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BBB A+ Rated · Super Lawyers 2019–2026 · 48 Years Experience

Peck Ritchey, LLC

321 S Plymouth Court, Floor 6 · Chicago, IL 60604 · (312) 201-0900

Planning My Estate Wills & Trusts Probate Guardianship Elder Law Trust & Will Disputes

Most people put off estate planning because they don't know where to start or find the whole topic overwhelming. Peck Ritchey makes it straightforward. The firm focuses exclusively on estate planning, probate, guardianship, and elder law — which means every attorney there lives and breathes exactly what you need. Managing Partner Kerry Peck is a past president of the Chicago Bar Association with nearly five decades of experience in this space.

BBB A+ Accredited Illinois Super Lawyers Chicago Bar Association Leading Lawyers
Free Consultation (312) 201-0900
4.5
★★★★★
Based on 111+ verified reviews
Overall
4.5
Results
4.6
Communication
4.4
Value
4.5
Editorial Verdict

Why Choose Peck Ritchey?

Estate planning doesn't have to be confusing. Peck Ritchey has spent decades stripping the complexity out of wills, trusts, and probate for ordinary Chicago families. The firm focuses exclusively on this area of law — they don't try to be everything to everyone — and that focus shows in both the quality of their documents and the patience they extend to clients who have never done this before. Managing Partner Kerry Peck is one of the most recognized estate planning and elder law attorneys in Illinois, having served as president of the Chicago Bar Association. Partner Timothy Ritchey has been on the Illinois Super Lawyers list every year since 2019. For families who want their affairs in order, or who face the difficulty of probate or guardianship, Peck Ritchey delivers steady, experienced counsel at approachable rates.

Practice Areas

Situations They Handle

Estate Planning (Wills & Trusts) Probate Administration Guardianship Proceedings Elder Law & Medicaid Planning Contested Wills & Trust Litigation Power of Attorney (Financial & Healthcare) Trust Administration Asset Protection Planning Estate & Inheritance Tax Planning Business Succession Planning
Fees & Pricing

What You'll Likely Pay

Simple estate planning is often available at flat fees. Complex trust drafting, probate administration, and litigation are billed hourly. The firm is transparent about costs at the initial consultation.

$1,000–$3,000
basic will & trust package
$250–$400
per hour (litigation/probate)
The Team

Key Attorneys

Kerry Peck, Managing Partner

Kerry Peck

Managing Partner
Estate planning, trust litigation, elder law. Past president, Chicago Bar Association. 48 years experience.
Timothy Ritchey, Partner

Timothy J. Ritchey

Partner
Probate litigation, guardianship, contested estate matters. Illinois Super Lawyers 2019–2026.
Jesse Footlik, Associate

Jesse Footlik

Associate
Estate administration, trust drafting, power of attorney, Medicaid planning
Client Experiences

What Clients Say

Client
Carol B.
Estate Planning · Lincoln Square
★★★★★
"I kept putting this off for years because I thought it would be overwhelming. Kerry Peck walked me through everything in plain English. Two hours later I had a plan that actually made sense. I only wish I'd done it sooner."
Client
George T.
Contested Probate · North Side
★★★★★
"My father passed with a contested will and a sibling determined to derail the process. Timothy Ritchey handled everything — court appearances, discovery, negotiations. We prevailed. He fought hard and kept me informed throughout."
Client
Maria F.
Guardianship · Rogers Park
★★★★★
"Obtaining guardianship for my mother with Alzheimer's was emotionally exhausting. Peck Ritchey handled the legal complexity with compassion and efficiency. They understood this wasn't just paperwork — it was my family."
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FAQ

Common Questions About This Firm

Do I really need a lawyer to write my will?
Technically, no — but DIY wills fail at surprisingly high rates when they're actually needed. Handwritten or online wills frequently lack proper witnesses, use ambiguous language, or conflict with Illinois intestacy laws. A properly drafted will from a lawyer like Peck Ritchey costs a few hundred to a few thousand dollars and ensures your wishes are enforceable. That's a small investment compared to the cost of a contested or invalidated estate.
What's the difference between a will and a trust?
A will directs how your assets are distributed after death but must go through probate — a public court process that can take months. A revocable living trust avoids probate, provides privacy, and can transfer assets more quickly. Whether you need a trust depends on your estate size, family situation, and goals. Peck Ritchey will help you figure out which makes sense at the initial consultation.
Can Peck Ritchey help if my family is contesting a will?
Yes. The firm has extensive experience in contested probate litigation — representing both beneficiaries who believe a will is invalid and executors defending the estate. Timothy Ritchey handles much of the firm's contested work and is a seasoned litigator in probate court.
What does guardianship involve?
Guardianship is a court-supervised process in which you are given legal authority to make decisions on behalf of someone who is incapacitated — usually a parent with dementia or a disabled adult child. It involves a petition, medical affidavits, a court hearing, and ongoing reporting obligations. Peck Ritchey handles the process from start to finish, including emergency guardianship when there's an urgent situation.
Is the initial consultation really free?
Yes. Peck Ritchey offers a free initial consultation for most estate planning and elder law matters. Come prepared with a general sense of your assets, your family situation, and any concerns you have about a specific family member's wishes or capacity.

Helpful Resources & Related Pages

Quick Facts

Founded1995
Firm SizeSmall · Boutique
Fee StructureFlat fee + hourly
Will & Trust PackageFrom $1,000
Free ConsultationYes
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Virtual AvailableYes
BBB RatingA+
Free Consultation

Office

Chicago: 321 S Plymouth Court, Floor 6, Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 201-0900

Recognition

  • ✓ BBB Accredited · A+ Rating
  • ✓ Illinois Super Lawyers 2019–2026
  • ✓ Chicago Bar Association — Past President
  • ✓ Leading Lawyers — Estate Planning
  • ✓ 111+ Verified Client Reviews

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