When a loved one passes away, the family may have questions regarding their property. A Chicago IL Probate Attorney will help them understand the process of distributing their assets to beneficiaries. This is usually a lengthy, complex task. The best probate attorneys are experienced and will be able to assist in a timely manner. They will also have a deep understanding of estate planning. This includes creating documents such as durable power of attorney for health care and finances. These documents will allow a person to name someone they trust to make medical and financial decisions on their behalf in the event of incapacitation or death. They will also create a will that specifies the distribution of their assets.
In addition, the best probate lawyers will have experience with contested estates. This can include disputes over the validity of a will or trust, or a dispute over a conservatorship arrangement for a child or incapacitated adult. These legal disputes can have profound consequences for the family and beneficiaries, so it is important to find a lawyer who has experience with them.
Finding a Chicago probate attorney is easy enough, but it takes some time and research. You can start by asking family and friends for recommendations, then searching Google reviews. Once you have a list of potential candidates, do some more research on each lawyer to see which ones would be a good fit for your needs. The more experience a probate lawyer has, the more they are likely to cost. However, you should also consider whether the quality of their work matches the amount they charge.
A probate lawyer’s responsibilities vary from case to case. They may need to validate a will (if there is one), appoint an executor, catalog all known probate assets, pay final taxes and debts, and finally distribute inheritances. This can be complicated, especially if the deceased did not leave a will or their will is disputed by members of the family.
Probate law firms will often offer free consultations, which allows you to talk to an attorney about your situation. During this visit, you can discuss the details of your case and get a general idea of how much the process will cost. This is a great way to see if you like the lawyer and if they are a good fit for your family.
During this consultation, you should also ask the probate attorney about their education and background. In most cases, you will want to hire a lawyer who has completed a bachelor’s degree program. This means that they have studied topics such as pre-law, psychology, sociology or political science. In addition, you will want to ensure that the probate attorney is licensed in your state. Finally, it is a good idea to check with your state bar association for information on any disciplinary actions against the attorney. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your case is in good hands.