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Rockford Probate Attorneys | Probate Litigation Lawyers Rockford, IL

Probate matters can often be difficult and involve many elements. Our experienced Rockford probate attorneys will ensure your matter is handled quickly, efficiently, and affordably. Our estate administration team is familiar with all types of probate and trust administration matters. Ensure you have a team on your side that will give your matter the attention it deserves.
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Smiling womanAttorney Kevin O'Flaherty

"Kevin was extremely professional, responsive and knowledgeable when I came to him for help. I would definitely recommend O'Flaherty Law!"

We believe your attorney should not speak in legalese

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.

We believe your attorney should be accessible

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.

Learn how we service your area through our Remote Location Approach.

We believe your attorney should be realistic with you about costs and outcomes

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.

Client Testimonials

Christi M.

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.

Marvin

"I've used Kevin and his firm's services since 2011. He gave undivided attention to my cases, advised me on different options and..."

Rachel B.

"Kevin was extremely professional, responsive and knowledgeable when I came to him for help. I would definitely recommend O'Flaherty Law!"

About Rockford Probate Attorneys:

We Are Cost-Effective!  We are proud to offer superior representation, communication and customer service.  Let us be your trusted advocates to guide you through your estate planning needs.​We Know Our Stuff! Our Rockford probate lawyer’s dedication and hard work have earned a reputation for excellent service.

  • We are the recipients of the Avvo Client’s Choice Award in 2016.
  • Kevin O’Flaherty was honored in 2015 by being named one ofSuburban Life Magazine's Best Under 40.
  • We are honored to have received glowing testimonials from many of our satisfied clients.
  • We have achieved an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and have never had a BBB Complaint.

We Are Comprehensive! Probate cases can often require experience from other areas of including as business, real estate and family law.  Our Rockford probate & estate administration attorneys have experience in nearly every area of law and will work together to ensure all areas of your case are given the attention they need.  No matter what your situation, you will have dedicated and attentive representation for your matter.

Expertise Best Child Support Lawyers in Chicago 201710 Best 2016 Client Satisfaction American Institute of Family Law AttorneysAvvo Clients' Choice 2016 DivorceRising Stars Kevin P. O'Flaherty SuperLawyers.com10 Best Law Firms 2018 Client Satisfaction American Institute of Family Legal Counsel Attorneys Estate Planning Law40 under forty

What to Expect From a Legal Consultation

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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Location

Office Address

5844 Elaine Dr. STE 112

Rockford, IL 61108

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Hours of Operation

Monday
9:00am - 6:00pm
Tuesday
9:00am - 6:00pm
Wednesday
9:00am - 6:00pm
Thursday
9:00am - 6:00pm
Friday
9:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Attorneys

Meet the Owner

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!

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- Attorney Kevin O'Flaherty, Owner

Check Out Articles and Videos from our Rockford Probate Attorneys

The Probate Process in Rockford

Our Rockford probate legal team wants you to be informed about your probate case. In this article, we explain how probate matters are court cases that probate courts ensure proper payments are made to heirs and creditors after someone passes away.

If a probate matter is required, an attorney must take the proper steps to administer the estate. If there was a will left in place the probate process is slightly different than a probate matter without one.

To open a probate estate, the executor's attorney must file several documents to the probate court:

  • Petition to Audit Will to Probate and for Letters of Office 
  • Affidavit of Heirship 
  • Affidavit as to Copy of Will
  • Oath of Office
  • Surety Bond or Non-Surety Bond
  • Notice to Heirs and Legatees   
  • Publication Notice

Read more about the Illinois probate process from our Rockford probate attorneys.

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Avoiding Probate in Rockford

Our Rockford probate lawyers want you to help you avoid probate if it is possible.

Probate is difficult for three reasons:

  1. Your loved ones cannot access to your assets for nearly a year until the probate case is completed;
  2. An estate will be significantly reduced by attorney fees and court costs. Your estate will typically spend 5% to 10% of the value of the estate on attorney fees alone; and 
  3. The administration of your estate will be significantly more difficult for your executor. He or she will spend a lot of time dealing with an attorney, preparing reports, and gathering information.

A common misconception is that a will allows your estate to avoid probate. Wills can ensure assets are distributed appropriately in a probate case, but an estate must enter probate with or without a will. A better option for individuals who own real estate or have a savings account is to use a revocable living trust either in place of or in conjunction with a will.

Probate can be avoided by utilizing a revocable living trust and transferring your real estate and savings accounts into it during your lifetime. A revocable living trust can own property and provides the creator complete control over the property owned by the trust during his or her lifetime, and specifies how the trust assets will be disbursed after the creator’s death.

Read more about avoiding probate in Illinois by our Rockford probate attorneys.

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