The Chicago Probate Process

The Chicago Probate Process

Probate is a legal process which was carried out upon the death of the maker of the will called as testator or testatrix. The process is carried by the surrogate also called as ‘Will Clerk’ on the basis of the instruction that was found in the Will left by the testator or testatrix. In the probate process the decedent’s will is investigated to find whether it is authentic and then the ownership is transferred legally.

The executor plays a vital role in the Chicago probate process. Executor is person who is originally appointed by the testator through his/ her will. According to the Chicago probate process the executor should file the original will at the probate court with the fee amount prescribed and get assigned a date to appear before the probate judge. The authenticity of the will is probed in and then the executor has to get a letter of office from the court to do the proceedings.

The Letter of Office is the original appointment order of the executor without which he/she cannot precede anything legally. The testator’s assets are taken control by the executor. The executor also gives notice to the testator’s creditors either in person or through newspapers. The Chicago probate process insists on the tax identification number for the estate and a checking account in the name of the estate with the help of which the executor pays all the necessary bill of the testator.

After the distribution of the assets and debts petition was given to the probate court to close the estate. All necessary information about the distribution has to be filled to the probate judge. Upon the satisfaction of the probate Judge the estate is closed. Depending upon the complexity of the case the duration of the probate process extends up to one year. The normal duration is around 7 to 9 months.