If you’ve just lost a loved one and now you’re staring at a stack of legal paperwork, court deadlines, and creditor notices, you’re not alone. Probate is confusing. It’s also unavoidable for most estates in Illinois.
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a deceased person’s affairs. Validating the will. Identifying assets. Paying debts and taxes. Distributing what’s left to the rightful heirs. The process exists to protect everyone involved—beneficiaries, creditors, and the integrity of the decedent’s wishes. But protection comes with paperwork, deadlines, and procedures that can overwhelm families already dealing with grief.
If you need a Glenview, IL probate lawyer, Kravets Law Group helps executors and families move through probate without unnecessary delays or costly mistakes. Daniel Kravets, Founder and Managing Partner, handles probate matters personally. He’s guided hundreds of families through Cook County probate court over the past decade—some with straightforward estates, others with complications that required creative problem-solving.
Why Choose Kravets Law Group For Probate In Glenview, IL?
We Handle the Court, You Handle Your Family
Executors have enough to deal with. Funeral arrangements. Grieving relatives. A house full of belongings that need sorting. The last thing you need is to become an expert in probate procedure. That’s our job. We prepare the filings, meet the deadlines, communicate with the court, and tell you what needs your attention. You stay focused on your family.
Exposed to Every Kind of Estate
Small estates. Large estates. Estates with detailed wills. Estates with no will at all. Families who get along. Families who don’t. Since 2016, Daniel Kravets has seen the full range. That exposure means fewer surprises. When something unusual comes up—and something usually does—we’ve likely handled it before.
Straight Answers, Not Legal Runaround
Probate has enough confusion built in. We don’t add to it. Ask a question, get a direct answer. Want to know how long this will take? We’ll give you a realistic timeline, not vague reassurances. Want to know what it’ll cost? We explain our fee structure before we start. Executors deserve to know what they’re dealing with.
Local Court Experience
Cook County has its own procedures, its own forms, its own way of doing things. Daniel Kravets has filed hundreds of probate matters in this courthouse. He knows the clerks, knows the process, knows what moves cases forward and what causes delays. That familiarity translates into efficiency for clients. A Glenview probate attorney with local experience makes a difference.
What Our Clients Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Highly recommend Daniel at Kravets Law Group for all your business law needs! He took the time to really listen to my specific situation and tailored a package perfectly to fit my business. His knowledge, passion, and willingness to go above and beyond have made him an invaluable asset to my small business. If you’re looking for someone professional, attentive, and truly invested in helping you succeed, Daniel is the one to call!” – Kelly Clark
Types Of Probate Cases We Handle In Glenview
Probate comes in different forms depending on the estate’s size and complexity:
- Independent administration. Most Illinois probate cases qualify for independent administration, which gives the executor authority to act without constant court approval. Sell property, pay debts, distribute assets—all without filing motions for every decision. We help executors qualify for independent administration and use that flexibility effectively. This approach saves time and reduces legal fees.
- Supervised administration. Some estates require more court oversight. Disputes among beneficiaries, complex assets, potential creditor issues, or concerns about the executor’s judgment can all trigger supervised administration. The court stays involved in major decisions. More paperwork, more hearings, but sometimes necessary. We represent executors and beneficiaries in these contested situations.
- Small estate affidavits. Illinois allows estates under $100,000 in personal property to skip formal probate entirely. A small estate affidavit lets heirs collect assets directly from banks and other institutions. Quick and inexpensive—when it applies. We help families determine whether they qualify and prepare the necessary documents.
- Will contests. Sometimes someone challenges the validity of a will. Undue influence. Lack of capacity. Improper execution. These disputes end up in court, and the stakes are high. We represent both those defending wills and those challenging them, depending on the circumstances. Understanding who can contest a will helps families prepare for potential disputes.
- Intestate estates. No will? Illinois law decides who inherits. The Illinois Probate Act sets out the order of priority—spouse, children, parents, siblings, and so on. Intestate administration follows the same basic process as probate with a will, just with statutory rules replacing the decedent’s stated wishes.
- Ancillary probate. If someone dies owning real estate in Illinois but lived in another state, that property needs ancillary probate here. We handle these cases for out-of-state executors who need Illinois counsel.
Illinois Legal Requirements For Probate
Probate in Illinois starts by filing the will and a petition with the circuit court in the county where the deceased lived. For Glenview residents, that’s the Cook County Circuit Court. The court appoints an executor (called a “personal representative” in Illinois) who takes responsibility for administering the estate.
Timing matters. The executor must file an inventory of estate assets within 60 days of appointment. Creditors get a window to submit claims—typically six months from the date of the first publication notice. Miss these deadlines and you create problems. Working with a Glenview probate lawyer helps you stay on track.
