Probate Litigation

When an Illinois resident dies, his or her will must be validated in probate court. However, if someone contests the will, it can lead to probate litigation, which can be a complex and stressful process. If an estate owner wishes to protect his or her loved ones...

Before 2020 ends, many Illinois residents will die. This means that, in many cases, surviving family members or perhaps friends or other acquaintances may have probate litigation issues to resolve. Maybe someone designated you as an executor to an estate. Perhaps, you...

Many Illinois households include a family member with Alzheimer's or other neurodegenerative disease. Mental incapacitation impedes a person's ability to validly sign estate planning documents. Several celebrity families have become entangled in probate litigation...

Every Illinois state must pass through a probate process when an estate owner dies. Most estates are uncontested. During probate, the assets of the estate owner are collected. Taxes and debts must be paid, and remaining property distributed among heirs and...

Many Illinois elders have several adult children in their families. It is not uncommon, however, for one of numerous siblings to be most active in helping an aging parent take care of his or her finances, medical issues or estate planning. With regard to executing a...

If an Illinois resident is named as a beneficiary in another person's last will and testament, it may be that he or she will have to attend one or more court hearings. If probate litigation takes place in another state, travel arrangements and related expenses may be...

When there is confusion regarding a decedent's last will and testament or other issues regarding his or her estate plan, it can spark disputes among family members. Each year in Illinois, family disagreements about a loved one's will or other estate planning...

When former rock music icon Tom Petty died of an accidental drug overdose at age 66, it not only sent a ripple of grief among his fans in Illinois and throughout the world, it also sparked contention between his loved ones. The situation prompted probate litigation...

The passing of comic book icon Stan Lee left many fans in Illinois and across the country grieving a great loss but also admiring a tremendous legacy. Lee's work will continue to be enjoyed by comic book enthusiasts for decades to come. His creative contributions to...

Some Illinois readers may be aware that the late, former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno owned a homestead that is said to be of significant historical value. Before she died, Ms. Reno executed an estate plan that included specific instructions regarding transfer of...