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List of Forms by Chapter - Chapter 1 — Initial Steps in Advising the Family
- Chapter Summary
- I. [1.1] Introduction
-
II. [1.2] Arrangements for Anatomical Gifts, Autopsies, Funerals, and Disposition of Remains - III. Informing the Family About Estate Administration
- [1.11] Identifying Your Client and Scope of Representation
- [1.12] Initial Meeting with the Decedent’s Family
- [1.13] Obtaining the Original Will and Certified Copies of the Death Certificate
- [1.14] Assessment of the Executor’s or Administrator’s Interest and Ability To Manage the Estate
- [1.15] Reviewing the Will and Trust or Intestacy Statute and Discussing the Administrative Requirements of the Fiduciary
- [1.16] Determining Whether an Estate Tax Return Will Be Due
- [1.17] Outlining the Probate Process
- Safe-Deposit Boxes
- [1.18] Access by a Joint Owner, Executor, or Administrator
- [1.19] Access To Obtain an Original Will or Burial Documents
- [1.20] Filing the Original Will
- Jointly Held Assets and Payable-on-Death Accounts
- [1.21] Estate Tax Apportionment
- [1.22] Joint Tenancy Accounts
- [1.23] Stock Held in Joint Tenancy
- [1.24] Real Estate Held Jointly
- [1.25] Payable-on-Death Accounts
- [1.26] Convenience Accounts
- Life Insurance
- [1.27] Identification of the Beneficiaries and Payment of the Proceeds
- [1.28] Estate as Beneficiary
- [1.29] Life Insurance Owned by Decedent on Life of Another
- [1.30] Estate Taxation of Life Insurance
- [1.31] Social Security and Veterans Affairs Benefits
- IV. [1.32] Small Estate Affidavit
- V. [1.37] Informal Settlement of the Estate
- VI. Beginning Tax Issues
- VII. Appendix — Sample Forms
- Chapter 2 — Opening the Probate Estate and Alternatives to Probate
- Chapter Summary
- I. Introduction to Probate
- II. [2.4] Immediate Actions Following Death
- III. Initial Steps for Formal Probate
- [2.11] Identifying the Personal Representative of the Estate
- [2.12] Power of Executor To Act Before Estate Is Opened
- [2.13] Executor as Personal Representative
- [2.14] Administrator as Personal Representative
- [2.15] Administrator To Collect as Personal Representative
- [2.16] Special Administrators and Wrongful-Death Actions
- IV. [2.17] Location and Types of Probate
- V. Opening the Estate in Court
- [2.21] Overview and Practice Considerations
- [2.22] Opening a Testate Estate
- [2.23] Documents and Time Frames for Testate Administration
- [2.24] Proof of Will
- [2.25] Documents and Time Frames for Intestate Administration
- [2.26] Electronic Filing
- [2.27] Notices
- [2.28] Notice to Heirs and Legatees
- Notice to Creditors
- [2.29] Duty To Publish
- [2.30] Duty To Notify All Known Creditors
- [2.31] Proof of Mailing and Publication
- VI. [2.32] Claims, Awards, Elective Shares, and Contests
- VII. [2.40] Final Considerations
- VIII. Forms
- Chapter 3 — Counseling the Personal Representative, Marshaling Assets, and Inventory
- Chapter Summary
- I. [3.1] Introduction
- II. Counseling the Personal Representative
- [3.2] Responsibilities of a Fiduciary
- [3.3] Terms of the Documents
- [3.4] Court Process
- [3.5] Illinois Trust Code Notice
- [3.6] Maintaining Assets
- [3.7] Cash Needs
- Miscellaneous Items
- [3.8] Mail
- [3.9] Credit Cards and Charge Accounts
