A lawyer should be consulted as soon as possible following funeral and burial arrangements to determine the steps necessary to settle a decedent's estate. When an in-person consultation is not feasible, initial contact by e-mail or telephone works great.
Our philosophy is to assist our clients in avoiding probate whenever reasonably possible. When probate is necessary, we believe in settling estates as soon as the law will allow. This will mean a minimum of expense and hassle for everyone involved.
Some of the considerations for settling estates are as follows:
- Illinois law requires that the decedent's last will and testament must be filed (but not necessarily admitted to probate) within 30 days of the date of the decedent's death with the circuit clerk's office at the county courthouse in the county in which the decedent was a resident at the time of death. Therefore, if possible, bring the original last will and testament into the lawyer's office for filing as soon as possible.
- All of the decedent's checkbooks, bank statements, real estate records, tax returns and other financial records should be organized and brought into the lawyer's office at the time of your first appointment.
- Securing the decedent's real estate and personal property from theft and destruction is the first priority.
- Notifying all of the interested parties of the contents of any last will and testament should occur as soon as possible. A reading of the will at the attorney's office for the benefit of the persons named in the will is not required by Illinois law, but is sometimes an excellent idea.
To find out more about how we may able to help you or to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your case, please call 866-677-8081 or contact us online. We have offices in Chillicothe and Peoria.
