Estate Planning & Probate

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ESTATE PLANNING

Estate planning is not simply about drafting documents. It is about building a clear, enforceable plan that protects your family, your assets, and your long-term intentions.

A well-designed estate plan ensures your children are cared for by the right people, assets reach the right hands, and trusted decision-makers are in place for healthcare and financial matters — before a crisis forces the issue. For families with special needs beneficiaries, it preserves critical benefit eligibility without disruption.

The result is a plan designed around your actual family dynamics and goals — not a generic template.

PROBATE

When a loved one has passed, the focus shifts from planning to administration. Probate is a legal process that requires steady guidance, careful compliance, and — when necessary — strong representation.

We guide families through every stage: independent and supervised administrations, small estate procedures, guardianship matters, and contested disputes. Whether the matter is straightforward or litigated, you receive structured oversight, clear communication, and careful attention to fiduciary obligations.

Our Services

  • Estate Planning

    A well-structured estate plan provides:

    • Clear distribution of assets
    • Protection for minor children
    • Special needs planning that preserves benefit eligibility
    • Trusted decision-makers for healthcare and finances
    • Reduced risk of future family disputes

    Estate planning engagements are typically handled on a fixed-fee basis, allowing you to move forward with clarity about scope and investment.

    Plans are carefully drafted to reflect your actual family dynamics, financial structure, and long-term goals — not generic templates.

  • Special Needs, Elder Law & Asset Protection

    For families navigating disability, aging, or long-term care concerns, planning must account for government benefits, evolving care needs, and family responsibilities.

    We provide:

    • Special needs trust planning
    • Medicaid and long-term care considerations
    • Asset protection strategies
    • Periodic plan reviews and updates

    These matters require both legal precision and practical understanding of how families function over time.

  • Probate & Estate Administration

    When a loved one has passed, the focus shifts from planning to administration.

    We represent executors, trustees, heirs, and beneficiaries in:

    • Independent and supervised probate administrations
    • Small estate procedures
    • Guardianship matters connected to estate administration
    • Fiduciary disputes
    • Contested probate litigation

    Probate matters are billed hourly due to their variable complexity, particularly in contested proceedings.

    Whether uncontested or litigated, probate is handled with structured oversight, steady communication, and careful attention to fiduciary obligations.

  • Veteran’s Estate Planning

    We honor your service by thoughtfully integrating VA benefits, survivor pensions, disability compensation, and other military-related entitlements into a comprehensive estate plan.

    Veterans and their families often face unique planning considerations, including eligibility for Aid & Attendance benefits, coordination of disability income, survivor benefits for spouses, and long-term care planning. Estate planning must account for how assets are titled, how income is structured, and how benefit eligibility may be affected by future transfers or care needs.

    We design estate plans that:

    • Coordinate trust planning with VA and pension eligibility
    • Protect surviving spouses through structured beneficiary designations
    • Address long-term care considerations without unnecessary loss of benefits
    • Preserve military-earned benefits for future generations

    The goal is to ensure that the benefits earned through service continue to support your family with clarity and stability.

  • Asset Protection Planning

    We design proactive strategies to safeguard your wealth from potential creditors, lawsuits, and unforeseen risks.

    Asset protection is not about secrecy or avoidance. It is about careful structuring — using lawful, strategic planning tools to reduce vulnerability and create stability.

    Depending on your circumstances, this may include:

    • Trust-based planning
    • Strategic titling of assets
    • Business entity structuring
    • Liability exposure review
    • Coordination with insurance planning
    • Spousal and beneficiary protection strategies

    For business owners, professionals, and individuals with real property or investment assets, asset protection planning helps ensure that one unexpected event does not compromise long-term financial security.

    The objective is simple: protect what you’ve built without disrupting what you intend to pass on.

  • Periodic Plan Reviews & Updates

    As your life, finances, and the law evolve, your estate plan should evolve with them.

    Marriage, divorce, the birth of children or grandchildren, business growth, relocation, significant asset acquisition, and changes in tax law all affect how your estate plan should function.

    We provide structured plan review services to reassess:

    • Beneficiary designations
    • Trustee and fiduciary selections
    • Asset titling and funding
    • Tax exposure and legislative updates
    • Special needs or elder care considerations
    • Business succession provisions

    Regular reviews ensure your documents remain accurate, enforceable, and aligned with your current goals — not outdated assumptions.

