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Finding an attorney who is a “real person” can be difficult. Many attorneys surround themselves almost exclusively with other attorneys and are accustomed to speaking in ivory tower legalese. You should be able to connect with your attorney on a personal level, and he or she should speak to you in plain language that you can understand. You will be working very closely with this person on issues that are very important to you. It is important that he or she be down-to-earth and someone that you connect with.
The most common complaint that clients have of their attorneys is that the attorney is unreachable, does not communicate with them regularly, or does not promptly return your calls. Your attorney should reach out to you about your case regularly and respond within 24 hours to calls and e-mails. An open line of communication between you and your attorney is essential to building trust.
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Your attorney’s goal should not be to win at all costs. Rather, it should be to achieve a favorable outcome for you as efficiently as possible. It is important that your attorney set realistic expectations at the outset as to the costs you should expect, the concerns that the attorney has about the outcome of your case, and the length of time that you should expect your case to take.
Regardless of the nature of your case, we have an experienced attorney who will focus on your individual needs. Our team of attorneys works closely together, bringing each of their different fields of experience to bear in order to optimize our client care.
Kevin's firm handled setting up my will and trust recently. They took something that seemed intimidating and made it easy to understand. I've also referred a couple clients to Kevin - he's trustworthy, approachable and very fairly priced.
"I've used Kevin and his firm's services since 2011. He gave undivided attention to my cases, advised me on different options and..."
"Kevin was extremely professional, responsive and knowledgeable when I came to him for help. I would definitely recommend O'Flaherty Law!"
The Probate Process Explained
Probate is an essential legal procedure mandated in every state following someone's death, especially if they've left behind a last will and testament. This process validates the will, appoints an executor, and ensures the decedent's assets are distributed according to their wishes. For residents of Arlington Heights, IL, the process is overseen by the nearest circuit court and involves various steps, including notifying creditors, settling debts, and managing the estate's assets. The complexity of probate can vary greatly, often necessitating the expertise of a probate attorney, especially in cases involving substantial assets or disputes.
A Real-World Example of Probate Success
Consider the case of John, an Arlington Heights resident whose uncle passed away, leaving him as the executor. Despite a clear will, the estate's considerable assets and debts overwhelmed John. It was only with the support of a skilled probate attorney that he could navigate the probate process efficiently, ensuring all obligations were met and assets distributed rightfully, showcasing the invaluable role such attorneys play in these critical times.
Costs and Considerations
When considering hiring a Probate Attorney, costs are a significant factor. Probate Attorney Costs in Arlington Heights vary based on the estate's complexity and the amount of legal work required. It's crucial to discuss fees upfront to understand the financial commitment involved. A good attorney for probate will provide clear, transparent pricing and tailor their services to meet your specific needs.
Avoiding Probate: Is It Possible?
Many individuals wonder if they can circumvent the probate process. The answer is yes, under certain conditions, such as having a living trust, small estates, named beneficiaries on financial accounts, or jointly owned property. Planning with these strategies in mind can simplify or even eliminate the need for probate, showcasing the importance of early and effective estate planning.
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The purpose of a consultation is to determine whether our firm is a good fit for your legal needs. Although we often discuss expected results and costs, our attorneys do not give legal advice unless and until you choose to retain us.
Schedule a ConsultationLearn More About The Firm415 W Golf Rd STE 55-N, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
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I am personally committed to ensuring that each one of our clients receives the highest level of client service from our team. Our mission is to provide excellent legal work in a cost-effective manner while maintaining open lines of communication between our clients and their attorneys. Many of our clients are going through difficult times in their lives when they reach out to us. They should feel comfortable leaning on the experience and knowledge of our attorneys as their counselors and advocates. We are here to help!
The Illinois probate process ensures legal certification of an estate, enabling the distribution of assets, and settlement of debts and taxes, typically managed by an executor. This procedure can stretch over a year if disputes arise. Essential deadlines include a 30-day period following death for several actions, including declining executor roles, filing for Letters of Administration, and submitting the deceased's will. Furthermore, the process incorporates deadlines for notifying relevant parties, cataloging assets, and contesting wills, concluding with a 14-month limit for estate closure, subject to court review for any extensions.
Read the full article on Illinois Probate Deadlines
Discovering a will after the probate process can lead to the reopening of the estate, affecting how assets are distributed and potentially invalidating the initial probate proceedings. If a previously lost will is found, it must be authenticated before it can influence the probate process. Individuals wishing to contest a will post-probate must have a legitimate legal basis to do so, adhere to specific time constraints, and consider mediation or arbitration as possible alternatives to court litigation.
Read the full article on What Happens When a Will is Discovered After Probate?
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