Atty. Jay Michael Watts

Atty. Jay Michael Watts

Jay Michael Watts is a lawyer practicing general civil and trial practice, family law, wills law and 6 other areas of law. Jay received a B.S. degree from University of Illinois in 1972, and has been licensed for 51 years.

Decatur Decatur 51 Years Experience 51 year

Profile Summary

About Jay Michael Watts at a glance

Jay Michael Watts is a Member based in Decatur, Illinois, practicing at Jay M. Watts. They have 51+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1975. Their practice focuses on wills, personal injury, family law, estate planning, and real estate. Admitted to practice in Illinois (1975). Educated at University of Arkansas (J.D., 1975) and University of Illinois (B.S., 1972). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Active member of Illinois State and American Bar Associations. Serves clients in Decatur, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Jay Michael Watts is a lawyer practicing general civil and trial practice, family law, wills law and 6 other areas of law
  • Jay received a B.S. degree from University of Illinois in 1972, and has been licensed for 51 years
  • Jay practices at Jay M. Watts in Decatur, IL

Practice Areas Explained

Jay Michael Watts's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Jay Michael Watts handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Wills

Jay Michael Watts is one of 32,113 wills attorneys indexed nationally. Browse wills attorneys in Illinois →

Personal Injury

Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.

Jay Michael Watts is one of 238,048 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in Illinois →

Family Law

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

Jay Michael Watts is one of 167,063 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Illinois →

Estate Planning & Probate

An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.

Jay Michael Watts is one of 203,974 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in Illinois →

Real Estate Law

Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.

Jay Michael Watts is one of 286,061 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in Illinois →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Illinois

Practicing law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Decatur are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Decatur or all attorneys in Illinois.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Jay Michael Watts

Where is Jay Michael Watts's law office located?
Jay Michael Watts's law practice is located in Decatur, Illinois. The firm is Jay M. Watts. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Jay Michael Watts handle?
Jay Michael Watts focuses on wills, personal injury, family law, estate planning, real estate. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Illinois.
How long has Jay Michael Watts practiced law?
Jay Michael Watts has 51+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1975.
Where did Jay Michael Watts go to law school?
Jay Michael Watts earned their education at (J.D., 1975); (B.S., 1972).
How can I contact Jay Michael Watts for a consultation?
You can contact Jay Michael Watts directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Jay Michael Watts received?
Jay Michael Watts's notable recognition includes: BV Distinguished.

Education

J.D.
University of Arkansas
- 1975
B.S.
University of Illinois
- 1972

Awards

BV Distinguished

Bar Admissions

Illinois
Admitted: 1975

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