The Illinois Compiled Statutes lay out the full probate code. Key provisions cover everything from executor compensation to creditor priority to distribution rules. We stay current on these statutes and any changes that affect our clients.
One thing people don’t realize: probate is a public proceeding. The will, the inventory, the list of heirs—all become part of the court record. Anyone can look them up. For families who value privacy, this is a significant downside. It’s also one reason we recommend living trusts for clients doing estate planning—trusts avoid probate entirely and keep everything private. Learning how to avoid probate in Illinois helps families plan ahead.
Executors have fiduciary duties. That means acting in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries, not yourself. Mismanage assets, favor one heir over another, or pay yourself excessive fees and you face personal liability. The Illinois Attorney General publishes resources on executor responsibilities that some families find helpful.
Bond requirements apply in some cases. The court may require the executor to post a surety bond protecting the estate from mismanagement. Independent administration often waives this requirement, but not always.
Common Issues In Probate Cases
Locating Assets
The deceased didn’t leave a detailed list. Bank accounts, investment accounts, life insurance policies, retirement funds, real estate, vehicles, safe deposit boxes—tracking everything down takes detective work. We help executors identify assets and obtain the documentation needed to include them in the estate.
Dealing With Creditors
Creditors have claims against the estate. Medical bills, credit cards, mortgages, personal loans. The executor has to notify known creditors, publish notice for unknown ones, evaluate claims for validity, and pay legitimate debts in the proper order of priority. Pay the wrong creditor first and you might face personal liability. We guide executors through creditor management.
Family Disputes
Grief does strange things to people. Siblings who got along fine suddenly fight over mom’s jewelry. Someone feels slighted by their inheritance. An estranged relative appears demanding their share. These disputes can delay probate for months or years. When families can’t work things out, we represent clients in contested proceedings. When settlement makes sense, we negotiate resolutions that let everyone move forward.
Real Estate Complications
Selling a house during probate involves extra steps. The executor needs authority to sell—either through the will, court order, or consent of all heirs. Title companies require specific documentation. We coordinate with real estate agents and title companies to get properties sold and proceeds distributed. For estate planning clients, we often recommend transferring real estate into trusts to avoid these complications.
Tax Obligations
The estate may owe taxes. Final income tax returns for the deceased. Estate income tax returns if the estate earns money during administration. Possibly federal or Illinois estate tax for larger estates. The IRS has specific requirements for estate tax returns. We coordinate with CPAs to make sure tax obligations are handled correctly.
Beneficiaries With Special Circumstances
What happens when an heir receives government benefits? A direct inheritance could disqualify them from SSI or Medicaid. Executors need to understand these issues before distributing assets. Sometimes a special needs trust needs to be established to protect the beneficiary. We help executors identify these situations and handle them properly.
What To Expect From Your Glenview Probate Attorney
Every probate case starts with gathering information. Who died? Did they have a will? What assets did they own? Who are the heirs? Any known debts or creditor issues? Family conflicts brewing? We need the full picture before we can advise on strategy.
Once we understand the situation, we file the necessary paperwork to open probate. Petition for administration, proof of death, the original will if one exists. The court issues letters of office that give the executor legal authority to act.
Then the real work begins. We prepare the inventory. We handle creditor notifications and claims. We address any complications that arise—title issues, missing documents, uncooperative institutions, family disagreements. We keep the executor informed at every stage and handle court appearances when required.
Distribution happens after debts are paid and the claims period closes. We prepare the paperwork documenting what goes to whom. Final accounting to the court. Receipts from beneficiaries. Petition to close the estate.
Timeline varies. Simple estates with cooperative families might close in six to nine months. Contested cases or estates with complications take longer. We give realistic estimates upfront and update them if circumstances change.
For families who want to avoid putting their own heirs through this process, we also handle trust planning and wills. A well-designed estate plan can eliminate or minimize probate for the next generation. We help with revocable trusts that keep assets out of court entirely.
The Cook County Clerk maintains records related to real estate transfers that often come up during probate administration. Executors dealing with property transfers need to work with this office.
For clients who need broader support managing the affairs of a deceased family member, we provide full estate administration services beyond just the court filings.
Contact Kravets Law Group
Probate doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The process has steps. The steps have deadlines. With the right guidance, executors can fulfill their duties efficiently and get assets distributed to the people who are supposed to receive them.
We offer free consultations for families facing probate. We’ll explain the process, answer your questions, and give you a clear picture of what to expect.
Our firm serves executors and families throughout Glenview and the greater Chicago area. Contact a Glenview probate lawyer today to discuss your situation.