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Edward James Blake Jr.
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About Edward
Biography
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.
Blake Behme Law Group, P.C. was founded in 1983 and provides a full range of legal services.
Negotiations in family law cases involve custody, visitation, child support, property, and much more
Protecting Your Interests in Will Contests, Trust Litigation and Probate Litigation
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Family
20%
47 years
Probate
20%
47 years
Real Estate
20%
Estate Planning
15%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2019 2018 2014
...
+
1
Licenses
Licensed in Illinois for 47 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 1978
No misconduct found
Location
Blake Behme Links Raney, P.C.
Richland Executive Plaza II, 521 West Main Street, Suite 100, Belleville, IL, 62220
blakelawgrouppc.comBlake Behme Links Raney, P.C.
1355 North Bluff Road, Suite B, Collinsville, IL, 62234
blakelawgrouppc.comBlake Behme Links Raney, P.C.
305 West Professional Park Avenue, Effingham, IL, 62401
blakelawgrouppc.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Edward online.
Edward James Blake Jr.'s Reviews
Avvo Review Score
52 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (52)
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Practice Areas
Real Estate (12)
Estate Planning (9)
Probate (9)
Lawsuits & Disputes (7)
Family (6)
Business (4)
Divorce & Separation (3)
Contracts & Agreements (2)
Tax (2)
Trusts (2)
Child Custody (1)
Corporate & Incorporation (1)
Elder Law (1)
Guardianship (1)
Landlord & Tenant (1)
Life Insurance (1)
Limited Liability Company (LLC) (1)
Litigation (1)
Mediation (1)
Power Of Attorney (1)
Residential (1)
Wills & Living Wills (1)
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Wills & Living Wills
Posted by Joseph Knight | February 06, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Wills & Living Wills
Legal representation
I have used Mr. Blake and His law firm for several years , They have set up living wills for several members of my family. They also assisted us through a probate. They always had time to answer any questions and I would Highly recommend Mr Blake and his firm for your legal needs
Edward Blake
Replied last February 06, 2019Thank you for the complimentary words. We do our best to listen to our clients, consider facts and circumstances, give options and strategies and make sure our clients have an opportunity to participate throughout the entire process. We believe this makes for the best representation. Whether family law, estate law, real estate law, tax law or estate planning, we attempt to provide excellent legal services. Thanks again for sharing your generous comments.
Edward James Blake Jr.'s Lawyer Endorsements
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"I have known Ed for years and worked with him on many cases, he is an excellent attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
Anthony Swarringin
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Jeanna Storment
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Lawrence Waldman
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Matthew Cate
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Stephen Tillman
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Thomas Jones
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John Hopkins
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Ellie Harris
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Joel Kunin
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Steven Wallace
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Platinum Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2016
Best Attorneys of America, Best Attorneys of America
2015
AVVO Superb 10 Rating, AVVO
2015
Million Dollar Advocate Forum, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2015
Top One Percent Attorney, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2015
100 Family Lawyers in the State of Illinois, American Society of Legal Advocates
2015
Senior Counsel, College of Master Advocates and Barristers
2014
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
AV Preeminent Rated Lawyer, Martindale-Hubble
2013
Leading Lawyer, Illinois Leading Lawyer Network
2012
AV Preeminent Rated Lawyer, Martindale-Hubble
Work Experience
2014 - Present
Managing Partner, Blake Behme Gilbreth Links, P.C.
2011 - 2014
Managing Partner, Blake Behme Law Group, P.C.
2004 - 2011
Managing Partner, Blake & Allen, P.C.
1983 - 2004
Attorney, Edward J. Blake, Jr. P.C.
1983 - 2014
Managing Partner, Blake Law Group, P.C.
1981 - 1981
Assistant States Attorney, St. Clair County Courthouse
1978 - 1981
Attorney, Pope & Driemeyer n/k/a Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C.
