Chicago Probate Attorney

Chicago Lawyer for Will Administration, Powers of Attorney, and Intestate Succession in Chicago, IL

In the event of your incapacitation or death, it is essential that you have an estate plan in place to answer questions regarding what should happen to you and your assets. Unfortunately, too many people fail to take the time to address these issues, perhaps in part due to their lack of understanding of the Illinois probate administration process. As a result, they may leave their loved ones confused and uncertain at a time when they are already coping with stress, grief, and other intense emotions.

Admittedly, probate can be complicated, but with the guidance of a knowledgeable attorney, it is possible to get your affairs in order during your lifetime and ensure that your wishes are honored after your death. At The Law Office of George J. Skuros, we work with testators, estate administrators, and benefactors to resolve a number of probate issues, and we can help you ensure that your interests are protected.

Issues Handled in Illinois Probate Court

We have extensive experience representing clients in a variety of legal matters that are handled through Illinois probate courts, including:

• Will review, drafting, and administration - Certain assets, including those held in trusts and those with designated beneficiaries, are not part of the Illinois probate process. However, for all other assets, it is beneficial to have a will and testament naming your desired beneficiaries. We can help you draft a new will or review and update an existing will, perhaps after a significant life change like a divorce or remarriage. We can also advise estate administrators as they attempt to carry out the terms of the will during probate.
• Powers of attorney - A power of attorney grants a trusted person the authority to make certain decisions on your behalf, and it is often used as a contingency in the event that you become incapacitated during your lifetime. A power of attorney for property allows someone to make decisions about your assets and finances, while a power of attorney for health care allows a person to make decisions about your medical treatment, often with the guidance of a living will.
• Guardianship - Probate courts handle guardianship appointments for minors whose parents are unable to care for them temporarily or permanently, as well as adults who are unable to care for themselves. Guardians can be nominated in a will, established by petition during probate, or appointed directly by the court. Similarly to powers of attorney, legal guardians may be granted control of a person, their assets, or both.
• Contested estates - In some cases, beneficiaries and other interested parties may have grounds to contest a will or other elements of the estate administration process. We advise both beneficiaries and estate representatives in cases that may involve fraud, duress, lack of testamentary capacity, error, or improper creation of estate planning documents.
• Intestate succession - When a person dies without a will or other established provisions for passing on assets, their estate must be distributed to certain beneficiaries according to Illinois intestate succession law, usually starting with a spouse and any children or direct descendants. However, intestate succession can become extremely complicated in cases involving pending divorce, adoption, children born outside of marriage, and unknown heirs. We can help beneficiaries claim the assets they are entitled to through intestate succession, including by establishing posthumous paternity in some cases.

Contact a Schaumburg, IL Probate Lawyer

For any questions related to your estate plan, guardianship, or the probate administration process, contact us today at 312-884-1222. We can schedule a free consultation so that you can learn more about how we can help. We represent clients in Chicago, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Inverness, Park Ridge, Mount Prospect, Des Plaines, the North Shore, and throughout Cook County and surrounding areas.