FAQ
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My goal is to help ease the burden of estate administration. There are dozens of tasks that need to be done, and I can help getting them listed, organized into a plan, and (when requested by a client) I can handle tasks to take them off your plate.
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Executors, administrators or trustees (depending upon how the estate is set up and whether there was a trust). Essentially, it is whoever is responsible for closing down a loved one's estate post-death. I work with both non-professional executors (often family members) and appointed professional executors/trustees.
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Every client situation will be different. My process is to start with a package of a certain number of hours, and as those are coming to an end, I work with the client to assess how much more assistance they would like.
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I do not give legal advice, which means I will not draft estate planning documents or handle estate related litigation. I also do not handle funeral arrangements or celebrations of life.
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No. My client is the executor or trustee with the legal authority to make decisions on behalf of the estate.
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No. While I am a licensed attorney and take my duty as a fiduciary seriously, I will not be acting as your attorney. If you do not have a Trusts & Estates attorney, and you need one, I can help recommend some in the Chicago area for you to consider.
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No. My role is to help support the executor/trustee, so they feel organized and in control. I do not take over the role or make any decisions regarding the estate.
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You would sign paperwork naming me as an authorized agent. I don’t do anything before first getting your permission, and will communicate regularly to make sure you’re aware of what’s being done on your behalf.
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It depends. Every situation is different, but it is not uncommon for it to take 1-2 years to close down an estate. Below is a graphic with examples of vendors that could be involved and need to be managed. My goal is to help make the process as smooth as possible and give my clients whatever support they need.
