At Aronberg Goldgehn, we serve the personal needs of individuals across a wide range of civil matters, including estate planning, probate, tax matters and dispute resolution.

Estate Planning

Our team of attorneys is experienced with a wide range of estate planning, from traditional wills and trusts to complex matters involving tax avoidance through asset allocation and utilization of revocable trusts, irrevocable gifting trusts, grantor retained income trusts, grantor retained annuity trusts, irrevocable insurance trusts, partnership freezes, and charitable gifting techniques.

Additionally, our practice encompasses advising clients with respect to:

  • Preparation of family limited partnerships
  • Structuring of sales of certain assets to intentionally defective grantor trusts
  • Premarital agreements
  • Nonjudicial family settlement agreements

We frequently work with business owners wishing to incorporate business assets or transactions into their personal estate plans. In these instances, our Trusts and Estates attorneys work closely with attorneys from the firm’s Business Law and Transactions practice group to devise plans that consider tax implications, business succession arrangements and any contemplated transactions.

Probate and Trust Administration

Our practice covers the settlement of estates of all sizes, including:

  • Probate of wills
  • Administration of testate and intestate estates
  • Prosecution of claims
  • Managing and distributing estate or trust assets and property
  • Litigation of will and trust contests

Guardianships

When a loved one is temporarily or permanently incapacitated or otherwise unable to manage their own care and financial affairs, a guardianship may be necessary to provide for the subject’s well-being, make financial and care decisions on their behalf, and protect against undue influence and financial exploitation from others. We have extensive experience navigating the complex process of initiating guardianship proceedings on behalf of clients with elderly or disabled family members.

Trust, Estate and Guardianship Litigation

Despite thorough planning, disputes occasionally arise during probate, administration and guardianship proceedings. Aronberg Goldgehn attorneys have extensive experience representing administrators, executors, trustees, beneficiaries, and heirs in all types of estate-related litigation. Our practice includes:

  • Will contests
  • Trust disputes
  • Contested guardianships
  • Breach of fiduciary duty claims
  • Disputes over estate and trust administration
  • Claims against executors and trustees

Elder Abuse

If you or a loved one is a victim of financial exploitation, abuse or neglect, our attorneys can help. We take both an aggressive and proactive stance against elder abuse and exploitation and will work to protect you and your family.

Tax Matters

We regularly prepare a broad range of tax-related agreements and documents for clients and represent them in tax matters, including:

  • Preparation of federal and Illinois state estate tax returns
  • Participation in federal tax audits and litigation in U.S. Tax Court and U.S. District Court
  • Preparation of applications for federal tax exempt status (Form 1023) and filing of registration statement in Illinois for the same entity
  • Advice on and implementation of tax-advantageous transactions, such as:
    • gifts or installment sales to irrevocable trust combining income and estate tax efficiencies
    • the creation of dynasty or multi-generation trusts
    • using family-controlled partnerships or LLCs to make tax-efficient wealth transfers while also taking control and management issues into account
    • planning with trusts and S Corporations to shift wealth aided by income tax planning, and similar tax-efficient planning and transactions

Final Regulations Issued by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on the SECURE Act
08.23.24

The regulations impact Required Minimum Distributions ("RMDs") and Required Beginning Date ("RBD").... Read More


Legal Documents: The Item Missing From Your College Packing List!
08.05.24


Nathan H. Lichtenstein Earns Victory at Trial
04.18.24

Aronberg Goldgehn litigation partner Nathan H. Lichtenstein earned a victory at trial for the estate of an elderly woman who had been a victim of financial exploitation before her death.... Read More


Aronberg Goldgehn Welcomes Jennifer Kuzminski as Member
03.22.24

Jennifer F. Kuzminski brings extensive estate planning experience and insight to Aronberg Goldgehn's clients in her new role as Member.... Read More


Karen R. Mills to Discuss Basic Estate Planning Skills at DuPage County Estate Planning Council Seminar
01.12.24

Karen R. Mills, alongside industry professionals, will lead a half-day seminar delving into fundamental estate planning topics.... Read More


David Feldman Discusses Claims and Citation Proceedings in DCBA Estate Planning CLE Live Webinar
12.11.23

David Feldman shares practical advice on managing claims and citations.... Read More


Is it Time to Update Your Estate Plan?
10.18.23

Aronberg Goldgehn shares life events and other reasons one would want to update their estate plan in honor of National Estate Planning Awareness Month.... Read More


