Niles Probate Lawyer

Probate is a court proceeding required by law to open and administer an estate after a person's death,  collect the deceased's assets, paying all debts and taxes and distributing the assets to the deceased's beneficiaries named in the will or to the heirs if there is no will. Estate administration includes the probate process as well as nonprobate transfers of the deceased's assets and winding up of all of the deceased's worldly business. To avoid legal problems during or after probate, it's important to have an experienced probate lawyer guide you through the process.

I am Jay A. Slutzky, attorney at law. From my office in Niles, Illinois, I advise and help executors and administrators throughout Chicago and the north and northwest Chicago suburbs from the opening of the estate through final distribution of assets and closing the estate.

In Illinois, an executor or administrator of an estate must be represented in court by an attorney.  I have more than 45 years of experience in the probate and administration of Illinois estates, preparation of federal and Illinois estate tax returns, clearance of titles to the deceased's real estate and personal property, and supervision of distribution of the deceased's assets to his or her heirs, beneficiaries and legatees. I work directly with executors and administrators to find and collect the deceased's assets, pay bills, minimize taxes and ensure that the deceased's assets are distributed correctly.

Many assets can be distributed directly to beneficiaries without the need for probate. Proper estate planning can eliminate the need for probate.  I have the experience necessary to determine and advise whether probate is necessary.