- [3.10] Annuity Checks
- [3.11] Social Security Checks
- [3.12] Termination of Utilities
- [3.13] Claims Against the Estate
- [3.14] Surviving Spouse’s and Child’s Awards
- [3.15] Vouchers for Disbursements
- [3.16] Cancellation or Assignment of Insurance Policies
- [3.17] Explanatory Letter to the Personal Representative
- III. The Attorney’s Responsibilities
- IV. Collecting Information
- V. [3.27] Types of Assets and How To Collect Them
- [3.28] Real Estate
- [3.29] Stocks
- [3.30] Bonds
- [3.31] Savings Bonds
- [3.32] Bank Accounts and Other Cash-Equivalent Accounts
- [3.33] Life Insurance
- [3.34] Tax-Deferred Assets
- [3.35] Automobile
- [3.36] Personal Property
- [3.37] Partnerships
- [3.38] Closely Held Business
- [3.39] Joint Assets
- [3.40] Refunds
- [3.41] Mortgages and Notes
- [3.42] Personal Loans
- [3.43] Miscellaneous Assets
- [3.44] Small Estate Affidavit
- VI. [3.45] Appendix — Sample Forms
- [3.46] Appointment of Agent for Safe-Deposit Box Access or Sale of Personal Property Pursuant to Small Estate Affidavit
- [3.47] Inventory
- [3.48] Affidavit of Domicile
- [3.49] Power of Assignment for Stock
- [3.50] Letter of Direction for Stock
- [3.51] Power of Assignment for Bond
- [3.52] Letter of Direction for Bank Account
- [3.53] Letter to Insurance Company Requesting IRS Form 712
- [3.54] Overview of Duties of Executor and Successor Trustee
- Chapter 4 — Consideration in Advising the Fiduciary After Death
- Chapter Summary
- I. [4.1] Introduction
- II. [4.2] Review of the Controlling Documents
- III. [4.3] Communication with Beneficiaries
- IV. [4.4] Whom Does the Attorney Represent?
- V. [4.5] Role of the Court
- VI. [4.6] Fiduciary’s Duties to Beneficiary
- VII. [4.15] Deadlines
- VIII. [4.16] Disclaimers
- IX. [4.17] Distributions
- X. [4.18] Joint Bank Accounts
- XI. [4.19] Will and Trust Construction
- XII. Reformation
- XIII. [4.22] Family Settlement Agreements
- XIV. [4.23] Virtual Representation
- XV. [4.24] Distribution of Trust Principal in Further Trust — “Decanting”
- Chapter 5 — Claims Against the Estate
- Chapter Summary
- I. [5.1] Introduction
- II. Notification of Creditors
- [5.2] Publication of Claims Notice
- [5.3] Local Rules for Publication of Claims Notice
- [5.4] Cook County
- [5.5] Collar Counties
- [5.6] Downstate Counties
- [5.7] Certificate of Publication
- [5.8] Cook County
- [5.9] Collar Counties
- [5.10] Downstate Counties
- Due Process — Actual Notice
- [5.11] Statutory and Due-Process Requirements
- Requirements of Illinois Claims Statute — Actual Notice
- [5.12] Duty of Representative To Determine Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Creditors
- [5.13] Representative’s Failure To Provide Actual Notice
- [5.14] Duty of Representative To Determine Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Creditor’s Address
- [5.15] Documentation of Action To Determine Reasonably Ascertainable Creditors
- [5.16] Burden of Proof Requirement
- [5.17] Written Notice to Known and Reasonably Ascertainable Creditors of the Decedent
- III. [5.18] Time Limitation for Filing Claim Against Estate
- IV. Legal Requirements of Filing Claim
- V. [5.27] Allowance of Claim
- VI. Disallowance of Claim
- VII. Contested Claims
