We Provide Knowledgeable Counsel For Estate Administration
The administration of a decedent’s estate can be a complex and overwhelming process for those unfamiliar with Illinois estate laws. Stumpf & Gutknecht, P.C., provides insightful guidance throughout the probate and estate administration process. Our goal is to help clients manage an efficient and orderly transition, moving forward following the death of a family member.
Assisting Clients In Every Aspect
Assets transferred through a will generally require administration through probate, while assets held in trust may be transferred without probate. Additionally, if the decedent does not have a valid will, estate assets will be transferred to all legal heirs or beneficiaries through the probate process.
Our lawyers will help your family navigate the estate or trust administration process. Our representation includes:
- Identifying all assets of the estate
- Identifying all confirmed creditors as well as possible creditors who may have a claim to estate assets
- Paying final tax obligations and creditors from the estate
- Distributing remaining assets among beneficiaries
We take special care to ensure matters are managed properly to prevent potential problems or inheritance disputes in the future.
Navigating Complicated Probate And Estate Litigation Cases Together
Occasionally, disputes arise among beneficiaries and family members with regard to estate administration. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing or defending clients involved in will contests, breach of fiduciary duty claims and other inheritance disputes.
We always work to achieve amicable resolutions when disputes arise. Nonetheless, we are fully prepared to represent our clients’ interests in court, if necessary. On many occasions, simply providing the space to negotiate issues leads to satisfactory results, though each case will be determined and settled by its own unique circumstances.
Don’t Wait; Call Our Office Today
With over seven decades of combined experience, our lawyers have provided experienced counsel for families and their businesses throughout southern Illinois. We focus on establishing and maintaining professional relationships with our clients and strive to represent them as we ourselves would want to be represented. Call our office in Columbia at 618-241-0262 or contact us online to schedule a consultation today.