Steps to Choosing the Best Chicago Probate Attorney

The process of handling a will or estate is incredibly complex. It’s not a simple matter of following the last wishes of the decedent. Rather, it’s a convoluted process during which assets must be inventoried, the will validated and creditors contacted. For will executors and estate administrators, this can be an incredible headache. Working with a Chicago probate attorney is an essential consideration and can help save time, frustration and ensure that the wishes of the decedent are carried out as closely as possible.

Qualities to Look for in aProbate Lawyer in Chicago

If you are a trust administrator or will executor, you’re going to need help. However, you will need to make sure that you choose the right probate attorney. The first thing you need to ensure is that the attorney you choose has experience in dealing with estates similar to yours. For example, an attorney who only has experience handling very small estates would probably not be the best choice in a very large estate with lots of assets and beneficiaries.

Handling Creditors

An important part of executing a will is satisfying creditors before allocating assets to beneficiaries. You need to ensure that any probate lawyer in Chicago that you choose has experience in dealing with creditors correctly, maximizing the amount of money left over after taxation, and creditors have been satisfied for the beneficiaries. 

Expediting the Process

The most important consideration when hiring a Chicago probate attorney is to ensure that you choose a professional capable of expediting the process. Estates and wills hung up in probate run up significant additional costs – expediency is vital here. Consider the attorney’s experience, reputation and record of accomplishment when it comes to speed of litigation, handling creditors and ensuring the fairest possible distribution of assets.