Before an estate may be distributed after a death, the deceased person’s assets must go through the probate procedure. Identifying the property they own, taking care of any debts, and then distributing the remaining assets to heirs or beneficiaries are all necessary steps in this process. It’s a drawn-out process that involves plenty of paperwork and even court appearances. A skilled probate lawyer in Chicago can be useful in this situation. They can help families navigate the probate procedure more easily because of their experience and knowledge of it.
For a number of reasons, including assisting executors in making sure they take all necessary precautions to avoid being held accountable for any errors, probate attorneys are useful. They can also assist real estate agents in obtaining a definitive response regarding whether it is acceptable to list a house or other real estate asset while it is still undergoing probate. They can also shed light on whether an estate is eligible for simplified processes that would quicken and simplify the process.
Another thing that probate attorneys do is work with anyone who disputes a will or claims against the estate. For example, if one of the deceased’s children from a previous relationship believes that they didn’t receive their fair share, a probate attorney can help resolve that issue and represent the estate in court if necessary. They can also assist with other disputes that might arise during the probate process, like if there is a question about whether a will was signed under duress or undue influence.
The actual procedure of allocating assets to heirs, as well as submitting tax returns and carrying out other aspects of estate administration, can all be assisted by a probate lawyer. They can also handle bank account management, collect life insurance policy payouts, and cover any owed estate or inheritance taxes. Additionally, they can make sure that all debts are settled prior to closing the probate estate and that an accurate inventory of all estate goods is recorded.
The aforementioned reasons are just a few of the many things a probate lawyer can accomplish; there are many more. For a free in-person or online consultation if you’re interested in learning more about how a probate attorney can assist, get in touch with us. We can talk about your particular circumstance and assist you in choosing the best course of action for you and your family.