- VIII. Classification of Claims and Priority of Payment of Claims
- [5.38] Classification of Claims and Effect on Payment of Claims
- [5.39] First-Class Claims — Expenses of Administration
- [5.40] Second-Class Claims — Surviving Spouse’s and Children’s Statutory Awards
- [5.41] Third-Class Claims — Amounts Due the United States
- [5.42] Fourth-Class Claims — Amounts Owed to Employees and Medical Expenses
- [5.43] Fifth-Class Claims — Property Held in Trust by Decedent
- [5.44] Sixth-Class Claims — Debts to the State
- [5.45] Seventh-Class Claims — All Other Claims
- [5.46] Secured Property
- [5.47] Claims of Persons Who Are Minors or Under Disability
- [5.48] Insolvent Estates
- IX. Source of Payment of Claims
- X. Creditor’s Right To Pursue Its Claim
- XI. [5.56] Types of Creditors’ Claims
- Absolute Claims
- [5.57] General Rules
- [5.58] Claims Not Due at Time of Death
- [5.59] Contingent Claims
- Specific Types of Claims
- [5.60] Tort Claims
- [5.61] Contract Claims
- [5.62] Claims Based on Notes and Written Instruments
- [5.63] Claims Based on Loans Made to Decedent Before Death
- [5.64] Claims Based on Oral Loans
- [5.65] Claims Based on Decedent’s Guaranty of Note
- [5.66] Claims Filed by Administrators
- [5.67] Claims of the State Against Children and Adults with Disabilities
- [5.68] Claims of State of Illinois To Recover Medicaid Benefits
- [5.69] Claims for Malpractice
- Related Litigation Action
- [5.70] Death of a Party; Survival of Action; Limitations
- [5.71] Actions Premised on Fraud of Decedent
- [5.72] Actions Against Representative for Contract To Make Will
- XII. [5.73] Custodial Care Claims — Statutory and Otherwise
- XIII. [5.80] Claims Based on Contracts Between Spouses
- XIV. [5.84] Claims Against Nonprobate Property
- [5.85] Joint Tenancy Assets
- [5.86] Totten Trust Accounts
- [5.87] Payable-on-Death Accounts
- [5.88] Living Trusts
- [5.89] Illinois Land Trusts
- [5.90] Spendthrift Trusts
- [5.91] Life Insurance Proceeds
- [5.92] Retirement Accounts
- [5.93] Gifts
- [5.94] Gifts Causa Mortis
- [5.95] Fraudulent Conveyances
- [5.96] Disclaimers
- [5.97] Unadministered Estates
- [5.98] Small Estate Affidavit
- [5.99] Summary Administration
- [5.100] Bond in Lieu of Probate
- [5.101] Claims Against Power of Appointment Property
- [5.102] Supplementary Proceedings — Judgment Creditor
- XV. [5.103] Loans or Advances to Estate
- XVI. [5.104] Family Expense Statute
- XVII. [5.105] Claims in Ancillary Probate Estates
- XVIII. Appendix
- Chapter 6 — Managing Decedent’s Personal and Real Property
- Chapter Summary
- I. Introduction
- [6.1] Scope of Chapter
- [6.2] Statutory Sources of Managerial and Investment Authority
- [6.3] General Duties and Liabilities of Executor
- Breach of Fiduciary Duty
- [6.4] Generally
- [6.5] Damages for Breach of Fiduciary Duty
- [6.6] Protection from Liability
- [6.7] Delegation
- [6.8] Liability for Agents or Advisors
- [6.9] Role of Probate Court
- II. Management of Personal Property
- [6.10] General Comments
- [6.11] Authority To Sell Personal Property
- [6.12] Procedure for Selling Personal Property
- [6.13] Deposit of Personal Estate with Corporate Fiduciary To Reduce Bond
- [6.14] Mortgaging, Pledging, or Leasing Personal Property
- [6.15] Mortgage of Agricultural Commodities
