Helpful Resources

We’ve put together links to the county offices, title companies, and resources our real estate and estate planning clients use most often. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, settling an estate, or just need to track down a local recorder’s office, these are good places to start. If you have questions about how any of this applies to your situation, contact our office — we serve clients throughout Kane, Cook, DuPage, McHenry, and DeKalb counties.

Estate Planning Resources:

Thinking through end-of-life wishes can be hard to talk about, let alone plan for. These resources can help you start the conversation with family and make informed decisions. When you’re ready to put a will, trust, or other estate plan in place, our estate planning attorneys offer flat-fee pricing so you know the cost upfront.

The Conversation Project – Advice on how to start & have the difficult conversations
Organ Donation – Provides information you need to make a decision that fits your wishes

Real Estate Title Companies:

Title companies handle the title search, insurance, and closing process for real estate transactions in Illinois. If you’re working with one of these companies — or any title company — on a purchase or sale, our real estate attorneys can review your title commitment and closing documents before you sign.

First American Title of Illinois
Fidelity National Title
Chicago Title
Baird and Warner Title Services
Citywide Title

County Recorders:

County recorders keep the official public record of deeds, mortgages, and other real estate documents. If you need to record a deed after a purchase, sale, or estate transfer, find your county below. Not sure which documents need to be recorded? Our real estate and probate attorneys can walk you through it.

Kane County Recorder
Cook County Recorder
DuPage County Recorder
McHenry County Recorder
DeKalb County Recorder

Transfer Stamp:

Many Illinois municipalities require a real estate transfer stamp before a deed can be recorded, and the process and fees vary by city. Check your local requirements below.

Elgin Transfer Stamp
Bartlett Transfer Stamp
Streamwood Transfer Stamp
Schaumburg Transfer Stamp
Hanover Park Transfer Stamp

County Circuit Court:

If you’re dealing with probate, guardianship, or another court matter, these are the circuit clerk offices for the counties we serve. Our probate attorneys regularly appear before these courts and can help you understand what to expect.

Kane County Circuit Court
Cook County Circuit Court
DuPage County Circuit Court
DeKalb County Circuit Court
McHenry County Circuit Court

County Tax Assessor:

Your county assessor’s office determines your property’s assessed value, which affects your property tax bill. Use these links to look up assessment records or start an appeal.

Kane County Tax Assessor
Cook County Tax Assessor
Dupage County Tax Assessor
DeKalb County Tax Assessor
McHenry County Tax Assessor