Edward James Blake Jr.

Thank you for taking the time to extend your generous comments. Knowledge of the law, decades of experience, and a proven track record, by a seasoned law firm providing quality legal services focusing on competency, integrity, trustworthiness and hard work are hallmarks of our practice. Since you took the time to share with us your generous comments, we will share with you an excerpt from one of our success stories brochures. Over $200,000 Recovered for Sisters. We represented sisters from South Carolina and New York in regard to a case involving their deceased mother, before she passed away, but at a time when her brother had power of attorney, unknowingly conveyed the family farm to her brother thereby depriving our clients in their share of the family farm upon the death of their mother pursuant to the estate plan of their mother.

Thank you. It was wonderful that you took the time to share your positive input with us. It was much appreciated. We offer quality legal services including in the areas of estate planning, tax law, real estate law, estate law and family law and have a proven track record of success. Our practice is primarily focused on the Metro East, and the Southern Illinois, Central Illinois regions. We have a Martindale-Hubbel “AV” rating. We have received have received the Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Platinum Award, which is the highest combination of peer reviews, which would include other attorneys, as well as client reviews, as identified by Martindale-Hubbell. Since you took the time to share with us your positive input, we will share with you an excerpt from one of our success stories brochures. $5,000,000 Missing from Estate. We represented a surviving spouse who had married a wealthy widower. Although a prenuptial agreement was entered into prior to the marriage, the widower made several changes to the estate planning documents benefitting his new wife and her children. There were also transfers of substantial assets from the husband to wife, many occurring within less than a year from the date of death of the widower. When the husband passed away, beneficiaries identified in his estate planning documents claimed there was in excess of over $5,000,000.00 missing in regard to which they were entitled to a substantial share. Issues were raised regarding fraud, undue influence, lack of mental capacity, duress and tortious interference with an expectancy. Our client prevailed and the complaining beneficiaries did not receive a favorable decision from the Court.

Thank you for taking the time to extend your generous comments. Knowledge of the law, decades of experience, and a proven track record, by a seasoned law firm providing quality legal services focusing on competency, integrity, trustworthiness and hard work are hallmarks of our practice. Since you took the time to share with us your generous comments, we will share with you an excerpt from one of our success stories brochures. Over $200,000 Recovered for Sisters. We represented sisters from South Carolina and New York in regard to a case involving their deceased mother, before she passed away, but at a time when her brother had power of attorney, unknowingly conveyed the family farm to her brother thereby depriving our clients in their share of the family farm upon the death of their mother pursuant to the estate plan of their mother.

It was great of you to take the time to provide us with your generous comments. We attempt to exceed the expectations of our clients. Competency, integrity, trustworthiness and hard work are of paramount importance to us in providing zealous representation of our clients. Whether tax law, family law, estate law, real estate law or estate planning, we have decades of experience, and a proven track record, in obtaining successful results for clients under challenging circumstances. Since you took the time to share with us your generous comments, we will share with you an excerpt from one of our success stories brochures. $9,000,000 Estate Administration Settlement. We represented a surviving spouse who was scheduled to receive basically an income interest from her predeceased husband’s fortune while the husband’s substantial corpus was to be given to his distant relatives. After contested proceedings involving numerous parties and law firms in Illinois and Missouri the surviving spouse ended up with an estate in excess of $9,000,000.00 which she was then able to leave as she wished, to her side of the family and friends, including on a tax-free basis since she passed away in 2010, at time when there was no estate tax. If the surviving spouse had not contested matters timely, and if appropriate and aggressive action had not been taken immediately, she would have had relatively little to leave to her side of the family and friends upon her death.

Thank you very much for your positive input. As you know, we have offices throughout the Metro East and beyond. We have particular emphasis in the legal fields family law, estate law, real estate law, tax law and estate planning. Since you took the time to share with us your generous comments, we will share with you an excerpt from one of our success stories brochures. Over $375,000 saved - Resolution Reached with the Internal Revenue Service. We were hired by a client who had previously paid in excess of $20,000.00 to a national tax representation firm that advertised on the media throughout the United States. Nothing had been accomplished that benefitted the client. After we took over, we immediately began communicating with the Internal Revenue Service, worked out a resolution, saved our client hundreds of thousands of dollars, kept our client in business and our client was grateful for the results obtained. We had recommended to our client that a new accountant be retained and we made a referral to a local accountant and tax return preparer. We filed suit against the national tax firm to recover substantial amounts on behalf of our client. We isolated the old corporation and then created a new limited liability company, to basically continue with the customers in regard to future work. This strategy saved our client in excess of $400,000.00. There was no criminal prosecution. We worked closely with our client for a period of time which included frequent office conferences, correspondence and telephone calls. At each step of the way our client was in contact with us regarding issues and concerns. We used a team approach which, in this case, meant that since more than one attorney was working on the file, someone was always available to respond to the concerns of the client and/or handle communications with the Internal Revenue Service. We treated the Internal Revenue Service with respect and responded to all telephone calls and inquiries. We explained to our client that the Internal Revenue Service has a job to do which is basically follow the law.

