After the death of a loved one, you have up to 30 days to begin the probate process by filing the will to settle his or her final affairs. It is important that you understand the answer to the question, “How long do you have to file for probate of a will after death in Arlington Heights, Illinois?” to ensure you have the legal standing to settle your family member’s estate.
At the time of his or her death, your family member may have had a will in place naming you as the executor of his or her estate. Alternatively, you may be the closet next of kin and have the ability to take on the responsibility. While the timeframe for initiating action is the same, the process will differ depending on if your loved one died with or without a will.
Steps of Probate in Illinois
Whether your loved one dies with or without a will, it may be necessary for the probate court to have oversight of the administration of his or her estate. The legal proceedings involved in the settlement of a decedent’s final affairs are often referred to as probate.
Depending on whether a will exists, the probate process will initiate in one of two ways – filing the will with the appropriate county circuit court clerk or filing a petition for letters of administration.
Step 1: File the Will
If your loved one has a will, whoever possesses the document must submit it to the county circuit court clerk within 30 days of the decedent’s death. How long after death a will is executed may vary, but it must be submitted to the court within the allowed time.
Without a will, the first action in the probate process will be to ask the court to appoint an estate administrator.
Step 2: Appointment of the Executor or Administrator
After the will is filed, the named executor should petition the court to be officially named as such, if the estate is to be probated. As the executor, you are granted legal authority to carry out your family member’s final wishes.
In the event your loved one did not have a will, you will need to petition the court for appointment as the estate administrator.
What Is the Petition for Letters of Administration?
When no will exists to appoint an executor for the estate, the court will appoint an administrator to settle the payment of debts and distribution of assets. An interested party, such as a close relative or beneficiary, may ask to take on this appointment by filing a petition for letters of administration. The role of the administrator resembles that of an executor in that he or she oversees the administration of the decedent’s estate, pays off creditors, and distributes assets upon death.
Step 3: Notice to Interested Parties
After the designation of the executor or administrator, interested parties, including heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors need to be notified. This notice informs them about the probate proceedings and their rights. Interested parties, including those with direct financial interests in the administration of a will, may choose to contest a will within six months of its admittance to probate.
Step 4: Payment of Debts and Taxes
Before assets are distributed to the beneficiaries, debts and taxes, and any remaining estate obligations must be paid. This step ensures that the estate fulfills its financial responsibilities. It guarantees that the remaining assets may be distributed to beneficiaries according to the decedent’s wishes or state laws.
Step 5: Distribution of Assets
After paying off any outstanding debts and taxes, the next step of probate in Illinois calls for the estate executor to distribute the remaining assets and property. The executor will do this in accordance with the terms and specifications outlined in the will.
In cases when someone dies without a will, the court-appointed administrator will disburse the estate’s assets based on the Illinois Probate Act. Generally, the act dictates that estate assets distribute to a decedent’s heirs which often will be a surviving spouse, children, parents, or siblings.
Step 6: The Final Accounting
The last step in the probate process is providing a final accounting to the court. The estate executor or administrator will make a report to the court detailing how they handled the estate’s assets. The report will typically include information about debts paid off, tax returns, and how the assets were distributed and to whom.
Does Having a Will Mean an Estate Can Avoid Probate?
Having a will in Illinois does not necessarily avoid the probate process. Rather, it may change some steps required to settle your loved one’s estate. Formal court proceedings and oversight are needed in cases depending on the types of assets in the estate, and how the estate’s assets are held.
Estates that may not require probate include those whose total asset value is below $100,000 and those which include assets not solely held by the decedent. In these cases, different forms or informal proceedings may settle the estate without the need for formal probate.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer When Probate Issues Arise?
Any disagreements or disputes among beneficiaries or creditors in your process can complicate the probate process. But, what if an executor does not probate the will? Hiring help from a probate lawyer can help you get valuable guidance throughout the process.
It guarantees adherence to important legal, resolves all conflicts over the estate, and ensures proper administration. A Chicago probate administration lawyer can assist clients with estate plan tasks such as settling necessary paperwork or communicating with interested parties. They can still oversee and conduct the inventory and appraisal process, pay debts, and distribute assets and wealth.
What Is the time frame for the Illinois Probate process?
Illinois probate processes can last from at least six months to sometimes over a year. Due to various factors, it may take longer. For example, if an interested party challenges the validity of the will, a court hearing will be needed, which can draw out the process. Ensuring you understand how long you have to file probate after death in Illinois, and acting within the allowed timeframe, may help prevent a situation in which you miss the window to get legal authority to handle your loved one’s final affairs.
