criminal & Traffic Defense

At O'flaherty Law, our Chicago criminal defense attorneys will vigorously fight for your rights exploring every avenue giving you the best opportunity to succeed in your traffic, DUI, or criminal legal matter. We know your matter is important to you, so let us be your legal shield to ensure your rights and freedoms are upheld with excellent defense strategies by our dedicated and experienced DUI, traffic and criminal attorneys.

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Business, Corporate & Contract Law

Our Chicago business attorneys have the experience to represent you whether you require assistance with incorporation, contracts, exit strategies, asset purchase agreements, commercial disputes or employees you will be given the best advice and resources to accomplish your legal and non-legal business needs. Our team of experienced Chicago business litigation attorneys will ensure your company and your rights are protected.

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Immigration

Our Chicago immigration attorneys know that remaining in the United States is very important for you and your family which means it is important to us. We will be your advocate and assist you to reach your immigration goals. We are knowledgeable, cost-effective and will defend your right to remain in the country.

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Bankruptcy & Debt Resolution

Our Chicago bankruptcy attorneys will help give you a clean slate through debt negotiation, Chapter 7, Chapter 11 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Few things are more stressful than having debt pile up around you. Let us be your advocate and allow us to give you peace of mind.

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Real Estate Law

Our experienced Chicago real estate attorneys know how important your real estate matter is. Whether you're buying or selling a home,business location; or have or need a mechanics lien matter taken care of we can help. At O'Flaherty Law, we have the experience to give you and your matter the attention it deserves. We communicate with you, your realtor, and your lender at every stage of the transaction and ensure your real estate matter goes as smoothly as possible and take care of all of your residential, commercial or business needs.

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"...your articles on the changes to the child support law are very well-written and informative.”

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Chicago Guardianship Attorneys

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Please contact our friendly Chicago Guardianship Attorneys at our nearest location to schedule a consultation.

O'Flaherty Law of Chicago

505 N. LaSalle Dr., Ste. 500A

Chicago, IL 60654

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(312) 736-1384

chicago@oflaherty-law.com

Schedule a Consultation

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Hours of Operation

Monday

9:00am - 6:00pm

Tuesday

9:00am - 6:00pm

Wednesday

9:00am - 6:00pm

Thursday

9:00am - 6:00pm

Friday

9:00am - 6:00pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Why O'Flaherty Law of Chicago?

Cost-Effective

When we started our firm in the midst of the recession, we learned to survive in a lean environment and pass the savings on to our clients. As the economy has improved, we have not changed our philosophy. We are hungry to grow our client base, and so we have intentionally set our rates below what the market will bear. Our mission is to make each client walk away feeling that they got more value than they paid for. This is easier to do when we make our prices affordable.

Client-Focused

The secret to our success as a firm is incredibly simple: we build a personal relationship with each of our clients and treat them with the respect that they deserve. We pride ourselves on our open lines of communication, frequent check-ins with our clients, and our accessibility. We are here to help you in any way we can, often leveraging our network of resources to assist you with non-legal issues that you may be having. We are your one-stop problem-solver and trusted adviser. All attorneys say that they provide excellent client service, but, unlike other attorneys, we practice what we preach. We make sure every client walks away happy . . . period.

Comprehensive

We are your community law firm. Our business is built on long-term relationships with our clients. Our clients have the luxury of building trust over time with one team of attorneys, rather than having to find a new attorney for each different type of matter that arises over the course of their lives. No one attorney can be experienced at everything. That is why we have worked hard to assemble a team of attorneys with extensive experience in different areas of experience. Our attorneys work together closely to bring our collective experience to bear on any issue that may arise for our clients.

Chicago Guardianship Litigation Attorneys

Great at What We Do

Since our business comes entirely from referrals and community involvement, our reputation for quality legal work is our greatest asset . . . and it is extremely important to us. Each of our attorneys is truly experienced in his or her practice areas, with the highest personal standards of excellence. We are proud of our reputation in the community, and we did not achieve it by accident. Our reputation for excellence comes from hard work, continuing education, and an above-and-beyond approach to our clients’ cases.

Check Out Articles and Videos from our Chicago Guardianship Attorneys

In this video, Chicago Guardianship attorney Kevin O'Flaherty explains the process for filing for guardianship in Chicago.

Filing a Petition for Adult Guardianship in Chicago

In this video, our Chicago guardianship attorneys explains the process of petition for adult guardianship. Guardianship matters are court cases where an individual is appointed to be responsible for the personal care and management of the finances of an minor, adult or a person who requires special needs and who is mentally incompetent. To initiate an adult guardianship proceeding in Chicago, the person requesting guardianship must file a Petition for Guardianship with the appropriate court.

