If someone you loves trusted you to be the executor of their estate, they have put a great deal of trust in your ability to properly handle everything from filing the proper notices to distributing their property to their heirs. Even if you are familiar with the process, probate lawyers in Chicago can help smooth the way to an easy settlement of the estate. We’ll help you avoid several common estate mistakes by making sure you follow the appropriate steps.
Probate Lawyers In Chicago Will File All The Necessary Paperwork
From obtaining and filing the death certificate to preparing, serving and filing notices, Chicago probate lawyers are familiar with every document that needs to be filed in order to distribute and close the estate. We’ll make sure that notices are placed in the appropriate newspapers and that all potential heirs are contacted as well as debtors and creditors. Our probate attorneys will also use the correct language and form for each document.
We Will Determine What Is And Isn’t Covered By The Will
It’s becoming increasingly common for individuals to prepare a will that covers only a portion of what they want to leave to their descendants. Many people now have separate insurance policies and retirement accounts that aren’t part of their estate. Our probate lawyers in Chicago can quickly determine what is a part of the actual estate and what has to be handled separately. The laws that apply to these accounts can be confusing, but our probate specialists can walk you through the process with ease.
We Aren’t Afraid Of Tax Issues
Estate taxes and the federal laws surrounding life insurance policies, retirement accounts and other assets can be confusing. At Peck Ritchey, our probate attorneys in Chicago are experts at
taking an estate successfully through the complex maze of potential tax issues, protecting the estate from excessive taxation so that the heirs aren’t expected to pay a heavy penalty or excessive taxes.
Proper Interpretation Of The Will Is Critical
Handling someone’s estate also means seeing that their last wishes are carried out properly. This can be an emotionally draining process, particularly if the person who passed away didn’t outline those wishes clearly. If the will has numerous stipulations or is unclear about certain aspects of the estate, it’s best to consult with probate lawyers. Peck Ritchey’s Chicago attorneys have handled hundreds of estates and are proficient at interpreting and carrying out the wishes outlined in even the most convoluted wills.
Distributing The Estate At The Proper Time
Most people want to jump the gun on distributing an estate because they are looking forward to a financial windfall or receiving items of sentimental value. At Peck Ritchey, however, our probate lawyers in Chicago know that early distribution can lead to a variety of problems, including leaving the executor of the estate with responsibility for outstanding debts or obligations that should be covered by the estate. We’ll make sure that all obligations are properly discharged before we distribute the estate in order to protect the heirs as well as the executor.
We understand that as the executor of a loved one’s estate it can be difficult to handle every detail. That’s why working with one of our probate lawyers in Chicago is such a good idea. We’ll handle the details so that you can mourn the loss of your loved one without neglecting the estate or its heirs. Call us today at 312-201-0900 to discuss your estate or that