Record & Jankowicz - Decatur, IL

Serving Decatur and Central Illinois Families Since 1976

Organizing your affairs, preparing for potential health transitions, and preserving family real estate requires experienced, patient legal guidance. Established in 1976 and located in Suite 505 at 101 South Main Street in Decatur, Record and Jankowicz has provided reliable legal counsel to generations of central Illinois families for five decades. Partner James A. Jankowicz earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois and brings more than fifty years of legal acumen to each client engagement. Practicing throughout Macon, Piatt, Moultrie, Shelby, and DeWitt counties, the firm is renowned for practical legal solutions, clear explanations, and a steadfast commitment to helping clients move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

Strategic Estate Planning, Wills, and Living Trusts

Every family possesses unique circumstances, from blended households and farm land holdings to children with special medical needs. Relying on pre-printed forms often leads to costly errors and contentious probate disputes later on. At Record and Jankowicz, clients consult directly with knowledgeable estate planning lawyers who craft customized documents designed to protect assets and avoid unnecessary court intervention. The firm assists clients with a comprehensive suite of estate planning instruments, including:

• Last will and testament drafting with guardian nominations and specific asset bequests
• Revocable living trusts and irrevocable trusts to minimize taxes and bypass probate delays
• Special needs trusts to protect government benefit eligibility for disabled family members
• Durable financial power of attorney authorizations appointing trusted surrogates
• Healthcare power of attorney designations, living wills, and advance medical directives
• Asset protection planning to shield savings from unexpected future liabilities

Efficient Probate Administration and Estate Settlement

When a family member passes away, navigating the formal probate procedures in the Macon County Circuit Court can feel daunting. Record and Jankowicz provides compassionate, organized counsel to executors, administrators, and trustees, lifting administrative burdens during an emotionally trying time. The firm manages all phases of probate administration, including admitting wills to probate, preparing court inventories, publishing required creditor notices, resolving valid estate claims, and overseeing final asset distributions to lawful heirs in full compliance with Illinois probate law.

Elder Law, Guardianship, and Real Estate Law Services

As individuals grow older, addressing long-term healthcare arrangements and safeguarding residential property becomes paramount. James Jankowicz counsels seniors and adult children on elder law matters, including nursing home planning, Medicaid asset protection, and contested or uncontested adult guardianship proceedings. In addition, the firm maintains an extensive real estate practice, representing buyers and sellers in residential home closings, commercial property transactions, farmland transfers, and title reviews. If you need to find an attorney to safeguard your legacy or secure a real estate transaction, contact Record and Jankowicz to schedule a consultation from Monday through Friday.