The Heartland Law Firm
About Us
The Heartland Law Firm
Who We Are
Heartland Law Firm is a legal practice specializing in probate law, elder law, trust administration, real estate, and business transitions. With over 25 years of experience, we have been serving the Chicagoland area since 2000.
Our Philosophy – The Heartland Method
Our unique approach, known as “The Heartland Method,” focuses on delivering “Legal Well-Being” to our clients. We understand that people seek legal assistance not just for legal issues but to ensure their overall well-being. Our team is committed to supporting you through organized processes that resolve your legal issues affordably and efficiently.
Our Services
- Elder Law and Advocacy: We provide families with the tools, knowledge, and resources necessary for the challenges that accompany the transition into becoming an elderly person.
- Probate and Trust: Our goal is to keep your estate out of probate and, if it does go to probate, to get it through the courts as quickly as possible.
- Real Estate Closings: We offer a streamlined process for all your real estate transaction needs.
- Business Well-Being: Our business transition law services ensure that your company is in good hands when you decide to step away.
Our Team
Attorneys
I’m Marty Fogarty, founder of The Heartland Law Firm, and founder of ElderSmart® – a 501c3 non-profit organization.
For nearly 30 years, I’ve been solving problems with others: as an attorney, confidant, mentor, friend, father, and spouse.
This is what I know for sure: life’s a journey. The milestones and challenges along the way are transition points. These transition points pull us from one chapter to the next. For life’s higher stake transitions, we need a relationship with someone who can make clear the landscape we’re in. Someone who empowers us to make the best choices in this transition to move forward with confidence and peace of mind. I founded The Heartland Law Firm on this idea. The Heartland team is driven by our mission to enrich lives in meaningful ways.
Personally and professionally, I have been immersed in the “elder transition.” I can see that the way society supports elders in a long-term health care transition is fragmented and often disregards consideration of the vulnerable elder’s personal dignity.
The “elder advocate” movement calls for a new standard of elder law to be adopted by the legal industry: that “elder law without social work is an incomplete solution.”
- Principal Attorney - Founder
- Estate planning of all levels — basic wills to complex trusts
- The elder transition — protecting your elderly loved one’s well-being, including family care plans and Medicaid and VA qualification
- Business succession
Biography
Bradley Kupiec
Attorney
I’m committed to providing clients with clarity and peace of mind during challenging times. Specializing in probate and trust administration, I aim to demystify complex legal processes, empowering clients to move forward with confidence. Seeing the weight lifted from their shoulders as they understand and navigate these transitions is incredibly rewarding. My dedication to client satisfaction is evident in successful court appearances and positive testimonials. Outside of work, I enjoy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (recently earning my black belt!), cheering on my favorite sports teams, and planning my upcoming wedding. Rooted in family values from my upbringing in Illinois, I bring a personal touch to my professional approach.
Greer A. Herman
Attorney
I enjoy working in the Elder Law and Estate Planning field because it allows me to often support people during some of the most vulnerable times of their lives. It is deeply rewarding to help families navigate often complex legal issues and also bring them peace of mind that when the times comes their wishes are honored and their loved ones are protected for the future.
I have had many clients thank me profusely for making the process simple for them to understand and confident that they have taken the appropriate steps to ensure their final wishes will be honored. It’s not easy to talk about death or getting sick, but almost everyone feels better about it once they have that initial conversation.
Armaan S. Kang
Of Counsel
I am excited to educate people: estate planning has different shapes and forms, and I get to help clients decide on the best strategy for them that helps protect families for the future.
I have seen our firm take care of individuals’ well-being by helping them ask the right questions about future goals and how their estate planning strategy is helping them get there. We allow clients the opportunity to reflect on their needs and assess where they want to be headed.
Sabrina M. Valdez
Attorney
My goal is always for the client to trust me. Probate court can be confusing becasue there are so many moving parts and requirements. Our clients may not always understand how it works and I never want to make it more confusing than it already is. My goal is to make probate court/process as easy to understand so they never feel confused along the way. When this happens they began to develop a trust in you and it is rewarding to see their case move along.
I like being able to provide clients with answers during a difficult time. No one wants to think too much about the court process during grieving and I am able to assure them that as we work together, we can open up the estate and they can then take charge and handle their loved one’s estate.
Cecilia M. Garcia
Real Estate Paralegal
Seasoned Real Estate Paralegal with a track record of meticulously coordinating real estate transactions and conducting legal research.
