Probate Litigation Lawyers in Libertyville

Lake County Estate Administration Attorneys

The death of a loved one is almost always difficult. The grief and sense of loss can be overwhelming, even if the person's death was not sudden or surprising. Things can be especially challenging if you have been appointed by the deceased person to serve in a fiduciary capacity as a trustee or the executor of the estate. In many situations, the decedent's estate is required to go through the probate process before his or her assets can be distributed to heirs or beneficiaries. At Newland & Newland, LLP, our attorneys have more than 60 years of combined estate administration experience, and we can help you address any probate-related concerns that you might have.

Counsel for Probate Matters in Waukegan and Grayslake

According to the Illinois Probate Act (755 ILCS 5), an estate that contains assets with a combined value that is greater than $100,000 will usually be administrated through the process of probate. Certain assets and property, however, are not counted toward the value of a person's estate, including property that is jointly owned with someone else, some types of retirement investments, and most property held in various kinds of trusts.

During probate, the estate will be validated, the debts and obligations of the estate will be settled, and the remaining assets will be distributed to the heirs named in the decedent's will. When an estate is relatively modest and there is an estate plan in place, probate can be completed quickly and easily. When an estate is more complex or is being contested, the probate process will be much more complicated.

Illinois Probate Litigation Attorney

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for disagreements and disputes to arise between family members and other beneficiaries during probate. In some cases, these disagreements can lead to formal litigation. Creditor disputes could also slow down the probate process. Attorney Stephen S. Newland and his team have the knowledge and experience to assist you and your family reach resolutions regarding the terms of a will, asset distribution, and any other probate-related issues. We know that these types of concerns are extremely personal in nature and can threaten to divide your family permanently. With that in mind, we represent both beneficiaries and administrators in all types of probate litigation matters.

Guidance in Estate Administration

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we also offer trusted guidance and skilled representation to those who have been appointed to serve as executors or trustees. If you have been selected as a fiduciary of a loved one's estate, we will help you fully understand your responsibilities and work with you in carrying them out in accordance with the decedent's wishes and applicable laws. We can assist with final tax returns, debt repayment, property distribution, trust administration, and more. Our team can also help protect you against claims of impropriety or misconduct by family members or heirs who feel slighted by the decedent's choices. You can depend on us to help you protect your loved one's legacy, as well as the best interests of his or her estate.

Call 847-549-0000 Today

If you would like to learn more about probate or estate administration in Illinois, contact our office today. Call 847-549-0000 for your free, no-obligation consultation at any one of our five convenient locations. Newland & Newland, LLP serves individuals and families in Libertyville, Mundelein, Waukegan, Grayslake, Vernon Hills, Lake Bluff, Arlington Heights, North Chicago, and the rest of Northern Illinois.