63/100LFR Score
Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 191 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Estate Planning And Probate Lawyers in Machesney Park, IL: 2026 rankings
52 estate planning and probate lawyers ranked by LFR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Highest LFR Score in Machesney Park: Vogel Law Firm, Ltd., LFR Score 63/100; 5.0★ from 191 Google reviews.
- 2
Open 24 hours (per Google): Malman Law, posts 24/7 hours; ranked #2 of 52.
- 4
Most-reviewed: Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley, 228 Google reviews at 4.9★, the most of 52 ranked; ranked #4.
Rankings can't be bought. Lawyers can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
52 Machesney Park estate planning and probate lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 4 are open 24/7, 6 open Saturdays and 4 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.5★ across 52 rated law firms.
Top 10 estate planning and probate lawyers in Machesney Park at a glance
Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.
| Rank | Business | LFR Score | Google rating | Based in | Hours | Notable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vogel Law Firm, Ltd. | 63 | 5.0★ (191) | Janesville, 23 mi away | — | Top score |
| 2 | Malman Law | 61 | 4.9★ (107) | Rockford, 5 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Open 24 hours |
| 3 | Shuman Legal Personal Injury Lawyers | 58 | 5.0★ (32) | Loves Park, 2 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 4 | Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley | 58 | 4.9★ (228) | Woodstock, 25 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Most reviews |
| 5 | GWC Injury Lawyers | 58 | 4.9★ (43) | Rockford, 6 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 6 | Crow Law, LLC | 58 | 5.0★ (186) | Rockford, 6 mi away | — | — |
| 7 | The Laird Lambert Law Firm | 57 | 3.7★ (12) | Rockford, 6 mi away | — | — |
| 8 | Agnew Law Office | 57 | 5.0★ (6) | Rockford, 6 mi away | — | — |
| 9 | The Law Office of Amanda Adams Martinez LLC | 57 | 4.2★ (5) | Loves Park, 3 mi away | — | — |
| 10 | The Law Office of Andrew J. Mertzenich | 57 | 4.5★ (8) | Rockford, 6 mi away | — | — |
All 52 estate planning and probate lawyers in Machesney Park, in rank order
Ordered by LFR Score, a 0–100 score from nine published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.
Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.
#2 Malman Law
Based in Rockford, 5 mi away
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #2 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.9★ from 107 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Loves Park, 2 mi away
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #3 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 32 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Personal injury attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Woodstock, 25 mi away
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #4 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.9★ from 228 Google reviews, the most in Machesney Park.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Rockford, 6 mi away
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #5 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 43 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Personal injury attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Rockford, 6 mi away
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #6 because of its Google rating and review volume: 5.0★ from 186 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Rockford, 6 mi away
57/100LFR ScoreRanked #7 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.7★ from 12 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Elder law attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Rockford, 6 mi away
57/100LFR ScoreRanked #8 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Loves Park, 3 mi away
57/100LFR ScoreRanked #9 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Rockford, 6 mi away
57/100LFR ScoreRanked #10 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.5★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Rockford, 6 mi away
57/100LFR ScoreRanked #11 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 2.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based on 6 of 9 factors; bar status, recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Rockford, 3 mi away
57/100LFR ScoreRanked #12 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.7★ from 81 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Rockford, 6 mi away
56/100LFR ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Rockford, 6 mi away
56/100LFR ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.7★ from 146 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Belvidere, 12 mi away
56/100LFR ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Janesville, 23 mi away
55/100LFR ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 21 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#17 Schulz Mark A
Based in Janesville, 23 mi away
54/100LFR ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 2.7★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.