- [6.16] Procedure for Mortgaging, Pledging, or Leasing Personal Property
- [6.17] Completion of Decedent’s Contract To Sell Personal Property
- [6.18] Transfer of Securities
- [6.19] Operation of Decedent’s Business
- III. [6.20] Investment of Estate Assets
- IV. Management of Real Property
- [6.21] General Comments
- [6.22] Real Estate Management Checklist
- [6.23] Administration of Real Property That Qualifies for Special-Use Valuation Election
- [6.24] Leasing Real Property
- Selling or Mortgaging Real Property
- [6.25] Generally
- [6.26] Procedure for Sale or Mortgage of Real Property
- [6.27] Completion of Decedent’s Contract Regarding Real Property
- V. Management of Digital Assets of Decedent
- [6.28] General Comments
- Fiduciary’s Ability to Access Accounts
- [6.29] Online Tools
- [6.30] Terms of Last Will and Testament
- [6.31] Terms-of-Service Agreement
- [6.32] Disclosure of Contents of Electronic Communications
- [6.33] Executor’s Duties for Closing Accounts and Guarding Confidentiality
- [6.34] Cryptocurrency
- VI. Sample Pleadings
- Chapter 7 — Handling Charitable Bequests and Charitable Trusts
- Chapter Summary
- I. [7.1] Introduction
- II. Initial Confirmations
- III. [7.6] Identifying and Administering Restricted Gifts
- IV. [7.13] Identifying What Estate Property Interest Is Subject of Charitable Gift
- V. [7.18] Estate Tax Charitable Deduction — Internal Revenue Code §2055
- [7.19] Unlimited Charitable Deduction
- [7.20] Qualified Charity
- [7.21] Gross Estate Inclusion
- [7.22] Decedent-Donor
- [7.23] Impact of Restricted Gift on Estate Tax Charitable Deduction
- [7.24] Insufficient Estate
- [7.25] Actual Net Receipt
- [7.26] Charging Estate Tax and Administration Expenses
- [7.27] Income Tax Election for Deducting Administration Expenses
- [7.28] Funding Problem — Estate Tax Value Different from Charitable Deduction Value
- [7.29] Charitable Purposes
- [7.30] Power To Choose Charitable Beneficiaries
- [7.31] Indefinite or Discretionary Testamentary Gifts
- [7.32] Conditional and Contingent Testamentary Gifts
- Split-Interest Testamentary Gifts
- [7.33] Marital Deduction Trusts Followed by Gift to Charity
- [7.34] Charitable Remainder Trusts, Pooled Income Funds, and Charitable Lead Trusts
- [7.35] Spouse with Lead Interest in Charitable Remainder Trust
- [7.36] Non-Spouse with Lead Interest
- [7.37] Other Split-Interest Arrangements
- [7.38] Inadvertent Nonqualified Split-Interest Arrangements
- Void or Voidable Testamentary Gifts
- [7.39] Void Testamentary Gifts
- [7.40] Voidable Testamentary Gifts
- [7.41] Pledges
- [7.42] Settlement Agreements and Estate Contests
- Notices of Termination of Tax-Exempt Status, Self-Dealing, Political Activities, and Other Disqualifications
- [7.43] Private Foundation Status, Self-Dealing, and Governing Documents
- [7.44] Tax-Exempt Status Has Not Been Recognized and Timely Notice Is Not Given to Secretary That Tax-Exempt Status Is Being Sought
- [7.45] Foreign Organization Engaged in Self-Dealing
- [7.46] Political Activity
- [7.47] Evidence To Be Filed with Federal Estate Tax Return
- VI. [7.48] Determining Charges or Allocations of Administrative Expenses and Death Taxes
- [7.49] Tax and Expense Apportionment Clause in the Decedent’s Will: What Does It Say?