A Petition for Guardianship must contain the appropriate information:

The relationship of the person filing the petition to the person over whom guardianship is sought.
The name, place of residence, and date of birth of the respondent.
The reason that guardianship is being sought;
The names and addresses of any current guardian or agents appointed in the respondent’s healthcare or financial powers of attorney;
The name and addresses of the spouse, adult children, parents, and adult siblings of the respondent. If none of these are living, then the nearest adult relatives of the respondent should be listed.
The name address of the person or institution with which the respondent is currently residing.
The approximate value of the respondent’s assets.
The expected annual income of the respondent.
The following information for the proposed guardian: name, address, age, occupation, and relationship to the respondent.

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If there is a reason that the petitioner cannot obtain a physician’s report prior to filing your petition, they can file the petition without an accompanying medical report and request that the court issue an order requiring a medical examination for the purpose of obtaining a physician’s report.

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In this video Chicago guardianship attorney Kevin O'Flaherty discusses some common types of guardianship and how a family can solve these disputes.

What are some conflicts that can arise when deciding guardianship?

In this video, our Chicago guardianship attorneys explain common legal disputes that may arise an Illinois guardianship for either a disabled adult or a minor, including disputes over who will service as guardian, disputes over whether guardianship is necessary, breach of fiduciary duty in guardianship cases, termination of a biological parent’s rights in order to appoint a guardian, and removal of a guardian based on changed circumstances.

In this video, Guardianship attorney Kevin O'Flaherty discusses how to prevent potentially costly guardianship proceedings in Illinois

Avoiding Costly Guardianship Proceedings in Chicago

In this video, our Chicago guardianship attorneys explain how if you want to be a guardian, a guardianship proceeding must be filed with the appropriate circuit court. Guardianships may be granted by if your loved one is unable to communicate appropriate decisions regarding personal or financial matters. This can be due to a number of factors including: due to

Mental illness
Age
Mental or physical disability; or
Poor life choices such as "gambling, idleness, debauchery, or excessive use of intoxicants or drugs."

To be named a guardian, you will be required to obtain an experienced's report certifying that the guardianship is appropriate. The appropriate forms for Chicago are found on the Cook County Circuit Clerk's website. The report needs to be reviewed carefully to ensure that the experienced's certifications are accurate, and the correct type of guardianship (limited or total/plenary guardianship) is recommended.

If no problems or contesting exists, at the conclusion of the guardianship proceeding, the court issues an order appointing you to be your loved one's guardian. After this happens, our Chicago guardianship attorneys assist you on an ongoing basis to prepare and file annual reports to the court regarding your administration of your loved one's estate.

If your loved one is still mentally competent, one alternative to guardianship proceedings is having them execute a Healthcare and Financial Powers of Attorney, which explains the wishes of your loved one without the need of a court order.

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Chicago Guardianship Attorneys | Guardianship Dispute Lawyers, Chicago IL

Your attorney should not speak in legalese.

Your attorney should be accessible.

Your attorney should be realistic with you about costs and outcomes.

Legal Services

See why we are trusted

Christi M.

Marvin

Rachel B.

Julianne

LuQman

DJ

Chicago Guardianship Attorneys

Contact Us

O'Flaherty Law of Chicago

Hours of Operation

Why O'Flaherty Law of Chicago?

Why O'Flaherty Law of Chicago?

Why O'Flaherty Law of Chicago?

Cost-Effective

Client-Focused

Comprehensive

Great at What We Do

Our Chicago Guardianship Attorneys provide excellent service in the following areas of law:

You Don't Have to Leave Your Home For Your Legal Consultation

O'Flaherty Law of Chicago

What to Expect From a Consultation

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Schedule a Consultation with our Chicago Guardianship Attorneys

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Meet the Owner

- Attorney Kevin O'Flaherty, Owner

Check Out Articles and Videos from our Chicago Guardianship Attorneys

Filing a Petition for Adult Guardianship in Chicago

What are some conflicts that can arise when deciding guardianship?

Avoiding Costly Guardianship Proceedings in Chicago

Further Reading from our Chicago Guardianship Attorneys

Learn About Law

The Adoption Process Explained

Petitions for Allocation of Parenting Time and Responsibility in Illinois

How to Terminate a Guardianship of a Disabled Adult in Illinois

Considering Autism Guardianship?

Rules of Construction for Illinois Wills and Trusts Explained

How to Request a New Judge in Illinois Family and Civil Litigation Cases

Does Guardianship Override Parental Rights in Indiana?

New Illinois Laws in 2023: What You Need to Know

Recent Changes to Illinois Guardianship Law 2023

Learn About Law

Involuntary Commitment to a Mental Health Facility in Indiana

Serving As A Guardian For An Adult With Disabilities: Part One

What Are Powers of Attorney in Iowa?

The Ultimate Guide to Iowa Guardianship