Your positive input is much appreciated. It makes us feel good knowing that our legal work is appreciated. Lawsuits can be challenging for the parties, the attorneys and the Court. We know that. We attempt to simplify the process. Our clients are completely advised in a timely manner in regard to their cases. If you ever have any questions, we are available to meet by phone conference. We have a proven track record of success. Whether a trust dispute in Iroquois County, or a divorce in Shelby County, or an estate dispute in Pope County, or a custody battle in Jackson County, or a tax case in Gallatin County, or estate planning in St. Clair County, or a farmland dispute in Monroe County, or a tax case involving the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in Montgomery County, or a contested divorce in Effingham County, or a will contest in Crawford County, or a real estate dispute in Clinton County, or a child removal case in Williamson County, or a contested trust in Sangamon County, or a defective home construction case in Jefferson County, or a will contest case in Macon County, or a real estate assessment case in Madison County, or an order of protection case in Macoupin County, or a contested estate in Jersey County, or a mortgage foreclosure defense case in Perry County, or a contested estate in Massac County, or a child custody case in Jasper County, or an estate administration in Randolph County, or a trust dispute in Wayne County, or estate administration litigation in Edwards County, or real estate litigation in Greene County, or a tax issue in Richland County, or a divorce case in White County, or a child custody battle in Franklin County, or a long-wall mining dispute in Saline County, or an estate administration in Mason County, or a child removal case in Marion County, or a contested estate administration in Alexander County, you can count on us to be there for you. Since you took the time to share with us your positive input, we will share with you an excerpt from one of our success stories brochures. $150,000 Family Farm Saved. A client contacted us for his mother who had not paid real estate tax bills in regard to the family farm for many years. It was unintentional and the elderly mother had some medical issues. After filing suit, we were able to work out a settlement that restored the family farm, worth in excess of $150,000.00 to the family.

We appreciate your sentiments. Each client is unique and important to us. We zealously represent the interests of our clients. We keep our clients advised in all matters and our clients have an opportunity to actively participate in their cases. Our clients are welcome to attend any Court proceedings that impact their case and we prepare our clients for trial and review with them common-plated testimony. Our clients are always kept completely advised in regard to the status of matters. Since you took the time to share with us your positive review, we will share with you an excerpt from one of our success stories brochures. $585,000 Recovered in Divorce Case. We represented a wife in a dissolution of marriage proceeding. Her husband was a successful business person in Southern Illinois, including in the agricultural and seed business. Tragic had struck our clients on many occasions before the divorce including losing three children in three separate accidents. Our client was not thinking straight. Her husband’s attorneys were attempting to coerce her into a meager settlement and divorce resolution, not in her best interests, but solely in the best interests of her husband because he had contacts with the right people. Once we agreed to become involved, we immediately disassociated ourselves from the settlement discussions that had transpired. After discovery, and after the intense settlement negotiations, our client received in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the marital estate, including because our client could not count on meaningful job opportunities in the future, and because her husband had a favorable financial future.

Thank you. It was wonderful that you took the time to share your positive input with us. It was much appreciated. We offer quality legal services including in the areas of estate planning, tax law, real estate law, estate law and family law and have a proven track record of success. Our practice is primarily focused on the Metro East, and the Southern Illinois, Central Illinois regions. Since you took the time to share with us your positive input, we will share with you one of our success stories. $5,000,000 Missing from Estate. We represented a surviving spouse who had married a wealthy widower. Although a prenuptial agreement was entered into prior to the marriage, the widower made several changes to the estate planning documents benefitting his new wife and her children. There were also transfers of substantial assets from the husband to wife, many occurring within less than a year from the date of death of the widower. When the husband passed away, beneficiaries identified in his estate planning documents claimed there was in excess of over $5,000,000.00 missing in regard to which they were entitled to a substantial share. Issues were raised regarding fraud, undue influence, lack of mental capacity, duress and tortious interference with an expectancy. Our client prevailed and the complaining beneficiaries did not receive a favorable decision from the Court.

Thank you for taking the time to extend your generous comments. Knowledge of the law, decades of experience, and a proven track record, by a seasoned law firm providing quality legal services focusing on competency, integrity, trustworthiness and hard work are hallmarks of our practice. We have a Martindale-Hubbel “AV” rating. Since you took the time to share with us your generous comments, we will share with you one of our success stories. Over $200,000 Recovered for Sisters. We represented sisters from South Carolina and New York in regard to a case involving their deceased mother, before she passed away, but at a time when her brother had power of attorney, unknowingly conveyed the family farm to her brother thereby depriving our clients in their share of the family farm upon the death of their mother pursuant to the estate plan of their mother.

