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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!"
Dealing with the aftermath of a loved one’s passing is an emotionally taxing experience. The legal intricacies involved in managing the deceased’s estate can add to the stress. This is where the role of a competent Bloomington probate lawyer becomes indispensable. These legal professionals guide you through the probate process with sensitivity and thoroughness, ensuring that the estate is settled according to the wishes of the deceased.
Understanding the Probate Process
Probate is a legal procedure that involves the authentication of a deceased person’s will, the inventory of their assets, paying off any debts and taxes, and finally, distributing the remaining assets to the rightful beneficiaries. The process can vary significantly in complexity depending on the size of the estate and the specifics of the will. A probate attorney in Bloomington is well-versed in the nuances of Illinois probate law, offering crucial assistance during this challenging time.
Key Services Offered by Bloomington Probate Lawyers
A Tale of Compassion and Efficiency: How a Bloomington Probate Lawyer Made a Difference
The story of John, a resident of Bloomington, illustrates the profound impact a probate attorney can have during a difficult time. John’s father had passed away, leaving behind a modest estate and a handwritten will. Overwhelmed by grief and the prospect of navigating the legal system, John sought the assistance of a Bloomington probate lawyer.
The attorney’s approach was both compassionate and efficient. They took the time to understand John’s situation, offering not just legal advice but also emotional support. The lawyer meticulously reviewed the will, ensured it was properly filed, and guided John through the process of inventorying his father’s assets.
One of the challenges John faced was the settlement of outstanding debts his father had incurred. His attorney provided clear guidance on which debts needed to be paid and which could be disputed, significantly reducing the estate’s liabilities. Furthermore, they assisted John in preparing and filing the estate’s tax returns, navigating the complexities of estate taxation with ease.
In the end, thanks to the dedicated efforts of his Bloomington probate lawyer, John was able to distribute his father’s assets to the beneficiaries much quicker than anticipated. The attorney’s expertise in probate law, combined with their compassionate approach, transformed a daunting process into a manageable one.
Why Choose a Bloomington Probate Lawyer?
The journey through probate can be complex and emotionally challenging. However, with the assistance of a knowledgeable and compassionate Bloomington probate lawyer, it’s possible to navigate these waters with grace and efficiency, ensuring your loved one’s wishes are honored and their estate is settled fairly.
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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.
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Bloomington, IL 61701
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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 necessity for probate in Illinois primarily depends on two factors: the overall value of probate assets and how they were titled by the deceased individual. If an estate exceeds $100,000 in total worth (including any items specifically bequeathed through a will or distributed under intestacy laws), then probate proceedings are typically required. If real estate is part of those assets – unless ownership was structured via joint tenancy arrangements like tenancy by entirety or living/successor beneficiary trusts – then it must go through formal succession procedures.
Read more about When Is Probate Necessary in Illinois?
Probate is not always bad, but in a lot of situations it makes sense to avoid it if possible. In a probate case, the executor must give notice to creditors and heirs. Creditors then have 6 months to file claims with the executor and/or the court. Other interested parties will also have the chance to oversee and challenge the executor’s actions. To this end, the executor must prepare reports for creditors and heirs showing which assets were collected and how they will be distributed.
Read more about Can You Avoid Probate By Having a Will in Illinois?
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