Des Plaines IL Probate Lawyer

Probate can be messy as well as very complicated. Our Des Plaines probate attorneys will guide and support you, so the estate is managed properly, and the decedent’s wishes are respected. We’ll be with you every step of the way.

Full-Service Probate in Des Plaines, IL

Probate is a long and complicated legal process that involves many financial and administrative tasks. When a loved one passes away, their estate must go through probate to make sure their assets are distributed according to their will and any debts or taxes are paid. Our experienced probate lawyers in Des Plaines, IL, know all aspects of probate law and will guide and support executors and beneficiaries. Our firm is a proud member of the Illinois State Bar Association, showcasing our commitment to legal standards and professional affiliations.

Whether you are an executor or need help as a beneficiary, our Des Plaines probate attorneys will make it as easy as possible. We know probate and estate administration can be stressful, especially during a difficult time and our goal is to have the estate managed properly and according to Illinois law.

What is Probate

Probate in Illinois is designed to distribute a decedent’s estate and address any debts or taxes. If you are not familiar with the process, it can be overwhelming. But our probate lawyers in the Des Plaines area, IL, will provide the necessary legal representation to guide you through each step.

The probate process involves:

• Finding and Validating the Will: First, locate the decedent’s last will and testament. Once found, submit it to the probate court for approval.
• Inventorying the Estate’s Assets: Inventory all the estate’s assets, protect them and in some cases, insure them. This ensures the assets are valued and protected.
• Paying Debts and Taxes: The executor must notify creditors and pay any valid claims against the estate. The estate must also pay any taxes owed to the IRS before the estate can be distributed.
• Distributing Assets to Beneficiaries: After all debts and taxes are paid, the remaining assets are distributed to the beneficiaries as per the will.
• Closing the Estate: Once everything is done, the estate can be closed through the court.

Case Study: Will Dispute in Des Plaines, IL

We recently represented an executor of a large estate in Des Plaines, IL where beneficiaries were in dispute over the distribution of family heirlooms. The will was clear on the distribution of financial assets but did not address personal property, so family members were in disagreement. The case was handled by reputable law offices specializing in probate and estate planning.

Our Des Plaines probate attorney worked with the executor to mediate between the beneficiaries to reach a resolution. By focusing on the decedent’s wishes and making sure all parties felt heard we avoided litigation, and the family was able to come to an agreement. This sped up the probate process and allowed the family to move forward together.

Executor Responsibilities in Des Plaines Probate Law

As an executor, you will manage the decedent’s estate through the probate process. This role requires attention to legal, financial, and administrative tasks. The responsibilities include:

• Filing the Will with the Probate Court: This starts the probate process.
• Managing and Protecting the Estate’s Assets: Executors must protect the estate’s assets until they are distributed.
• Paying Debts and Taxes: Executors must pay valid creditor claims and settle taxes.
• Distributing Assets to Beneficiaries: The executor must distribute the estate’s assets as per the will.

While these tasks can be tough, our Des Plaines probate attorneys will walk you through each step to make sure you do it right and efficiently. Our law office provides comprehensive support to executors with probate needs to ensure they fulfill their duties efficiently.

Probate Challenges

Even in simple probate cases disputes can arise. Some of the most common challenges and probate issues are:

• Will Contests: Disappointed beneficiaries may contest the will, claiming undue influence or lack of mental capacity.
• Mismanagement: Executors may be accused of mismanaging estate assets which can lead to litigation.
• Unpaid Debts: Creditors may come out of the woodwork with unexpected claims that need to be settled before the estate can be closed.

When these situations arise, having an IL probate attorney on your side can be a huge asset. We can handle disputes in court if necessary and advocate for the estate and the decedent’s wishes.

Why Choose a Des Plaines, IL Probate Attorney?

• Guidance from start to finish through the probate process
• Help with complex financial, legal, and administrative tasks
• Legal representation in probate disputes including will contests and mismanagement
• Compassionate service to minimize stress during a tough time
• Active involvement in the elder law committee to address the legal needs of the elderly population

Contact our probate lawyers today and let us help you with the probate process.

Benefits of a Comprehensive Law Firm in Cook County

Our team of lawyers and paralegals have extensive experience handling the nuances of your legal matter but also consider how other areas of law might affect your case. We often consider angles that aren’t obvious to an attorney with experience in only one practice area. 

A Law Firm that Handles Simple and Complex Cases 

Some legal issues are quick, requiring fast efficient services. You want those knocked out fast with the most efficient cost possible. But, for more involved cases, we take the time to get it right and work hard to get the outcome you want. 

A Team That Collaborates on Your Case 

We’ve had many legal clients complain that their last firm just didn’t have the resources or understanding to manage their case. Our attorneys regularly communicate across the firm, getting input from several legal professionals without the additional cost. 

Our Skills and Services 

Our skills and experience span decades and many different practice areas. We truly want to provide a comprehensive legal solution for our community. When you’ve got a legal question, we want to be the first law firm you think of because you know you can trust us to have the answers or tell you the next best solution. 

Open Communication 

No one wants to be sitting in the dark, unsure of what’s going on with their case. Part of our core practice model is to regularly update our clients on the status of their cases. 

Relationships Built on Trust and Communication 

Dealing with legal issues can be stressful. You don’t need added stress from an attorney who is slow to communicate and hasn’t given you a clear plan to resolve your case. Trust comes from knowing your attorney has your back and best interests in mind. 

Competitive Fees with Excellent Service for Your Probate Matters

We are not a free legal aid firm. We pride ourselves on offering top-tier service at a competitive local price. Legal solutions cost money but putting them off only leads to more headaches and financial problems.  

Directions to our attorneys in Des Plaines, Illinois:

• From Arlington Heights (via IL-12 E):
  • Take IL-12 E (Rand Rd) southeast.
  • Continue on Rand Rd for about 6 miles.
  • The destination will be on the right.
• From Mount Prospect (via US-14 W):
  • Take US-14 W (Northwest Hwy) towards Des Plaines.
  • Turn right onto Rand Rd.
  • Continue for 1.5 miles, and the destination will be on the right.
• From I-294 S (Tri-State Tollway):
  • Take the exit for US-12 W/IL-58 W (Golf Rd) and head west.
  • Turn right onto Rand Rd (IL-12).
  • Continue for 2 miles, and the destination will be on the left.