Probate & Estate Administration

Estate and Probate Administration Services

Upon the death of a loved one, the surviving family and friends go through a grieving process. At this time, it is important to receive clear and concise direction as to how to deal with the legal complexities arising out of the death of a loved one. The process often results in disputes in which trial lawyers must often get involved.

McCarthy Duffy LLP maintains a comprehensive probate and estate administration practice encompassing both litigation and non-litigation matters. From law offices in the downtown Chicago Loop, Palos Park, and Skokie, Illinois, the firm serves clients throughout the Chicago area.

Services provided by the firm include:

• Probate - The process by which the Circuit Court oversees the administration of a decedent's Estate. Probate proceedings are either testate i.e. the decedent left a will, or intestate i.e. the decedent left no will.  The Lawyers of McCarthy Duffy LLP are capable of handling either proceeding.
• Estate Administration - The process by which the wishes of the decedent, as provided in the decedent's will or trust, are carried out.  This process includes the payment of decedent's debt, the collections of debts due the decedent, payment of taxes, if any, and distribution to beneficiaries designated by the decedent.
• Will contests and claims litigation
• Guardianship issues

The firm also maintains practices in related issues of wills & trusts and elder law.

McCarthy Duffy LLP has a proven ability to handle the most complex estate matters. In one case, the firm's lawyers represented an executor and trustee in probate litigation. The decedent had left his estate to a church and an estranged son emerged to claim the estate. Because the estate was given to a charity, the attorney general was involved. The issue was resolved after extensive research and negotiation.

To read more about the specifics of probate law, please visit the firm's Probate Information Center.

Another area of particular interest to the firm's lawyers concerns guardianships. In guardianship proceedings attorneys must go to court to secure the guardian's appointment. Attorney Richard Witry handled one case involving a disabled adult who did not believe he was disabled. Because of Mr. Witry's efforts, the matter became uncontested saving the ward's estate from excessive fees. Attorney John Duffy  handled the guardianship of a client who had become disabled due to medical malpractice.

Contact the Firm

To set up a consultation with a lawyer from McCarthy Duffy LLP about any estate or probate law issue, call 312-726-0355. You can also to email the firm through this Web site's contact page. Initial consultations for new clients are free of charge.