Protect Everyone You Love and Everything You’ve Built

Estate planning, wills, and trusts in Chicago designed to keep your family out of Illinois probate court and out of conflict.

We help you create a clear plan so your assets, your loved ones, and your legacy are protected.

Proudly serving Chicago, the Western Suburbs, and the North Shore.

Why Families Choose Bielski Chapman, Ltd.

Inclusive & Affirming Planning

As a queer-owned firm, we understand modern families. Your relationships, identity, and legacy deserve to be protected under Illinois law.

Strategic, Tax-Smart Protection

We design wills and trusts that minimize estate taxes, avoid probate, and prevent costly disputes after death.

Clear, Approachable Guidance

No legal jargon. No intimidation. Just straightforward advice so you feel confident every step of the way.

What Happens If You Don’t Have a Plan in Place?

If you passed away tomorrow, who would inherit your assets?

Under Illinois law, if you die without a will or trust, the state decides. That means the Illinois Probate Court determines who receives your assets, and how.

For blended families, unmarried partners, LGBTQ+ couples, polyamorous families, or business owners, that can create serious problems.

Without a proper estate plan:

Your partner may not automatically inherit.
Your family could face months (or years) in probate.
Court costs and legal fees can drain $5,000–$100,000 from your estate.
Family disagreements can turn into litigation.

You worked too hard to leave behind confusion.

At Bielski Chapman, Ltd., we help you create a plan that protects your wishes, maximizes tax efficiency, and keeps your loved ones out of court.

Call us at (312) 583-9430 or click here to get started.

Chicago Estate Planning Attorneys Focused on Your Future

Estate Planning

Create a legally sound estate plan that protects your family, avoids Illinois probate, and minimizes estate taxes.

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LGBTQ+ Estate and Family Planning

Create a legal plan that protects your partner, secures parental rights, and preserves your legacy with clarity and dignity.

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Probate & Trust Administration

Guidance through Illinois probate court or trust administration with clarity and compassion.

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Real Estate Law

Secure your residential property interests with clear contracts, strategic guidance, at a flat rate.

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Elder Law

Prepare for the legal and financial realities of aging with proactive planning that protects your independence and your savings

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Special Needs Planning

Ensure your loved one with disabilities remains eligible for SSI and Medicaid while receiving lifetime support.

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Medicaid Planning

When a nursing home stay happens suddenly, we act quickly to help you qualify for Illinois Medicaid while protecting as much of your savings as possible.

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Business Law & Succession Planning

Protect your company and create a plan for ownership transition.

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Estate & Trust Litigation

When disputes arise, we protect your rights and your legacy.

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Happy Clients of Bielski Chapman, Ltd.

Jane Southwood
I hired Bielski Chapman to help me with a spend down for my disabled brother, who had inherited a small amount after my father’s death. They were very responsive, educated us on what needed to be done and handled matters efficiently. All in all they were great to work with.
★★★★★ 12 months ago
Jim Beran
I had a great experience working with this law firm for my estate planning needs. They were professional, knowledgeable, and took the time to explain every detail in a way that made sense. I felt confident throughout the entire process, knowing my wishes and my family’s future were being handled with care. The team was responsive, thorough, and made … More what could have been a stressful process feel smooth and well-organized. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for trusted guidance with estate planning
★★★★★ a year ago
Michael LaTona
I found Bielski Chapman by sheer luck. Who said I'm not lucky?
Working with SJ Chapman and her associates and assistants has been a pleasure! They are competent, courteous and cooperative. I am the Trustee of a now-deceased client's Trust. After distributing her Trust estate, I learned her pre-deceased brother left everything to my client. … More SJ stepped in and opened two estates and helped me marshal all of the brother's assets, which became part of his estate and then flowed into my client's estate. The opening, administration and closing of both estates took less than ten months!
Thank you SJ and your excellent team!
Michael
★★★★★ a year ago
Dorothy Urbanek
You, SJ, certainly DESERVE a POSITIVE review! The exemplary professionalism with utmost respect and attention you gave to me in a 15-minute free consultation was outstandingly inspiring! It was an unexpected surprise speaking with one of such high caliber of clear and honest intent – to help me in my confusion and lead me to light! Obviously, I am not … More used to this! LOL! You are a breath of fresh air! You reminded me that, while sometimes it’s hard to see, this world IS full of wonderfully giving people offering exactly what we need if only we take the chance, reach out and be rewarded with a very strong and reassuring hand lifting us up and out of the dark. You feel familiar to me – like family! Thank you, SJ. It is a pleasure knowing you are here!
★★★★★ a year ago
Mallory Giesen
My husband and I hired SJ to be the real estate attorney when we purchased our first home and could not have been happier. She made a very stressful process MUCH easier and made us feel confident that we weren't missing anything and weren't being taken advantage of. She clearly knows what she is doing, but more importantly she is fantastic … More at answering questions and communicating what's going on in the process. I can't recommend her highly enough.
★★★★★ 5 years ago

Hi, I’m SJ Chapman.

and I’m happy you’re here!

I know that if you’re here, you care deeply about the people