- [7.50] Equitable Apportionment
- [7.51] The “Stepchild” Charitable Deduction
- [7.52] Illinois Common-Law Equitable Apportionment Rules
- [7.53] Federal Tax Apportionment Rules
- [7.54] Abatement
- [7.55] Deduction for State and Foreign Death Taxes
- VII. Income Tax Considerations
- VIII. [7.59] Registration with Illinois Attorney General
- IX. Opportunities To Enhance Effects of Charitable Gift
- [7.60] Effective Use of Income in Respect of a Decedent
- [7.61] The Pecuniary Trap
- [7.62] Fiduciary’s Discretionary Powers
- [7.63] Disclaimer
- [7.64] Reformation of Split-Interest Gifts Under Internal Revenue Code
- [7.65] Amendment of Private Foundation and Split-Interest Trust by Trustee Under Illinois Statute
- [7.66] Cy Pres — Reformation of Charitable Gift Under Illinois Law
- [7.67] Equitable Deviation
- [7.68] Early Termination of Trust by Statutory Authority
- [7.69] Early Termination of Charitable Trust by Authority of Common Law
- [7.70] Decanting or Transfer to Second Trust
- [7.71] Enforcement of Charitable Purpose
- X. Up Front: Identifying the Not-So-Obvious Traps That May Affect a Charitable Gift
- XI. [7.76] Conclusion
- XII. Appendix
- Chapter 8 — Planning for Death Benefits from Life Insurance and Retirement Arrangements
- Chapter Summary
- I. [8.1] Introduction
- II. Death Benefits Under Qualified Retirement Plans and Individual Retirement Arrangements
- [8.2] Overview
- Minimum Distribution Rules
- [8.3] In General
- [8.4] Uniform Lifetime Table
- [8.5] Deferral After the Participant’s Death
- [8.6] Method for Determining Required Minimum Distributions
- [8.7] Which IRS Table Should You Use?
- [8.8] Computing Required Minimum Distributions
- [8.9] Required Beginning Date — Individual Retirement Arrangements and Five-Percent Owners
- [8.10] Required Beginning Date — Qualified Plans
- [8.11] “Five-Percent Owner” Defined
- [8.12] First Distribution Year
- Post-Death Distribution Rules
- [8.13] In General
- [8.14] Post-Death Distributions
- [8.15] No Designated Beneficiary
- [8.16] Designated Beneficiary
- [8.17] Eligible Designated Beneficiary
- [8.18] Designation Date of Designated Beneficiaries
- [8.19] Qualifying Trust Rules
- [8.20] “Qualifying Trust” Defined
- [8.21] Multiple Beneficiaries
- [8.22] What Beneficiaries Must Be Considered
- [8.23] Subsequent Death of an Eligible Designated Beneficiary
- [8.24] Rules Applicable to a Surviving Spouse
- [8.25] Joint and Last Survivor Table
- [8.26] Required Minimum Distribution to Surviving Spouse
- [8.27] Surviving Spouse Rollover Rules
- [8.28] Non-Spouse Beneficiary Rollover to an Inherited Individual Retirement Arrangement
- [8.29] Separate Account Rules
- [8.30] Roth Individual Retirement Arrangement to Surviving Spouse
- [8.31] Compliance with Minimum Distribution Rules
- [8.32] Creditor Claims
- III. Death Benefits Under Nonqualified Deferred-Compensation Plans
- IV. [8.35] Death-Benefit-Only Plans
- V. [8.36] Stock Options
- VI. [8.37] Section 83 Property
- VII. [8.38] Income Taxation of Life Insurance Proceeds
- VIII. Nontax Issues
- Chapter 9 — Account, Report, and Distribution
- Chapter Summary
- I. Introduction
- II. Current Account and Distribution Prior to Final Account
- III. Final Account — Informal Procedure
- IV. Final Account — Formal Procedure
- Contents, Form, and Attachments
- [9.11] Printed Forms
- Methods for Preparing Accounts
- [9.12] Inventory Method and Form
- [9.13] Chronological Method and Form
- [9.14] Attachments Suggested or Required
- Procedure for Determining Attorney and Representative Fees
- [9.15] As Part of Final Account
- [9.16] Special Petition to Court
- Approval Procedure for Final Account
- [9.17] Notice of Hearing
- [9.18] Final Report
- [9.19] Effect of Current Account
- [9.20] Hearing
- Distribution
- [9.21] Receipt for Distribution
- [9.22] Transfer of Securities After Approval of Final Account
- [9.23] When Receipt for Distribution Is Unobtainable
- [9.24] Report of Distribution
- [9.25] Order Discharging Representative
- [9.26] Discharge of Bond and Sureties
- V. Independent Administration
- VI. Remedies upon Representative’s Failure To Account
- Chapter 10 — Ancillary Administration
- Chapter Summary
- I. Introduction
- II. Ancillary Administration
- [10.5] In General
- [10.6] Must There Be Probate in Illinois?
