Chicago Probate Litigation Attorneys

At Business Law Group, probate litigation can be an emotionally and legally complex process. Indeed, when there are disputes over wills, estates, or trusts, the stakes can be very high, and the position taken on family relationships is substantial. That is where we come in—to help guide you through these times with compassionate, aggressive representation for your protection of rights. Be it that you are an heir contesting a will, a trustee defending against claims, or a beneficiary seeking to enforce your rights, we fully understand the need to resolve probate disputes efficiently. With our service areas covering the greater Chicago area, we are here to help you with legal counsel whenever you want it. If you are dealing with a probate dispute, contact us at 224-353-6498 for a complimentary consultation with an experienced Chicago probate litigation attorney.

About Our Firm & Founder

Business Law Group was founded by Ryan Van Osdol, a dedicated attorney who Super Lawyers has awarded as a Rising Star from 2012 to 2020. With years of experience in probate litigation, our firm believes in providing people involved in estate disputes with strategic and individualized legal services. Whether you are an executor, trustee, or beneficiary, our methods vary depending on the facts of your case. We strive to effectively resolve any disputes while protecting your legal rights and the wishes of your loved one. Our team offers a strong background in Illinois probate law combined with a client-oriented approach for the best possible outcome in every case.

How We Can Help You

At Business Law Group, we take a very balanced approach toward the prosecution of probate-related litigation matters, noting both the legal and personal dynamics involved in these disputes. We understand that disputes about wills, trusts, and estates are emotionally taxing on family relationships. We still do everything within our power to help our clients resolve their disputes over wills, trusts, and estates as efficiently and with a minimum amount of discord as possible. We remain aggressive about your rights and the administration of the estate or trust according to Illinois probate law. Our experience in probate litigation allows us to take on a wide variety of disputes, from will contests to breach of fiduciary duty claims. We believe in giving you clear, proactive legal advice so you can move through the sometimes overwhelming process with confidence.

Probate Litigation Legal Services

Probate litigation refers to the disputes that often arise in administering the estate of a deceased person. Such disputes are usually emotionally charged, legally complex, and financially significant. At Business Law Group, we would be happy to provide representation to individuals and their families across a range of issues related to probate, including negotiating the conflicts and handling the distribution of the decedent’s assets with respect to his or her wishes. Whether it is a will challenge, beneficiary dispute, or claim against an executor or trustee, we are here to help our clients navigate these difficult times with the legal experience and representation they require.

Will Contests

Challenging or defending a challenge to the validity of a will requires a detailed knowledge of probate law and the underlying facts concerning the preparation of the will. Our attorneys at Business Law Group help clients contest wills based on undue influence, lack of testamentary capacity, fraud, and improper execution. These cases can be unusually complex because testimony from many various witnesses—medical professionals and handwriting experts, for example—might be necessary for the trial. We work diligently to build a strong case on your behalf to ensure that the will is either upheld or contested based on the merits of any claim under the legal standards created by Illinois law.

Trust Disputes

Trusts are established in order to provide clear direction as to how assets should be distributed, but disputes can arise over how those documents are interpreted and administered. At Business Law Group, we assist our clients with their trust disputes, including filing a claim against the trustee for breach of fiduciary duty or disagreements among beneficiaries relating to the terms of the trust. We work to ensure fairness in the administration of the trust and according to the wishes set by the grantor. Our goal is to safeguard your interests if you are a trustee defending your actions or the beneficiary seeking to assert your rights.

Breach Of Fiduciary Duty Claims

The executor, trustee, and administrator have a fiduciary duty to manage the estate or trust in the best interest of the beneficiaries. If, through mismanagement, self-dealing, or negligence, they fail to do this, an estate or trust can suffer enormous financial losses. At Business Law Group, we help beneficiaries who believe that a fiduciary has breached this duty and also defend executors and trustees against such claims. We work to hold fiduciaries accountable for their actions, secure restitution if there are any losses, and ensure proper management of the estate or trust.

Beneficiary Disputes

Conflicts between beneficiaries occur frequently regarding the distribution of assets, interpretation of a will or trust, or disagreements about the administration of the estate or trust. These disputes often become quite contentious due to the strong emotions that follow the loss of a loved one. At Business Law Group, we represent beneficiaries in resolving such disputes through mediation, negotiation, or litigation, as appropriate. Our objective is always to protect the rights of our beneficiary clients by reaching as fair and equitable a resolution as possible—one that both carries out the decedent’s wishes and safeguards the beneficiary’s rights.

Executor And Trustee Defense

As an executor or trustee, you bear a number of substantial legal and financial responsibilities. Unfortunately, disputes can sometimes arise with the administration of the estate or trust, leading to assertions of breach of fiduciary duty, mismanagement, or failure to abide by the terms of the will or trust. At Business Law Group, we defend executors and trustees against such assertions. We provide clear legal guidance to ensure that your actions are in accord with Illinois probate law and that you are protected from liability.

Estate And Trust Administration Disputes

Administration of estates and trusts typically involves complex decisions pertaining to the management and distribution of the decedent’s assets. Business Law Group brings knowledge and experience to the table in case of disputes over the value of assets, payment of debts, or the meaning of provisions. We represent beneficiaries, executors, and trustees in estate and trust administration disputes to ensure the process is carried out according to the decedent’s wishes and Illinois law.

Guardianship Disputes

Guardianship cases can be about initial appointments, disputes involving asset management of wards, or the ward’s personal well-being. This type of case often involves sensitive family dynamics, and it is upon the parties involved to take steps that ensure the best interests of the ward are safeguarded. The attorneys at Business Law Group handle guardianship disputes with compassion and professionalism, fighting for the rights of the ward and ensuring that guardians do what the law requires of them.

Inheritance Rights Disputes

Disputes over inheritance rights arise whenever heirs believe they have been wrongfully excluded from a will or trust or if there is an issue regarding the validity of the inheritance documents. At Business Law Group., we work for our clients in disputes relating to inheritance rights to ensure that rightful heirs get their rightful inheritance under Illinois law. Whether you are an heir seeking to enforce your rights or a beneficiary defending against a challenge, we are here for legal support.

Contact Our Chicago Probate Litigation Attorneys For Exceptional Representation

At Business Law Group, we take care of probate disputes with utmost care and professionalism. We know very well that these kinds of disputes may affect you emotionally and financially, and we will strive to give you legal advice to help ensure the protection of your interest in the issue and achieve a successful result. Contact our Chicago probate litigation attorneys at Business Law Group by calling 224-353-6498 to receive your free consultation. Let us assist you in navigating any probate litigation case clearly and confidently.