Estate attorneys in Libertyville must adhere to estate laws of Illinois when dealing with the personal effects of a decedent. No doubt some of them have come across cases where the family is gathered together for the reading of the will, just like in the old movies and they all sit around the table, with the lawyer at the head. The lawyer opens his briefcase and takes out the envelope and starts to read. As the reading finishes, disgruntled family members start to grown and complain about how the housekeeper got more than they did, how the gardener shouldn’t have got anything and why did so-and-so get the ring that they didn’t deserve. These situations are very contentious and emotionally charged, but because there was a will, they are cast in stone—to a degree. Yes, people can contest a will but they must have good reason or evidence to show that the decedent was in some way unduly influenced or coerced into making changes and this is not easy to prove. They must also prove that the decedent was not of sound mind when they wrote the will and without proof that, the terms of the will are usually upheld.
What Does a Will Do?
Essentially a will is your last will and testament. It is your lasting legacy and your final word before you meet your maker. A will is your final decision about how your estate is divided between your family members and friends and it is your last gift to them. You may have a home that you wish your spouse to inherit after you die or a vintage car that you want your son to have, or a sports car you have left for your daughter. The only way you can guarantee that they will inherit those items after you pass away is to plan your estate allocations beforehand.
When you do eventually pass away, your attorney will read your will and administer the proper procedures regarding bills owed to creditors, taxes and other essentials from the money you left behind. After all the monies owed are paid, the remainder is allocated to the mentioned parties in your will. And property or assets will also be allocated to any appropriately mentioned members of your family, from cars, houses, land, jewelry, money and paintings to other artifacts that you have left for them. Effectively, you will ensures that you last requests are carried out as per your wishes.
Without a will, the courts will usually divide up your assets equally amongst any of your suitable close heirs, whether you knew them or not. Ordinarily, your spouse will be your first heir, followed by your children. It is therefore advisable to plan your estate beforehand so you know what is going to whom, after your passing.
Looking for estate attorneys in Libertyville? Give Charles T Newland a call for expert probate help and advice.