- [10.7] Ancillary Administration of Personalty — When Required in Illinois
- [10.8] Ancillary Administration of Personalty — When Desired in Illinois
- [10.9] Ancillary Administration of Personalty — Distribution of Personal Estate
- [10.10] Ancillary Administration of Real Estate — When Required in Illinois
- [10.11] Relationship of Ancillary Representative and Domiciliary Representative
- [10.12] Admission of Nonresident’s Will in Illinois by Copy or by Original Proof
- [10.13] Responsibilities and Powers of Ancillary Representative
- [10.14] Claims Against Estate in Ancillary Administration
- [10.15] Ancillary Proceedings — Accounting and Settlement
- Ancillary Administration Procedure and Forms
- [10.16] Petition for Probate of Will and Letters Testamentary
- [10.17] Sample Form of Petition for Probate of Will and Letters Testamentary
- [10.18] Sample Form of Order Admitting Will to Probate
- [10.19] Sample Form of Order Appointing Representative and Approving Bond
- [10.20] Sample Form of Order Appointing Representative and Designating Bond as Required by Statute
- III. Rights of Legal Representative of Nonresident Decedent and Limitation of Legal Representative of Nonresident Decedent with Respect to Illinois Personalty and Realty
- [10.21] Taking Possession of Personal Property of Nonresident Decedent
- [10.22] Sample Form of Affidavit To Obtain Property of Nonresident Decedent
- Foreign Personal Representative for Nonresident Decedent — Rights
- [10.23] Right To Sue in Illinois
- [10.24] Proceedings Against Nonresident Legal Representative
- [10.25] Sale or Mortgage of Real and Personal Property
- [10.26] Sale of Real Estate and Personalty
- [10.27] Sale of Illinois Real Estate Without Illinois Court Approval
- [10.28] Admission of Foreign Will Without Letters of Office
- [10.29] Foreign Will with Power of Sale
- [10.30] Foreign Will Without Power of Sale
- [10.31] Qualification by Foreign Legal Representative
- IV. Duties of Legal Representative of Nonresident Decedent with Respect to Income Taxation of the Illinois Estate
- Chapter 11 — The Effective Use of Disclaimers in Estate Administration
- Chapter Summary
- I. Introduction
- II. The Federal Tax Rules
- In General
- [11.4] “Disclaimers” Defined
- [11.5] Evolution of Internal Revenue Code §2518 and the Applicable Treasury Regulations
- [11.6] Law Applicable to Disclaimers Not Governed by Internal Revenue Code §2518
- [11.7] Effect of a Qualified Disclaimer
- [11.8] Creditors’ Claims
- [11.9] Compliance with State Law
- Requirements for a Valid Disclaimer
- [11.10] Irrevocable and Unqualified
- [11.11] In Writing
- [11.12] Signed by Disclaimant or Another Acting on Disclaimant’s Behalf
- Time Limit
- [11.13] Overview
- [11.14] The Nine-Month Rule
- [11.15] Commencement of Disclaimer Period
- [11.16] Disclaimers of Jointly Owned Property
- [11.17] Other Situations
- [11.18] Planning Considerations
- No Acceptance of Benefits
- [11.19] Actions by a Prospective Disclaimant
- [11.20] Acts indicating acceptance
- [11.21] Acts not indicating acceptance
- [11.22] Actions by Fiduciaries
- No Direction by Disclaimant of Enjoyment of Disclaimed Interest
- [11.23] In General
- [11.24] To Someone Other than the Disclaimant
- [11.25] Without Direction
- [11.26] Disclaimer of Powers by Fiduciary
- [11.27] Disclaimer by Surviving Spouse
- [11.28] Partial Failure of Disclaimer by Disclaimant Other than Surviving Spouse
- [11.29] Effect of Precatory Language in Disclaimer
- Disclaimers of Less than an Entire Interest
- [11.30] Separate Interests
