Category Archives: Probate Law
Understanding the Probate Process in Illinois
When a loved one passes on, it is hoped that the valuables collected over the course of his or her lifetime are passed down to others—children, siblings, friends—without contention. However, an unfortunate reality is that, in many cases, the court system has to get involved to determine who inherits a deceased individual’s assets. In Illinois, it is the probate court’s job to preside over this process. IsContinue reading
Talk to Your Loved Ones About Your Will
Using images commonly presented in films and other artistic works, picture in your mind a reading of a person’s last will and testament. In many fictional scenarios—which often tend to ignore the rest of the probate process completely—the will reading is shown a dramatic plot device through the which the decent is able to extract a measure of revenge or to surprise an unsuspecting heir with aContinue reading
Understanding Your Role as Executor
When a friend or a loved one asks you to serve as the executor of their estate, you may be inclined to immediately agree, due to the nature of your relationship with that person. However, you may really understand what your duties may entail until the time comes to fulfill the role, whether you are prepared or not. An experienced probate law attorney can help you learnContinue reading
Grounds for Contesting a Will
When a loved one has died, the emotional strain on you and your family can be nearly overwhelming. Depending on your relationship to the deceased, you may be responsible for making funeral arrangements, notifying distant relatives, and any number of other necessary considerations. You may not even give any thought to your loved one’s will until well after his or her death. When you finallyContinue reading
Understanding Intestate Succession
As many Americans begin to approach retirement age and beyond, estate planning starts to become more evidently important. If you are like most people, you have worked hard for the assets and property that you have accumulated and you would like to know that it will be properly allocated and cared for upon your death. It may be easy to simply assume that there mustContinue reading
Choosing the Right Executor for Your Estate
For many people, it can be very daunting to make decisions related to estate planning. Very few are completely discussing matters that involve acknowledging that they will not live forever. Death, however, is a reality and a person who is not financially prepared for his or death often creates additional difficulties for family members and loved ones. Among the most important decisions you must makeContinue reading
What Happens to Digital Assets after Death?
Many people make arrangements for their property and assets for when they die. This is usually done through wills and/or trusts. However, over the past several years, more and more people are trying to figure out what they should do with their digital assets. An individual’s digital assets typically include email accounts, online music or photo libraries, and social media accounts on sites such as Facebook, Twitter, orContinue reading