ERIC G MATLIN

For 30 years, Eric G Matlin, founder of Matlin Law Group, P.C. in Northbrook, has concentrated his law practice on estate planning—helping thousands of families, including people ranging from a negative net-worth to those worth tens of millions of dollars. He believes in maximum transparency in pricing and service, which is why Matlin Law Group P.C. offers free initial estate planning consultations, coupled with flat-fee pricing, for most clients. “I consider myself an educator, explaining complex legal terms in language clients understand. I wrote two books, The Procrastinator’s Guide to Wills and Estate Planning (Ozanam Publishing, 2021) and Not Dead Yet, so plan your estate (Ozanam Publishing, 2019),” says Matlin. “My core philosophy is that estate planning benefits everyone. Whether you are rich or poor, 18 or 108, the picture of good health or seriously ill, estate planning provides harmony and peace of mind, a gift to loved ones.” One of his favorite examples of this is a woman named Rosemary who died with an estate that was worth millions and no close heirs. Had she died without a will, that money could have gone to people she didn’t know or care about. But with help from Matlin, 90 percent went to her favorite charities and the remainder was distributed in bequests to dear friends and $5,000 gifts to the doormen and maintenance workers in her building— many who had done favors for her over the years. “She made a difference in their lives, and they were extremely grateful,” he adds. “Her legacy continued through thoughtful planning.”