Top Berkeley, IL Probate Lawyers Near You
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Working with Families in Crisis. Handling All Types of Family Law Matters and Probate Court Issues Including Guardianships for Disabled Adults & Closing Estates
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123 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1800, Chicago, IL 60606
110 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606-1511
1515 Woodfield Road, Suite 880, Schaumburg, IL 60173
150 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2600, Chicago, IL 60606
161 N. Clark Street, Suite 4200, Chicago, IL 60601
60 West Randolph Street, Fourth Floor, Chicago, IL 60601
1220 Iroquois Avenue, Suite 100, Naperville, IL 60563
161 N. Clark Street, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60601
333 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60606
33 N Dearborn St, 7th Floor, Chicago, IL 60602
190 South LaSalle Street, Suite 3700, Chicago, IL 60603
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2610, Chicago, IL 60602-3357
150 N Riverside Plaza, Suite 2700, Chicago, IL 60606
151 North Franklin Street, Suite 2500, Chicago, IL 60606
303 W. Madison Street, Suite 2200, Chicago, IL 60606
122 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 1220, Chicago, IL 60603
205 N Michigan Ae, Suite 4240, Chicago, IL 60601
155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 3850, Chicago, IL 60606
70 West Madison Street, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60602
128 S County Farm Road, Suite A, Wheaton, IL 60187
835 McClintock Drive, Second Floor, Burr Ridge, IL 60527
630 Dundee Rd, Suite 425, Northbrook, IL 60062
216 W. Higgins Road, Park Ridge, IL 60068
225 W Washington St, Suite 1300, Chicago, IL 60606
11 South Dunton Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Berkeley Probate Information
Lead Counsel Verified Attorneys in Berkeley
Lead Counsel independently verifies Probate attorneys in Berkeley and checks their standing with Illinois bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.
Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.
Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.
Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of handling a person’s estate after they pass away. During probate, the state identifies the deceased person’s property, assets, and debts, and decides how to distribute these to beneficiaries. A personal representative handles the deceased person’s estate as the executor or administrator. Property and liabilities that can go through probate include:
- Real estate
- Personal property
- Personal debt
- Titled assets
- Bank accounts
- Investment accounts
- Business assets
How Can You Avoid Probate?
If you want your beneficiaries to avoid the hassle of probate, you have several options. You can make sure to name beneficiaries of bank accounts, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies. You could also move your assets to a living trust, which will allow you to access them while you are still alive but will automatically pass to your beneficiaries upon your death.
How Long Does Probate Take?
In a simple case where there are no disputes, and the deceased had a strong plan in place, the probate process of distributing assets and paying off debts may only take a few months to complete. If someone challenges the will or any other part of the estate distribution, it can take much longer.
What Are Some Examples of Situations Where I Might Need a Probate Lawyer?
If a family member or loved one dies, most of their assets will pass through the probate process. You can avoid probate in some states if you have a small estate. With estate planning, you can also avoid probate with a trust. If there are any disputes about who inherits or receives property after death, you should consider a probate lawyer, who can help with:
- Inheritance disputes between family members
- A large estate without estate planning documents
- Resolving multiple wills or a missing will and testament
- Estate tax or inheritance tax reduction planning
How Can a Probate Lawyer Help Me?
After a loved one dies, family members can be at a loss with handling their estate. A probate lawyer can help handle the situation on your behalf. A local probate lawyer is familiar with the probate process in Illinois and can help you understand your options. When you hire a probate lawyer, they can:
- Identify any estate planning documents and beneficiaries
- Help with assets that pass outside of probate
- Transfer real estate and other property to beneficiaries
- Pay off debts and liabilities
- Resolve Illinois and federal tax issues
What Could Happen if I Don’t Hire a Probate Lawyer?
If you don’t hire a probate lawyer, you will have to handle the probate process on your own. There are legal requirements for resolving someone’s estate, including filing requirements and notice deadlines. Without going through the right legal process, the estate could be open to legal claims by creditors or other family members. If you don’t hire a probate lawyer, you could face:
- Delays in distributing assets
- Federal and state estate tax penalties
- Improper title transfers
- Missing or unidentified financial assets
- Inheritance tax penalties
What Questions Should I Ask When Trying To Find a Probate Lawyer in Berkeley?
These questions can help you decide if you feel comfortable and confident that a probate lawyer has the qualifications, experience, and ability to manage your case. Many probate lawyers offer an initial consultation that allows you to understand your options and get specific legal advice before hiring them. The top questions to ask include:
- What is your experience in handling probate cases in Illinois?
- How long will the probate process take?
- What property can you transfer without going through probate?
- How will you keep me informed about updates in my case?
- What happens if someone challenges the inheritance?
- How much do you charge for probate cases?
Tips for Hiring a Probate Lawyer
Take the time to find a probate attorney who is right for you and will represent your best interests. Find someone who understands your case, knows your needs and goals, and has the experience to get the best outcome. Things to do:
- Ask for recommendations
- Research lawyers online
- Schedule consultations
- Review experience and expertise
- Talk about fees and billing
- Trust your instincts