Property Tax Relief: Exemptions to Consider
08.03.23

Property tax relief programs offer savings that can contribute to significantly lowering property tax bills. As these programs include various types of exemptions to assist in managing the costs and increases of annual real estate tax bills, it is crucial to review tax bills to ensure entitlement to all exemptions, including:... Read More


PILI Honors Karen R. Mills in 2023 Pro Bono Volunteer Honor Roll
06.20.23

Karen was recognized by the Public Interest Law Initiative for her commitment to providing legal support to those in need.... Read More


Karen R. Mills to Discuss Protection for Seniors at Naperville Carillon Club
05.09.23

In her discussion, Karen will offer participants information about risk factors and tips to protect themselves, as well as tips for family and friends involved with seniors. She will cover decision-making capacity, financial exploitation, elder abuse and undue influence.... Read More


Karen R. Mills Discusses Career Paths and Aronberg Goldgehn's Wheaton Office on The Local Podcast
05.03.23

Throughout the episode, Karen emphasized the value of patience. She reflected on her years in wealth management, college and law school – all while raising children – and shared how she turned her work into a passion rather than a job.... Read More


Aronberg Goldgehn Expands Wheaton Office with Angela Iaria
04.20.23

Angela M. Iaria joins the firm's Trusts and Estates practice as a Member in the Wheaton office.... Read More


Karen R. Mills to Provide Estate Planning Beginner's Guide to Young Lawyers in DCBA Webinar
03.15.23

Karen will discuss the basics of estate planning legal documents, concepts and strategies alongside co-presenter Sara Riechert in their one-hour CLE presentation titled "Estate Planning 101: A Beginner's Guide."... Read More


Karen R. Mills to Lend Estate Planning Drafting Services at PILI Legal Clinic for Veterans and Seniors
03.07.23

Karen will discuss the basics of estate planning documents and help assist registrants with document drafting as a volunteer in the clinic.... Read More


Inflation Brings Gift and Estate Tax Changes in 2023
02.13.23

Aronberg Goldgehn's Trust and Estates Planning Group discusses the gift and estate tax changes that take place in 2023 and whether individuals should take action.... Read More


Karen R. Mills to Share Estate Planning Insights for Veterans and Service Members in DCBA/DAWL CLE Program
11.10.22

In a collaboration between the Veteran's Committee of the DuPage County Bar Association and the DuPage Association of Women Lawyers, Karen R. Mills will host a session on estate planning for veterans as part of the Veteran's Day CLE Program.... Read More


Legal Documents: The Item Missing from Your College Packing List
07.07.22

Whether your child will be spending the next four years in-state or across the country, in the eyes of the law, they are considered an independent adult at the age of 18. It is wise to put legal documents in place to ensure that your college student is prepared when it comes to their health and finances.... Read More


Karen R. Mills Advances Through DuPage County Bar Association Leadership as Second Vice President
06.08.22

Aronberg Goldgehn's Karen R. Mills has been installed as the Second Vice President of the DuPage County Bar Association for 2022-2023.... Read More


Karen R. Mills to Explore Estate Planning and Elder Law Concerning Dementia in DCBA Webinar
01.24.22

Karen R. Mills will discuss estate planning and elder law as they relate to clients with dementia in the upcoming DCBA Joint Estate Planning and Elder Law webinar on Wednesday, January 26.... Read More


Aronberg Goldgehn Opens New Wheaton, Illinois Office and Adds Karen R. Mills as Member
04.20.21

Aronberg Goldgehn announces the opening of a new office in Wheaton, Illinois and the expansion of its Personal, Financial and Estate Planning practice with the addition of attorney Karen R. Mills as Member.... Read More


35 Aronberg Goldgehn Attorneys Honored as Leading and Emerging Lawyers in 2021 Lists
02.09.21

Leading Lawyers Network recognizes 35 Aronberg Goldgehn attorneys in the 2021 Leading and Emerging Lawyer lists.... Read More


Eighteen Aronberg Goldgehn Attorneys Named 2021 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
01.29.21

Aronberg Goldgehn congratulates its 18 attorneys that have been selected to the 2021 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.... Read More


