Trusted Chicago Inheritance Attorneys: Your Key to a Successful Probate Process

The passing of a loved one is a sensitive time. Emotions between family members can run high, particularly when the deceased has left a large estate behind.

Unfortunately, inheritance disputes are common, and when family members disagree about how an estate is being distributed, this process can become especially difficult.

Inheritance attorneys offer a way to mediate these disputes in a compassionate and orderly manner that minimizes the potential damage to family relationships that could otherwise occur without their help.

Whether you are an estate beneficiary who disagrees with ambiguous language in the deceased’s will, or you have concerns that the deceased was unduly influenced into changing their will, the inheritance dispute attorneys at Hays Firm are here to provide our assistance.

Hays Firm is a Chicago-based attorney for inheritance disputes. Since 2008, we have helped families throughout Cook County navigate inheritance disputes with focused expertise in probate law.

We offer our clients a calm, compassionate, and measured approach to resolving these intensely personal disputes, and ensure that inheritance disputes are settled fairly through the probate process.

What is an Inheritance Attorney?

If you’ve recently lost a loved one, you may wonder what type of lawyer handles inheritance issues.

An inheritance attorney, also known as an inheritance lawyer or a lawyer for inheritance, is a legal professional with a focus on probate law.

Probate is the legal process of distributing the assets of someone who passes away. Lawyers who deal with inheritance have specialized knowledge of the probate process. They are experts at interpreting and validating wills and trusts, and have the skill to navigate disputes between beneficiaries.

An inheritance lawyer has specialized knowledge and experience with these issues, and can provide guidance and support to their clients throughout the inheritance process.

Why Do I Need A Lawyer For Inheritance?

It’s a common misconception that if a will exists, the inheritance process proceeds straight away without issue. However that is often not the case.

Inheritance issues can quickly pop up for a variety of reasons, and when they do, working with a professional attorney for inheritance is key. If you’ve asked yourself, “Do I need a lawyer for inheritance?”, consider these potential obstacles:

Will Contests

Even when a will is left, you or other family members may be in disagreement of the will’s validity. If your loved one was under duress, of inadequate mental capacity, or simply manipulated during the creation of the will, a challenge may dispute the will’s authority.

Probate Complications

Likewise, if the will was poorly drafted, assets could be missing and unaccounted for. There may be significant debts to settle that can delay the probate process. An inheritance lawyer like Hays Firm can solve these issues efficiently and facilitate the administration of the estate.

Disputes Among Heirs

Often disputes can arise over family heirlooms or sentimental items that are not expressly written into the will. A lawyer for inheritance can act as a neutral third party to amicably resolve these disputes.

Fiduciary Misconduct

The executor of a will has a legal responsibility to work in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries. If you suspect that the executor or administrator of your loved one’s estate has breached their fiduciary duty, an inheritance lawyer is needed to step in and resolve the matter.

Estate Taxes

An experienced inheritance lawyer plays a critical role in helping to navigate both Illinois state and federal inheritance tax laws. We can ensure that documents are filed on time and accurately, and that debts are paid off before inheritances can be distributed.

Legal Guidance

If you are the executor or administrator of an estate, you may feel overwhelmed by the legal responsibilities. Without the help of an inheritance lawyer, it can be difficult to understand your obligations. An inheritance lawyer provides their guidance and support to help you navigate the process.

By working with an experienced lawyer for inheritance like Hays Firm, you get a skilled partner who can handle the legal burden of the probate and inheritance process, saving you time, money, and even emotional distress.

Why Choose Hays Firm as Your Lawyers for Inheritance?

There are many lawyers for inheritance, but choosing the right one can make all the difference. So what makes Hays Firm the inheritance lawyer of choice for Chicago and Cook County?

At Hays Firm, we are experienced enough to guide you through Illinois’s complex legal system, yet small enough to give you the personalized attention you deserve. We pride ourselves on working closely with our clients, getting to understand their personal situations, and providing legal counsel that is tailored to their specific situation and needs.

With Hays Firm you get:

Deep Understanding of Illinois Probate Laws

Since 2008, we’ve helped families in Illinois get the inheritance they deserve. Our experience and up-to-date knowledge of Illinois probate laws and court procedures means we can handle any type of inheritance dispute with compassion and skill.

Local Chicago Expertise

We have extensive experience in Illinois probate courts, and understand the specific laws and procedures of Cook County. Our familiarity with the local legal landscape is to your benefit.

Personalized Attention

As a boutique law firm, we make time for you. You get a compassionate and personalized approach to your case. Our flexibility allows us to accommodate a wide variety of clients.

Protect Individual From Exploitation Over Will

Clear, Consistent Communication

Lawyers who deal with inheritance disputes often leave their clients confused by legal jargon. We take pride in breaking down complex legal concepts into understandable terms, with regular communication, so you always have a firm understanding of your case’s status.

