Estate Planning Lawyer in Lockport, Illinois
A basic Lockport estate plan is a will, a power of attorney for money, a power of attorney for health care, and a living will. Jeff McCarthy drafts them at his office at 136 E 9th St. Lockport is in Will County, so any probate for a Lockport resident runs through the courthouse in Joliet.
What a basic plan covers
Most Lockport plans start with four papers.
- A will that names who gets your property and who carries out your wishes.
- A power of attorney for property, so someone you trust can pay bills if you cannot.
- A power of attorney for health care, which names who speaks for you with doctors.
- A living will, which puts your wishes about end of life treatment in writing.
If you have children under 18, the will also names a guardian. If a trust fits your situation, Jeff explains it as an add-on, not a default.
What the Lockport numbers say
The Census Bureau estimates Lockport at 27,822 people as of July 1, 2025. That is up 6.6% from the 2020 base. About 12.8% of residents are 65 or older, which is a younger mix than most towns in this area. Around 84.6% of homes are owner occupied, and the median value of an owner occupied home is $316,000 (2020 to 2024 figures, Census QuickFacts).
Put plainly, many Lockport owners are in the early or middle years of a mortgage. The house is likely the biggest asset, but the equity is still building. For these households the big questions are usually who raises the kids and who can sign for you after an accident. Taxes are rarely the issue.
Your house is the first thing to check
How your deed reads decides whether the house passes outside of court. Two spouses on one deed are handled differently than one owner alone. A house in one name with no beneficiary paperwork usually goes through probate. Jeff reads your deed before he recommends anything, and he explains the choices in avoiding probate.
Get your plan done. Call Jeff.
Tell Jeff about your family, your home and what you want to happen. He'll explain the next step.Office hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 10 AM to noon. After hours, leave your name, number and the best time to call back.
Jeff McCarthy, Inspired Law Group, 136 E 9th St, Lockport, IL 60441
Signing at the Lockport office
A will in Illinois must be signed and then attested by at least 2 credible witnesses in the testator's presence (755 ILCS 5/4-3). The Illinois short form power of attorney for property calls for a notarized acknowledgment (755 ILCS 45/3-3). Jeff goes over who can witness and what to bring on the first call, so signing day is short.
If a Lockport family member has already died
Probate goes to the county where the person lived (755 ILCS 5/5-1). For someone from Lockport that is Will County. The Circuit Clerk of Will County is at the Will County Court House, 100 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet. The steps are laid out in the Will County probate guide, and executor duties explains the first jobs.
What to bring to the first call
- Your deed, or the address and names on it.
- A list of bank, retirement and insurance accounts, and who is named on each.
- Names and ages of your children.
- Names of the people you would trust as executor and as agent.
- Any old will or power of attorney you already signed.
You do not need to have answers ready. A rough list is enough, and Jeff fills in the rest by asking questions.
Three mistakes first time homeowners make
First, assuming the spouse gets everything. With a spouse and children, Illinois splits an intestate estate half to the spouse and half to the descendants (755 ILCS 5/2-1(a)). With no children, the spouse takes all (2-1(c)). Second, leaving an old beneficiary on a work account, such as a former partner or a parent. Third, adding an adult child to the deed as a shortcut. That can bring tax and creditor problems of its own, so ask before you sign.
Sources
Reviewed by Jeff McCarthy, Attorney, Inspired Law Group, 136 E 9th St, Lockport, IL 60441.
Questions people ask about lockport
Short answers first. Jeff McCarthy reviews every answer on this page.
There is no minimum. If you die without a will, Illinois decides who inherits under 755 ILCS 5/2-1. With a spouse and children, half goes to the spouse and half to the children. See what happens without a will to check whether that matches what you want.
Yes. The office is at 136 E 9th St in Lockport. Jeff tells you ahead of time what each paper needs for witnesses and a notary.
The Will County court in Joliet, because Illinois sends probate to the county of residence. Filings go through the Circuit Clerk of Will County.
Name a guardian in a signed will. Illinois lets a parent designate a guardian in a writing witnessed by 2 or more adults (755 ILCS 5/11-5). Read more on the guardian for minor children page.
Not if you have children. Half goes to your spouse and half to your descendants. If you have no children or grandchildren, your spouse takes the whole estate (755 ILCS 5/2-1).
Keep reading
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Every case comes down to its facts and its deadlines. Talk with Jeff McCarthy so you can:
- Get clear on your legal options.
- Avoid costly mistakes.
- Know what happens next, and when.
