Category: Probate

Selecting an executor for your estate is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your estate planning process. The executor plays a vital role in ensuring that your assets are managed, debts and taxes are paid, and your wishes are carried out as specified in your will. It’s crucial to choose someone responsible, trustworthy, and […]

After a person passes away, the administration of his or her estate is overseen by a probate court. Unfortunately, probate can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if one of the decedent’s heirs contests the estate or the estate planning documents are unclear. There are ways to avoid the probate process completely, which can save your […]

Although it is not always possible to prevent a disgruntled family member from contesting a will,  there are steps that testators can take to help reduce the chances of a will contest. Unfortunately, even when testators are careful to abide by all procedural rules, their efforts may come to nothing if the family members are […]

Small Estate Affidavits Provided By: Alan G. Orlowsky When a person passes away and leaves his or her remaining property to loved ones through a will or intestacy, a probate court must oversee administration of the assets. If the decedent had a will, a probate court will need to ensure that it is valid. In […]

Individuals considering planning for their future need to be aware of a new Illinois probate law that took effect in January that may affect whether their last will and testament is deemed valid by the courts upon their passing. However, as with many aspects of estate planning, many of these issues can be mitigated with […]

Does My Will Have To Go Through Probate In Illinois? Provided By: Alan G. Orlowsky Creating a will is important to ensuring an expedient and organized dispersion of assets to beneficiaries after death. However, there are certain circumstances where courts may need to validate wills and ensure certain debts and taxes are paid by the […]