Innovative Fee Structures

Because our firm is intentionally small, we are able to offer innovative and flexible fee structures, if applicable. Contact our team to see how we can help as your inheritance dispute attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

WHAT TYPE OF LAWYERS HANDLE INHERITANCE DISPUTES?

When searching for lawyers that deal with inheritance, look for those that specialize in estate administration and litigation, probate and inheritance law. They may also be called inheritance lawyers or inheritance solicitors. These legal professionals will have the knowledge and experience to help you navigate inheritance disputes.

WHAT ARE INHERITANCE SOLICITORS?

An inheritance solicitor is simply another term for an inheritance attorney or inheritance lawyer. It is commonly used in the U.K. and Commonwealth countries to describe lawyers who work with inheritance disputes.

DO I NEED A LAWYER FOR INHERITANCE?

Some reasons you may need a lawyer for inheritance include:

If you feel that you were unfairly left out of a will
If you believe a loved one’s will may have been changed under duress
The deceased did not have the mental capacity to create a will
Improper conduct by the executor or administrator
If you are an executor facing a challenge to a will

While it is possible to navigate inheritance issues without a lawyer, working with a lawyer for inheritance disputes gives you a much stronger chance at a favorable outcome. Disputes can be complex, and inheritance lawyers have the necessary skill and experience to build a strong case.

WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS IF I’VE BEEN LEFT OUT OF A WILL?

If you are a direct heir, such as a child or spouse, and you believe that you were unfairly left out of a will, or that undue influence was exerted to keep you out of a will, you may be able to legally contest the will. Speak with an inheritance dispute attorney such as Hays Firm as quickly as possible to have your case reviewed.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SETTLE AN INHERITANCE DISPUTE?

The timeline for settling an inheritance dispute depends on a number of factors, including the size and value of the estate’s assets, the type of dispute, and even the court schedule. An average case may take a few months to resolve, while a hotly contested case can potentially take years to resolve.

HOW CAN I START AN INHERITANCE DISPUTE CASE?

If you believe you have the grounds to start an inheritance dispute, contact an experienced inheritance attorney like Hays Firm today. We can provide an initial consultation to evaluate your case.

Contact Hays Firm: Your Trusted Chicago Inheritance Attorneys

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OUR TEAM

“Our legal team has knowledge and experience to guide our clients through difficult legal procedures and issues. We are dedicated to providing quality legal services with integrity and respect for our clients.”

ANDREW HAYS | PRINCIPAL

Mr. Hays is the principal of the firm and a graduate of Loyola University Chicago (1997) and the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Chicago-Kent College of Law (2005). While in law school, Mr. Hays served as a judicial intern for Honorable Judge Allan S. Goldberg, who then presided over commercial matters in the Circuit Court of Cook County. Upon receiving his J.D., Mr. Hays worked as an associate attorney at a small Chicago firm for two years before branching off and beginning Hays Firm in Chicago in 2008.

Mr. Hays concentrates his practice in the areas of guardianship, decedent’s probate estates, and estate and trust litigation. He is admitted to the Trial Bar of the Northern, Central, and Southern Districts of the United States District Court of Illinois.

For the past five years, Mr. Hays has been selected as a Super Lawyer in the practice of estate and trust litigation. Only 2.5% of the top attorneys in Illinois receive this award annually for their outstanding dedication to the legal profession. Previously, he was selected by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2015.

ANTONIA HAYS | FIRM PARTNER

Ms. Hays is a partner at Hays Firm in Chicago. She received her B. A. from Loyola University Chicago (1996) and graduated magna cum laude. Ms. Hays received her J. D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law (2001). She is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor.

Her practice includes the handling of complex and multiparty litigation involving estates and trusts, guardianship matters, contractual disputes, commercial disputes, breach of contract actions, and other areas of civil litigation.

Ms. Hays is a member of the Illinois Bar and is also admitted to practice in the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. She is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and Chicago Bar Association. Ms. Hays was named as a 2011 Illinois Rising Star by Super Lawyers magazine in the field of Business Litigation.

JONATHAN LEVY | ASSOCIATE

Mr. Levy is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati (1993) and the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (1997). Following law school, he served as a judicial intern for Honorable Judge Dean M. Trafelet, who presided over commercial matters in the Circuit Court of Cook County. Upon receiving his J.D., Mr. Levy worked as an associate attorney at a medium-sized firm in Chicago for five years before branching off into his own business.

Mr. Levy concentrates his practice in guardianship, decedent’s probate estates, and estate and trust litigation. He is admitted to the Trial Bar of the Northern District Court of Illinois and is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association.