When a loved one passes away, those left behind must deal with a number of legal proceedings and processes that can be complex and difficult. Finding a good Probate Attorney in Chicago is vital to ensure that the estate is properly managed and distributed to heirs.
A probate lawyer can help with the validation of a deceased person’s will, settling debt and assets, and distributing the estate to the heirs. They can also assist with guardianship and trustee matters. They can also help with other areas of law, such as civil litigation and real estate transactions.
Davis & Associates Attorneys at Law has more than 12 years of experience handling a variety of probate and estate planning matters in Illinois. The firm specializes in complex cases and those that involve multiple beneficiaries. Its attorneys handle all aspects of the probate process, including estate and trust administration and estate litigation. They can also help with probate disputes, contested guardianships, and other issues that arise during the estate settlement process.
Bellas & Wachowski Attorneys at Law handles estate planning and probate cases for clients in the Greater Chicago area. Its probate lawyers work on contingency, which means that they are only paid if they get results for the client. The firm can help with a range of estate planning matters, such as drafting wills and trusts, power of attorney documents, and medical directives. Its clients include individuals, families, and small businesses.
Probate is a complicated process that deals with a deceased person’s property and assets. Typically, a family member or close friend will serve as the representative and work with a probate lawyer to manage the estate. The representative is in charge of settling outstanding debts, obtaining a certified death certificate, and filing tax returns. The representative must also make an inventory of all the estate’s assets and pay any approved debts before distributing the remaining assets to the heirs.
In some situations, such as when the estate has no real estate and the total value of the assets is less than $100,000, a probate affidavit may be sufficient to transfer titles. However, the best way to avoid probate is through comprehensive estate planning. This includes naming beneficiaries on bank accounts and securities, adding payable-on-death or transfer-on-death designations to retirement and life insurance policies, and transferring ownership of real estate properties to a living trust.
Bradford Miller Law P.C. is a firm that serves residents of Naperville, Illinois. Its estate planners have over 10 years of experience and provide services on a contingency basis. They offer a free consultation to discuss the estate planning process and help their clients establish trusts, create wills, and execute power of attorney documents. They are also experienced in real estate and landlord-tenant law. They serve clients in Cook, DuPage, Kane, and Lake counties. They are members of the American Bar Association and have an AV rating by Martindale-Hubble. The firm is committed to providing personalized service to each of its clients.