Edward Blake - Lawyer in Belleville, IL

Edward James Blake Jr.

Probate Attorney at Belleville, IL

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Outstanding lawyer with a reputable firm, very please

Excellent Attorney

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BLAKE BEHME LAW GROUP, P.C. WAS FOUNDED IN 1983 AND PROVIDES A FULL RANGE OF LEGAL SERVICES.

EDWARD J. BLAKE, JR. was born in East St. Louis, Illinois in 1952. He has been engaged in the private practice of law for more than 40 years.

Education: St. Louis University (B.S.B.A., 1975); Southern Illinois University (M.B.A., 1977); St. Louis University (J.D., 1978); Washington University (LL.M., in Taxation, 1982).
Member: The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis; St. Clair County, Illinois State (Member: Section on Estate Planning, 1987 – 1988; Federal Taxation, 1988 – 1989; Business Advice & Financial Planning, 1995-1996) and American Bar Association. Madison County Bar Association, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, American Agricultural Law Association, Illinois State Trial Lawyers Association, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys and Top 100 Family Lawyers in the State of Illinois. Illinois State Bar Association Section Member: (1) Trusts & Estates; (2) Family Law; (3) Agricultural Law; and (4) Civil Practice & Procedure.

Auto Accident, Bankruptcy, Business, Child Custody, Child Support, Collaborative Divorce, Commercial Real Estate, Consumer Protection, Criminal Defense, DUI and DWI, Debt Settlement, Divorce, Divorce Mediation, Employment, Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Breaches of Fiduciary Duty, Family, Foreclosure, Immigration Law, Landlord/Tenant, Legal Malpractice, Litigation, Civil Lawsuits, Military Divorce, Nursing Home, Personal Injury, Probate, Estate Settlement, Real Estate, Securities, Sex Crimes, DCFS, Sexual Harassment, Tax, Internal Revenue Service, Illinois Department of Revenue, Illinois Department of Employment Security, Traffic Tickets, Unemployment, White Collar Crime, Workman’s Compensation, Wrongful Death, Wrongful Termination.

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Licensed for 44 years

State IL

Status Active And Authorized To Practice Law

Acquired 1978

Updated 01/06/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Edward

Blake Behme Links Raney, P.C.

(618) 310-3100 Office

Richland Executive Plaza II

521 West Main Street, Suite 100

Belleville, IL, 62220

blakelawgrouppc.com

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Blake Behme Links Raney, P.C.

(618) 310-3100 Office

201 Hillsboro, Suite 206

Edwardsville, IL, 62025

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Blake Behme Links Raney, P.C.

(618) 310-3100 Office

1355 North Bluff Road, Suite B

Collinsville, IL, 62234

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Blake Behme Links Raney, P.C.

(618) 310-3100 Office

553 9th Street

Carlyle, IL, 62231

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Blake Behme Links Raney, P.C.

(618) 310-3100 Office

305 West Professional Park Avenue

Effingham, IL, 62401

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4.9 / 5.0

50 customer reviews

5 Star

98%

4 Star

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1 Star

Posted by anonymous | June 7, 2013

Outstanding lawyer with a reputable firm, very please

I have a family case and use Mr. Blake for my court hearings. I am very pleased with the firm and the result I received. Without you, I wouldn't have gotten the result I did.

Response from Edward Blake February 11, 2022

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. 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 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.

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Posted by Jadon Abshire | January 4, 2022

Excellent Attorney

Richard helped me in an urgent matter. His style is quick, thorough and very professional - everything an attorney should be. Would recommend to anyone seeking legal help. Thank you Edward James!

Posted by anonymous | September 10, 2020

Precise with advanced planning to make a positive outcome without you coming out from under the tires

Wish he could run for President! Too many events coming and this 2019 was the beginning. Probate an almost done lock down courthouse 2020. He did what was promised and expected with calm leadership to get it done months later because of Corvid 19 Then one month later roofing extensive damages inside out. Contractor disappears with$6500.00 and more more more. I hired Blake! He does what he is hired to provide. Trustworthy. Dont hesitate to make him your legal representative.I hired him to brush up a legal will and trust.