1977 - 1978
Law Clerk, Listeman, Bandy & Hamilton
1976 - 1976
Law Clerk, Kassly Bone Becker & Carlson
1976 - 1976
Law Clerk, Cadagin, Cain & Tognarelli
1970 - 1974
Third Round Draft Choice, Baltimore Orioles
Associations
2019 - Present
Leukemia and Lymphoma SocietyAnnual Contribution
2019 - Present
Brehm Preparatory SchoolAnnual Contribution
2019 - Present
John Burroughs SchoolAnnual Contribution
2019 - Present
Refuse to Lose - Mike Kelley FoundationAnnual Contribution
2019 - Present
This Able Veteran (TAV)Annual Contribution
2019 - Present
Immaculate Conception Catholic Grade School`Annual Contribution
2019 - Present
Helping Strays of Monroe CountyAnnual Contribution
2019 - Present
Fisher House FoundationAnnual Contribution
2019 - Present
Carlyle Youth SportsAnnual Contribution
2019 - Present
Boys Football Club of BellevilleAnnual Contribution
2019 - Present
Belleville Area Humane SocietyAnnual Contribution
2019 - Present
Southwestern Illinois CollegeAnnual Contribution
2019 - Present
Granite City High SchoolAnnual Contribution
2019 - Present
Granite City Park DistrictAnnual Contribution
2019 - Present
Stray Rescue of St. LouisAnnual Contribution
2019 - Present
Hospice of Southern IllinoisAnnual Contribution
2019 - Present
Shriners Hospital for ChildrenAnnual Contribution
2019 - Present
Cystic Fibrosis FoundationAnnual Contribution
2019 - Present
Greater St. Louis Honor FlightAnnual Contribution
2014 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationSenior Lawyers
2014 - Present
American Agricultural Law AssociationAgricultural Attorney
2014 - Present
American Institute of Family Law AttorneysFamily Law Attorney
2014 - Present
National Academy of Family Law AttorneysFamily Law Attorney
2014 - Present
National Academy of Elder Law AttorneysElder Law Attorney
2014 - Present
American Society of Legal AdvocatesLegal Advocate
2014 - Present
American Bar AssociationReal Property, Trusts and Estate Law
2014 - Present
American Bar AssociationFamily Law
2012 - Present
Madison County Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Brehm Preparatory School Board of TrusteesBoard Member
2009 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationTrusts & Estates
2009 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationFamily Law
2009 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationAgricultural Law
2009 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationCivil Practice and Procedure
2008 - Present
Gibault Catholic High SchoolAnnual Charitable Contribution
2008 - Present
Collinsville High SchoolAnnual Charitable Contribution
2008 - Present
Edwardsville High SchoolAnnual Charitable Contribution
2008 - Present
Metro East Lutheran High SchoolAnnual Charitable Contribution
2008 - Present
Edwardsville Chamber of CommerceAnnual Charitable Contribution
2008 - Present
United Way of Greater St. LouisAnnual Charitable Contribution
2008 - Present
Boy Scouts of AmericaAnnual Charitable Contribution
2008 - Present
Girl Scouts of Southern IllinoisAnnual Charitable Contribution
2008 - Present
YMCAAnnual Charitable Contribution
2008 - Present
Susan G. KomenAnnual Charitable Contribution
2008 - Present
Ronald McDonald House CharitiesAnnual Charitable Contribution
2008 - Present
American Red CrossAnnual Charitable Contribution
2008 - Present
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of AmericaAnnual Charitable Contribution
2008 - Present
Althoff Catholic High SchoolAnnual Charitable Contribution
1998 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
1978 - Present
St. Clair County Bar AssociationMember
1979 - 1980
Belleville Public School District #118School Board Member
Sample of Legal Cases
IN RE MARRIAGE OF DALL
$8,000,000.00 Estate Administration Case
Child Custody Dispute
Internal Revenue Service - “Responsible Person” Who Donated Time to Church Organization
Physician’s Affidavit Did Not Pass the “Smell Test”
Representation of Regions Bank as Trustee
Contested Will and Trust
Real Estate Tax Complaints
$3,000,000.00 Saved in Mediated Settlement
Accountant Did Not File Eighty-Five (85) Personal and Business Tax Returns
Divorce Case, $1,000,000.00 in Assets
$150,000.00 Family Farm Saved
Representation of Client Involved in Phony Bond Scam
Criminal Tax
Multimillion Dollar Divorce Case in Edwardsville
$300,000.00 Recovered for Beneficiary to Trust
$6,000,000.00 Divorce Settlement
$200,000.00 Saved from Filing an Appeal to U.S. Tax Court
$6,000.00 Recovery Regarding Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Violations
$350,000.00 Dispute Involving Improper Cattle Feed
$160,000.00 Insurance Check Received By Convict
$80,000.00 Transfer Set Aside, Breach of Fiduciary Duties, Contested Guardianship Proceedings
$8,000,000.00 Missing, Representation of Executor Charged with Fraud
$500,000.00 Estate Dispute, Person Claiming to be Heir was Denied Recovery
PEOPLE v. BAXTROM
FIRST STATE BANK OF RED BUD v. KEITH A. TELLOR and LORI E. TELLOR
$100,000.00 Recovery for Out-of-State Beneficiaries
Wife Receives in excess of $3,000,000.00 in Divorce Case
By proceeding with the matter through trial, the wife ended up with a substantially better result that had been offered by the husband
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
Over $100,000 saved with the Internal Revenue Service
We were able to reach a resolution within a short period of time, that saved the taxpayer in excess of $100,000.
$5,000,000.00 Missing from Estate
Our client prevailed and the complaining beneficiaries did not receive a favorable decision from the Court.
$75,000 Unpaid Child Support Recovery
We recovered in excess of $75,000 for our client.
$585,000.00 Recovered in Divorce Case
Our client received in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the marital estate.
