Estates & Probate

When a loved one passes away, navigating the estate administration is an added burden during a difficult time. Frequent matters that need resolved include identification and collection of estate property, sending notices and information to estate beneficiaries, navigating tax matters, collecting and resolving debts of the estate, and much more. Some estates must go through the probate courts, and some estates that are considered small estates do not require the oversight of a probate judge.

“Probate” is an old English word that comes from the Latin “probare” meaning “to prove” or “to test”. After death, a person’s Will is taken by the Executor’s Attorney to the Probate Court to prove it is the valid Last Will and Testament. After proving the Will, the Executor receives Letters of Office (also called Letters Testamentary). The Letters show proof of the Executor’s Court-ordered authority to collect the assets of the deceased person. This is step 1 in the probate process.

Grant is an experienced probate attorney and is skilled in advising executors and guiding them in their responsibilities. He routinely solves problems that arise during the estate administration process for both large and small estates. He can help and represent both estate executors and estate beneficiaries during estate administration. Grant works personally with families to navigate the probate court process, resolve estate debts, follow the rules of probate, and distribute assets. He makes sure you understand each step of the process and keeps communication transparent and informative along the way.

Sometimes estates are messy. Estates can become “messy” due to no estate planning, poor estate planning, outdated estate planning, or disputes about the estate. Grant is a skilled problem solver and has helped many clients resolve the issues that arise in messy estates.

Complex estates are also within Grant’s area of service. Complexity can arise due to complex property that was owned by the decedent, estate tax matters, or complex family dynamics. Grant is experienced in navigating sensitive family situations and helping find workable solutions. He also addresses the issues in taxable estates and can assist in the preparation and filing of estate tax returns. Estate tax returns are governed by both Illinois and Federal law and require particular knowledge and training to complete.

Navigate estate matters confidently with an experienced guide.