If you are searching for a Chicago, IL probate lawyer, start with a firm that blends legal skills with clear communication. Kravets Law Group offers years of combined probate and estate experience, bar admissions in Illinois and federal courts, and strong client feedback for responsiveness and practical guidance. Book a free consultation so we can review your situation, outline next steps, and set a plan that respects your family and your timeline.
Probate Lawyer Chicago, IL
Probate is the court process for transferring assets, paying valid debts, and closing an estate after someone passes. In Cook County and the surrounding courts, the steps can feel unfamiliar: petitions to open an estate, appointing an executor or administrator, collecting and valuing assets, notifying heirs and creditors, managing claims, filing accountings, and distributing what remains according to a will or state law. Families often arrive with grief and questions about titles, accounts, and deadlines. Our first job is to listen, then organize the path forward.
Our estate lawyers begin by confirming whether formal probate is required or if a small estate affidavit or summary procedures will suffice. Next, we inventory assets and identify those that pass outside probate, such as beneficiary designations or jointly titled property. That distinction matters because it affects timelines, taxes, and what paperwork you truly need. Our trust lawyers help locate and consolidate information, from deeds and financial statements to vehicle titles and insurance policies and set up practical tools like estate accounts to keep funds separate and records clean.
Common pain points include disputes over the validity of a will, confusion about fiduciary duties, missed claim deadlines, and unexpected creditor activity. Our probate attorneys address these by explaining roles and responsibilities in plain terms, preparing notices correctly, meeting statutory timelines, and resolving claims with documentation rather than guesswork. If a challenge arises over capacity or undue influence, we gather medical records, witness statements, and drafting files to present a clear picture of the decedent’s intent. Real estate adds another layer. We coordinate valuations, handle title issues, and prepare closings that align with court approvals, so sales do not stall.
Taxes and accountings are frequent stressors. We coordinate with your tax professional on final income returns and, when applicable, estate tax filings. Our team prepares interim and final accountings that make sense to the court and to family members who want a transparent view of receipts and disbursements. Throughout, you receive a calendar of milestones, drafts before filings, and status updates so you know where things stand. If you need a Chicago probate lawyer who treats each estate with care and keeps the court process moving, we are ready to help.
Why Experience Matters In Probate
Seasoned probate counsel keeps a steady hand on deadlines, creditor claims, and family communication. The result is a file that moves through Cook County courts with clean notices, complete accountings, and sales that close on time, all while reducing stress for the person serving as executor or administrator. Our law team has:
• Experience in probate and estate administration across Cook, Lake, DuPage, and Will Counties, including contested matters.
• Attorneys trained in estate planning and administration who present financial and legal details in everyday language.
• Positive peer and client feedback for clear communication and dependable results.
• Collaboration with accountants, realtors, and financial institutions to keep filings accurate and sales on schedule.
“I’ve collaborated with Daniel Kravets on matters multiple times, and he’s an excellent attorney for corporate needs. He’s extremely dependable for reviewing commercial contracts and for corporate structuring. I highly recommend Daniel and his firm for anyone looking for an attorney for their business.” – Ilya Zlatkin
Kravets Law Group helps you open the estate, secure assets, answer creditor questions, and complete distributions with confidence. Book a free consultation and let us guide you through probate with steady communication and a clear plan.
Types Of Probate Services We Offer
When a loved one passes away, there are many legal and financial matters that need to be addressed. Probate can be a necessary step in this process, and fortunately, your Chicago, IL probate lawyer will help you manage your estate properly from start to finish. At Kravets Law Group, have over 10 years of experience in estate planning law, and we’re ready to use our experience to help you. Read on to see our probate services, and contact us today to get started.
Estate Administration
We assist with carrying out the terms of a will, collecting assets, paying valid debts, and distributing property to heirs. Our goal is to make sure the estate is handled in a way that respects the wishes of the deceased while meeting all legal requirements.
Probate Court Filings
Probate often requires filings with the court to open the estate, provide inventories, and submit accountings. Your executor lawyer can handle these filings on your behalf so deadlines are met and the process moves forward without delay.
Asset Valuation And Inventory
Part of probate involves gathering and valuing the assets in an estate. Your Chicago probate lawyer can prepare clear inventories and work with financial professionals when needed to confirm accurate values for real estate, investments, and personal property.
Debt And Creditor Claims
An estate may have debts that need to be settled before distributions are made. Your estate settlement lawyer will review claims from creditors, determine their validity, and address them according to probate law. This helps protect heirs and beneficiaries from future disputes.
Will Validation
When a will is submitted for probate, the court must confirm it is legally valid. We guide clients through this process and respond to any challenges that may arise regarding the signing, witnesses, or intent of the will.
Guardianship And Conservatorship Matters
Sometimes probate involves caring for minors or incapacitated adults. In these cases, the court may appoint a guardian or conservator. We assist families in preparing the petitions and fulfilling the responsibilities of these roles.
Distribution Of Assets
Once debts and taxes are paid, the estate can be distributed. We help with preparing deeds, transferring titles, and making sure property is passed on in accordance with the will or state law if there is no will.
Handling Disputes
Disagreements among heirs or questions about a will can arise during probate. Your estate executor lawyer can help you resolve these disputes, whether through negotiation or in court - with the goal of protecting the rights of the estate and its beneficiaries.
Trust Administration Support
Some estates involve trusts that work alongside probate. We provide guidance in administering these trusts, making sure assets are properly transferred and beneficiaries receive what was intended.
Contact Us Today To Get Started
At Kravets Law Group, we understand that probate can feel like a large responsibility at a difficult time. Our team is here to guide you through each step and manage the process on your behalf. We provide full probate administration support, estate planning, and more. We’re familiar with probate, and we’re ready to guide you through the process. If you need help with probate matters, reach out to us today to discuss your situation with a Chicago probate lawyer you can trust.