Over $375,000.00 saved - Resolution Reached with the Internal Revenue Service
We worked out a resolution, saved our client hundreds of thousands of dollars and kept our client in business
Over $425,000.00 Recovered from Phony Heir and Disqualified Administrator
With the tax-free recoveries received by our clients, they were able to pay off debts, take care of education expenses for their children and had savings for their retirement.
Dispute Involving $480,000.00 of Farmland
Father’s Rights
Criminal charges were not pursued and child custody and child support issues were resolved to the satisfaction of our client.
$580,000.00 Traffic Accident Settlement
Without a trial, we were able to negotiate a settlement for over $580,000.00 .
$9,000,000.00 Estate Administration Settlement
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
Over $200,000.00 Recovered for Sisters
Representation of Pharmacists
Criminal Tax Fraud Case
$1,000,000.00 Recovery for Colorado Resident
Fabulous Victory Representing Client in DCFS Case
Trust Contest/Estate Dispute
Lender Failed to Pay Real Estate Tax Bill
Rights of Tenant Farmer - Over $12,000.00 in Fertilizer Almost Lost
Action Against Certified Public Accountant - Damages in Excess of $50,000.00
Gruesome Estate Administrator
Partnership Lawsuit
Education
1982
Washington University in St. Louis School of Law
LL.M - Master of Laws
1978
Saint Louis University School of Law
J.D. - Juris Doctor
1977
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
M.B.A. - Master of Business Administration
1975
Saint Louis University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1975
Saint Louis University
BSBA - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Speaking Engagements
1989
ISBA ICLE Program
Taxation in Divorce Cases
Publications
2019
Divorcesource.com
Real Estate and the Sale of the Marital Residence in Divorce
2019
2019
2019
Divorcesource.com
Estate Considerations In Divorce or Dissolution Proceedings
2019
Divorcesource.com
Estate Planning During a Divorce Proceeding
2019
Divorcesource.com
Retirement and Beneficiary Designations in Divorce
2019
Divorcesource.com
Power of Attorney and Advance Directives in Divorce
2019
Divorcesource.com
Should I Change My Will When I Get Divorced?
2019
Divorcesource.com
Amending Your Last Will and Testament and Trust After Divorce
2019
Divorcesource.com
Estate Considerations In Divorce or Dissolution Proceedings
2019
2019
Divorcesource.com
Divorce and Tax Issues
2018
2018
2018
Divorcesource.com
Substitution of a Judge in Divorce Proceedings
2018
2018
Divorcesource.com
Title Reports and Title Insurance in Divorce Cases
2018
2018
Divorcesource.com
Ways to Challenge Prenuptial Agreements in Divorce Cases
2018
2018
Divorcesource.com
What is Discovery in a Divorce Case?
2018
2018
Divorcesource.com
When is the Divorce Final?
2018
Divorcesource.com
Will and Trust Contest Cases Within Divorce Proceedings
2018
2018
Divorcesource.com
Orders of Protection in Family Law Cases
2018
Divorcesource.com
Change of Name After Divorce
2018
2018
2018
Divorcesource.com
Dividing the Wedding Gifts in a Dissolution of Marriage
2018
Divorcesource.com
Divorce and Bankruptcy
2018
Divorcesource.com
Estate Planning While a Divorce Case is Pending
2018
2018
2018
Divorcesource.com
How to Handle Stock Options in the Context of Divorce Proceedings
2018
2018
Divorcesource.com
How to Handle Unpaid Child Support When the Responsible Person Dies
2018
2018
Divorcesource.com
Multiple Marriages and Divorces Between the Same Parties
2018
Divorcesource.com
Orders of Protection and Divorce
2014
Madison-St. Clair Record
Maryville Homeowners Sue After Finding Significant Termite Damage
2012
Madison-St. Clair Record
Cahokia Property Owner Sued of Fatal Fire
2012
Madison-St. Clair Record
Care 2 Day Medical Clinic Closed Without Co-Owner's Approval
2010
Madison-St. Clair Record
Regions Bank Sues Over Undelivered RV
2009
Madison-St. Clair Record
Elderly Woman Claims Daughter Converted Funds to Pay Lawyer and Converted Deed to House
2009
Madison-St. Clair Record
Elderly Man Sues Daughter for Converting his Funds
2008
Madison-St. Clair Record
78 Year Old Claims he was Duped by Internet Start Up
2008
Madison-St. Clair Record
Mortuary Partner Claims Majority Holder Embezzled
2008
Madison-St. Clair Record
Regions Bank as Guardian Sues St. Louis RV Dealer
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
DCFS Kinship Care
09 Jul 2014
Q&A
How is travel expenses normally negotiated? Who pays or do we split?
13 Jun 2014
Q&A
Can I sign Non Disclosure Agreement with 2 companies simultaneously
13 Jun 2014
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
USE OF A “NOTICE OF NON-ADVERSE POSSESSION” BEING RECORDED IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS
17 Apr 2020
Legal Guide
How to handle a criminal tax investigation.
29 May 2019
Legal Guide
Can a Power of Attorney be Contested?
23 May 2019