Probate

Illinois Probate Lawyer

When you are processing the loss of a family member, the last thing you want to do is deal with the legal system. However, probate is a necessary and vital part of the management of an estate. You don’t have to handle it alone. Our Illinois probate lawyer has helped individuals and families with all of their estate planning needs for over twenty years. Let Bott & Associates, Ltd. take the legal burden off your shoulders by partnering with us during the probate process.

Probate Attorney Serving Illinois

Probate is a legal process that occurs after a person passes away to manage their estate. During these proceedings, a judge will validate the deceased’s will (if there is one), determine how taxes or debts will be paid, and finalize the distribution of assets to heirs or beneficiaries. If the will is deemed legally binding, the deceased’s wishes are followed. However, all taxes and debts, including estate taxes, are paid from the estate before the transference of assets.

Beneficiaries do not have access to inheritances or other awards until probate is finalized.

Many people are under the misconception that if a valid will exists, they do not have to go through probate. This is untrue. The vast majority of estates go through probate, with the only exception being if the deceased formed a trust. However, a valid will does make the probate process go faster and more smoothly.

If there is no will, intestacy laws apply. In these situations, the court identifies the deceased’s assets, names beneficiaries (usually based on immediate relation), and makes a ruling based on your state’s laws. The wishes of the deceased are not considered if they died intestate, underscoring the importance of establishing a legally binding will with our estate planning attorney.

Regardless of the situation you and your family are in, our Illinois probate lawyer can help. We will partner with you to make sure that all legal requirements are met, including filing the will with the probate court. Additionally, our estate lawyer can explain the steps in the probate process, what to expect, and assist with managing the execution of the will.

If there are disputes amongst beneficiaries, our probate attorney can help sort out any confusion, facilitate the valuation of the deceased’s assets, and streamline the probate process so that distributions are fair and align with the intentions your loved one outlined in their will.

Why Experience Matters in Probate Cases

Probate is a complicated legal process, and dealing with the courts while grieving can feel overwhelming. The situations can become especially fraught if the deceased did not discuss the contents of their will with heirs or if there is an unexpected beneficiary listed. You want to partner with a law firm that leads with compassion and empathy, and that has the experience to handle challenging estates with ease.

Founded by attorney Maritess Bott in 2007, our estate law firm has helped individuals and families manage probate for twenty years. Clients choose our team because:

• Our lawyers are accessible, approachable, and kind.
• We deliver individualized assistance and estate law solutions.
• Our team leads with knowledge, offering webinars, seminars, and a vast library of online resources so that you are informed throughout your estate planning journey.
• Our office is equipped with 24/7 live call answering.
• consultation with a $500 fee

At Bott & Associates, Ltd., our goal is to deliver peace of mind to each of our clients. If your loved one passed away and your family is preparing to go through probate, schedule a consultation with our firm today. Our Illinois probate lawyer can explain the process, answer your questions, and protect your loved one’s legacy.