Legal Team – Estate Planning
Kriti Mahajan
Client Success Manager
Estate planning isn’t just about legal documents — it’s about creating a plan that truly reflects a family’s unique needs and wishes. I enjoy the process of tailoring each document to match a client’s specific circumstances, ensuring their loved ones are protected and their legacy is preserved. Knowing that my work helps families avoid unnecessary stress and uncertainty makes this role incredibly rewarding.
At Heartland, we’re helping families feel secure about their future. The bigger picture is ensuring that people have a plan in place so their loved ones aren’t left dealing with uncertainty or legal complications during difficult times. Knowing that our work helps create stability and peace of mind for families is what makes it more than just a job — it’s a meaningful effort that impacts lives in a lasting way.
Tina Swider
Client Success Advocate
After helping my father navigate his Estate Planning, I take satisfaction in assisting others through this process.
By providing encouragement and peace of mind during their Estate Planning process. Offering a personal touch to ensure they feel like more than just another client.
Legal Team – Probate
Jacque Bopp
Probate
I enjoy helping people navigate the legal aspects of estate and trust administration and providing them with peace of mind that they are following their loved one’s wishes.
We at Heartland handle difficult matters for clients so they can spend more time with family and not worry about legal issues. We are working towards helping clients navigate through difficult times in their life.
Reena Riley
Probate
I am truly thrilled to help clients transition from a state of panic and uncertainty about what their next step whether it be Probate, Trust Administration, or Estate Planning to a sense of ease and accomplishment. It is deeply rewarding to guide them toward a calmer, more assured state of mind.
At its core, our mission is to add value to our clients’ lives and leave them in a better position than when they came to us. Whether they are preparing for the after-death phase or fulfilling the wishes of a loved one who entrusted them with this responsibility, we strive to provide clarity, support, and peace of mind throughout the process.
Office Staff
Kristen brings a passion for helping people and intimate knowledge of the Freedom Plan Trust process to The Heartland Law Firm.
If you’ve engaged with her at all you know her empathy and attention to detail are a key ingredient in The Heartland Law Firm not just bringing stellar clients service to the table, but also helping make the administrative side of creating a trust seem simple.
Chris Proctor
Legal Advisor
I love the fact that we get to help people. Whether that involves planning appropriately for the future or navigating the probate process during times of grief.
As part of our front lines, I feel my job is to ensure as much clarity and assurance that our team here at The Heartland Law Firm have their best interests in mind. I love it when a client shows a sense of relief as we start to work with them.
Adam Fraser
Legal Advisor
I am dedicated to providing families facing difficult circumstances with the guidance and support they need through a caring and empathetic lens. More than just a transaction, I focus on building lasting relationships grounded in trust and a deep understanding of their best interests. My aim is to be a true partner, helping individuals and families navigate complex processes to ensure their protection and the preservation of their legacy.
Brianna Dornisch
Lead Client Success Advocate
I know these matters are deeply personal and the weight of carrying them can feel heavy. It is an honor to play a small role in helping others shoulder that weight. Sometimes all we need is a friendly face, a smile, a listening ear, and a shoulder to lean on. I like to think I am able to provide these simple comforts that go a long way to better the overall well-being of our clients.
I love knowing our team is there to walk side by side with the family through the ups and downs, from start to finish.
Gianna Nickolaus
Client Success
I find it fulfilling to support clients, making sure they feel heard and connected to the right resources. It’s rewarding knowing that my role can help ease their experience during a challenging period.
I have seen how simply setting clients up with consultations can ease worries. Or just sitting on the phone with them and letting them vent about their situation can ease a persons mind and make them feel heard and understood.
Sherri Bailey
Client Success
I am deeply passionate about helping people and find great fulfillment in supporting others,
and truly enjoy it when others talk to me about the hardships they are experiencing, and providing them with kindness, empathy, and a listening ear.
I truly care for people, and show them kindness, empathy, and offer support! I have had several people tell me, “Thank you for listening.” People wanna know they are heard and that someone cares!
Chase Mugridge
Client Success
It excites me to guide clients through clear, compassionate planning, you can help reduce conflict among relatives and provide peace of mind.
I’m working to be a better me everyday, If that means helping people everyday then that’s what I will do. I love seeing people with a positive attitude and not a negative one.
Mackenzie Telford
VA for Estate Planning
My personal experience with estate complexities fuels my passion for helping families navigate these challenging times. I’m dedicated to simplifying the process and providing peace of mind. I value creating an environment where clients feel supported and understood. Rooted in small-town values from my Iowa upbringing, I bring a genuine and caring approach to my work. Outside of work, I enjoy family time, homeschooling, and exploring the outdoors.
