Estate Administration
The loss of a loved one is an extremely stressful experience. The administration of a decedent’s estate or trust is not an easy task. For those not familiar with the process, the responsibility of acting as executor or trustee to administer the estate of the decedent can make the experience even more stressful. Whether in probating an estate or administering a trust, the attorneys of Cohen Dovitz Makowka will use their experience to be your advocate and ally to ease the burden on you and guide you through the legal process.
While the appointment to act as administrator, executor, or trustee of a deceased person’s estate is a highly regarded position, it is also one that imposes significant obligations and legal intricacies upon that person. Many of the responsibilities imposed upon the estate’s administrator are typically not apparent from the terms of a will or trust. The situation can become even further complicated when the deceased dies without a will or trust.
Because of these complexities and the obligations put on the administrator, it is extremely important that the legal formalities involved with the probate process or trust administration be adhered to as the failure to do so could result in liability for the appointed administrator, executor, or trustee. Since there are so many variables to address throughout the probate administration process, and to ensure the contractual and legal formalities are complied with, legal representation is a necessity. When trusted to act as your advocate, the attorneys of our Firm will explain and communicate with you at every stage of the process to ensure all assets are transferred in accordance with the instructions of the deceased and in compliance with the requirements imposed by Illinois law.
Our Firm is well-versed in the legal areas of probate and trust administration and can provide you with the guidance necessary to make the process smooth and without issue. Just a few of the legal services we provide regarding estate administration include:
- Determining whether court involvement is required to probate the estate;
- Preparing and filing all necessary documents with the court to open an estate and throughout the proceeding to successfully complete the probate process;
- Providing the requisite notice to heirs, devisees, beneficiaries and creditors;
- Managing estate assets during the administration process;
- Facilitating the sale and/or transfer of assets to the heirs, beneficiaries, or devisees;
- Preparing the inventory of assets and facilitating the appraisal of estate assets;
- Tracking of assets and liabilities and receipts and expenses of the estate;
- Payment of estate debt to rightful creditors (for a minimum required period of 6 months);
- Preparing a small estate affidavit (if assets are under statutory minimum) or affidavit to inspect the safe deposit box owned by the decedent; and
- Payment of any interim and final distribution(s) to heirs, devisees or beneficiaries.
The experienced attorneys at Cohen Dovitz Makowka are familiar with the issues faced during the process of managing and distributing the probate estate and provide the comprehensive representation necessary to eliminate the liability of the person charged with administration. Contact our Firm to determine how we can make the estate administration process easier for you.
If you have an issue involving real estate it can be difficult to find a firm with all the attributes that are required to reach a successful outcome. At Cohen Dovitz Makowka, our legal team not only has a proven track record in the courtroom, but the familiarity with the local area to be able to develop the best strategy for your unique situation. Contact us about how having representation from Cohen Dovitz Makowka will benefit you now and in the future.