Thank you. It was wonderful that you took the time to share your positive input with us. It was much appreciated. We offer quality legal services including in the areas of estate planning, tax law, real estate law, estate law and family law and have a proven track record of success. Our practice is primarily focused on the Metro East, and the Southern Illinois, Central Illinois regions. Since you took the time to share with us your positive input, we will share with you one of our success stories. $5,000,000 Missing from Estate. We represented a surviving spouse who had married a wealthy widower. Although a prenuptial agreement was entered into prior to the marriage, the widower made several changes to the estate planning documents benefitting his new wife and her children. There were also transfers of substantial assets from the husband to wife, many occurring within less than a year from the date of death of the widower. When the husband passed away, beneficiaries identified in his estate planning documents claimed there was in excess of over $5,000,000.00 missing in regard to which they were entitled to a substantial share. Issues were raised regarding fraud, undue influence, lack of mental capacity, duress and tortious interference with an expectancy. Our client prevailed and the complaining beneficiaries did not receive a favorable decision from the Court.

Thank you. It was wonderful that you took the time to share your positive input with us. It was much appreciated. We offer quality legal services including in the areas of estate planning, tax law, real estate law, estate law and family law and have a proven track record of success. Our practice is primarily focused on the Metro East, and the Southern Illinois, Central Illinois regions. We have a Martindale-Hubbel “AV” rating. Since you took the time to share with us your positive input, we will share with you an excerpt from one of our success stories brochures. $5,000,000 Missing from Estate. We represented a surviving spouse who had married a wealthy widower. Although a prenuptial agreement was entered into prior to the marriage, the widower made several changes to the estate planning documents benefitting his new wife and her children. There were also transfers of substantial assets from the husband to wife, many occurring within less than a year from the date of death of the widower. When the husband passed away, beneficiaries identified in his estate planning documents claimed there was in excess of over $5,000,000.00 missing in regard to which they were entitled to a substantial share. Issues were raised regarding fraud, undue influence, lack of mental capacity, duress and tortious interference with an expectancy. Our client prevailed and the complaining beneficiaries did not receive a favorable decision from the Court.

Thank you for taking the time to extend your generous comments. Knowledge of the law, decades of experience, and a proven track record, by a seasoned law firm providing quality legal services focusing on competency, integrity, trustworthiness and hard work are hallmarks of our practice. Since you took the time to share with us your generous comments, we will share with you one of our success stories. Over $200,000 Recovered for Sisters. We represented sisters from South Carolina and New York in regard to a case involving their deceased mother, before she passed away, but at a time when her brother had power of attorney, unknowingly conveyed the family farm to her brother thereby depriving our clients in their share of the family farm upon the death of their mother pursuant to the estate plan of their mother.

Thank you. It was wonderful that you took the time to share your positive input with us. It was much appreciated. We offer quality legal services including in the areas of estate planning, tax law, real estate law, estate law and family law and have a proven track record of success. Our practice is primarily focused on the Metro East, and the Southern Illinois, Central Illinois regions. Since you took the time to share with us your positive input, we will share with you one of our success stories. $5,000,000 Missing from Estate. We represented a surviving spouse who had married a wealthy widower. Although a prenuptial agreement was entered into prior to the marriage, the widower made several changes to the estate planning documents benefitting his new wife and her children. There were also transfers of substantial assets from the husband to wife, many occurring within less than a year from the date of death of the widower. When the husband passed away, beneficiaries identified in his estate planning documents claimed there was in excess of over $5,000,000.00 missing in regard to which they were entitled to a substantial share. Issues were raised regarding fraud, undue influence, lack of mental capacity, duress and tortious interference with an expectancy. Our client prevailed and the complaining beneficiaries did not receive a favorable decision from the Court.

Thank you for taking the time to extend your generous comments. Knowledge of the law, decades of experience, and a proven track record, by a seasoned law firm providing quality legal services focusing on competency, integrity, trustworthiness and hard work are hallmarks of our practice. Since you took the time to share with us your generous comments, we will share with you an excerpt from one of our success stories brochures. Over $200,000 Recovered for Sisters. We represented sisters from South Carolina and New York in regard to a case involving their deceased mother, before she passed away, but at a time when her brother had power of attorney, unknowingly conveyed the family farm to her brother thereby depriving our clients in their share of the family farm upon the death of their mother pursuant to the estate plan of their mother.

Thank you for taking the time to extend your generous comments. Knowledge of the law, decades of experience, and a proven track record, by a seasoned law firm providing quality legal services focusing on competency, integrity, trustworthiness and hard work are hallmarks of our practice. Since you took the time to share with us your generous comments, we will share with you one of our success stories. Over $200,000 Recovered for Sisters. We represented sisters from South Carolina and New York in regard to a case involving their deceased mother, before she passed away, but at a time when her brother had power of attorney, unknowingly conveyed the family farm to her brother thereby depriving our clients in their share of the family farm upon the death of their mother pursuant to the estate plan of their mother.