Rivkin, Rivkin, & Kaplan, LLC

For local users in Illinois seeking highly specialized and compassionate legal guidance, particularly in the delicate areas of estate planning, special needs planning, and trust administration, Rivkin, Rivkin, & Kaplan, LLC stands as an exceptional resource. Operating within the "Nearby Lawyers" category, this firm distinguishes itself through its deep expertise, client-focused philosophy, and a profound sensitivity to the emotional and psychological aspects intertwined with wealth transfer and family legacies.

Rivkin, Rivkin, & Kaplan, LLC is conveniently located at 475 Half Day Rd Ste 100, Lincolnshire, IL 60069, USA. This address places the firm within a professional office environment, characteristic of well-established legal practices. The location on Half Day Road (Route 22), just a few blocks west of Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21), ensures excellent accessibility for clients from various parts of the greater Chicago area, including Lake and Cook Counties. The "Millbrook 475 Building" where they are located offers modern facilities and a professional atmosphere, conducive to confidential and detailed legal consultations. The firm also explicitly mentions accessibility features for those needing a wheelchair accessible entrance, demonstrating an inclusive and thoughtful environment. The firm's phone number, (847) 793-2484, which also serves as their mobile contact, ensures that clients can easily reach them to schedule appointments or discuss urgent matters, highlighting their commitment to responsiveness.

Rivkin, Rivkin, & Kaplan, LLC concentrates its practice on several crucial areas of law, offering a holistic and tailored approach to each client's unique situation. Their expertise extends to:

• Estate Planning: This is a core service, where the firm works with individuals and couples to create comprehensive estate plans. This includes drafting wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, and other essential documents to manage and distribute assets, minimize taxes, and avoid probate. Their approach is not "pre-packaged" but rather deeply personalized, educating clients on tax and legal issues and offering alternative strategies to meet their specific goals.
• Estate and Trust Administration: The firm assists executors, trustees, and guardians in navigating the often complex process of administering estates and trusts. They strive to do so in an organized, timely, and tax-efficient manner, aiming to minimize fiduciary stress and family conflict while preserving positive personal and family legacies.
• Planning for Children with Special Needs (Supplemental Needs Planning): This is a particularly strong area of focus for the firm. They work with families who have a loved one with a disability to create estate plans that provide funds to enrich that loved one's quality of life, crucially preserving their eligibility for public benefits through the use of carefully-crafted supplemental needs trusts. This often involves understanding public benefit programs (like SSI and Medicaid) and setting up various types of special needs trusts (third-party SNTs, payback trusts) to safeguard assets. They also advise on coordinating these trusts with other estate planning documents.
• Planned Charitable Giving: Assisting clients who wish to incorporate charitable giving into their estate plans, ensuring their philanthropic goals are met effectively and tax-efficiently.

The firm emphasizes that their work doesn't end with document preparation; they also provide clear directions for implementing the plans and communicate with clients about updating their plans as needs and circumstances change. This long-term commitment highlights their dedication to ongoing client support.

Several features distinguish Rivkin, Rivkin, & Kaplan, LLC, making them a preferred choice for legal services within the "Nearby Lawyers" category:

• Specialized Expertise in Special Needs Planning: As highlighted by the glowing client review, the firm, particularly Jennifer, demonstrates exceptional competence and empathy in handling cases for families with special needs children. The client's commendation, "As a mother of a special needs daughter, I cannot thank them enough! Jennifer is amazing! She explained everything to me, even before I could ask. I never felt intimidated like I have with other attorneys. 5 stars and beyond! Thank you!" powerfully illustrates their ability to connect with and effectively serve this sensitive client group.
• Holistic and Client-Centered Approach: The firm's stated philosophy is to take a "broad, holistic approach to each particular individual or family situation." They listen to desires and concerns, educate clients on tax and legal issues, offer alternative approaches, and tailor their work to individual needs. This stands in contrast to "pre-packaged solutions," ensuring truly personalized service.
• Experienced and Qualified Attorneys: Larry Rivkin, a key attorney, holds a J.D. from the University of Chicago and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. This dual qualification is a significant asset, allowing the firm to provide integrated legal and financial planning advice. His background enables them to counsel on complex planning issues in simple, understandable ways.
• Empathy and Approachability: The client review explicitly mentions not feeling "intimidated" by Jennifer, a common concern when interacting with legal professionals. This suggests a firm culture that prioritizes clear communication, patience, and a supportive demeanor, especially crucial in emotionally sensitive areas like special needs planning. The guiding principle to "counsel and assist each client as if he or she were a member of our own family" further underscores this empathetic approach.
• Efficiency and Pragmatism: While being "careful and deliberate in our work," the firm also strives to be "efficient and pragmatically – and without over-planning – so that the scope of our work is driven by the value added." This indicates a commitment to cost-effective and value-driven legal services.
• Commitment to Objective Advice: The firm highlights its "relentlessly committed to providing objective advice and pursuing one singular goal at all times – serving our clients' best interests," emphasizing their ethical stance and lack of conflicting interests.
• Educational Focus: They actively educate clients on relevant estate, trust, and tax law, empowering them to make informed decisions.

Rivkin, Rivkin, & Kaplan, LLC effectively promotes its services through its specialized expertise, positive client testimonials, and transparent operational philosophy. While explicit "promotions" like discounts are not publicly listed, the firm's core attributes serve as powerful promotional tools:

• Specialization as a Differentiator: Their deep concentration in estate planning, particularly special needs planning, positions them as experts in a critical and often underserved area of law. This specialization is a significant draw for targeted clients.
• Testimonial-Driven Confidence: The direct, enthusiastic review from a mother of a special needs child is perhaps the most impactful promotional tool. Such authentic feedback speaks volumes about the firm's ability to deliver both legal results and a positive client experience.
• Integrated Expertise: The presence of attorneys who are also CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™ like Larry Rivkin, allows the firm to offer a more comprehensive and financially astute planning service than many competitors, directly addressing clients' desires for tax efficiency and asset preservation.
• Commitment to Clarity and Simplicity: Their promise to explain complex legal issues "even before I could ask" and to "resolve complicated planning issues in simple, understandable ways" reassures clients that they will be well-informed and comfortable throughout the legal process.
• Online Resources: The firm's website likely offers valuable information and insights into estate planning and special needs trusts, positioning them as thought leaders and providing initial educational resources for potential clients.

For local users in Illinois, Rivkin, Rivkin, & Kaplan, LLC projects an image of a highly competent, empathetic, and trustworthy legal partner, especially for those navigating the intricate and emotionally significant terrain of planning for family legacies and the future care of loved ones with special needs. Their emphasis on personalized service and clear communication instills significant client confidence, making them a highly recommendable choice within the "Nearby Lawyers" category.