    Estate planning is not a one-time event. It is an ongoing framework designed to adapt as your life changes.

Joerika Stitt, Esq.

A Thoughtful and Strategic Approach to Estate Planning & Probate

Attorney Stitt’s foundation in social work continues to shape how she practices law today. Before becoming an attorney, she spent nearly a decade working within complex family systems, gaining a practical understanding of how families function under pressure, how conflict develops, and how decisions made during transitions can affect generations.

That experience informs her approach to estate planning and probate.

Clients consistently note that they feel genuinely heard during consultations. Careful, attentive listening allows Attorney Stitt to identify concerns that may not be immediately obvious — family dynamics, unspoken priorities, potential areas of tension, and long-term risks that thoughtful planning can address before they become disputes.

Her early legal career in legal aid provided courtroom experience in contested matters and strengthened her ability to navigate both negotiation and litigation. Today, she brings that same discipline and preparation to estate planning engagements and probate representation.

Planning is approached with foresight.
Administration is handled with steady oversight.
Disputes are addressed with clarity and structure.

Legal strategy reflects both the statutory framework and the real-world impact of the decisions clients make for their families.

A Comprehensive Approach to Estate Planning & Probate

Whether creating a structured estate plan or administering a loved one’s estate, representation is grounded in preparation, clarity, and long-term thinking.

This practice includes:

Strategic Estate Planning
Carefully drafted wills, trusts, and fiduciary documents designed to protect assets, reduce the likelihood of future disputes, and reflect each family’s unique structure and goals.

Special Needs & Elder Planning
Coordinated planning that accounts for long-term care, government benefits, and the evolving needs of vulnerable family members.

Probate & Fiduciary Representation
Steady guidance through estate administration, including both uncontested proceedings and contested probate litigation when necessary.

The objective is not simply to prepare documents or complete court filings. It is to create plans and resolutions that function as intended — and continue to serve families well into the future.

CONSULATION

Partner with us to protect your loved ones, preserve your legacy, and navigate every stage of life with confidence.

  • Estate planning is not reserved for the wealthy, nor is it simply about distributing property after death. At its core, estate planning is about clarity — clarifying who will make decisions, how assets will be managed, and how your wishes will be carried out if you are unable to speak for yourself.

    Without a structured plan in place, state law determines who inherits, who serves as guardian for minor children, and who has authority over financial and healthcare decisions. Those default rules may not reflect your intentions, your family dynamics, or your long-term goals.

    A carefully designed estate plan allows you to:

    • Direct how assets are distributed
    • Appoint trusted decision-makers
    • Provide stability for minor children
    • Minimize the likelihood of future disputes
    • Coordinate financial and healthcare planning
    • Protect privacy and reduce unnecessary court involvement

    Estate planning also provides continuity. It ensures that business interests, real property, retirement accounts, and family assets are transferred efficiently and according to a deliberate strategy rather than by default.

    Just as importantly, thoughtful planning can prevent avoidable conflict. Clear instructions, properly structured trusts, and well-chosen fiduciaries reduce uncertainty and create a framework that supports families during already difficult times.

    At Joerika Stitt Esquire, LLC, estate planning is approached with long-term perspective. Each plan is structured to reflect the client’s actual circumstances — family relationships, asset composition, business interests, and personal priorities — rather than relying on one-size-fits-all templates.

    The goal is not simply to create documents. It is to create a plan that functions as intended, protects those you care about, and holds up over time.

  • Caring for a loved one with disabilities involves more than standard estate planning—it requires specialized strategies to ensure long-term stability and well-being. At Joerika Stitt Esquire, LLC, we create customized plans that preserve eligibility for critical government benefits, establish special needs trusts, and arrange guardianships or decision-making frameworks. Our goal is to protect financial assets, secure healthcare provisions, and maintain the highest possible quality of life for your family member.

    What sets us apart is our holistic perspective. With a background in social work, legal aid, and public policy, we understand the unique challenges that families with special needs face. This breadth of experience allows us to craft individualized solutions that are as unique as the people we serve, ensuring both peace of mind and enduring support.

