Probate

When you’re a business owner, estate planning isn’t just about what happens to your home or personal belongings after you pass. It’s also about what happens to the company you’ve worked hard to build. One crucial piece of this puzzle is understanding how probate works, especially in Illinois, where the legal landscape can be complex….

The passing of a loved one is always an emotional time. On top of the grief, families are often faced with a series of legal steps that must be taken to handle the person’s estate. In Illinois, that process is known as probate. While the word itself might sound complicated, understanding what probate means, and…

After the loss of a loved one, many families are left with questions, both emotional and legal. One of the most common concerns we hear is about timing: “How long will this probate process take?” The answer isn’t always straightforward. In Illinois, probate can move quickly in some cases, while in others, it can take…

When a person passes away in Illinois, their estate may need to go through probate, a legal process where the court oversees the distribution of assets to heirs and beneficiaries. However, not all assets are subject to probate. Understanding which assets must go through this process can help families plan effectively and avoid unnecessary delays….

The probate process in Illinois can be complex and often overwhelming, especially during a time of grief. A key figure in navigating this process is the executor, a person designated in a will to manage the deceased’s estate. Understanding the executor’s role and responsibilities is crucial for both those named as executors and beneficiaries of…

Probate, the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate, can be complex and time-consuming. In Illinois, certain common errors can significantly delay this process, causing stress and added expense for beneficiaries. Understanding these common errors can help executors and families avoid unnecessary delays, ensuring a smoother administration of the estate. At Bielski Chapman, LTD.,…

The short answer is: It depends. Technically, you do not need a lawyer to file probate in Illinois. However, while it is possible to file for probate without legal assistance, most people find that having a probate lawyer is beneficial. Here’s why: Navigating the Complexities of Probate Probate can be a complicated process, especially if…

Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate is administered and distributed according to their will or the laws of the state if there is no will. In Illinois, the probate process can seem overwhelming for families and loved ones left behind. One common question that often arises is: How much does…

When a loved one passes away, the probate process can be emotionally and legally complex, particularly in Illinois. While the goal is to ensure the deceased’s wishes are carried out, we understand that family disputes often arise during probate proceedings, adding an extra layer of stress to an already challenging time. At Bielski Chapman, we…

The loss of a loved one is a difficult time, and on top of emotional burdens, there are often legal matters to address. In Illinois, probate is the court process that oversees the administration of an estate, ensuring debts are settled and assets are distributed according to the deceased’s wishes (or by state law if…

After a person passes away, there are situations where their estate will enter into probate. During this time, the court will administer and distribute the deceased’s assets and pay off any debts. While it is often necessary, probate can be a costly and time-consuming process.  However, there are strategies you can use to reduce these…

Not all estates have to go through a long and complicated probate process. If the estate is small, there are court procedures that can avoid those longer legal battles. Many times, this occurs when the deceased individual does not own many assets.  If you would like to learn more about probate administration for small estates,…

Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience. However, dealing with legal matters can add to the emotional pain and stress of these events. No one wants to go through probate, but it is an unfortunate process for many estates. If you find yourself in this position, here are a few facts about how…

When you are creating an estate plan, more than likely, you will want to avoid probate. This process can be a long, arduous, and an expensive proceeding. Along with that, this can be a difficult experience for your beneficiaries. If you want to look for a better way to provide for your loved ones, it…

After someone dies, their assets go through a process known as probate. With that, the courts will ensure that their will is valid, along with identifying and distributing the property. Often, it can be lengthy and time-consuming.  How can you better prepare yourself to navigate the probate process in Illinois? Here are a few tips:…

After someone passes away, their estate may end up in probate. Generally, this process involves ensuring that the deceased individual’s will is valid. The court will also identify and distribute their property to the person’s heirs. Many people want to avoid these proceedings because they are lengthy and costly. Is probate required in Illinois? Here…

Probate assets refer to any property (“asset”) owned by a decedent that must go through probatecourt to be transferred to the people who will ultimately inherit them. Probate is an expensivepublic proceeding, so if you want to maximize your estate and/or keep ownership of assetsprivate, note the common types of assets that typically go through…

The first time I heard the word “probate” was after I had finished law school and passed the bar exam.  If you are lucky, the probate process is a foreign concept to you.  But most people come across it at some point in their lifetime, and we are here to demystify what exactly probate is. …