Peter J. Shayman is an Associate Attorney at DDV Law, Ltd., where he focuses his practice on litigation involving trusts, probate estates, and guardianships. With more than a decade of legal experience, Peter represents individuals, families, beneficiaries, fiduciaries, and other interested parties in complex and often sensitive disputes.
Peter understands that trust, estate, and guardianship litigation frequently arises during some of the most difficult periods in a family’s life. He approaches each matter with careful preparation, sound judgment, and a practical focus on protecting his clients’ interests while working toward an effective resolution.
His experience includes contested probate and trust matters, guardianship proceedings, fiduciary disputes, and other litigation involving the administration and protection of assets. Peter works closely with DDV Law’s estate planning, elder law, and administration teams, allowing him to bring both a litigation perspective and a broader understanding of the planning and family issues underlying these disputes.
Peter is committed to providing clients with clear guidance throughout the litigation process, so they understand their options, the potential risks and costs, and the strategy being pursued on their behalf.
Peter works closely with clients to develop thoughtful estate and long-term care plans tailored to their individual circumstances and goals. He understands that planning for aging, disability, and future care needs can involve complex legal and personal considerations, and he strives to provide clients with clear, practical guidance throughout the process.
His practice also includes probate and guardianship matters, where he helps families navigate the legal responsibilities and challenges that can arise when a loved one becomes unable to manage their affairs or after a family member passes away.
In addition to his planning and probate practice, Peter is an experienced litigator who has handled dozens of evidentiary hearings and bench trials and resolved numerous contested matters through negotiation and settlement.
Known for his strong legal writing and attention to detail, Peter approaches each matter with careful preparation and a commitment to understanding his clients’ individual circumstances. He combines legal precision with empathy, helping clients navigate challenging situations while working toward practical and effective resolutions.
Peter is licensed to practice law in both Illinois and Iowa. He is an active member of the Illinois State Bar Association, where he is particularly involved with the Trusts and Estates Section, as well as the Iowa State Bar Association.
His licensure in two states provides him with valuable perspective when assisting clients whose estate planning, property, family, or guardianship matters involve multiple jurisdictions.
DePaul University College of Law — J.D.Indiana University — B.A.
A lifelong resident of the Chicagoland area, Peter enjoys spending time with his dogs, watching and playing sports, and spending time with family and friends.
