About

Eric G Matlin, Attorney at Law

Founder of Matlin Law Group, PC (MLG), Northbrook, IL, www.matlinlawgroup.com, I concentrated my law practice on estate planning for over 30 years. Now retired As founder of Matlin Law Group, PC (MLG), Northbrook, IL, www.matlinlawgroup.com, I concentrated my law practice on estate planning for over 30 years. Now retired from the practice of law and acting as “Of Counsel” to MLG, I work with managing partners, Mary Vanek and Johannah Hebl, associate attorneys and other MLG staff to help ensure that the MLG mission, to “compassionately guide families through life’s transitions with professionalism and sensitivity” continues to serve the community.

The need for an appropriate level of estate planning is universal; just a matter of scope and scale tailored to your own circumstances. Whether materially rich or funds are tight, 18 or 102, the picture of good health or seriously impaired, estate planning is a gift to loved ones, bestowing harmony and peace of mind.

In the early aughts, I wrote The Procrastinator’s Guide to Wills and Estate Planning, for those who know they need estate planning but don’t understand its urgency. Life’s most momentous events don’t always follow your schedule, so the time to plan is NOW.

The 2026 3rd ed of Not Dead Yet so plan your estate (NDY) conveys knowledge I absorbed working with many hundreds of families on their estate plans, beginning with from clients possessing necessary legal capacity, through their life changes, death and distribution of their estates. It shares insights into family dynamics and human nature as factors that must often be considered. The benefits of proper planning are undeniable.

Uniquely, NDY is two books in one. The front 2/3rds text portion of NDY is a legal roadmap and tutorial to estate planning presented in clear bites with minimal legalese. The back 1/3rd is a graphic novel that caters to anyone who prefers learning visually by identifying with the fictional characters and relating how the characters’ planning (or lack thereof) may apply to their own circumstances.

Whether you prefer NDY text with graphic novel in paperback ($18.18), or text-only paperback with large print ($21.21), both available via Amazon.com, or Kindle text with graphic novel ($11.11), you will come away with the knowledge you need to help secure your family’s future.

Educating the Community

I am available in the Chicago area for in-person events at senior centers, homeowner associations, apartment complexes, libraries, corporate lunch & learns, banks, professional & para-professional associations, houses of worship, charity programs for donors, groups of interested friends and other adult educational forums.

Contact me by email at either eric@ericmatlin-ndy.com or leave me a voicemail at (312) 547-1059 to discuss hosting an event.

For estate-related legal inquiries, you may visit www.matlinlawgroup.com or email info@matlinlawgroup.com or call MLG at (847) 770-6600. In the absence of a signed agreement with Matlin Law Group, inquiries and other communications do NOT create a client-lawyer relationship.

I Educate the Community Via My 12 Question+ Interactive Estate Planning Conversations

Contact me to discuss hosting an adult education event presented by Attorney Eric G Matlin, Founder and Of Counsel to Matlin Law Group, PC (MLG), along with an MLG Managing Partner, Mary E. Vanek or Johannah Hebl, or one of the MLG associate attorneys, at no charge.

Fewer than half of American adults have basic estate plan documents and far fewer have documents that accurately reflect their current circumstances and wishes. If you are among this estate-vulnerable population, our Interactive Estate Planning Conversation is an opportunity to learn how to get your affairs in order.

MLG has helped thousands of individuals and families with wills, trusts, powers of attorney and other documents that protect their estate upon potential incapacity and certain death. At our speaking events we share our knowledge by asking and answering the sometimes-thorny questions posed below to the best of our abilities. We also take questions from the audience. It’s an engaging format low-tech presentation that highlights common but often undiscussed issues revolving around family dynamics, especially as they relate to money.

Following the Interactive Estate Planning Conversation, I often sign and distribute free copies of my book Not Dead Yet, so plan your estate to each registered attendee.

1. Does my 18-year-old child really need estate planning?

2. My dad had a stroke and is unable to communicate. I need a financial power of attorney to pay his bills. What’s the cost?

3. What is probate and why should avoid it? What’s a probate asset?

4. My accounts are in joint tenancy or name a beneficiary. Is that sufficient?

5. What’s a testamentary trust? How can it help my family?

6. What’s the difference between a will and a revocable living trust? How does a revocable living trust benefit me?

7. What taxes must I consider when planning my estate?

8. What special issues must be addressed with blended families?

9. Can I write my own will? What can go wrong?

10. Do you recommend discussing my estate plan with beneficiaries and the persons I select to act for me upon potential testamentary incapacity and certain death?

11. How often do you advise me to update my estate plan?

12. What’s for charity?

Matlin Law Group PC

To make an appointment for a complimentary estate planning consultation with an MLG attorney or inquire about meeting with an MLG attorney regarding other potential estate-related representation, contact MLG directly at (847) 770-6600 or info@matlinlawgroup.com Mention NDY!

You can also explore the Matlin Law Group website at www.matlinlawgroup.com.

Please note that inquiries via phone, email or through the Matlin Law Group website do NOT create a client-lawyer relationship.​

Eric’s retirement