Based on 6 of 9 factors; bar status, recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Rockford, 6 mi away
52/100LFR ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.6★ from 52 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Divorce lawyer”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Belvidere, 12 mi away
52/100LFR ScoreRanked #19 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 50 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Insurance agency”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Rockford, 6 mi away
52/100LFR ScoreRanked #20 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.1★ from 33 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Loves Park, 3 mi away
52/100LFR ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.3★ from 38 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Loves Park, 3 mi away
51/100LFR ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 31 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Rockford, 3 mi away
51/100LFR ScoreRanked #23 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 17 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#24 Larkin Brian K
Based in Rockford, 6 mi away
50/100LFR ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 17 Google reviews, listed on Google as “General practice attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Rockford, 6 mi away
50/100LFR ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 24 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Family law attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Estate planning and probate lawyers ranked #26 to #50
#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #50, in LFR Score order; each links to its profile. We publish the top 50 of 52 ranked estate planning and probate lawyers here; the rest are on their profiles.
| Rank | Business | LFR Score | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | JAMES E. TUNEBERG | 50 | 5.0★ (6) | 4 mi |
| 27 | Zuba James T. | 50 | 4.3★ (22) | 6 mi |
| 28 | Charles G Popp, P.C. | 50 | 4.7★ (25) | 11 mi |
| 29 | Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley, & Van Evera, LLP | 50 | 3.8★ (38) | 6 mi |
| 30 | Sewell Charles T PC | 49 | 4.5★ (28) | 12 mi |
| 31 | Walsh & Walsh, LLP | 49 | 3.6★ (40) | 6 mi |
| 32 | Turke & Steil S.C. | 49 | 5.0★ (39) | 23 mi |
| 33 | Sommer Law Office | 48 | 4.6★ (9) | 6 mi |
| 34 | O'Flaherty Law | 48 | 3.6★ (15) | 6 mi |
| 35 | Vella & Lund | 48 | 3.2★ (69) | 6 mi |
| 36 | Frank Law Office | 48 | 4.8★ (40) | 23 mi |
| 37 | Nowlan Law | 48 | 4.6★ (11) | 11 mi |
| 38 | Crosby Law Firm | 47 | 2.9★ (173) | 6 mi |
| 39 | Attorney Mary J Gaziano | 47 | 3.7★ (7) | 6 mi |
| 40 | Hardyman & Associates, Ltd. | 47 | 3.7★ (6) | 6 mi |
| 41 | HolmstromKennedyPC | 47 | 4.5★ (4) | 5 mi |
| 42 | Koroll Litigation Group, Ltd. | 47 | 3.4★ (5) | 6 mi |
| 43 | O'Flaherty Law of Beloit | 46 | 3.5★ (11) | 11 mi |
| 44 | Peacock Law Office LLC | 46 | 4.0★ (4) | 6 mi |
| 45 | Law Office of Donald P. Sullivan | 46 | 3.4★ (5) | 6 mi |
| 46 | Law Office of Mark Johnson | 46 | 3.3★ (3) | 6 mi |
| 47 | State Attorney | 45 | 5.0★ (3) | 11 mi |
| 48 | McDonald Law Office | 45 | 4.3★ (13) | 23 mi |
| 49 | The Law Offices of Wendi J. Wade | 45 | 5.0★ (3) | 12 mi |
| 50 | Schleisner Law Office | 44 | 4.5★ (11) | 23 mi |
Also serving Machesney Park
6 more estate planning and probate lawyers within 25 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a practice area we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.
| Business | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Carey & Isbister Auto Accident Lawyers Group | 5.0★ (2) | In Machesney Park |
| Donnelly Law Office LLC | 14 mi | |
| Elliott Monahan & Associates | 1.0★ (1) | 11 mi |
| Geissler Law Office, P.C. | 5.0★ (2) | 4 mi |
| Oliver Close LLC | 3.0★ (2) | 6 mi |
| The Law Office of Corwyn J. Moore | 5.0★ (1) | 7 mi |
How we ranked Machesney Park estate planning and probate lawyers
We scored 52 Machesney Park estate planning and probate lawyers on nine factors, weighted as shown. A law firm is ranked when its practice area is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.
Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Attorney advertising businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.
| Factor | Weight | Computed from | In Machesney Park data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 25% | Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back it | Measured |
| Bar status | 10% | An active bar or law society record matched to a lawyer at the firm (not measured until a record source is loaded) | Not yet collected |
| Review volume | 10% | Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the list | Measured |
| Recency | 10% | Share of reviews from the last 12 months | Not yet collected |
| Availability | 5% | Weekly office hours, Saturday, Sunday, and phones answered 24/7 | Measured |
| Practice focus | 15% | How clearly the firm practises this area (its Google category and name) | Measured |
| Proximity | 5% | An office in the city scores highest, less the farther away it is | Measured |
| Claimed profile | 10% | The firm has claimed its Law Firms Ranked profile (free and paid earn the same) | Measured |
| Law Firms Ranked reviews | 10% | Verified client reviews collected by Law Firms Ranked: their rating and how many there are | Measured |
How to choose an estate planning lawyer
- Check the lawyer’s status and any public discipline in the state bar or law society directory.
- Ask how many estate planning and probate matters the lawyer handles each year, and who at the firm will do the work.
- Get the fee arrangement in writing: hourly, flat or contingency, and which costs are charged on top.
- Ask how and how often the firm will update you, and how fast it answers calls and emails.
- Read recent reviews for how the firm communicated and billed, not only for outcomes.
- Ask what the flat fee includes: funding a trust, updates after life changes, and signing with witnesses.
- Meet more than one firm; many offer a short first consultation, sometimes free.
Questions to ask an estate planning lawyer
- How would you approach a matter like mine, and what are the realistic options?
- How do you charge, and what will the total likely cost?
- Who will be my main contact, and how quickly do you reply?
- Do I need a trust, or is a will enough for me?
- What does probate usually cost here, and how long does it take?
- Is there any conflict of interest that would stop you representing me?
Terms explained
- Contingency fee
- A fee that is a share of the money recovered, paid only if there is a recovery. Common in injury cases; not allowed for criminal defense or for securing a divorce.
- Retainer
- Money paid up front and held in a trust account, which the lawyer draws on as fees are earned.
- Flat fee
- One set price for a defined piece of work, such as a will or an uncontested matter.
- Limited-scope representation
- Paying a lawyer for part of a matter only, such as reviewing documents or coaching for one hearing (also called unbundled services).
- Statute of limitations
- The deadline to file a lawsuit or charge. It differs by state or province and by type of claim.
- Good standing
- A lawyer’s status as active and eligible to practise with a state bar or law society.
- Law society
- The body that licenses and disciplines lawyers in a Canadian province or territory.
- Board certification
- Recognition in a field of law by a state program or an organisation accredited for that purpose. Lawyers may only claim it when they hold it, naming the certifying body.
- Attorney–client privilege
- The rule that keeps confidential communications between a client and lawyer, made for legal advice, out of court.
- Conflict check
- The search a firm runs before taking a matter to make sure it does not represent someone on the other side.
- Pro bono
- Legal work done for free, usually for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
- Legal aid
- Publicly funded legal help for people with low incomes, through legal aid offices, public defenders or provincial legal aid plans.
Estate planning and probate lawyers in Machesney Park: frequently asked questions
Which estate planning lawyer has the highest LFR Score in Machesney Park?
By LFR Score, the highest-ranked estate planning lawyer in Machesney Park, IL is Vogel Law Firm, Ltd. with an LFR Score of 63/100. It has 5.0★ from 191 Google reviews. Malman Law (#2) and Shuman Legal Personal Injury Lawyers (#3) follow. We ranked 52 estate planning and probate lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many estate planning and probate lawyers are there in Machesney Park?
LawFirmsRanked ranks 52 estate planning and probate lawyers serving Machesney Park, IL. Another 6 within 25 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.
Which estate planning and probate lawyers in Machesney Park are open 24/7?
