PROBATE AND TRUSTS

I have prepared numerous wills and trusts for clients. I have represented probate estates in Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, and Lake County.

Following decedet's in death, there will be an initial meeting with decedet's family to determine which probate option is best: summary administration, independent administration, or supervised administration. I will assist the executor or executrix in information gathering, inventory of safe deposit box content, filing the will in the appropriate court, completing insurance claim forms, and securing social security benefits and Veterans Administration benefits.

Among the tax issues to be covered are preparing and filing decedent's final income tax returns, obtaining an employer identification number for the estate, preparing and filing a fiduciary income tax return (if required), preparing and filing a Federal Estate Tax Return ( if required and or advisable), and preparing and filing an Illinois Estate Tax Return (if required and / or advisable).

On behalf of the estate, I will appear in Probate Court to file motions to open the estate and secure testamentary letters for the administrator. I will prepare and file any interim accounts (if required), and final account for the probate estate.