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Posted by Mike Faust | May 16, 2019

Ed Blake- Class Act

Despite my parents' best efforts, several issues arose with my mother's passing. Life insurance, vehicle ownership, and real estate issues were successfully addressed by Mr. Blake and his team, in a timely fashion, enabling us to avoid probate proceedings. Mr. Blake and his staff were consummate professionals: highly competent, and very personable. They ably represented us at a critical juncture in our lives, and I would wholeheartedly recommend Blake Behme Gilbreth Links, P.C., for first-rate legal representation and services.

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Posted by Jim | February 27, 2019

Bank executive

I have consulted with Ed Blake on numerous real estate transactions over the years and have always had positive results. His knowledge in this area is excellent. I would not hesitate to work with Ed in the future.

Posted by Kevin | February 22, 2019

Excellent Attorney

I have had many dealings with Attorney Ed Blake over the last 25 years. He has always handled this business in a professional and expeditious manner. He has good overall knowledge of the law. I would recommend Mr. Blake.

Posted by anonymous | February 6, 2019

Professional & Experienced Firm

Mr. Blake's firm has been nothing but professional and helpful. Their ability to answer my questions in a professional and timely manner without making me feel as if I was just another client was extremely comforting to me. I would recommend Mr. Blake and his firm to friends and family every time.

Posted by Alan | January 28, 2019

Outstanding businessman/attorney

Having known Mr. Blake for many years, it is always a pleasure communicating with him. We are a family business and it is comforting knowing that Mr. Blake takes interest in that. Let me assure you Mr. Blake and staff have an endless amount of knowledge on any subject matter. Having consulted many times on various real estate matters, his willingness to work together is only one of many things that make Mr. Blake top-notch. I would definitely recommend Mr. Blake on any legal matters.

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Posted by Lendell | January 22, 2019

Land right if way dispute

I hired Mr. Blake to handle a somewhat difficult issue about a right of way to some farm land that I own and farm. The right of way was also bing used by a major public utility to access one of their distribution terminals. Mr. Blake dug into the complex issues and worked the with major public utility to gain my access and not interfere with my farm operation or the utilities operations. Mr. Blake handled the whole issue very quickly and at a very reasonable cost. He is first class and very detailed and careful in his work. Very professional and very reasonable!

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Posted by Ted | January 21, 2019

Great real estate attorney

Ed handled the purchase of my home in a very professional and expedited manner. I was kept advised of everything going on with my case. Gave good legal advice to make the transaction go smoothly. Will recommend him to anyone I know. Excellent attorney.

Posted by brian | January 21, 2019

owner

i hired Edward J Blake Jr to form a limited liability company for me and he and his efficient law office had same established to my specifications and satisfaction within 24 hours!

Posted by Josh | January 20, 2019

Great attorney

I hired Ed to help me when my dad passed away. He led me through everything that needed done with his house and all of his bills. Great attorney and would use him again.

Response from Edward Blake February 19, 2019

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.

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Posted by Terry | January 16, 2019

Businessman

Edward J. Blake,Jr, is an excellent attorney. He has given me great legal advice and I trust him and his law firm, as being the best in the Metro East Area. I have known Mr. Blake for some time and he is the type of lawyer you wish to have on your side. He is experienced, smart and caring. He puts his clients first!

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Response from Edward Blake February 5, 2019

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.

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Posted by Peggy | January 15, 2019

Treats you like family.

Mr. Blake is knowledgeable and easy to work with. He listens, explains and answers every question. His service is phenomenal. He is a pleasure to work with.

Response from Edward Blake January 29, 2019

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.

