Hillside, IL Probate Attorney

Compassionate Guidance with the Probate Process in Oak Park, DuPage County, and Cook County

The death of a loved one is a difficult and emotionally trying time. The funeral and burial are difficult enough; and once that is over, all the paperwork and legal issues need to be resolved. In many cases, surviving family members are not aware of what the final arrangements should be, or where to even start. If a will or trust was set up ahead of time, the process could be fairly smooth and straightforward. If there is no existing estate plan, matters could be far more difficult to resolve.

For over three decades, the Law Office of Vincent C. Machroli, P.C. has provided skilled guidance with probate matters and all other types of estate planning assistance for clients in DuPage County, Cook County, and communities throughout the Chicago metro area. We understand the difficulties families have settling the final affairs of a loved one, and we work closely with our clients to help them successfully navigate the complex and often confusing probate process.

We are honest, compassionate, responsive, and detail-oriented. We keep in regular contact with our clients and always update them on the progress of the case. It is this commitment to providing highly personalized customer service and support that has earned us such a strong reputation in the area, and so many repeat clients and referrals over the years.

Understanding the Probate Process in Illinois

Probate is the court-supervised legal process by which the executor of the estate settles the final affairs of a deceased loved one. The purpose of probate is to clarify who receives the property of the decedent, and to ensure that all valid debts and taxes are paid. Property is distributed per the instructions of the will, and in the absence of a will, property distribution is directed by state law.

A probate proceeding is not always necessary. In general, it is only necessary in Illinois if the decedent owned (solely not jointly) assets valued at $100,000 or higher. If the total value of the estate is less than $100,000 and does not contain any real estate, there is no need for a court proceeding. There are also certain assets that do not need to go through probate. Some of the most common include:

• Assets held in certain types of trusts;
• Assets owned jointly or by multiple parties;
• Assets with a designated beneficiary (such as bank accounts or retirement accounts); and
• Real estate that is subject to an Illinois Transfer on Death (TOD) deed.

Contact an Experienced Oak Park Probate Lawyer

Probate can be a very confusing and intimidating process, especially when you are still getting over the loss of a loved one. At the Law Office of Vincent C. Machroli, P.C., we provide the experienced and steady hand you need to guide you successfully through this difficult time. If you need skilled assistance with the administration of a loved one's estate, contact our office today at 708-449-7404 for a free initial consultation.