Twenty-Nine Aronberg Goldgehn Attorneys Named Illinois Leading Lawyers
07.08.20

Anderson, Bannon, Brodsky, Christman, De Preter, Frank, Garmisa, Gilman, Hanekamp, Hayes, Holisky, J. Johnson, Lazzara, Lichtenstein, Melamed, Morris, T. Nelson, C. Niro, B. Niro, Robertson, Schlifke, Scholl, Sciaccotta, Sodikoff, Stark, Warren, Wernick, Zaban and Zaslavsky named Leading Lawyers.... Read More


Aronberg Goldgehn's Women's Initiative Honors WINGS CEO Rebecca Darr With Its 2019 Inspiration Award
08.15.19

Rebecca accepted the award at the Fourth Annual Inspiration Award Reception hosted by the Aronberg Goldgehn Women's Initiative.... Read More


Paul Gilman, Elizabeth Lazzara and Sharon Zaban Named to "Crain's 2019 Notable Gen X Leaders in Law" List
06.04.19

Paul Gilman, Elizabeth Lazzara and Sharon Zaban have been named on "Crain's 2019 Notable Gen X Leaders in Law" list, published in the June 3 edition of Crain's Chicago Business.... Read More


Mark Anderson Co-Presenting "Does Your Estate Plan Still Fit You?"
05.20.19

On May 22, Mark and his co-presenter will discuss how, when and why you should review your estate plan to ensure it meets with your current intent.... Read More


Aronberg Goldgehn's Women Attorneys Volunteer at Sarah's Circle
05.03.19

On April 24, 2019, a group of Aronberg Goldgehn's Women's Initiative members volunteered at Sarah's Circle in Chicago's Uptown Community, providing dinner service for their residents... Read More


Elizabeth Lazzara and John Sciaccotta Serving as Campaign Vice Chairs for the 2019 Investing in Justice Campaign
04.26.19

The Investing in Justice Campaign raises much-needed funds for pro bono and legal aid services in the Chicago area.... Read More


Twenty-Three Aronberg Goldgehn Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers in Illinois
03.20.19

Anderson, Bannon, Brodsky, Christman, Frank, Garmisa, Gilman, Hanekamp, Hayes, Holisky, Johnson, Lazzara, Lichtenstein, Melamed, Morris, Robertson, Schlifke, Scholl, Sciaccotta, Sodikoff, Stark, Zaban and Zaslavsky named Leading Lawyers.... Read More


Chris Bannon, Jay Frank, Tom Hanekamp, Julie Johnson, John Sciaccotta, Blooma Stark and Michael Zaslavsky Named Super Lawyers By Illinois Super Lawyers
01.25.19

Only 5 percent of Illinois attorneys are named Super Lawyers.... Read More


Aronberg Goldgehn's Women's Initiative Honors Sarah Alter With Its 2018 Inspiration Award
08.17.18

Sarah Alter, President and CEO of the Network of Executive Women (NEW), accepted the award at the Third Annual Inspiration Award Luncheon.... Read More


Elizabeth Lazzara, Blooma Stark and Sharon Zaban Named in "Chicago's Notable Women Lawyers 2018" by Crain's Custom Media
07.31.18

The list is published in the July 30 edition of Crain's Chicago Business, as well as online at ChicagoBusiness.com.... Read More


Aronberg Goldgehn Hosting the Legal Netlink Alliance's Spring 2018 Meeting
04.30.18

On May 17, 2018, the Legal Netlink Alliance will kick off its 2018 Spring meeting with a cocktail reception in the offices of Aronberg Goldgehn.... Read More


Twenty Aronberg Goldgehn Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers By Illinois Leading Lawyers
03.30.18

Twenty-one Aronberg Goldgehn attorneys have been named Leading Lawyers for 2018 by Illinois Leading Lawyers.... Read More


Chris Bannon, Jay Frank, Tom Hanekamp, Blooma Stark and Michael Zaslavsky Named "Super Lawyers" By Illinois Super Lawyers
01.25.18

Aronberg Goldgehn members Christopher J. Bannon, Jay A. Frank, Thomas K. Hanekamp, Blooma Stark and Michael Zaslavsky have been selected as Illinois Super Lawyers for 2018.... Read More


Mark Anderson Presenting "How Suburban Businesses Will Change to Take Advantage of the New Tax Law"
01.25.18

On February 15, 2018, Mark D. Anderson will present "How Suburban Businesses Will Change to Take Advantage of the New Tax Law" at a seminar presented by the DuPage Foundation.... Read More


What You Should Know About the Final Version of The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017
12.19.17

Lawmakers are poised to deliver significant changes to the tax code, most of which will be effective from 2018 through 2025. This Alert contains a brief list of some of those changes.... Read More


