Best Probate Lawyers in Schaumburg

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Schaumburg, Illinois?

  Call 311 within the boundaries of Schaumburg for non-emergency issues, or call 847-895-4500 to speak with a 311 representative any time, day or night, seven days a week.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Schaumburg, Illinois?

  You can acquire a copy of police reports about your case from the Village of Schaumburg's online Freedom of Information Center. Cost is free if the data is stored electronically. The first 50 pages of paper copies are provided without charge. After that, 8x11-sized pages will cost 15 cents per page. Other documents might incur additional, reasonable fees.

• When is probate required in Schaumburg?

  In Schaumburg, a formal probate court action is necessary only if a deceased person held solely pure assets worth more than $100,000. However, according to 755 Illinois Compiled Statute 5/25-1, a formal probate court action is not required if the entire value of an estate is less than $100,000 and there is no real estate.

• How does one bypass probate in Schaumburg?

  In Schaumburg, there are three methods to avoid probate. First, you must establish a Revocable Living Trust. The trust continues after your death, avoiding assets being probated. Second, you must create joint property ownership. The survivor inherits jointly-owned property upon your passing. Third, you should designate beneficiaries for your life insurance proceeds, savings accounts, and retirement benefits. When you pass away, the funds in this account are transferred directly to your beneficiary without going through probate.

• What is the procedure for executing a will in Schaumburg?

  The procedure of executing a will in Schaumburg must include the presence of witnesses. A will must have two witnesses. They must sign the will while the testator is present. The testator must also be present when the witnesses attest. Witnesses should be trustworthy adults with no involvement in the will. Additionally, the will must contain the testator's signature. If the testator is paralyzed and cannot hold a pen, he may have another person sign the document at his command and in his presence.

• What are the potential problems that could complicate probate in Schaumburg?

  Potential challenges may arise that could complicate probate in Schaumburg. First, if there is no will, intestacy laws determine who inherits. Second, probating big estates—especially those subject to the federal estate tax—can take a long time. Accounting for and distributing multiple estate assets may take time. Third, will contest can stop probate regardless of the challenger's motives. And lastly, if the will's executor refuses to serve. The court may be required to replace an uncooperative executor, thereby delaying the process.

• How long do you have to file probate in Schaumburg after the demise of a loved one?

  Following the death of a loved one in Schaumburg, anyone in possession of the decedent's will has 30 days from the time they discover the testator's death to file it with the circuit court clerk for the county in which the decedent resided. The person holding the will may be charged with theft in court if they knowingly conceal a will for thirty days or more after learning of the decedent's passing or if they alter or destroy it.

• What does a probate attorney do?

  Probate attorneys are licensed professionals who represent executors and heirs after someone has died. They provide personalized legal advice, assist with tax planning, settle debts, and facilitate the distribution of assets. Probate attorneys typically represent clients during administrative proceedings overseen by probate courts, although some litigators focus on handling disputes and lawsuits related to contested estates.

• What is probate court?

  Probate court works with the family or beneficiaries of a deceased person to validate their last will and testament. The courts review the individual's will to identify and calculate assets, pay off remaining debts, and distribute the remaining property to beneficiaries per the deceased person's requests. Depending on state laws, property valued under a certain amount may not require probate.

• How long do you have to file probate after death?

  The amount of time loved ones have to file a will after a person dies varies from state to state. While California courts require probate to be filed within one year, New York has no deadline. That being said, it's advisable to file probate as quickly as possible once a person has died, as the process itself can take anywhere from a few weeks to more than a year.

• Does life insurance go through probate?

  Life insurance doesn't need to go through the probate courts if the deceased individual has named a beneficiary on their policy. However, life insurance policies without beneficiaries, or with beneficiaries who are either deceased themselves or cannot be contacted, go directly to the deceased individual's estate. When this happens, life insurance proceeds must go through probate court to determine how funds should be allocated.

• Do household items go through probate?

  While the exact rules do vary from state to state, most household items don't require probate and are automatically left to immediate families unless otherwise stated in the deceased person's will. When it comes to property, only items above a certain value or held in title are required to go through probate in most states.

• Do bank accounts with beneficiaries have to go through probate?

  In the event a beneficiary has been named, bank accounts are not required to go through probate and will be paid directly to the person designated by the deceased individual. However, should that individual be deceased themselves or if contact cannot be made after a certain period of time, funds will be allocated to the estate and put through the probate process.

• What happens if no probate is filed?

  Depending on the circumstances, probate may not be required in all cases. If a person passes on and their remaining property is jointly owned, it automatically transfers to the other owner. However, if a property is not jointly owned and no probate has been filed, the executor of the will won't be able to transfer titles or cash assets to beneficiaries. Be aware that the specific laws surrounding probate requirements vary from state to state.

• What is probate real estate?

  Probate real estate is the process that happens when a realtor steps in to handle the sale or transfer of a deceased person's owned home to another individual. In some cases, the house is sold as a means of liquidating assets, and proceeds from the sale are used to pay debts or are distributed to beneficiaries.

• Can I probate a will or estate without an attorney?

  It is possible to probate a will and close an estate without hiring an attorney. However, it requires multiple steps and an understanding of the law. The first step is to petition the court to appoint a representative for the estate. Next, the executor must notify all heirs and creditors before switching ownership from the decedent to the estate. Once all debts, taxes, and final expenses have been paid, funds can be transferred to heirs. To close an estate, the executor must submit a report showing the court that all obligations and final wishes have been satisfied. While a will and estate may seem straightforward, things can get complicated quickly if multiple heirs are involved, or if disputes or disagreements arise over distribution. A probate lawyer can help navigate these disputes effectively, and take pressure off the executor when beneficiaries aren’t getting along.

• How many years can an estate remain in probate?

  If the will or proposed distribution of property is contested, an estate may remain in probate for several years. The timeline depends on how long relatives have to initiate probate, how long creditors have to come forward, and how busy the courts are. In some states, such as Florida, relatives have just 10 days to initiate probate, and the entire process takes approximately six months. In other areas, such as Massachusetts, the process can last one to two years, although the majority of probate activities occur in the first nine months. The value of the estate also affects the duration of the case. For example, California and Texas have simplified procedures for smaller estates, such as those valued at $150,000 or less.

• When is a will's probate an automatic process?

  Probate is the legal process of validating a last will and testament to ensure that the decedent's wishes are followed. A probate judge may automatically clear wills if they're accompanied by an affidavit from the decedent, a notary, and a witness. Some assets, including financial accounts with designated beneficiaries, and funds held by certain types of trusts don't have to go through probate.

• What does it mean when property is under probate?

  Real estate that's under probate is typically liquidated through the court system, which is most common when someone dies without a will. Home buyers who are interested in this type of property must follow special rules regarding deposits, which are sometimes nonrefundable, and buyer's premiums. Additionally, the court must approve the purchase price.