Top Collinsville, IL Probate Lawyers Near You
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5905 Quercus Grove Rd, Edwardsville, IL 62025
Contact Alicia J. Downs Attorney at Law for your Probate needs in Illinois.
475 Regency Park, Suite 175, O'Fallon, IL 62269
101 West Vandalia St, Suite 220, Edwardsville, IL 62025
115 N. Second Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025
325 South High Street, Belleville, IL 62220
525 West Main Street, Belleville, IL 62220
105 West Vandalia Street, Suite 400, Edwardsville, IL 62025
103 W. Vandalia Street, Suite 215, Edwardsville, IL 62025
821 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269
36 West Main Street, Mascoutah, IL 62258
521 W Main St, Suite 300, Belleville, IL 62220
115 W Washington St, Belleville, IL 62220
1305 D'Adrian Professional Park, Godfrey, IL 62035
307 Henry Street, Suite 415, Alton, IL 62002
Richland Executive Plaza, Suite 100, 521 W Main Street, Belleville, IL 62220
23 Public Square, Suite 300, Belleville, IL 62220
Collinsville Probate Information
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Lead Counsel independently verifies Probate attorneys in Collinsville 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.
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Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.
Client Commitment
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What Is Probate?
Probate is the process through which assets from a deceased person’s estate are transferred to beneficiaries, such as spouses, children, and other loved ones. In plain terms, reading a person’s will and distributing the items contained in it is part of the probate process. In some states, probate courts also handle matters related to guardianships and conservatorships of children or disabled adults.
What Happens if You Don’t Do Probate?
Without an estate plan in place, the probate process will often still go forward, but it can get messier. Someone who dies without a will in place will often have their assets given to any survivors, even if that would have gone against their wishes. Court battles can unfold among relatives who feel like they deserve more.
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.
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.