Blooma Stark Presenting "Life Cycle of a Trust" at An Illinois CPA Society Breakfast Meeting
11.29.17

On December 8, Blooma Stark will present "Life Cycle of Trust" at the CPA/JD Practitioners' Breakfast hosted by the Illinois CPA Society.... Read More


Mark Anderson Presenting "Pass-Through Entity Tax Planning" to the Illinois CPA Society's Fox Valley Chapter
11.28.17

On December 7, Aronberg Goldgehn member Mark Anderson will present "Pass-Through Entity Tax Planning," at the Hilton Lisle/Naperville.... Read More


Aronberg Goldgehn's Women's Initiative Honors Businesswoman Rowena Zimmers With Its 2017 Inspiration Award
10.17.17

Rowena Zimmers accepted Aronberg Goldgehn's 2017 Inspiration Award at its 2nd Annual Inspiration Award Luncheon.... Read More


Amy Gibson Named in Crain's List of The Most Influential Women Lawyers in Chicago
08.01.17

Aronberg Goldgehn Member Amy M. Gibson has been listed in Crain's Custom Media's inaugural edition of The Most Influential Women Lawyers in Chicago.... Read More


Mark Anderson Presenting "Illinois LLC Act Changes"
05.19.17

On June 9, 2017, Aronberg Goldgehn attorney Mark Anderson will speak on the "Illinois LLC Act Changes" at the Fox Valley Chapter of the ICPAS JD/CPA Practitioners' breakfast.... Read More


Mark Anderson Co-Presenting "Famous Fiascos: Estate Planning Mistakes of the Rich and Famous & How You Can Avoid Them"
05.18.17

On May 23, 2017, Aronberg Goldgehn attorney Mark Anderson will discuss how to avoid the pitfalls of poor planning at a free seminar for friends of Edward Foundation.... Read More


Eighteen Aronberg Goldgehn Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers By Illinois Leading Lawyers
04.27.17

Eighteen of the firm's members have been named Leading Lawyers by Illinois Leading Lawyers, a designation awarded to less than 5 percent of Illinois attorneys.... Read More


Chris Bannon, Jay Frank, Tom Hanekamp, Blooma Stark and Michael Zaslavsky Named "Super Lawyers" By Illinois Super Lawyers
01.23.17

Aronberg Goldgehn members Chris Bannon, Jay Frank, Tom Hanekamp, Blooma Stark and Michael Zaslavsky have been selected as Illinois Super Lawyers for 2017.... Read More


Aronberg Goldgehn Sponsoring the 18th Annual Illinois Bar Foundation Gala
09.07.16

Aronberg Goldgehn is honored to be the Northern Illinois University Fellowship Sponsor for the Illinois Bar Foundation's 2016 Gala, where Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan will be presented with the 2016 Distinguished Award for Excellence.... Read More


Aronberg Goldgehn's Women's Initiative Hosts Its Inaugural Inspiration Award Luncheon
08.01.16

Ulta Beauty General Counsel Jodi Caro Honored With the 2016 Inspiration Award... Read More


Mark Anderson Presenting the Key Current Issues in Advising S-Corporations
06.02.16

On June 15, 2016, Aronberg Goldgehn member Mark D. Anderson will present "Key Current Issues in Advising S-Corporations" at an Illinois CPA Society-O'Hare Chapter dinner event and program.... Read More


Mark Anderson Presenting "The Personal Side of Estate Planning: Families & Finances"
05.05.16

On May 17, 2016, Aronberg Goldgehn Member Mark D. Anderson will co-present a free seminar titled, "The Personal Side of Estate Planning: Families & Finances."... Read More


Estate Planning Update - Does Your Estate Plan Address All of Your Assets?
02.11.16

After a person dies, his or her will and/or trust determines how their personal property, financial assets and real estate will be distributed. However, often overlooked are individual's digital assets and digital content.... Read More


Chris Bannon, Jay Frank, Blooma Stark and Michael Zaslavsky Named Super Lawyers By Illinois Super Lawyers
01.01.16

Aronberg Goldgehn members Christopher J. Bannon, Jay A. Frank, Blooma Stark and Michael Zaslavsky have been selected as Illinois ‘Super Lawyers' for 2016.... Read More


Mark Anderson Named a Member of the Edward Foundation's Board of Directors
08.06.15

