PROBATE:

Probate is the legal process in which a deceased person's estate assets are gathered and debts are paid to the extent possible. Any remaining assets are then distributed to the designated beneficiaries named in the Will, or if there is no Will to your heirs. This legal process and procedure can be complicated and time consuming. A probate attorney is required to make sure all filing requirements are met and that the estate is distributed as required by the Illinois Probate Act.