When You Don't Know
What You Need to Know
to Navigate Your Future with Confidence
Legacy Law Firm LLC, led by the Attorney Dawn M. Weekly, stands out for its unwavering commitment to providing exceptional legal services. With a reputation built on integrity, professionalism, and personalized attention, the firm offers clients a trusted resource in navigating complex legal matters. Attorney Weekly's depth of knowledge and experience in her field is matched only by her dedication to securing favorable outcomes for her clients. Her compassionate yet strategic approach ensures that each case is handled with the utmost care and attention, making Legacy Law Firm LLC a pillar of excellence in the legal community.
15 +
Years of Experience
Over 2,500
Satisfied Clients
Over 500
Legacies Saved
Our Office
Our Team
Imagine a team of highly skilled professionals, driven by a relentless passion for excellence and a deep commitment to your needs. Our experts, armed with years of invaluable experience, are not just qualified—they are dedicated to providing you with unparalleled, compassionate service that transcends expectations. In an industry where expertise and empathy must go hand in hand, we stand as a beacon of hope and guidance. Choosing our team means choosing a partner who will champion your cause, ensuring every step of your journey is met with understanding and care. Don’t settle for the ordinary when you deserve extraordinary support—join us in leveraging this wealth of knowledge and dedication to transform your experience. Trust in us, and together, let’s achieve remarkable outcomes that truly matter to you!
Linda DeWitt
Paralegal
Hey there! I’m excited to share a bit about Linda with you. She brings a wealth of experience in estate planning, estate probate, and social security disability—things she really cares about. While she's a licensed attorney in Kansas and Colorado, she’s been happily providing paralegal support in Illinois since 2015. On a personal note, Linda is a wonderful family person, happily married and the proud mom of two grown sons. When she’s not busy helping her clients, you can find her enjoying the great outdoors—hiking and taking part in woodland sports. She also has a passion for music and art. And let’s not forget her love for cozy campfire gatherings with friends! Isn’t that just lovely?
Dawn M Weekly
Attorney
Dawn established her solo practice in Sandwich, Illinois, in 2009, with a focus on elder law. She has served as the Past President of the Illinois Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and is actively involved with the Elder Law and Unauthorized Practice of Law Section Council of the Illinois State Bar Association. Additionally, she was appointed Public Guardian and Administrator for Grundy and Kankakee Counties by the Governor. Born and raised in Sandwich, Dawn participates in the Sandwich Community Concert Band and plays lead alto saxophone in the Talk of the Town Swing Band.
D. Allen Dotson Jr.
Business Manager
Meet Allen! With more than 20 years of experience in Office Management, he’s been an integral part of the Legacy team since 2011. Allen takes the reins on keeping our business operations running smoothly, managing workflow, and making sure everyone’s tasks are just right. He’s like a Swiss Army knife of support, effortlessly stepping into different roles as the situation calls for it. Having worked in both urban and suburban settings throughout his adult life, Allen knows the ropes and brings a wealth of experience to the table. He’s a proud lifelong resident of the area and truly loves his rural lifestyle. When he's not busy at work, you can bet he’s enjoying family time with his three kids, diving into home improvement projects, or hitting the trails for a good hike. Allen really values those moments spent connecting with nature and his loved ones!
Grace Rice
Document Creation Specialist /Archivist/ Office Support
Grace is an exceptional organizer, a skill that makes her a brilliant archivist! She diligently manages client files with great care, ensuring that every matter is carefully documented and stored, both physically and digitally. Her attention to detail not only enhances her work but also fosters a sense of trust and reliability for our clients. In addition to her archival expertise, Grace generously lends her support to the office in any way she can, always ready to uplift her team. As a Licensed Practical Nurse, she embraces her passion for caring with an active nursing license, bringing hope and healing to those in need. Outside of her professional life, Grace finds joy in crocheting and cherishing moments with her two beloved cats. Embrace your own unique talents and passions, and let them guide you toward your dreams – you have the power to create a fulfilling and joyful life, just like Grace!
