A Modern Approach to Probate,
With Clear Guidance & Proven Results
Probate lawyers who efficiently handle estate administration, ensuring assets are distributed correctly, legal processes run smoothly, and final wishes are honored—without delays, disputes, or hidden costs.
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Servicing Cook, Lake, & Dupage County
Trusted by Families & Business Professionals Across Chicagoland
Choose The Right Probate Lawyer
Get Answers, Not Legal Jargon
We understand how confusing it can be to find a lawyer who gets you and keeps your best interests first. At Zeidman & Carpenter, we listen first—understanding your situation and guiding you to the best legal options. Whether you need a lawyer or just the right advice, we’ll give you honest answers, not pressure.
Create a Revocable Living Trust – Transferring assets into a trust allows them to bypass probate and go directly to beneficiaries.
Designate Beneficiaries – Name payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) beneficiaries for bank accounts, retirement funds, and life insurance policies.
Joint Ownership – Holding property as joint tenants with rights of survivorship or tenants by the entirety ensures assets transfer directly to the surviving owner.
Gifting Assets – Giving assets to loved ones while alive reduces the estate’s size, potentially avoiding probate for those assets.
Small Estate Affidavits – In some states, estates below a certain value may qualify for a simplified probate process or exemption.
File the Will & Petition for Probate – Submit the deceased’s will and a petition to the probate court to open the case. If no will exists, the court will appoint an administrator.
Notify Beneficiaries & Creditors – The executor must inform heirs, creditors, and relevant parties about the probate process.
Inventory & Appraise Assets – Identify, list, and value all estate assets, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, and personal property.
Settle Debts & Taxes – Pay off outstanding debts, estate taxes, and administrative costs before distributing assets.
Distribute Assets & Close the Estate – After all obligations are met, assets are distributed according to the will or state law, and the court formally closes the estate.
All assets, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, and personal property, must be identified, appraised, and reported to the court. This ensures a clear and fair distribution process for beneficiaries.
Before assets can be distributed, the estate must settle outstanding debts, taxes, and administrative fees. Probate ensures creditors are notified and legitimate claims are paid before finalizing the estate.
Once debts and taxes are cleared, the remaining assets are distributed to heirs and beneficiaries according to the will or, if no will exists, in accordance with state inheritance laws. The court oversees this process to prevent disputes and ensure fairness.
Planning for the Future, Protecting What Matters
"I worked with Jade on preparing estate planning documents and Jade's services and approach exceeded my expectations. She is extremely knowledgable about estate planning, cares about understanding her clients' needs and is creative and flexible in navigating open questions to create best possible outcome. I found her easy to work with and she made the whole process smooth and efficient."
Probate
With Clear Guidance
Watch Our Video: Discover how Zeidman and Carpenter helps families navigate probate processes, proactively protecting assets, minimizing complexities, and providing clear, compassionate legal guidance.
Probate Questions, Answered
Answers to clarify cost, time, outcome and strategy to help you make the right decision for your situation.
While you can create a will yourself using online templates, a lawyer ensures your will is legally valid, customized to your needs, and protected from potential disputes or errors that could lead to probate complications.
Probate costs vary based on the estate size and complexity but generally include:
Court fees ($300–$1,500 depending on the state)
Attorney fees (flat fee or percentage of estate)
Executor fees (if applicable, varies by state law)
Appraisal & valuation fees (for real estate, business, or personal property)
Publication & notification fees (for creditor notices)Proper estate planning (such as using a trust) can significantly reduce probate costs and preserve more assets for beneficiaries.
The estate law process varies depending on the case type, but most follow these general steps:
1. Consultation & Case Evaluation – Meet with an estate lawyer to discuss your legal concerns, assess estate assets, review existing documents, and determine the best strategy for estate planning or litigation.
2. Drafting & Filing Legal Documents – Create and file necessary estate documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or probate petitions to ensure proper legal protection and asset distribution.
3. Probate Process & Executor Appointment – If probate is required, the court officially appoints an executor or administrator to manage and distribute the estate according to the will or state law.
4. Debt Settlement & Asset Valuation – The executor identifies estate assets, pays off outstanding debts, taxes, and legal fees, and ensures the correct valuation of inherited property.
5. Beneficiary Disputes & Mediation – If heirs or beneficiaries dispute asset distribution, mediation or court intervention may be necessary to resolve conflicts and uphold the deceased’s wishes.
6. Estate Litigation (If Necessary) – If disputes escalate, estate litigation may be required for contested wills, breach of fiduciary duty, asset mismanagement, or inheritance claims.
7. Final Distribution & Court Approval – Once all debts are settled and disputes resolved, the remaining assets are distributed to beneficiaries, and the court provides final approval.
8. Post-Judgment Modifications & Trust Administration – If changes arise, such as new heirs, asset reallocation, or updates to trusts, modifications can be made to ensure ongoing legal compliance and estate management.
Each case is unique, and timelines depend on complexity, potential disputes, and court backlogs.
Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in your case. We're here to make your life easier, not harder.
Proven Estate Planning Strategies – We take a personalized, results-driven approach to crafting wills, trusts, and asset protection plans that align with your long-term goals.
