Probate

Illinois Probate Laws - Bonnie Spaccarelli Hannon, P.C.

Trustee Services ● Executors ● Personal Representatives ● Probate Court ● Probate Process

An urgent question that arises when a family member dies or is expected to pass away soon is, “Do we have to probate, or do we not have to probate?” The law offices of Bonnie Spaccarelli Hannon, P.C., welcome queries from Illinois residents who wish to discuss end-of-life issues such as probate – whether in advance of the need, or when the need has become urgent.

To schedule a consultation with Illinois probate law attorney, Bonnie Spaccarelli Hannon, contact the firm through this Web site or by phone.

Small Estate Affidavit: A Valuable Tool to Speed up the Probate Process

A small estate affidavit is a valuable tool among many offered by experienced Illinois probate laws attorney Bonnie Hannon. The small estate affidavit, in some cases, can accomplish the distribution of assets according to the wishes of the deceased without the formal probate process.

Why Probate?

Many people have the mistaken impression that probate is to be avoided at all costs. In fact, Illinois probate courts are modern, updated, efficient, and effective. Over the years, the legislature has worked to streamline the process of implementation of Illinois probate laws. Probate provides protection for both the personal representative of an estate and the heirs or beneficiaries. Many families that may have been better served by going through probate find themselves embroiled in difficulty as a result of an attempt to avoid probate through trusts or other means. Three years later, they may find that they still cannot sell the house because of unresolved matters related to the trust and estate.

A probate estate can be an effective form of protection if the deceased has unknown creditors or significant debt. Using a small estate affidavit shortens the claim period against the executor from 24 months to 6 months. If there are minor beneficiaries of an estate from multiple or blended families (step-families), the supervision of a probate court can be valuable.

Contact an Illinois estate planning lawyer at Bonnie Spaccarelli Hannon, P.C., to schedule a consultation to discuss probate services of the firm such as counsel to a trustee, or any other aspect of the probate process.

Illinois Probate Laws Attorney
Schaumburg Probate Process Lawyer

Illinois probate laws attorney providing probate laws, probate process, probate court, trustee, probate service, help avoiding probate, estate planning, and living will legal services to clients throughout Illinois.