4 ranked estate planning and probate lawyers in Machesney Park post 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked are Malman Law (#2), Shuman Legal Personal Injury Lawyers (#3) and Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley (#4). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.
Which estate planning and probate lawyers in Machesney Park work on weekends?
6 of 52 ranked estate planning and probate lawyers post Saturday hours and 4 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Malman Law (#2), Shuman Legal Personal Injury Lawyers (#3) and Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley (#4). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.
What Google rating do Machesney Park estate planning and probate lawyers have?
The median Google rating among 52 rated estate planning and probate lawyers in Machesney Park is 4.5★, with a median of 18 reviews. Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley has the most, 228 reviews, and ranks #4. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does LawFirmsRanked rank estate planning and probate lawyers?
Each estate planning lawyer gets a 0–100 LFR Score from nine published factors, led by reputation (25%), practice focus (15%), review volume (10%) and recency (10%). A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only law firms with a confirmed practice area and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.
Do estate planning and probate lawyers outside Machesney Park count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the Machesney Park city center, our service radius for estate planning and probate lawyers. Each listing shows where the law firm is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 5% of the LFR Score, so a nearby law firm gets a small edge.
Can estate planning and probate lawyers pay to rank higher on LawFirmsRanked?
No. The LFR Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured law firms may appear above the list, labelled Attorney advertising and showing their honest rank.
How do estate planning and probate lawyers in Machesney Park, IL charge?
Many estate planning lawyers charge a flat fee for wills, trusts and powers of attorney. Probate is billed hourly or, in some states, by a fee set by statute (California Probate Code §10810, for example). Lawyers using Clio billed an average of $391 an hour in this area (Clio Legal Trends data, October 2026; all areas $362). Ask for the fee arrangement in writing before you agree.
What happens if someone dies without a will?
State law decides who inherits (intestate succession), usually the spouse and children in set shares, and a court appoints someone to manage the estate. A will or trust lets you decide instead. This is general information, not legal advice.
How is this list of estate planning and probate lawyers in Machesney Park, IL ranked?
By LFR Score only, from public data on reviews, practice focus, office location and hours. Firms labelled “Attorney advertising” paid for that placement; payment never changes a rank, and a rank is not an endorsement.
Does a lawyer need an office in Machesney Park?
No, but the lawyer must be licensed in your state (or, for federal matters such as immigration, in some state). A local office makes meetings and court appearances easier, so proximity is one of our factors.
Update log for Machesney Park
- November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 52 estate planning and probate lawyers serving Machesney Park.
More estate planning and probate lawyers and Machesney Park pages
Estate planning and probate lawyers near Machesney Park
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in Loves Park, IL45 ranked
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in Roscoe, IL51 ranked
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in Rockford, IL43 ranked
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in Belvidere, IL58 ranked
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in Freeport, IL7 ranked
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in Woodstock, IL85 ranked
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in Sycamore, IL70 ranked
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in DeKalb, IL53 ranked
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in Huntley, IL170 ranked
- Estate planning and probate lawyers in Crystal Lake, IL196 ranked
Other practice areas in Machesney Park
- Personal injury lawyers in Machesney Park102 ranked
- Social Security disability lawyers in Machesney Park8 ranked
- Criminal defense lawyers in Machesney Park33 ranked
- Divorce and family lawyers in Machesney Park60 ranked
- Bankruptcy lawyers in Machesney Park36 ranked
- Immigration lawyers in Machesney Park10 ranked
- Employment lawyers in Machesney Park17 ranked
- Business lawyers in Machesney Park7 ranked
- Real estate lawyers in Machesney Park37 ranked
- Tax lawyers in Machesney Park8 ranked
- Intellectual property lawyers in Machesney Park5 ranked
- Insurance lawyers in Machesney Park22 ranked
- Mediators in Machesney Park11 ranked
- General practice lawyers in Machesney Park94 ranked
- All lawyers in Machesney Park