Stacy Belmonte
Reception / Intake / Office Support
Fifteen years ago, Stacy embarked on a remarkable journey by earning her paralegal degree. After taking a detour from the legal world, she made a triumphant return in 2022 and is now thriving at Legacy Law Firm, fueled by passion and a renewed sense of purpose. Having called this beautiful community home for over 25 years, Stacy treasures the rich rewards of small-town life. Alongside her husband, a dedicated Retired Corrections Officer, she has built a wonderful life filled with love and support. Her heart swells with pride as she cheers on her son, who has blessed her with three incredible grandchildren. In her spare moments, Stacy embraces creativity through her delightful crafting projects and cherishes every opportunity to engage with her family. Whether it’s celebrating her grandchildren’s achievements at sports events or enjoying precious school functions, she embodies the joy of connection and the beauty of pursuing one’s passions. Let her journey inspire you to embrace your path, nurture your dreams, and create cherished memories with those you love!
Your Trusted Legal Partner
Legacy Law Firm, LLC can be your trusted legal partner for Trust and Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Guardianship, and Elder Law issues because we offer a compassionate, client-centered approach to navigating the complexities of aging and planning for the future. Our experienced staff understand the importance of protecting your legacy, ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes, and securing the well-being of you and your loved ones. With a focus on personalized solutions, they take the time to understand your unique needs and provide clear guidance throughout the process. Whether you're planning for the future, managing a guardianship, managing an estate or trust administration, or addressing elder law concerns, Legacy Law Firm, LLC offers the expertise and care necessary to safeguard your interests at every stage of life.
Our Key Services
Discover the range of services we offer.
Guardianship Services
Legal guardianship of both a person and an estate involve the appointment of a guardian to manage both the personal well-being and the financial affairs of an individual who is unable to make decisions for themselves due to age, disability, or incapacity. In this dual role, the guardian is responsible not only for ensuring the person’s physical and emotional needs are met—such as healthcare, living arrangements, and education—but also for managing their financial assets, property, and legal matters. This type of guardianship is typically granted when a court determines that the individual is unable to manage both aspects of their life, either due to mental incapacity or other significant reasons. The guardian is held to a high standard of fiduciary duty, ensuring that the ward’s assets are protected, used wisely, and preserved for their benefit. Regular court oversight is often required to ensure the guardian is fulfilling their duties properly and, in the ward’s best interests.
Estate Planning Solutions
Estate planning is important at any age because it ensures that your wishes are honored and your loved ones are cared for, regardless of when the unexpected happens. Planning ahead allows you to decide how your assets will be distributed, who will make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to, and how your medical and financial needs will be managed. Having an estate plan in place can help avoid unnecessary legal battles, reduce the burden on family members, and minimize taxes or other costs. Additionally, estate planning addresses important decisions about guardianship for minors, end-of-life care, and business succession, providing peace of mind that you have a plan for the future.
Estate & Trust Administration
Estate and trust administration in Illinois can be complex, and there are several common pitfalls that individuals may encounter. One major issue is failure to follow legal procedures, which can lead to delays or even litigation. Illinois has strict laws and timelines for the probate process, and failing to meet these requirements can cause complications for the estate, including unnecessary expenses. Another pitfall is poorly drafted wills or trusts. If the estate planning documents are vague, outdated, or not legally valid, they may not accurately reflect the individual's wishes. This can lead to disputes among heirs, costly legal challenges, and additional administrative burdens. Mismanagement of assets is another concern. Executors and trustees have fiduciary duties to manage the estate or trust’s assets responsibly. If they fail to do so—whether by making improper distributions or neglecting to pay taxes or debts—this can result in personal liability, financial losses, or harm to beneficiaries. Lastly, failure to communicate with beneficiaries or family members during the administration process can lead to misunderstandings, disputes, and challenges to the will or trust.
Client-Centered Approach
A client-centered approach is best in a legal services environment because it prioritizes the needs, concerns, and goals of the client, ensuring that they feel heard, understood, and supported throughout the legal process. By focusing on the client, attorneys can provide tailored solutions that are specifically designed to meet the individual’s unique circumstances, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. This leads to more effective legal strategies, as the attorney can fully understand the client’s objectives and work towards achieving the best possible outcome.
Moreover, a client-centered approach fosters strong trust and communication between the client and the attorney, which is crucial for successful representation. Clients are more likely to be satisfied with the process when they feel that their attorney is empathetic, responsive, and transparent, and when they are actively involved in decision-making
Legal Guidance for Elder Law, Guardianship, and Estate Planning
Committed to Excellence in Legal Services
Contact us
- Mon – Thu
- 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
- Fri – Sun
- Closed
Telephone: 815-570-2334
E-mail: info@legacylawil.com
Address: 410 E Church St, Suite D, Sandwich, 60548, Illinois, United States
Helping you create a lasting legacy, from one generation to the next...
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