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Recent Updates

Black, Black & Brown Welcomes Austin L. Nichols as Partner

Black, Black & Brown is proud to announce that Austin Nichols, a Washington native and long-time advocate for families and businesses in Tazewell County, Peoria, County, and Woodford County, has joined the firm as Partner.

Austin’s practice is rooted in helping clients protect what matters most. He has built a reputation for practical, people-focused counsel in the areas of:

Estate planning and Medicaid eligibility;
Probate and trust administration;
Real estate transactions and property matters; and
Bankruptcy and financial restructuring.

What sets Austin apart is his ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, workable solutions. Clients appreciate his steady guidance during difficult transitions — whether navigating the purchase of a first home, planning for a family’s future, or finding financial stability during hardship.

Raised in Washington and deeply committed to the region, Austin brings not only legal experience but also a genuine understanding of the communities we serve. His leadership style reflects the values of Central Illinois: hard work, honesty, and a commitment to helping neighbors thrive.

What’s New in the Illinois Small Estate Affidavit Law?

September 9, 2025 Austin L. Nichols, Attorney

The Illinois General Assembly has made significant updates to the Probate Act of 1975 to improve the small estate affidavit process, giving families more flexibility when settling estates outside of court. These changes, found in 755 ILCS 5/25-1, expand access to a simplified estate settlement procedure.

Increased Estate Value Threshold

One of the most notable updates is the increase in the maximum estate value eligible for a small estate affidavit. The threshold has risen from $100,000 to $150,000 (excluding motor vehicles registered with the Illinois Secretary of State). This adjustment means that more families can now avoid the time and expense of formal probate while still ensuring that assets are transferred properly. (755 ILCS 5/25-1(a-5)(2)(A)).

Simplified Motor Vehicle Transfers

The new law also makes it easier to transfer motor vehicles after death. A vehicle may now be transferred by small estate affidavit regardless of the estate’s overall value, in accordance with Section 3-114 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. This update addresses one of the most common and practical needs faced by surviving family members: transferring title to a car or truck without court intervention. (755 ILCS 5/25-1(a-5)(2)(B)).

A Guide to Black, Black & Brown Legal Services

At Black, Black & Brown Attorneys at Law in Washington and Metamora, IL, our general practice lawyers cover a wide range of legal issues. From planning your estate to protecting your assets during a divorce, our team has the knowledge to help you get a favorable outcome in your case. Read d about our areas of practice, then contact us to see how we can help!

Welcome

Welcome to our site! We are in the process of building our blog page and will have many interesting articles to share in the coming months. Please stay tuned to this page for information to come. And if you have any questions about our business or want to reach out to us, we would love for you to stop by our contact page.

Thank you!