  • Caring for a loved one with disabilities involves more than standard estate planning—it requires specialized strategies to ensure long-term stability and well-being. At Joerika Stitt Esquire, LLC, we create customized plans that preserve eligibility for critical government benefits, establish special needs trusts, and arrange guardianships or decision-making frameworks. Our goal is to protect financial assets, secure healthcare provisions, and maintain the highest possible quality of life for your family member.

    What sets us apart is our holistic perspective. With a background in social work, legal aid, and public policy, we understand the unique challenges that families with special needs face. This breadth of experience allows us to craft individualized solutions that are as unique as the people we serve, ensuring both peace of mind and enduring support.

  • Veterans deserve estate plans that acknowledge their service and ensure they—and their families—access the benefits and protections they’ve earned. We design and implement strategies that integrate VA benefits, disability compensation, and other government programs into your broader estate plan. Our services might include asset protection trusts, navigating complex benefit eligibility requirements, and coordinating survivor benefits to offer security well into the future.

    Our firm’s social work and legal aid background informs every recommendation we make. We understand the policies, processes, and systemic challenges affecting veterans. By combining legal expertise with compassion and policy insight, we create tailored solutions that honor your sacrifices while protecting your legacy and your family’s well-being.

  • Guiding You Through the Process with Care and Expertise

    Losing a loved one is never easy, and the probate process can add legal and financial complexities at a time when emotions are already running high. At Joerika Stitt Esquire, LLC, we understand the challenges that arise when settling an estate, and we’re here to guide you through the process with clarity.

    What Is Probate?
    Probate is the legal process of validating a will, inventorying assets, paying debts, and distributing property to rightful heirs. Depending on the estate’s complexity, probate can involve navigating court proceedings, managing creditors, and resolving disputes among beneficiaries.

    How We Help

    • Comprehensive Estate Administration: We handle the legal requirements, from filing the will to distributing assets, ensuring every step is compliant with state law.

    • Executor Guidance: If you’ve been named an executor or personal representative, we provide clear guidance to help you fulfill your duties responsibly and efficiently.

    • Dispute Resolution: Should conflicts arise—whether over asset distribution, will validity, or beneficiary rights—we offer strategic advocacy and a commitment to protecting your family’s interests.

    • Holistic Support: Our background in social work, legal aid, and public policy informs our approach, helping us address not just the legal aspects of probate but also the emotional and practical challenges families face.

    Why Choose Joerika Stitt Esquire, LLC?
    We know that probate isn’t just about legal documents; it’s about honoring your loved one’s wishes while bringing peace of mind to those left behind.

    Our goal is to simplify the process, keep you informed every step of the way, and provide a supportive environment during a difficult time.

    • Compassion and Understanding: We approach probate with empathy, recognizing the emotional toll this process can take.

    • Skilled Advocacy: Whether the estate is simple or complex, we have the experience to handle all aspects of probate administration and litigation.

    • Tailored Solutions: Every family is unique; we customize our services to meet your specific needs and circumstances.

    • Holistic Perspective: Our social work background means we see the human side of legal challenges, offering guidance that respects both your emotional needs and legal obligations.

    Take the Next Step
    If you’re facing the probate process and need reliable, compassionate support, we’re here to help. Let us shoulder the legal complexities so you can focus on what matters most—remembering your loved one and caring for your family.

    Schedule a Consultation Today

Protecting Every Generation’s Future

Estate planning requires more than document preparation. It requires foresight — the ability to anticipate how today’s decisions will shape your family’s financial security, stability, and relationships for years to come.

At Joerika Stitt Esquire, LLC, estate plans are structured with careful attention to both legal precision and family dynamics. Whether planning for a loved one with special needs, addressing long-term care considerations for aging parents, or preserving the legacy of a veteran, each strategy is designed to reflect your family’s structure, assets, and long-term priorities.Why This Firm Is Different

This practice draws on experience at the intersection of law, social work, and public service. That perspective informs not only how documents are drafted, but how plans are designed to function in real life.

Understanding family dynamics, benefit systems, and regulatory frameworks allows estate plans to be structured thoughtfully — minimizing uncertainty, reducing the likelihood of future disputes, and aligning with long-term care and financial planning considerations.

