Evermore Law Group

Evermore Law Group Evermore Law Group (formerly Law Office of Meghan Stokes LLC) focuses on two areas: real estate and estate planning.

It’s FAQ Friday!Q: I'm not sure I need an estate plan. How expensive could probate be?A: Unfortunately, there is no simp...
06/12/2026

It’s FAQ Friday!

Q: I'm not sure I need an estate plan. How expensive could probate be?

A: Unfortunately, there is no simple answer because every probate case is different.

The biggest expense in most probate cases is attorney fees. If an estate is straightforward, has minimal assets, and there are few heirs involved, the cost may be under $10,000. However, probate can quickly become much more expensive if complications arise, such as locating assets, resolving creditor claims, dealing with family disagreements, or handling unexpected court requirements.

The challenge is that no one knows in advance what issues may come up. That uncertainty can leave loved ones facing significant legal fees, delays, and stress during an already difficult time.

Beyond the financial costs, probate is also a public court process. It can take months or even years to complete, requiring your family to navigate court filings, deadlines, and administrative tasks while grieving the loss of a loved one.

One of the most effective ways to reduce probate costs is to avoid probate altogether. For many families, a properly funded living trust can allow assets to pass privately and efficiently without the need for a lengthy court process.

Estate planning isn't just about what happens after you're gone. It's about making things easier for the people you love when they need it most.

Happy to have helped by client purchase this amazing home in Naperville. Now we're working on selling their other proper...
06/10/2026

Happy to have helped by client purchase this amazing home in Naperville. Now we're working on selling their other property to avoid two mortgages. Enjoy your new home!

It’s FAQ Friday!Q: Can estate planning help with business succession?A: Absolutely. For business owners, estate planning...
06/06/2026

It’s FAQ Friday!

Q: Can estate planning help with business succession?

A: Absolutely. For business owners, estate planning is not just personal — it is one of the most important parts of protecting the future of the business you’ve worked so hard to build.

Without a clear plan in place, an unexpected illness, incapacity, or death can leave family members, business partners, and employees facing confusion, delays, financial stress, or even disputes over ownership and decision-making authority.

A comprehensive estate plan can help address:
• Who will take over management of the business
• What happens to ownership interests
• How business decisions will continue if you are unavailable
• Buy-sell agreements between partners
• Tax planning strategies
• Protection for your family and loved ones
• Long-term continuity for employees and clients

For many business owners, the business is one of their largest and most important assets. A proper succession plan helps ensure everything you built can continue smoothly and intentionally instead of being left to court involvement or uncertainty.

Business succession planning is ultimately about protecting both your legacy and the people who depend on it.

Its FAQ Friday!Q: My loved one had a will, and now their estate is tied up in probate. What do I do?A: Unfortunately, on...
05/30/2026

Its FAQ Friday!

Q: My loved one had a will, and now their estate is tied up in probate. What do I do?

A: Unfortunately, once your loved one has passed, you cannot avoid the probate process if assets are owned in their personal name.

In order for assets in a will to be transferred to a beneficiary, the will must first pass through the court process known as probate. During probate, the court oversees the will’s administration, ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. However, probate proceedings can drag out for months or even years, and your family will likely have to hire an attorney to represent them, which can result in costly legal fees that can drain your estate. There’s also the chance that one of your family members might contest your will.

Unlike wills, trusts don’t require your family to go through probate, which can save them time, money, and the potential for conflict. Plus, when you have a trust set up, the distribution of your assets happens in the privacy of our office—not the courtroom.

A living will is the best way to ensure your wishes for life-sustaining measures are respected and your family is not left making difficult decisions on your behalf.

We can help you draft a legally-sound living will and provide copies to the executor of your will, your loved ones, and your health care providers.

Glad to have helped my returning client purchase this single family home in the south loop! Thank you for placing your t...
05/29/2026

Glad to have helped my returning client purchase this single family home in the south loop! Thank you for placing your trust in my team.

Happy to have helped my returning clients purchase a new condo in River North! We sold their old condo last year but the...
05/22/2026

Happy to have helped my returning clients purchase a new condo in River North! We sold their old condo last year but they were excited to return to Chicago. Welcome back!

Address

4849 N Milwaukee Avenue Ste 700
Chicago, IL
60630

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 9pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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