Quick Probate Tips You Shouldn’t Overlook: Part 4

Experiencing probate for the first time can be a stressful situation, especially after just losing a loved one. For this reason, we have compiled a few tips that may help you through the probate process. In this 4 part series, we are looking at quick probate tips you shouldn’t overlook. Probate is simply the legal process of closing the estate of someone who has passed away. And the probate courts oversee the process to ensure the will is legal and the executor follows the person’s final wishes.

Probate Tips You Shouldn’t Overlook

In the first 3 articles, the tips you gave you were:

• Learn from the mistakes of your loved ones and build a strong estate plan now.
• Secure at least 4-5 certified copies of the death certificate
• Know that you have options when finding a probate attorney.

And for the last of the probate tips you shouldn’t overlook: You’re not alone – remember that.

Lawyers are here to provide guidance and support. Never hesitate to seek clarity by asking them questions.

If you are the executor of the estate, you may find it helpful to work with a lawyer. Probate attorneys understand the process and can help you by only answering questions and assisting you with specific steps, or they can handle the entire probate process for you. It is entirely up to you how much help you need.

Since probate is a legal process, some documents that must be filed with the probate court are:

• Petition for Probate
• Death certificate
• Last will and testament
• Inventory of assets and debts

Suppose a beneficiary is questioning the legitimacy of the will or how the assets are to be distributed. In that case, an attorney can help settle the disagreement before it becomes a problem. Mediation is sometimes sought before a beneficiary files a legal dispute with the will. If this happens, a probate attorney can defend you in legal court.

When To Call A Probate Attorney

There are several times during the probate process when you may wish to talk with an experienced probate attorney:

• As an executor, the probate attorney can answer questions and guide you through the process.
• If you need to contest a will or believe you have been wrongly left out of a will,
• If your loved one died without a will.

Dealing with probate and the loss of a loved one is undeniably challenging. You deserve all of the assistance and understanding you can get.

Read other probate tips here.

Quick Probate Tips You Shouldn’t Overlook: Part 1

Quick Probate Tips You Shouldn’t Overlook: Part 2

Quick Probate Tips You Shouldn’t Overlook: Part 3

Oak Brook Probate Lawyer

Do you have questions about Illinois probate or need more probate tips? If so, an experienced probate lawyer can advise you on the best options for your situation. To talk to a qualified probate attorney in the Chicago area, contact the Estate & Probate Legal Group at 630-864-5835. 

Areas We Serve: Cook, Dupage, Kane, Lake, Kendall and Will counties.