The Edward Foundation has named Mark D. Anderson as a member of its Board of Directors. Established in 1990, The Edward Foundation supports Edward Hospital & Health Services' community health care initiatives.... Read More


Aronberg Goldgehn Appoints New Practice Group Chairs
07.29.15

Nate Lichtenstein and Amy Rapoport Gibson Will Lead the Commercial Litigation Group; Paul Gilman and Tim Nelson, Business Law & Transactions... Read More


Aronberg Goldgehn Ranked No. 1 for Having the Highest Percentage of Women Associates Among Illinois' Largest Firms
07.14.15

Chicago Lawyer magazine' has published the results of its annual diversity survey of the largest law firms in Illinois, and Aronberg Goldgehn has been ranked No. 1 in one analysis of the statistics.... Read More


Mark Anderson Joins Aronberg Goldgehn
05.06.15

Mark Anderson has joined Aronberg Goldgehn as a member. He concentrates his practice in federal and state corporate and partnership tax, estate and gift taxes, and related business matters for middle market companies and their owners.... Read More


Aronberg Goldgehn Attorneys Named 2015 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in Illinois
01.12.15

Christopher J. Bannon, Jay A. Frank and Blooma Stark have been selected as Illinois Super Lawyers; Amber N. LaFevers, Timothy R. Nelson and Amy M. Rapoport Gibson named ‘Rising Stars.'... Read More


Chris Bannon, Jay Frank, Billy Garmisa and Blooma Stark Named Super Lawyers By Illinois Super Lawyers
01.13.14

Christopher J. Bannon, Jay A. Frank, William J. Garmisa and Blooma Stark have been selected as Super Lawyers by Illinois Super Lawyers.... Read More


Chris Bannon, Jay Frank, Billy Garmisa and Blooma Stark Named Super Lawyers By Illinois Super Lawyers
08.29.13

Aronberg Goldgehn members Christopher J. Bannon, Jay A. Frank, William J. Garmisa and Blooma Stark have been selected as Illinois Super Lawyers.... Read More


First Business News Talks With Blooma Stark About Digital Asset Planning
07.01.13


Blooma Stark Featured in Leading Lawyers Network Magazine - Women's Edition For 2012
01.11.13

Leading Lawyers Network Magazine featured Estate Planning and Probate attorney Blooma Stark in an article in their Women's Edition 2012 publication.... Read More


Seven Aronberg Goldgehn Attorneys Named 2013 Illinois Super Lawyers' and Rising Stars' in Illinois
01.04.13

Aronberg Goldgehn is pleased to announce that four attorneys were selected as Illinois ‘Super Lawyers' for 2013 and four attorneys were designated as ‘Rising Stars' in Illinois by Super Lawyers magazine.... Read More


Aronberg Goldgehn Elects Michael A. Zaslavsky As an Equity Member
07.01.11


Blooma Stark Presenting on Skipping Transfer Tax Planning Options
03.23.11

Aronberg Goldgehn member Blooma Stark will present "Skipping Transfer Tax Planning Options" at the 2011 Explore Genworth Financial Annual Convention in Chicago.... Read More


Estate Planning Alert - Changes in Estate Taxes Effective for 2011
12.22.10

Congress has delivered some certainty as to estate taxes for the next couple of years in the form of the "Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010."... Read More


Paul Gilman Speaks About The Legal Considerations of Preparing to Transition One's Business
06.10.10

Paul Gilman presented the "Legal Considerations of Preparing to Transition One's Business, and How to Avoid Some Common Pitfalls" at the 2010 Genworth Convention.... Read More


Blooma Stark Presenting on Special Needs Planning
05.07.10

Blooma Stark will present "Drafting Third-Party and Self-Settled Special Needs Trusts" at the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education's Annual Special Needs Planning Program.... Read More


Aronberg Goldgehn Attorneys to Attend 2010 Genworth Financial National Convention May 17-19 in San Diego, CA
05.06.10


Stark Presenting on Irrevocable Trusts and Testamentary Special Needs Trusts
10.08.09

On Dec. 4, 2009, Blooma Stark will be presenting at the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education's 5th Annual Elder Law Short Course.... Read More


Blooma Stark Presented at the 2009 Genworth Financial Convention
05.14.09


Blooma Stark to Present at the Illinois CPA Society's Estate and Gift Tax Conference
04.20.09


Aronberg Goldgehn Members Attend 2008 Genworth Financial Convention
05.12.08