Probate and Estate Administration Attorneys

Trusted, Experienced Probate Lawyers

At Rolewick & Gutzke, P.C., our skilled attorneys represent the best interests of individuals and families in all matters of probate and estate administration. We provide responsible, cost-effective guidance and legal counsel to those who have been named as executors, trustees, guardians, and personal representatives of a loved one's estate. While the estate administration process and probate may seem daunting and confusing, we are equipped to help clients protect their loved one's estate and ensure that his or her wishes are carried out appropriately.

For nearly four decades, our law firm has been serving clients throughout Northern Illinois. We recognize the importance of a customized, client-focused approach, and we take the time to get to know our clients and fully understand their needs and goals during the probate process. Our experienced attorneys can provide answers and general guidelines about the process, or we can fully manage an estate on a client's behalf.

Attorneys Helping Executors

When a person has been named as the executor of a loved one's estate, he or she is responsible for carrying out a number of specific duties. While the average person may be aware of most of these duties, it is important for executors to comprehend the full scope of their responsibilities. As an executor or personal representative, an individual is accountable for many responsibilities, including:

• Identifying, gathering, and evaluating the assets that comprise the estate.
• Gathering necessary documents, including bank records and investment statements.
• Notifying financial institutions and other interested parties of the decedent's death.
• Presenting the will for probate.
• Satisfying outstanding obligations to debtors.
• Finding and notifying the heirs and beneficiaries.
• Preparing final tax returns.
• Distributing assets as directed by the estate plan.

It is important to keep in mind that an executor has a fiduciary duty to the estate, which means that he or she must act in the best interest of the estate at all times.

Skilled Probate Attorneys

Depending on the decedent's chosen estate planning strategy, estate administrators may need to wait until the probate process is complete before they can distribute the estate among the named heirs and beneficiaries. During probate, the decedent's will must be validated, and the probate court will ensure that all necessary considerations are addressed. Without proper preparation and guidance, probate can be an expensive, confusing, and time-consuming proceeding, but the attorneys at Rolewick & Gutzke, P.C. can help make the process simpler.

Contact Us Today

For practiced assistance with estate administration or probate in Illinois, contact our office. Call 630-653-1577 to schedule a consultation today. Our firm is proud to serve individuals and families in Wheaton, Downers Grove, Carol Stream, Naperville, Geneva, and St. Charles, along with the rest of Will, Kane, and DuPage Counties.