The Right Lawyers for Probate Law in Monmouth IL
The death of a loved one hits hard for any family. And while preparations for visitations and funerals must be made, you must also consider how to handle the estate of the deceased. Ideally, estate planning will have been handled ahead of time, and it’s merely a matter of following instructions. Or, it could be a bit more complicated than that, with a judge having to way in on the division of assets. Either way, having someone to guide you through the challenges probate law in Monmouth IL can present is of the utmost importance. Thus, you out to give the professionals at Blake Law Office a call.
For 60 years, Blake Law Office has handled the estates of the deceased through wills and probate. We are a family-oriented law firm with attorneys that span across multiple generations. Thus, we know a thing or two where family and loss are concerned. While you are dealing with the immediate aftermath of a lost loved one, we will help take care of the legal necessities that follow.
How Does Probate Work?
While many individuals may not be acutely aware of how probate works, it’s essential to understand the process if dealing with the death of a loved one. And not only is Blake Law Office happy to educate you on probate, but we can handle the process for you.
- Initial Steps
- The probate process confirms the legitimacy of events that have transpired and documents associated with the recently deceased. We first work to acquire a death certificate so that we can prove the death of your relative. Afterward, we seek out wills and testimony that may have been left behind and confirm it’s up to standard and correctly verified.
- Evaluating Assets
- Once we confirm the death and will of the deceased, the estate falls into the hands of one of our attorneys (also called an executor). From there, it’s up to the attorney to evaluate all assets under the deceased’s estate. Depending on the size of estate, this could take anywhere from a few months to a year or more. However, our team will work as quickly and efficiently as we can.
- Dealing with Extra Costs
- An estate is not only assets but also includes debts, creditor fees, taxes and other extra expenses. Along with evaluating assets, we evaluate these extra costs. And, before an estate is divided up, an attorney will work to resolve all outstanding expenses, using accrued assets to do so.
- Dividing Assets
- After all expenses have been resolved, our attorneys notify the beneficiaries listed in the will. If there is no will, a judge will help determine beneficiaries, and they will be notified all the same. Each beneficiary will receive their residue of the estate according to the terms of the will or judge.
How Else Can We Help?
Whether you not you need assistance with probate law in Monmouth IL, Blake Law Office can help with a variety of other related legal matters. For example, our practice areas include:
Talk with a Lawyer
We understand the death of a loved one can be difficult for you and your family, so allow us to help with probate law in Monmouth IL. Call Blake Law Office today at 309-343-3155 for a consultation. Also, we are located at 56 N. Prairie St., Galesburg, IL 61401.