By signing up you agree to our
Whether you are just starting a business, are an experienced entrepreneur, or would just like to make sure your loved ones are protected in the event of a death, we would be pleased to have a conversation to see whether we are a good fit for each other.
When you or a loved one becomes disabled or dies a variety of personal, legal, financial and tax matters must be addressed. These can be complicated and unintuitive. However, ignoring them can have extremely harmful negative impacts for all involved. We will help you tackle these issues with the personal, practical, and focused skill they deserve, and we will help you develop a plan to tackle these issues.
A wide variety of legal, income tax, estate tax, financial and administrative matters may have to be addressed when someone dies. We help our clients (generally the executor, administrator, or trustee) through the process, whether or not Probate is required.
If the deceased had estate planning documents we review them to determine that they are valid and enforceable under the law. Assuming they are valid, we then assist our client in interpreting the documents in light of the applicable law and facts. If there are no valid estate planning documents, we help determine who is entitled to what assets, whether Probate is required and who has the legal right to speak on behalf of the estate.
We work closely with our client to carry out the wishes of the deceased, fulfill the client’s legal and ethical responsibilities, minimize costs and problems, and make the process as efficient and stress free as possible. In addition to customary estate administration services, we can advise our clients regarding Estate tax and Income tax issues and prepare Federal and state Returns.
This process almost always feels daunting for our clients as they are thrust into a new unfamiliar role, with a mountain of unknown information, with many competing issues to address. We work closely with our clients so that they can develop a clear path forward through this difficult process.
If valid documents are not in place then Illinois law requires that the matters go to the Probate Court and the judge assigned to the case will decide who will take care of personal and financial matters. That is, the judge appoints the Guardian of the Person and Guardian of the Estate. This court process involves doctors, lawyers and input from family, friends, and often a Guardian ad Litem. The process can turn into litigation if there is disagreement among your family members and friends.
We counsel our clients on the legal issues, practical considerations, and possible options involved in Guardianship. We then help our clients through the process taking into consideration the best interests of the disabled adult, emotional toll, costs, time, and frustrations.
Lorem ipsum dolor, sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Eum exercitationem pariatur iure nemo esse repellendus est quo recusandae. Delectus, maxime
Lorem ipsum dolor, sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Eum exercitationem pariatur iure nemo esse repellendus est quo recusandae. Delectus, maxime
Lorem ipsum dolor, sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Eum exercitationem pariatur iure nemo esse repellendus est quo recusandae. Delectus, maxime
Lorem ipsum dolor, sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Eum exercitationem pariatur iure nemo esse repellendus est quo recusandae. Delectus, maxime
Contact Baker Hartley P.C.
Whether you are just starting a business, are an experienced entrepreneur, or would just like to make sure your loved ones are protected in the event of a death, we would be pleased to have a conversation to see whether we are a good fit for each other.