Transparent Pricing & No Hidden Fees – You’ll know exactly what to expect from day one, with upfront pricing and no surprises.
Personalized Attention – Your estate plan isn’t one-size-fits-all—you’ll work directly with an experienced attorney who understands your unique needs.
Clear Communication & Case Updates – No waiting for answers—we keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring your estate plan is legally sound and aligned with your wishes.
Strategic Planning for Your Legacy – We take a proactive approach to minimize taxes, avoid probate, and provide long-term security for your family and beneficiaries.
During your free consultation, we provide a clear, step-by-step legal roadmap based on your unique situation. Each roadmap is designed to give you clarity, eliminate surprises, and provide a structured plan so you know exactly what comes next
If a person dies without a will (intestate), the state’s intestacy laws determine how assets are distributed. Typically:
Spouse and children inherit firstIf unmarried or no children, assets go to parents, siblings, or other relatives.
If no family is found, the estate goes to the state.
A court will appoint an administrator to handle the estate, and probate is required to determine rightful heirs. Without a will, beneficiaries may face delays, higher costs, and unwanted asset distribution.
The length of an estate law case depends on the complexity of your estate, court schedules, and whether disputes arise. Here’s a general breakdown:
Wills & Trusts – Typically a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the estate and the specific planning needs.
Probate Cases – 6 months to 2+ years, depending on whether the estate is contested, the number of heirs, debts, and court processing times.
Estate Litigation – Several months to multiple years, especially if disputes arise over inheritance, asset distribution, or executor misconduct.
Business Succession Planning – A few weeks to several months, depending on the legal structure, ownership transfers, and tax considerations.
Power of Attorney & Healthcare Directives – Immediate effect once signed, though legal disputes over validity may extend timelines.
Every estate law case is unique, and while we strive to achieve the best possible outcome, no attorney can guarantee a specific result. However, here’s what you can expect when working with us:
Clear Expectations Upfront – An honest assessment of your estate plan or probate case, outlining potential risks, legal obligations, and the best course of action.
A Strong Legal Strategy – A customized estate plan designed to protect your assets, minimize tax burdens, and ensure your wishes are carried out exactly as intended.
Expert Guidance in Probate & Estate Litigation – Proven legal strategies to navigate probate smoothly, resolve beneficiary disputes, and enforce wills or trusts effectively.
Transparent Communication – Regular updates on your estate planning process, probate timeline, or legal proceedings—so you always know what comes next.
A Focus on Protecting Your Legacy & Loved Ones – We provide long-term estate planning solutions to safeguard your family’s financial future, prevent legal disputes, and ensure seamless asset distribution.
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Case Study
Protecting a Family’s
Legacy in Skokie, IL
"First time using Zeidman & Carpenter for a real estate closing and it won't be the last! Lee and Corrie were great communicators during this super quick 7 day closing requested by the buyer. Lee had to navigate finding a surveyor who could get the property surveyed quickly which he did before I was able to utilize my contacts in this area at a very reasonable price. They were fantastic to work with and am looking forward to the next real estate transaction."
Our Probate Law Process:
From Start to Winning Outcomes
We make the estate planning process clear, structured, and stress-free. Whether you need wills, trusts, probate assistance, or asset protection, we guide you every step of the way to safeguard your legacy and ensure your wishes are honored.
- Filing a Petition & Notifying Heirs
- Inventorying & Valuing Assets
- Paying Debts & Taxes
- Asset Distribution to Beneficiaries
- Closing the Estate & Finalizing Probate
The probate process starts with filing a petition in court to officially begin proceedings. This petition requests either the validation of a will or the appointment of an estate administrator if no will exists. During this step, heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors are notified, allowing them to contest or raise concerns about the estate. Proper legal guidance ensures the process starts smoothly, preventing unnecessary delays or disputes.
A comprehensive inventory of the deceased’s assets is created, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, personal belongings, and other valuable property. Each asset is carefully assessed for its fair market value, ensuring accurate estate distribution and tax reporting. This step helps determine what is available for beneficiaries after settling debts and obligations.
Before assets are distributed, all outstanding debts, including loans, medical bills, and credit card balances, must be settled. Additionally, any applicable estate taxes or inheritance taxes are calculated and paid to prevent legal complications. A well-structured probate process ensures that creditors are properly addressed while maximizing the inheritance left to beneficiaries.
Once debts and taxes are cleared, the remaining assets are distributed according to the will or state laws if no will exists. This step ensures that heirs and beneficiaries receive their rightful inheritance, whether it includes property transfers, financial assets, or other valuables. Clear legal oversight minimizes disputes and ensures fairness in asset allocation.
The final step in probate involves submitting a full accounting of the estate to the court, confirming that all financial obligations have been met and assets have been distributed properly. Once approved, the estate is officially closed, and the executor or administrator is released from further responsibilities. This provides legal closure, ensuring that all matters related to the estate have been resolved.
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2. Detailed Intake Form (Below ↓) : If you’re ready to take the next step, our intake forms help us gather key details upfront—saving you time and allowing our attorneys to quickly determine how we can assist you. These forms help qualify cases and ensure we provide the most relevant guidance.