One of the most valuable services you can provide your family is estate planning. Our Chicago Wills & Trusts Attorneys can help you create a unique plan that reflects your specific needs and goals.
An experienced lawyer can reduce the stress of managing a loved one’s final affairs. Our probate attorneys can assist you in settling claims against the estate, wrapping up remaining business and distributing assets to heirs. We can also handle contested probate matters, guardianship disputes and trustee misconduct allegations.
The first step in our process is an initial consultation where we will explore your needs, wants and goals. We will then collect information about your assets and identify any special needs or circumstances that may need to be addressed. After this meeting we will recommend a course of action and draft documents that are customized to your situation. Depending on the complexity of your estate, a plan can be completed within a few days to a few weeks.
Having a strong trust is an important part of any comprehensive estate plan. Our attorneys are experienced in drafting various types of trusts that can protect your assets and ensure your loved ones are provided for after your death. We can help you decide which type of trust will best suit your unique situation.
Even with proper planning, your loved ones can still face significant legal challenges after your death. The team of Chicago Probate Attorneys at Hays Firm LLC can assist with the administration of a decedent’s estate and can represent beneficiaries in disputes over the distribution of assets.
The most common cause of probate litigation involves issues with the estate’s will and how assets are distributed after a person’s death. When no will is in place, Illinois law determines the order of distribution of a deceased person’s estate based on intestate succession, which typically begins with a spouse and children. Disputes over the estate can become complicated when there are pending divorces, unmarried children, or unknown heirs.
Probate is a court case that handles the collection and distribution of a person’s assets, paying creditors and approved debts and distributing the estate to heirs. The opening of a probate matter typically requires the assistance of an experienced lawyer to avoid errors that could result in personal liability for the executor or administrator.
Our attorneys have decades of combined experience representing clients in complex legal matters, including estate planning, contested trust and probate disputes. We are committed to helping clients resolve their legal matters with compassion and efficiency. Contact us today to schedule a no-obligation, confidential consultation with a Chicago estate planning attorney. We are available to meet at your home or office in Cook, DuPage and Lake counties. We also accept phone and video conference calls. Our fees are competitive and fair, and we offer flexible payment plans for our clients. Call now or fill out the online form on this page to get started. Our firm is based in Chicago, and we serve clients throughout the surrounding area.