Chicago Probate and Estate Administration Lawyers
Has a loved one passed away? Did he or she have a will that needs to be probated? Did a family member die without a will? Are you left trying to determine what he or she wanted?
Our firm has helped many clients obtain answers to questions such as these. We understand that probate can be an overwhelming process and that families who come to us may not fully grasp the legal process involved in settling an estate. We can help you navigate through the complicated steps, from opening the estate through the closing. The first thing we consider in determining if probate is needed is whether the deceased had a will to probate. Under Illinois probate laws, the will should be filed with the county where the deceased lived within 30 days of his or her death. To ensure the orderly distribution of assets and debts of an estate, we will review the will and determine the issues that need to be addressed. Sometimes these issues can be addressed without the need of probate. Other times, such as when a person dies without a will, the state's intestate succession laws will govern the distribution of his or her property and probate is required. We will also work with beneficiaries to distribute assets and with creditors to settle debts. In addition to handling probate matters, our firm is experienced in dealing with estate litigation in cases where family disputes arise, and the proper transfer of real estate by clearing title to real property. Please see below for further information on these issues.
ESTATE LITIGATION
Disputes can arise after a person dies, which can delay probate and estate administration. We have seen the costs when a family has to deal with both the death of a loved one and estate litigation. It is usually better to settle disputes promptly than have them drag out through costly litigation. It is our job to provide you with straightforward advice about your obligations and rights. Once disputes arise, it may take a great deal of time to resolve these issues. Our firm understands every aspect of the probate and estate litigation process. We represent heirs, beneficiaries and executors in estate litigation. Our firm works hard to resolve disputes in a prompt and equitable manner. While some will contests drag on for years, hiring an experienced attorney may help you expedite this process. We will ensure your interests are represented during probate litigation.
CLEARING TITLE TO REAL PROPERTY
Have you discovered a title issue that may affect a person's estate? We help clear a title and resolve other title disputes that affect an estate. If a property's title was not transferred properly, it may be problematic to do so after a person has passed away. Our firm is called when heirs conduct a title search and determine that a person failed to clear title before he or she died. This often happens when a grandparent has died and their child lives in the home for many years without clearing the title and then that person dies. On many occasions, the parent left a son or daughter occupying the family home and other children live elsewhere. Disputes can also arise when people die without a will and leave a person living on their property who is not the legatee under a will or an heir of an estate without a will. We will review your real estate to determine whether there are any title problems that need to be addressed and help resolve these complex situations.
At the Law Offices of David Blocher, we specialize in settling the affairs of a family member's estate: dealing with creditors, collecting assets, settling disputes, disposing of both real and personal property, and ensuring title to real property is properly transferred. Our firm will advise and represent you throughout each phase of this legal process. After the death of a family member, get the help you need dealing with issues of probate administration or estate litigation by contacting us to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
