Probate Attorney in Waukegan, Illinois

Find the right Probate Attorney attorney in Waukegan, IL

In Waukegan, Illinois, probate is the process in which a court validates or voids a will.

During probate, the court in Waukegan, Illinois will determine the validity of the will, distinguish and inventory the decedent's assets, account for the decedent's debts and back taxes, and distribute the decedent's property, among other things.

Wills usually name the person who is to serve as executor of the estate. If no executor is named, the Waukegan, Illinois court will appoint an executor. This is usually the person who stands to gain the most if the will is found to be valid.

The basic duty of the executor is to serve as the living incarnation of the estate. Their job is to begin probate proceedings, and see them to completion. If an executor has to be appointed by the court, it will usually be the person who stands to inherit the most from the will, as he or she has an incentive to make every effort to avoid delay.

Duties of the Executor in Waukegan, Illinois

The executor has several duties with respect to the will. First, it is his or her job to actually initiate probate proceedings, which often must be finished before the will is given effect.

Additionally, the executor has to make sure that the decedent's relatives and other people named in the will have notice of the testator's death, usually through the filing of a copy of the official death certificate.

Because people who stand to inherit from the testator may be scattered around the country, or even the world, contacting them is sometimes difficult. One of the responsibilities of the executor is to compile a list of everyone who is entitled to inherit from the decedent, so attempts to contact them can be made. They also have to account for all the testator's debts and assets.

Furthermore, the executor is required to take a leading role in proving the validity of the will. The executor obviously has an incentive to see the process through, since they cannot inherit until probate is complete.

How Can A Waukegan, Illinois Lawyer Help?

Because of the complexities involved in probate, it would be smart to hire a good Waukegan, Illinois probate lawyer, especially if you are the executor of an estate and unsure how to proceed.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in Waukegan

Waukegan is located Lake County, Illinois. Specifically, it is situated on the western shore of Lake Michigan.

Waukegan's top employers include the school district and health care system, Uline, Coleman Cable, Medline Industries, WMS Industries, and the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Tourists love to visit Bowen Park, Clockwise Theatre, Ganster Pool, Genesee Theatre, Roosevelt Park, Waukegan History Museum, Waukegan Municipal Beach, and The Fieldhouse.

Waukegan is also home to many attorneys that practice in various fields of law and are devoted to providing their clients with excellent legal services.

Some famous people who have called Waukegan home include Jack Benny, Mark Livingstone, Andy Devine and Don Wilson.

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