Estate and Trust Administration

Illinois Trust and Estate Administration Attorneys

We provide estate and trust administration services, serving personal representatives, executors, trustees, and trust companies. Whether you need to probate a will, wind up an estate, or distribute the proceeds of a trust, our attorneys can help. Contact our Rockford law firm, Howard, Hardyman & Worden, to discuss your legal needs.

Estate administration requires knowledge of a number of legal areas. We will represent and advise personal representatives who need to probate a will. We will inventory assets and will advise on the sale of property if that is required to wind up an estate. We will prepare estate tax returns, and distribute the estate to heirs according to the specifications of the will. We make sure that all outstanding bills are paid and claims satisfied. To accomplish these tasks, our attorneys use their knowledge of probate law, real estate law, tax law, and business law.

In matters related to trusts, our attorneys provide guidance and support to the trustees after the client's death. We will apply for a tax identification number, notify people of the death, file needed tax returns, determine investment strategies, pay any debts and administrative expenses, and distribute assets. If the trust does not end at the client's death, we notify successor trustees.

Although proper estate planning can eliminate problems with a will or trust, disputes still arise. Beneficiaries may file a breach of fiduciary duty claim against the trustee. Heirs may dispute the will, claiming that the decedent was unduly influenced in the drafting of the will. Beneficiaries may claim that the trustee received excessive compensation for carrying out his or her duties. Our technical skills and knowledge of the relevant law make us a solid choice for individual executors, trustees, and corporate trust departments who are facing disputes over a will or trust.

To learn how we can help with estate and trust administration, contact our Rockford, Illinois, law firm. We use our extensive knowledge of probate and estate administration law to advise and represent our clients.