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Posted by Larry | January 15, 2019

REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE

I have been in the real estate business since 1973 and hold a broker license in Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri. During this time I have worked with many attorneys over the years and met Ed Blake in the late 1980s at a farm loan closing, when he represented me. Since meeting with Mr. Blake decades ago, I have hired him as the attorney for me and my realty company, Midwest Real Estate, in regard to a variety of matters. Mr. Blake has acted as attorney for me in regard to assisting my realty firm in regard to division of assets, including real estate, in a divorce. My realty firm has also hired Mr. Blake as our attorney to assist us in regard to a situation involving real estate where a person passed away without leaving a will. I also hired Mr. Blake to assist my realty firm in regard to an estate administration. As far as I am concerned, Ed Blake's expertise in the law and his understanding of human nature makes Ed a valuable asset to my business. Ed Blake has also represented me in regard to my estate plan. Both myself and my realty firm, Midwest Real Estate, intend to continue to use him and his law firm as our attorneys.

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Response from Edward Blake January 29, 2019

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Posted by Michael | January 14, 2019

Highly Recommended

Ed Blake and his team have an immense knowledge of estate and family law matters. It’s clear to me that Ed works hard to ensure his clients are treated fairly throughout the legal process and to achieve positive results. He has been very helpful in assisting with matters that I brought to him.

Response from Edward Blake February 19, 2019

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.

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Posted by Ali | January 9, 2019

Great Experience

Mr. Blake consistently delivers results and is always available for consultation. His vast knowledge of the law has helped us out in numerous occasions.

Response from Edward Blake February 5, 2019

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.

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Posted by Lauren | January 9, 2019

Excellent work on real estate cases

I hired Ed to handle a few legal issues involving rental property in Southern Illinois. He was very knowledgeable on the law and on its application in multi-family rentals. I would recommend him to anyone in need of a lawyer regarding real estates matters.

Response from Edward Blake February 6, 2019

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Posted by Barbara | January 8, 2019

Help on estate

Mr. Edward Blake helped me through a very difficult time with estate and family issues. He was able to set my mind at ease and make the difficult times more bearable. I have know Mr. Blake Jr. for many years.He gave me excellent advice on all the legal matters and will definitely use him again.

Response from Edward Blake February 19, 2019

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.

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Posted by Rod | January 5, 2019

Good Attorney!

I've worked with, Ed Blake on a couple of occasions, specifically, easement issues. He was very knowledgeable and rectified these issues in a very timely matter. Mr. Blake and his office assistants were very talented and very helpful. Any kind of a legal issue is never a fun thing to deal with. However, Mr. Blake made the process much easier. I'll continue to do business with Mr. Blake.

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Response from Edward Blake January 30, 2019

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.

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AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Managing Partner
Blake Behme Gilbreth Links, P.C.
2014 - Present

Managing Partner
Blake Behme Law Group, P.C.
2011 - 2014

Managing Partner
Blake & Allen, P.C.
2004 - 2011

Attorney
Edward J. Blake, Jr. P.C.
1983 - 2004

Managing Partner
Blake Law Group, P.C.
1983 - 2014

Assistant States Attorney
St. Clair County Courthouse
1981 - 1981

Attorney
Pope & Driemeyer n/k/a Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C.
1978 - 1981

Law Clerk
Listeman, Bandy & Hamilton
1977 - 1978

Law Clerk
Kassly Bone Becker & Carlson
1976 - 1976

Law Clerk
Cadagin, Cain & Tognarelli
1976 - 1976

Third Round Draft Choice
Baltimore Orioles
1970 - 1974

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Education

Washington University in St. Louis School of Law
LL.M - Master of Laws
1982

Saint Louis University School of Law
J.D. - Juris Doctor
1978

Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
M.B.A. - Master of Business Administration
1977

Saint Louis University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1975

Saint Louis University
BSBA - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
1975

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Legal Cases

IN RE MARRIAGE OF DALL

Settlement in Excess of $500,000.00
Resulted in a generous settlement with our client but preserved the assets of the husband and his successful businesses.

Elderly Blind Widow Almost Loses Farm Worth More Than $100,000.00 Because of a Non-Payment of a $38.00 Real Estate Tax Bill
We were able to reach a favorable resolution

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