Our Approach

Careful Listening
Effective planning begins with understanding. Each engagement begins with a thorough review of your family structure, assets, and objectives, ensuring that recommendations reflect your actual circumstances rather than assumptions.

Legal and Litigation Experience
Early courtroom experience in contested matters informs proactive planning. Documents are drafted with an understanding of how disputes arise — and how they can be prevented.

Regulatory and Policy Insight
Knowledge of government benefit programs, long-term care regulations, and fiduciary responsibilities ensures that estate plans are both legally sound and practically effective.

Estate planning is ultimately about control — ensuring that your intentions are clearly documented, legally enforceable, and capable of functioning as intended.

If you are ready to approach planning with structure and foresight, we invite you to schedule a confidential consultation.

CONSULTATION

Estate Plan Frequently Asked Questions

  • For individuals and families with real property, investment portfolios, business interests, or multistate holdings, a simple will may not provide sufficient structure. A trust-based plan can reduce probate exposure, maintain privacy, coordinate asset management during incapacity, and create clearer long-term administration. Trust planning also allows for more detailed distribution provisions tailored to family dynamics.

  • Clear drafting, thoughtful fiduciary selection, and proactive structuring can significantly reduce uncertainty. Many disputes arise from ambiguity, unequal expectations, or unclear authority. A carefully structured plan anticipates potential tension points and addresses them before they escalate into litigation.

  • Yes, when properly structured. Trust-based planning can include protective provisions that safeguard inherited assets from divorce claims, creditor exposure, or premature distribution. These tools allow wealth to pass to future generations with greater stability and oversight.

  • Business interests require coordination between corporate documents, operating agreements, buy-sell provisions, and estate planning instruments. Proper planning ensures continuity, avoids disruption in management, and clarifies succession in the event of incapacity or death.

  • Without properly executed powers of attorney and healthcare directives, loved ones may be forced to seek court-appointed guardianship to manage your affairs. This process can be time-consuming, public, and emotionally difficult. Structured planning allows trusted individuals to act on your behalf without unnecessary court involvement.

  • Estate plans should generally be reviewed every three to five years, or sooner if there are significant life changes — such as marriage, divorce, business growth, relocation, the birth of children or grandchildren, or changes in tax law. Regular review ensures the plan remains aligned with your current circumstances.

  • "Attorney Stitt was very professional and knowledgeable. She answered all of my questions and kept me well informed during the process of getting my divorce."


    Darlene, February 17, 2022 (Divorce)

  • "My brother died without a will. Joerika researched Arizona laws and helped me figure out how to keep our home. She was a great help."


    Clementine, December 16, 2024 (Probate)

  • "From contract drafting to regulatory compliance, Attorney Stitt protected our interests with precision and care. Her responsiveness and clarity gave us real confidence."


    Maurice Jr., Fund Manager, December 17, 2024 (Small Business)

  • "Attorney Stitt made sure I felt prepared and positive on court days. She explained everything clearly and delivered the exact outcome I hoped for. Fair, thorough, and supportive."

    Anonymous Order of Protection, March 31, 2025

  • "She really helps to me for win an unemployment appeal. She is very kindly, supportive, and professional . I really appreciate her many advices and encouraging me. She is a best attorney."

    Yumi, August 19, 2024 (Unemployment Appeal)

Probate Frequently Asked Questions

  • Generally 6–12 months for standard estates, though litigation or complex assets can extend this. We provide a customized timeline during your initial strategy session.

  • Many assets (Trusts, POD accounts) bypass probate. We can review the estate to see if a simplified procedure or "Small Estate Affidavit" is an option for you.

  • Uncontested probate involves routine administration without disputes among beneficiaries or fiduciaries. Contested probate involves challenges to the validity of a will, disputes regarding fiduciary conduct, or disagreements over asset distribution. Contested matters require strategic legal representation and are handled on an hourly basis due to their complexity.

  • Yes. Executors and trustees have fiduciary duties under Illinois law. Failure to properly manage assets, provide required disclosures, or comply with court procedures can expose fiduciaries to personal liability. Legal guidance helps ensure compliance and reduce risk.

  • Certain assets can be structured to transfer outside of probate through trusts, beneficiary designations, joint ownership arrangements, and strategic titling. Advance planning significantly reduces administrative burden and delays.