Probate Attorneys

Estate Administration Concerns

When a person dies, surviving family members and loved ones are left to grieve their loss. They may also be facing complicated financial and property considerations related to the deceased person's estate. This is especially true for individuals who have been appointed by the decedent to serve as an executor or trustee. In many cases, the deceased person's estate must pass through the process of probate to ensure that any remaining obligations are satisfied before property can be distributed to his or her heirs. The skilled attorneys at Otte & Czajkowska, LLC can help you address probate concerns, and we will remain at your side every step of the way.

Managing Probate in Northern Illinois

According to the Probate Act of 1975, most estates that include assets with a combined value of more than $100,000 are required to be administered through probate. In addition, every estate owning real estate of any value, even if less than $100,000 and titled in the deceased's name individually, will likely also require probate administration. There are, however, certain types of property that are excluded from probate, including jointly-owned assets, proceeds from life insurance policies, some retirement investments, and most assets held in trusts.

The process of probate is intended to ensure that the estate is validated, all debts of the estate are settled properly, and the deceased person's assets are transferred to named heirs in accordance with the person's will. For simple estates with a comprehensive estate plan in place, probate can be relatively quick and easy. For more complicated or contested estates, the process can become time-consuming and expensive.

Preparing Your Estate for Probate

At Otte & Czajkowska, LLC, our attorneys have the experience and legal knowledge to help you eliminate confusion regarding your estate. The best way to minimize the complexities associated with probate is to create a comprehensive plan in advance. We will work with you in selecting the best estate planning tools for your unique circumstances, including a will and all types of trusts. With proper planning, there may be very little left to be decided during probate. In certain situations, you may be able to avoid the probate process entirely.

Helping Executors in Norridge

If you have been appointed the executor of a loved one's estate, and probate is necessary, our team is prepared to offer the trusted guidance you need. We will help you understand your duties and avoid unnecessary delays. Our team can assist you with preparing tax returns, settling the estate's debts, locating heirs, and making the best possible decisions on behalf of the decedent. If any portion of the estate plan is contested, or if litigation becomes necessary, our attorneys will provide reliable representation and legal advice so that the matter can be resolved appropriately.

To learn more about our firm and our approach to matters of probate, contact our office. Call 773-631-7100 to schedule a confidential consultation with a member of our team today. We offer a Polish-speaking lawyer to assist clients who speak Polish as well. Our firm serves individuals and families in Jefferson Park, Elmwood Park, Norridge, Niles, Morton Grove, Harwood Heights, Lincolnwood, Edgebrook, Edison Park, Glenview, Des Plaines, and throughout Chicago's northwest side.