ESTATE ADMINISTRATION

Hays Firm LLC works with executors, trustees and all personal representatives in order to assist them in distributing a deceased friend or loved one’s assets and formally closing the estate. This representation includes involvement with the representative throughout the entire legal process, which typically involves the probate court. Our firm’s involvement can be as much or as little as the representative desires. Under Illinois law, the executor or personal representative’s responsibilities include the following:

• Gathering documents;
• Filing the decedent’s will, if one exists;
• Notifying heirs and beneficiaries;
• Obtaining a valuation of the decedent’s property and assets;
• Paying the decedent’s debts;
• Preparing federal and state estate tax returns, if necessary;
• Distributing assets to heirs and beneficiaries.

In addition to providing the services referenced above, Hays Firm LLC provides counsel and advice to executors and trustees on the most tax-efficient means of administering probate and non-probate estates and trusts, in order to ensure that the greatest amount of wealth possible passes to the next generation.

If you or a loved one has been named as an executor or trustee, and have questions regarding your obligations and duties, please contact the attorneys at Hays Firm LLC to discuss how we can help. You may contact the firm at (312) 499-9605 or via e-mail.