Top Chicago, IL Probate Lawyers Near You
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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1230 E Diehl Rd., Suite 325, Naperville, IL 60563
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Connect with a proven Chicago, Illinois law firm with experience helping clients with Probate issues.
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5th Avenue Station, 200 East 5th Avenue, Suite 124, Naperville, IL 60563
If you need Probate help in Illinois, contact Demetrius J. Karos, Ltd., a local practice in Chicago, for legal representation.
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15 Salt Creek Lane, Suite 122, Hinsdale, IL 60521
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Kelleher + Holland, LLC has experience helping clients with their Probate needs in Chicago, Illinois.
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407 E Congress Parkway, Suite B, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Contact Rhonda L. Rosenthal, P.C. for your Probate needs in Illinois.
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111 Flinn Street, Batavia, IL 60510
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In the Chicago, Illinois area, Drendel & Jansons Law Group can help you resolve your Probate issues.
201 S Grove Ave, 4th Floor, Barrington, IL 60010
Get experienced Probate help from Buckley Fine Law, a reputable law firm in Chicago, Illinois.
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707 Skokie Boulevard, Suite 600, Northbrook, IL 60062
Those confronted with Probate issues can connect with Law Offices of Douglas Belofsky, P.C. This practice offers legal help to clients in the Chicago, Illinois area.
1561 Warren Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515
A law firm in Chicago, Illinois, Law Office of Eileen R. Fitzgerald experienced in helping clients with Probate issues.
1016 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 1110, Chicago, IL 60607
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North Shore Estate Planning has experience helping clients with their Probate needs in Chicago, Illinois.
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1655 N Arlington Heights Rd, Suite 100-East, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Cary A. Lind, P.C. has years of experience helping clients with their Probate needs in Chicago, Illinois.
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444 N Illinois Rte 31, Suite 100, Crystal Lake, IL 60012
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Law Offices of Amanda T. Adams PLLC has experience helping clients with their Probate needs in Chicago, Illinois.
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1155 S Washington, Suite 100, Naperville, IL 60540
Let the practice of The Law Office of Marsha H. Cellucci in Chicago, Illinois be your Probate advocate.
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395 East Dundee Road, Suite 200, Wheeling, IL 60090
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Clients who need legal help with Probate concerns can contact Kulinsky & Associates Ltd, a reputable law firm in Chicago, Illinois.
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641 West Lake Street, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60661
The Law Offices of James H. Miller Jr. is experienced handling Probate cases in the Chicago area.
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55 West Monroe Street, Suite 3800, Chicago, IL 60603
110 N Wacker Drive, Suite 3800, Chicago, IL 60606
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2200, Chicago, IL 60606
100 North Riverside Plaza, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60606
55 West Monroe Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60603
203 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601
70 West Madison Street, Suite 5200, Chicago, IL 60602
321 N Clark St, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60654
200 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 1100, Chicago, IL 60604
311 South Wacker Drive, Suite 4300, Chicago, IL 60606
33 N Dearborn St, Suite 1140, Chicago, IL 60602
Chicago Probate Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Probate attorneys in Chicago 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 Chicago?
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
Court Locations in Chicago, IL
Circuit Court of Cook County - County Division
50 West Washington St.Chicago, IL. 60602
Phone: (312) 603-6194
Court Website
Circuit Court of Cook County - Criminal Division
2600 South California Ave.Chicago, IL. 60608
Phone: (773) 674-3160
Court Website
Circuit Court of Cook County - First Municipal District
50 West Washington St.Chicago, IL. 60602
Phone: (312) 603-6132
Court Website