Our family helping yours secure its future.
Serving Fox River Grove, Cary, Crystal Lake, Lake in the Hills, Huntley, Barrington - Lake, Cook, Kane & McHenry Counties.
Our Practice Areas
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Estate Planning
Helping families protect what matters most with wills, trusts, powers of attorney and comprehensive estate planning.
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Real Estate
Representing buyers, sellers and lenders in residential and commercial real estate transactions throughout Northern Illinois.
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Probate
Guiding families through probate and trust administration with compassion and practical legal advice.
Who We Are
Wagner & Wagner is a father-daughter legal team dedicated to providing thoughtful and experienced legal guidance to individuals, families, and businesses. Our practice includes real estate matters, wills and trusts, probate and estate administration, bankruptcy, and corporate law. With decades of combined experience and courtroom knowledge, we work closely with clients to navigate legal challenges, protect their interests, and plan for the future with confidence.
James C. Wagner
James C. Wagner a life-time resident of the Cary and Fox River Grove area, has been an attorney in Illinois since 1976. He opened the Fox River Grove law office in 1981 and has been serving clients since with their legal needs. His expertise includes legal issues involving real estate, estate planning, corporate law, personal injury as well as several other areas. He is a member of and past President of the McHenry County Bar Association and a member of the Illinois State Bar Association.
Melissa J. (Wagner) Sedlacek
Melissa J. (Wagner) Sedlacek, also a life-time resident of the Fox River Grove area, has been an attorney in Illinois since 2009. She joined her father, James, in the law practice in 2009 and has been serving clients since with legal issues involving estate planning, collections, bankruptcy, real estate, personal injury, as well as other needs. She has served as a Mediator and Arbitrator in McHenry County. She is a member & the Treasurer of the McHenry County Bar Association. Since 2010, she has taught courses at Judson University in the Human Services and Business Undergraduate and Masters programs. Since 2026, she has been teaching "Social Justice Movements" at Northwestern University, in the School of Professional Studies. She volunteers for Administer Justice Gospel Justice Center Legal Aid Clinic at Iglesia Rebano in Carpentersville, Illinois on a monthly basis.
What Our Clients Say
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"My attorney, Melissa Wagner (Sedlacek) has handled multiple personal cases for me and I cannot thank her enough for her knowledge, compassion and always being so caring. Melissa, has always gone above and beyond and is the hardest worker I have ever seen. Melissa, always kept me informed and was always two steps ahead in preparing questions, documents and ensuring that I would be taken care of. I am always speaking highly about Melissa to family, friends and co-workers and feel blessed to have her in my life. I could not trust anyone else than Melissa, so if you ever need an attorney, you really do need to reach out to Melissa and trust me, you will be amazed and so glad you have her on your side."
- Former Client
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"Jim stuck by me through years in dealing with a stressful situation. I admire his composure, work ethic and most of all excellent representation. Jim was exactly what I needed. He was very responsive, proactive, detail oriented, and knowledgeable. I feel he really listened and genuinely understood me, and had my best interest in mind."
-Client
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"Working with Wagner and Wagner was an absolute pleasure. This estate sale presented many challenges, including multiple offers and complex issues, yet they remained professional and patient throughout the entire process. Their knowledge and expertise were key in achieving a successful closing. I would confidently recommend Wagner and Wagner to clients in need of skilled legal representation."
-Realtor
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"I have worked with Melissa on several cases and she's a terrific attorney. She listens and answers all of my questions, and has my best interest at heart. I would definitely recommend her."
— Former Client
Comprehensive Legal Services
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Real Estate
We help buyers and sellers navigate every stage of the real estate transaction with confidence and clarity. Our team keeps clients informed with practical guidance and timely updates, ensuring a smooth closing process and helping them avoid surprises along the way.
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Bankruptcy
Our Chapter 7 bankruptcy services are designed to help clients eliminate overwhelming debt and regain financial stability with confidence and dignity. We guide you through every step of the process — from paperwork to discharge — making it as clear, efficient, and stress-free as possible so you can truly enjoy a fresh financial start.
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Powers of Attorney
We help clients prepare Powers of Attorney for Property and Healthcare to ensure their wishes are honored if they become unable to make decisions for themselves. By designating trusted individuals to act on their behalf, clients gain peace of mind knowing that their finances, medical care, and personal affairs will be managed according to their values and instructions.
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Estate Planning
Our office helps clients create customized estate plans, wills, and trusts that protect their assets and honor their wishes. By planning ahead and taking the right legal steps to avoid probate, we make the process smoother and less stressful for families during a difficult time, ensuring peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
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Businesses
We assist clients in forming LLCs and corporations in Illinois, ensuring all filings and legal requirements are completed accurately and efficiently. As your registered agent, we also help maintain corporate formalities and compliance so your business stays protected and in good standing year after year.
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Trust & Probate Administration
Our office provides compassionate guidance to families navigating trust administration and probate court after the loss of a loved one. We handle the legal details with care and professionalism, helping clients settle estates smoothly and honor their loved one’s wishes with clarity and peace of mind.
Knowledge Hub - Check out our Newsletters!
2026
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2025
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March 2025
Your Questions, Answered
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Possibly, depending on your assets & the amount of debt you owe. Determining if Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the right path for you requires a professional analysis of your specific debts, assets, and income to ensure you qualify under the Illinois means test and understand what property you can keep.
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A real estate attorney can be helpful to navigate the complexities of the contract, handle title issues, and ensure a smooth closing.
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Wagner and Wagner is here not just for the document itself, but also for the peace of mind that your wishes will actually hold up in court and not be a headache for your loved ones. We provide the expertise in signing and executing the document properly. In fact, some of our probate cases are from invalid Wills.
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