Category Archives: Probate/Trust Administration
Independent vs. Supervised Administration in Illinois (and one of many good reasons to have a Will)
Illinois probate administration comes in two flavors: (1) Independent; and (2) Supervised. Most estates are administered independently. What does this mean? Essentially it means that the court will review the opening and the closing of the estate, but unless there is some sort of dispute or a hearing is requested or additional surety bond… Read More »
Online Cook County Probate Court Records
I occasionally receive phone calls from probate estate beneficiaries who want to know about probate court proceedings for an estate. They want to know basic information such as the documents that have been filed, the court orders entered or when the next probate court hearing is scheduled. Many county courts now have such information… Read More »
U.S. Supreme Court Decision Reinforces Importance of Updating Beneficiary Designations After Divorce
It is not every day (or year) that the Supreme Court issues a decision impacting estate law. They did, however, issue just such a decision yesterday (June 3) that serves as a good reminder for something that many probably already knew, but is worth reinforcing, and that is: you must change your beneficiary designations… Read More »
Formal Proof of Will Hearings in Illinois
I recently represented a client in a formal proof of will hearing in Cook County Probate Court (Daley Center 18th Floor). This type of hearing involves bringing the (usually two) witnesses to a decedent’s Will into court to testify under oath as to the authenticity of their signatures and the circumstances surrounding the execution… Read More »
You’re Named Executor. Now What? First Steps…
You have recently attended or arranged for the funeral of a relative or close friend who has passed away in Illinois. You find out that you have been named in the Will as executor of the estate. Now what? Where do you start? Many individuals have no prior experience or knowledge about serving as… Read More »