PROBATE, TRUST & ESTATE

Securing and protecting what matters most to you,
    after someone you love has passed.

INHERITANCE LAW

A seasoned inheritance attorney on the gift of resolution.

“There’s not a lot of finality in life, and what I personally like about this work is we can give people some kind of finality on inheritance issues. It’s something we can offer. We meet our clients where they’re at, work through their problem, and have the issue resolved.

Our typical client is looking for an inheritance attorney and they’ve just lost a loved one and found out that they’re appointed as the administrator of that estate or that trust. And they have no idea what to do. So they come to us and we work with them through the process of administration.

Another type of client has a loved one who has passed and they find out they’re a beneficiary to that loved one’s estate plan, and they haven’t received any information regarding the assets or the trust. They need an inheritance lawyer they can trust so they can get clarity on what’s happening in order to enforce their rights and prevent someone from handling the assets improperly or not doing the job they were chosen to do.

Whenever an inheritance is involved, we want to minimize the conflict between all the parties. That will have a benefit later on for themselves and their family for the rest of their lives. But you can’t problem-solve if everyone is at each other’s throats, so we try to cool things down and manage expectations before we determine if it is in our client’s best interest to begin the negotiation process.”

| Andrew Hays
What does an inheritance law client think of our work? Meet Cory Stephens.

“Compassion is what’s needed in this business. They get more involved with their clients and that’s what it’s all about.”

Your success in probate might have more to do with your inheritance dispute attorney than your dispute.

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.

An inheritance attorney can 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. But before you choose a lawyer for inheritance, do your homework. Look at a few websites of firms with  attorneys for inheritance. Read their testimonials. What do their clients have to say about them? Then book a consultation with a few inheritance lawyers and choose one who’s  respectful of you and your time, and whose values are in sync with your own. 

We hope you’ll consider choosing an inheritance lawyer at Staza Law. We’re a Chicago-based law firm with a number of inheritance dispute attorneys. We have helped thousands of 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 they’re settled fairly through the probate process.

What is an inheritance lawyer?

If you’ve recently lost a loved one, and you’re unsure what type of lawyer can help you with your inheritance issues.

An inheritance attorney 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, also known as an inheritance lawyer or a lawyer for inheritance, has specialized knowledge and experience with these issues, and can provide guidance and support to their clients throughout the inheritance process.

If you were searching for ‘inheritance attorney near me,’ you found them.

We’ve got a will, why do we 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 about 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. One of our inheritance lawyers at Staza Law 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. Reach out to Staza Law. One of our inheritance lawyers can provide guidance and support to help you navigate the process. 

By working with an experienced lawyer for inheritance at a law firm like Staza Law, 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 one of Staza Law’s lawyers for inheritance?

There are many lawyers for inheritance, but choosing the right one can make all the difference. What makes Staza Law the inheritance law firm of choice for many in Chicago and Cook County?

For starters, we’re 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. 

When you choose Staza Law 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. 

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.

“They’re very responsive; they answer the phone, they respond to messages, that’s something that this firm values very much.”

A Chicago inheritance lawyer’s answers to FAQs.

Q

What type of lawyer handles inheritance disputes?

When searching for a lawyer that deals with inheritance, look for someone who specializes 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.

Q

Where do I find lawyers that deal with inheritance?

Search in your area for lawyers and law firms that specialize in probate, wills, and trusts.

Q

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.

Q

Do I need an attorney for inheritance?

There are a number of reasons you might need a lawyer for inheritance. Here are a few. 

–   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’s 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.

Q

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 and an inheritance law firm, such as Staza Law, as quickly as possible to have your case reviewed.

Q

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.

Q

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 at an inheritance law firm, like Staza Law, today. We can schedule an initial consultation to evaluate your case.

Our Team

Andrew Hays
Principal
Antonia Hays
Partner
Jonathan Levy
Associate

“100% on board, start to finish.”

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