Illinois Bankruptcy, Estate Planning and Small Business Attorney
Serving Illinois Families & Businesses Since 2003
After two decades of representing corporations and high-net-worth individuals at national and regional law firms, our managing attorney David Madden established the practice in 2025 to provide cost-effective legal solutions directly to businesses and individuals in Lisle and surrounding communities. We focus on bankruptcy, estate planning, small business law, and commercial litigation, bringing big-firm experience to clients who need practical, affordable legal counsel.
We understand that hiring a lawyer can feel overwhelming, which is why we prioritize clear communication and honest advice without unnecessary complications. Our approach is straightforward: we only take on cases where we can provide meaningful value, and we work collaboratively with clients to help them make informed decisions about their legal matters. With flexible scheduling options including evenings and weekends, we make quality legal representation accessible when you need it most.
Practice Areas
Protecting Your Interests With Proven Legal Solutions
Bankruptcy
Estate Planning
Estate planning isn’t just about drafting documents, it’s about protecting your family, your assets, and your legacy. Having a solid estate plan in place can help your family avoid additional stress in what is often an already stressful time. To help you plan for your future, we’ll work with you to create a plan that reflects your wishes. From wills and trusts to advance healthcare directives, we’ll help you get the peace of mind you need.
Small Business
We provide comprehensive legal services to small businesses throughout their entire lifecycle, from initial formation and planning through daily operations, growth, and eventual exit strategies. Our affordable and practical approach helps business owners handle everything from drafting ownership agreements and operational contracts to managing mergers and acquisitions. We understand the unique challenges facing small businesses and deliver cost-effective solutions that protect your interests while supporting your growth objectives.
Commercial Litigation and Collections
When business disputes or unpaid debts threaten your operations, you need a legal team that understands both the legal and financial sides of your case, and that’s where we come in. We handle contract disputes, collections matters, and other commercial conflicts with a practical, solutions-focused approach. Our goal is to resolve matters efficiently while protecting your bottom line, and that’s why business owners trust us every time.
Local Counsel and Contract Attorney Services
For law firms and out-of-state attorneys looking for reliable, experienced local counsel and contract support in Cook County and DuPage County, we’re available to offer our services. From court appearances to filing assistance and everything in between, we make sure your client’s matter is handled professionally and in full compliance with local rules. Our contract services help with staffing challenges by offering dedicated legal assistance and stepping in when we’re needed, without stepping on your current staff’s toes.
Our Core Values
Honesty and
Integrity
Communication and
Responsiveness
Respect and
Compassion
Zealous
Advocacy
Value and
Affordability
Results
Madden Law LLC
Meet Managing Attorney David Madden
Individuals and businesses are understandably concerned with the cost of hiring a lawyer, and it’s hard to know who to trust. I only accept engagements where I believe I can provide meaningful value to clients and deliver cost-effective results, and my rates are highly competitive. I believe it’s a lawyer’s duty to place their clients’ interests ahead of their own. In my experience, clients want straight answers with no sugar coating. I provide my clients with honest, direct, and compassionate advice and work in collaboration with clients to ensure that they’re well-informed and empowered to achieve their goals.
Managing Attorney
Serving All of Chicago and Suburbs
We proudly serve clients throughout DuPage County and the greater Chicagoland area, with our office conveniently located in Lisle. Our bankruptcy services extend across the entire Chicago metropolitan region, including communities like Woodridge, Downers Grove, and Bolingbrook. We offer flexible consultation options, including in-person meetings at our office and remote consultations to accommodate clients throughout our service area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Client Questions Answered
What types of assets could I lose if I file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, assets such as a second vehicle, vacation home, or luxury items could potentially be liquidated to repay creditors. However, many people are surprised to learn that they’re able to keep most or all of their property by applying for exemptions. Our attorney, David Madden, has over two decades of acquired legal knowledge and uses that experience to help clients protect what matters most and walk them through the exemption processes.
Do I have to pay back all of my debt with Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
No, not all debts must be paid back under Chapter 13. The repayment plan, which typically spans three to five years, may only require you to repay a portion of your unsecured debts, depending on your financial situation. At Madden Law LLC, we use our deep experience in bankruptcy filings to develop practical plans that offer clients long-term financial stability. We also offer no-obligation consultations for those who want to review their options first.
What are the steps in the estate planning process?
Estate planning typically begins with identifying your goals and listing your assets. From there, we’ll help you create essential documents like wills, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and trusts if needed. Our firm customizes each plan to fit your unique needs with clarity and compassion. With 20 years of experience and offices in the Cook County and DuPage County areas, we’re here to help you plan for your future.
What is the purpose of a trust and how does it work?
A trust is a legal tool that allows a third party (the trustee) to hold and manage assets on behalf of your chosen beneficiaries. It allows for more control over how and when your assets are distributed, it can avoid probate, and it may reduce tax liability. We’ve helped countless families throughout Illinois use trusts effectively, and with Attorney Madden’s years of experience handling trust administration, you’ll always know your estate is in capable hands.
What assets do not go through probate?
Assets that typically do not go through probate include life insurance with named beneficiaries, retirement accounts, jointly owned property with right of survivorship, and assets held in a living trust. These assets transfer directly to the beneficiaries without court involvement. At Madden Law, we provide valuable information related to probate, so our clients always know what to expect. We can help them plan proactively to minimize the probate process and provide peace of mind that their wishes will be carried out efficiently and respectfully. If you have questions about the probate process, we offer free in-person and remote consultations to individuals throughout Illinois.
From The Blog
🎉 Madden Law LLC is proud to sponsor the 40th Anniversary of the Woodridge Jubilee, June 12-15! 🎉
Giving Back to Our Heroes: A Day of Estate Planning at Chicago Police Headquarters
