Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Central Illinois
Woods & Bates, P.C. has been a trusted legal partner in Central Illinois since 1972, specializing in estate planning, probate administration, real estate law, and trust management. Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience to guide clients through complex legal matters with integrity and personalized attention. We prioritize community needs, timely progress, and ethical practices, offering both virtual and in-person consultations to ensure accessibility.Our legacy of excellence, rooted in a century-long legal tradition, reflects our commitment to preserving family legacies and providing high-quality representation. We respond to all client inquiries within 24 hours, emphasizing transparency, expertise, and a deep understanding of the emotional and legal nuances involved in our practice areas.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Administration
Real Estate Law
Trust Administration
Medicaid Planning
Asset Protection
Guardianship
Business Consulting
Uncontested Adoption
Elder Law
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- Community Minded: We live in the communities where we work and understand local needs and concerns.
- Integrity: We do exactly what we say we will do.
- Timeliness: Your time is important and we understand the need to make timely progress on client matters.
- Decades of Experience: Our attorneys draw on over 50 years of combined legal expertise.
- Flexible Consultations: We offer both virtual and in-person meetings to accommodate client preferences.
What people say
Highly competent and professional
Knowledgeable, professional and courteous
Helped with real estate issues
Compassion and attention
Smooth and stress free experience
Services
Estate Planning
Estate planning ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes while minimizing tax burdens. Our attorneys create customized wills, trusts, and advance directives tailored to your family's needs. We guide clients through complex decisions, including guardianship nominations and Medicaid crisis planning, to secure their legacy and provide peace of mind for loved ones.
Probate Administration
Probate administration involves validating a will, paying debts, and distributing assets under court supervision. Our team streamlines this process, handling asset inventory, tax filings, and creditor claims efficiently. We prioritize timely resolution to ease the emotional and logistical burdens during this challenging period for beneficiaries.
Real Estate Law
Real estate law covers residential and commercial transactions, including contract negotiations, title transfers, and lease agreements. We protect clients' interests in property purchases, sales, and disputes. Our expertise ensures compliance with Illinois regulations, safeguarding investments and preventing future legal complications.
Trust Administration
Trust administration manages and distributes assets held in trusts according to grantor instructions. We assist with revocable and irrevocable trusts, ensuring proper funding and compliance with legal requirements. This service avoids probate, maintains privacy, and provides structured financial support for beneficiaries, including special needs trusts.
Business Consulting
Business consulting offers strategic legal advice on entity formation, compliance, and risk management. We help startups and established businesses navigate contracts, employment law, and succession planning. Our goal is to protect assets, ensure regulatory adherence, and facilitate sustainable growth through tailored legal frameworks.
People
William Blinn Bates, Jr.
Shareholder
William Blinn Bates, Jr. specializes in estate planning and probate, drawing on over 15 years of experience. He prioritizes client education and efficient solutions, ensuring clarity in complex legal matters. Active in local civic affairs, he serves on the District #27 School Board.
Michael Fleshman
Shareholder
Michael Fleshman focuses on estate administration and real estate law, known for his compassionate approach and attention to detail. He has managed complex estates across state lines, earning client praise for his professionalism and understanding during sensitive legal processes.
Brett J. Green
Associate Attorney
Brett J. Green provides legal counsel in estate planning and business law, emphasizing client-centered service. His practice supports individuals and businesses in navigating legal challenges with practical, forward-thinking strategies tailored to their unique circumstances.
Kevin Hunter Mitchell
Associate Attorney
Kevin Hunter Mitchell assists clients in estate and trust administration, committed to delivering clear, actionable legal guidance. His work ensures clients' assets are protected and transferred according to their wishes, with a focus on minimizing legal complexities.
William B. Bates
Retired
William B. Bates, retired partner, contributed decades of expertise in estate law before retiring in 2018. His legacy includes mentoring junior attorneys and strengthening the firm's reputation for excellence in Central Illinois legal services.
Questions
What is probate?
Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate, including validating their will, paying debts, and distributing assets to heirs under court supervision.
How long does probate take?
The probate process typically takes several months to over a year, depending on estate complexity, disputes, and creditor claims.
What if the original will is lost?
A copy may be used if evidence proves it was the decedent's final will; otherwise, intestacy laws apply.
Can I handle probate without a lawyer?
While possible for small estates, an attorney ensures compliance with complex laws and resolves disputes effectively.
How are real estate assets handled in probate?
Real estate goes through probate unless held in a trust or jointly owned, then transfers to heirs as per the will or state laws.
