Estate Administration

Estate Administration Services for Your Loved Ones

​At Long Law Group, we understand that losing a loved one is a challenging and emotional time. Estate administration—the process of settling a person’s financial and legal affairs after their death—can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to guide you through this process with clarity and compassion, ensuring that every step is handled efficiently and in compliance with Illinois law.

What Is Estate Administration?

Estate administration involves managing and distributing a deceased person’s assets, paying their debts, and addressing legal matters such as taxes. In Illinois, the process often requires probate, though certain assets may pass outside of probate if they were jointly owned or designated with beneficiary instructions.

Types of Administration We Assist With:

Probate

Probate is the court-supervised process for administering an estate.

Steps involved in Probate include:

1. Filing the will with the Clerk of Court
2. Petitioning the court to admit the will to probate court and to appoint an executor. If there is no will, then petitioning the court to appoint an administrator.
3. Notify Heirs, Legatees, and Creditors of the decedent’s passing and the opening of the estate. This is accomplished by mail and publication.
4. The executor identifies and appraises the decedent’s assets, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, and personal property.
5. The estate’s debts, such as medical bills, loans, and credit cards, must be settled. Final income tax returns and any estate taxes must also be filed and paid.
6. Once all debts and taxes are paid, the remaining assets are distributed to beneficiaries according to the Will or Illinois intestacy laws (if there is no Will).
7. The final step involves preparing an accounting of all financial transactions and obtaining court approval to close the estate.

Trust Administration

For individuals with assets held in a trust, the process of trust administration offers an alternative to probate. The trustee is responsible for managing the trust according to its terms, which typically include:

1. Identifying and valuing trust assets.
2. Paying any outstanding debts, taxes, or expenses.
3. Distributing assets to beneficiaries as outlined in the trust document.

Our attorneys assist trustees in fulfilling their fiduciary duties, ensuring compliance with Illinois trust laws and minimizing risks of disputes.

Small Estate Affidavits

Illinois law provides a simplified method for handling small estates without going through probate. If the total value of the decedent’s estate is $100,000 or less and does not include real estate, a small estate affidavit can be used. This document allows heirs to claim assets directly from financial institutions, employers, or other entities holding the decedent’s property.

We can help you determine eligibility for a small estate affidavit and prepare the necessary documentation to expedite the process.

Avoiding Probate

Illinois law allows certain estates to bypass probate. Examples include:

• Assets held in joint tenancy or tenancy by the entirety.
• Accounts with designated beneficiaries (e.g., life insurance policies, retirement accounts).
• Property placed in a properly funded living trust.

Our attorneys can help you determine if probate is necessary and, if not, how to settle the estate efficiently.

Why Choose Long Law Group?

Experienced Guidance:  We specialize in estate planning and administration, offering years of experience in Illinois probate law.

Compassionate Support:  We approach each case with empathy, understanding the emotional toll of this process.

Comprehensive Services:  From filing probate petitions to distributing assets, we handle every detail to ease your burden.

If you need help navigating estate administration in Illinois, our firm is here to provide the legal expertise and compassionate support you need. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us guide you through this challenging time with confidence and care.

📞 Call us today at 312-344-3644 to schedule your consultation.
📧 Prefer email? Reach us at contact@JLongLaw.com
💻 Or, Book and Appointment

Still, have questions, or wish to learn more?