Areas of Practice

The Law Office of Rick Johnson focuses on residential real estate, estate planning, and probate. However, if there is any legal issue you need assistance, feel free to contact us for a free consultation. If I am unable to assist, I am more than happy to refer you to a colleague of mine who can.

Real Estate

Buying or selling your home can be a both exciting and stressful time in your life. An experienced real estate attorney can help guide you through the process to ensure a smooth and timely closing.

As your attorney, I will review the initial contract, ensure clear title is conveyed to the buyer, propose and advise on contract modifications, explain and monitor contract contingencies, and represent you at closing and protect your interests.

If you have any questions, I would be more than willing to meet for a free consultation.

Estate Planning

Everyone should have an estate plan. Many people put planning their estate for various reasons - thinking they are too young or too old, not having enough assets, wanting to contemplate your own passing away. But, without an estate plan, Illinois’ laws of descent and distribution will determine who will inherit your property by default.  Furthermore, a properly tailored estate plan will save your loved one’s money, time, headache, and burden.

Feel free to contact me for a free consultation or any question you may have on your estate plan, including the various documents that are involved, including: Living Trust, Will, Durable Power of Attorney, Power of Attorney for Healthcare, Living Will.

Probate

A common misconception is that a will avoids probate and that a loved one’s estate simply passes to the heirs according to the will. In most cases, if someone you know dies with or without a will, his or her estate will need to go through the probate process.

Probate is a legal process for administering the estates of someone who dies to ensure the orderly payment of claims and distribution of assets.  Although Illinois has a simplified version of probate this is available to most estates, having to deal with a court and a judge can be intimidating and overwhelming. Furthermore, there are strict statutory provisions that must be followed in order to open and close the estate properly.