Everyone should have a Will, which is a document that states your wishes as to your estate and affairs after you pass away. The process of preparation of a Will is easy, inexpensive and informative. At the same time, it is an opportunity to ask a lawyer questions. While they are preparing a Will, many people ask us to prepare Powers of Attorney as well, to provide instruction to someone you choose to make decisions concerning your health care or property should you become unable to. When a person leaves a Will, they designate not only who receives their assets, but who is in charge of their Estate; their Executor. When a person dies without a Will, an Administrator must be appointed.
If the Estate is greater than $100,000, or if real estate is involved, Probate Court is required. If the Estate is less, a Small Estate Affidavit may be used. We can help you with either. Filing Probate in Central Illinois is not expensive and is often the easiest way to resolve all pending issues.
If a family member dies as the result of an accident, we can help. The first step is to have a person appointed to be the Administrator, or if minor children are involved, the Guardian. Essentially, it starts the same way as a Probate proceeding. It is very important to establish Court authority to act on behalf of the deceased and their next of kin.
Contact Sgro, Hanrahan, Durr, Rabin & Reinbold, LLP for your free consultation with one of our estate planning and probate attorneys directly.