Wheaton Estate Administration Attorneys

DuPage County Probate Lawyers

When a loved one passes away, the process of administering their estate can be overwhelming and confusing. Probate is the legal process used to settle an individual’s estate after they have died, including handling any debts that are owed and distributing assets according to the deceased’s wishes. The procedures followed during the probate process can sometimes be confusing, and the requirements that will need to be met are not always easy to understand. Family members or others who need to settle issues related to a deceased person's estate can make sure these matters will be addressed correctly by working with a qualified attorney.

At Robert T.C. Kay, P.C., our team can provide invaluable assistance for those who need to resolve concerns related to estate administration. We can offer guidance on the procedures that will be used during the probate process, and we can provide legal representation to ensure that all issues will be handled efficiently. We can also help resolve any disputes that may arise while working to ensure that the wishes of the deceased will be carried out correctly.

Steps Followed During the Probate Process

When someone creates a will as part of their estate plan, they will name an executor who will be responsible for administering their estate after their death. The executor may be a family member, a close friend, a business associate, or another party that a person trusts to handle their affairs and carry out their wishes. If a person dies without having a valid will in place, the court will appoint someone as the personal representative of the estate, and they will have the same duties as an executor.

After a person dies, the first step the executor of their estate will need to take will be to file the will in probate court. If there are no objections or other reasons why the person would be unable to administer the estate, the court will then officially appoint them as the executor.

The executor will then provide notice of the person's death to all interested parties. These will include any beneficiaries named in the will, as well as other expected heirs, such as close family members. The deceased person's creditors must also be notified, giving them the opportunity to make a claim against the estate. In addition to providing written notice to known creditors, a notification must be published in a local newspaper, and any other creditors who believe they are owed money by the deceased will have six months to make a claim.

As the executor proceeds with the probate process, they will take a full inventory of the assets owned by the deceased. In addition to gathering information about the money and property included in the estate, the executor will also pay expenses and taxes. If any disputes are raised by beneficiaries or expected heirs, these will need to be resolved. The executor will then distribute the estate's assets according to the terms of the will. They will need to provide a full accounting to the court of their inventory and the distribution of assets, and the probate case may then be closed.

Contact Our DuPage County Estate Administration Lawyers

At Robert T.C. Kay, P.C., our attorneys can provide the assistance you need during the process. We will work closely with you to ensure that all of your loved one’s wishes are respected and their assets are distributed correctly. We can also assist with the administration of trusts or other non-probate assets, ensuring that the financial interests of family members will be protected.

We understand how overwhelming the process of settling a loved one's final affairs can be, and we are here to guide you through every step of the probate process while resolving any issues that may arise as quickly and effectively as possible. To learn more about how we can help with your estate administration needs, contact our office at 630-456-4618.