Practice Area
Probate/Trust Administration
Guiding families through probate and trust administration with compassion, clarity, and attention to detail — so your loved one’s legacy is honored.
Services
How We Help
Comprehensive probate and trust administration services to guide you through every step of the process.
Estate & Trust Administration
Complete management of the probate and trust administration process — from petition filing and trust funding to final distribution — representing executors, administrators, and trustees.
Asset Inventory & Appraisal
Identifying and valuing all estate/trust assets including real estate, investments, bank accounts, vehicles, and personal property.
Creditor Claims & Debt Payment
Notifying creditors, evaluating claims, and ensuring valid debts are properly paid from estate/trust funds.
Tax Returns & Compliance
Coordinating with tax professionals to ensure final income tax returns, estate/trust tax returns, and all applicable tax obligations are properly addressed during the administration process
Asset Distribution
Distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries according to the Will/Trust or state intestacy laws.
Court Filings & Documentation
Handling all required probate court filings, maintaining detailed records, and providing periodic reports to the court.
Strategy
Understanding Probate & Trust Administration
When an individual passes away, their estate must be carefully administered — whether through the probate process, the terms of a trust, or both. Understanding how each process works can help families navigate this challenging time with greater confidence.
The probate process begins with filing a petition in the probate court of the county where the deceased person lived, owned real estate, or passed away. If there is a Will, the named Executor submits it to the court for admission. If there is no Will, the court appoints an Administrator to manage the estate. Throughout this process, heirs are identified, debts are paid, and assets are distributed according to the Will or Illinois law.
Trust administration, while generally handled outside of court, carries its own legal responsibilities. A successor trustee must properly manage and distribute trust assets, notify beneficiaries, address outstanding debts and taxes, and ensure the trust is administered in accordance with its terms and applicable law.
Whether your family is navigating probate, trust administration, or both, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
- Simplifying complex probate and trust administration procedures with experienced guidance
- Ensuring all legal requirements and deadlines are met
- Navigating family disputes and complications with skill and sensitivity
- Minimizing delays and moving the process forward efficiently
Assets That Bypass Probate
It’s important to note that not all assets go through probate. Understanding which assets bypass this process can help with estate planning.
- Assets with designated beneficiaries (life insurance, retirement accounts)
- Assets held in joint ownership with rights of survivorship
- Assets held in a living trust
- Payable-on-death (POD) and transfer-on-death (TOD) accounts
Timeline: The probate process typically takes at least six months to a year, though complex estates or family disputes can extend this timeline significantly.
Professional Guidance for Probate & Trust Administration
Working with an experienced attorney can help simplify both the probate and trust administration processes, ensuring all legal requirements are met. We guide Executors, Administrators, and Trustees through their responsibilities — handling court filings, trust distributions, and any complications that arise along the way.
Get in Touch
Contact Us
Our firm offers comprehensive legal services across a wide array of practice areas, ensuring skilled representation for all your legal needs.
New Lenox Office
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1938 E. Lincoln Highway, Ste. 219
New Lenox, IL 60451 - (815) 215-8777
- [email protected]
Chicago Office
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53 W. Jackson Blvd. Ste. 1652
Chicago, IL 60604 - (815) 215-8777
- [email protected]
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