Arlington Heights Attorneys for Beneficiary Representation

Cook County Lawyers Assisting Beneficiaries With Estate Administration and Contested Documents

The death of a loved one can be difficult for family members to deal with. Managing a decedent's affairs is often a complex process, and it can be even more problematic if family members disagree about the decedent's wishes, or if someone goes against what they would have wanted. In some cases, it may be necessary to take legal action to protect the rights of beneficiaries and ensure that the decedent's instructions are followed.

The lawyers of A. Traub & Associates understand the legal issues involved in the estate administration process, and we can help you determine your best options for resolving issues with your family member's estate. We will work to protect your inheritance rights while doing everything we can to make sure your loved one's last wishes are followed correctly.

Representing Beneficiaries During Estate Administration

Following someone's death, the person who was named as the executor of their estate will be tasked with completing the probate process and distributing their assets to their beneficiaries. Unfortunately, an executor may not be fully aware of their duties, or they may be unable or unwilling to take the necessary steps to follow the decedent's last wishes. In these cases, our attorneys can help you take legal action to compel the executor to abide by the terms of your loved one's will.

Things can become even more complex if a family member died without having a will in place. This is known as dying intestate, and Illinois law specifies how matters should be handled in these situations. Typically, half of the decedent's property will go to their surviving spouse, and the other half will be divided among the decedent's children. However, if a person had no spouse or children, assets will pass to other family members, such as parents, siblings, or other, more distant relatives.

When a person dies intestate, an administrator for the estate must be appointed who will oversee the process of distributing the assets according to Illinois laws. If family members disagree about who should serve as the administrator, or if you believe that the administrator has not properly distributed assets to beneficiaries, our lawyers can provide you with representation and work to ensure the correct legal procedures are followed.

Contested Wills and Estates

While beneficiaries may be unhappy with the decisions made in a loved one's will or trust, these documents specify the decedent's wishes, and an executor or trustee is required by law to abide by them. However, there may be situations in which beneficiaries believe that their family member's will or trust is invalid. For example, it may seem like the decedent was taken advantage of by a greedy or manipulative family member, or the signature on their will may appear to be in another person's handwriting. In these cases, our attorneys can help you understand your options for contesting a will or disputing the validity of other estate planning documents. We will work with you to protect your rights as a beneficiary and ensure that your loved one's actual wishes are followed.

Contact a Rolling Meadows Estate Administration Attorney

If you are worried that an executor is not completing their estate administration duties, if you believe your loved one's will or trust is invalid, or if you simply need help understanding the best ways to address the legal issues involved in inheriting assets, A. Traub & Associates can provide the legal help you need. We provide compassionate representation to beneficiaries, and we will help you achieve the closure you need during this difficult time.

Contact our office at 847-749-4182 to arrange a confidential consultation today. We assist heirs and beneficiaries in Palatine, Buffalo Grove, Mt. Prospect, Long Grove, Wheeling, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, Inverness, and throughout Northwest Cook County.