- [11.31] Severable Property
- [11.32] Powers of Appointment
- [11.33] Nominal Interests
- [11.34] Separate Interests in Specific Trust Assets
- [11.35] Disclaimer of an Undivided Portion
- [11.36] Disclaimer of a Pecuniary Amount
- [11.37] Simultaneous Application of Various Disclaimer Rules
- III. [11.38] Planning for Disclaimers — Drafting Considerations
- IV. Postmortem Planning with Disclaimers
- V. Problem Areas in Disclaimer Planning
- [11.43] Inability To Cut Back a Power
- [11.44] Inability To Disclaim What You Already Own
- [11.45] Inability of Minor, Unborn, or Unascertained Remainderpersons To Disclaim
- [11.46] Beneficiaries’ Reluctance To Reduce Their Interests
- [11.47] Disclaimers of a Pecuniary Amount in Trust
- [11.48] Difficulty in Anticipating Why a Disclaimer Might Be Needed
- [11.49] Difficulty with Formula Disclaimers of Formula Bequests
- VI. [11.50] Drafting a Disclaimer
- VII. [11.51] Appendix: Sample Disclaimer
- Chapter 12 — Attorneys’ and Representatives’ Fees
- Chapter Summary
- I. [12.1] Scope of Chapter
- II. Attorneys’ Fees
- [12.2] Statutory Guidelines
- [12.3] Liability for Attorneys’ Fees
- Entitlement to Fees
- [12.4] In General
- [12.5] Parties Served
- [12.6] Assets Administered
- [12.7] Fees for Estate Litigation
- [12.8] Will Contest
- [12.9] Will Construction Suit — Trial Court
- [12.10] Will Construction Suit — Appellate Court
- [12.11] Unnecessary Litigation
- [12.12] Actions Against Estate’s Representative
- [12.13] Pending Actions Brought by or Against Decedent Prior to Death
- [12.14] Fees for Time Expended in Collection of Fees
- [12.15] Fees for Services of Personal Benefit to Representative
- [12.16] Fees for Multiple Counsel
- [12.17] Fees and Best Interests of Estate
- [12.18] Parameters of Reasonable Fee Award
- [12.19] Elements of Value
- Proof of Value
- [12.20] In General
- [12.21] Expert Testimony
- Time Records
- [12.22] Why Record
- [12.23] What To Record
- [12.24] Percentage Fee Schedules
- [12.25] Fee Agreements
- [12.26] Independent Judgment of Trial Court
- [12.27] Fee Claim on Appeal
- [12.28] Timing of Appeal
- [12.29] Standard of Appellate Review
- Mechanics of Attorneys’ Fees Claim
- [12.30] In General
- [12.31] Time for Filing Fee Claim
- [12.32] Claim for Credit for Attorneys’ Fees by Representative
- [12.33] Petition for Fees by Attorney
- [12.34] Recovery of Excessive Fees Paid by Estate
- [12.35] Fees upon Discharge or Withdrawal of Attorney
- [12.36] Practice Suggestions
- III. Representatives’ Fees
- [12.37] Statutory Guidelines
- [12.38] Relationships Between Attorneys’ Fees and Representatives’ Fees
- [12.39] Factors That Reduce Representatives’ Fees
- Fee Schedules of Corporate Representatives
- [12.40] In General
- [12.41] Standing as Evidence
- [12.42] Obvious Lesson: Document Fee’s Reasonableness
- [12.43] Mechanics of Representatives’ Fees Claim
- [12.44] Practice Suggestions
- IV. [12.45] Form of Engagement Letter
- Sarah M. Barnes
Sarah M. Barnes
Sarah M. Barnes is a Partner at Harrison, LLP, in Chicago, where she concentrates her practice in estate administration, estate planning, and trust and estate litigation. Barnes is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association, where she is a member of its Probate Practice Committee. She is recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America (2024, 2025). Barnes received her B.A from Michigan State University and her J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law.
- Lorraine K. Cavataio
Lorraine K. Cavataio
Lorraine K. Cavataio is a Shareholder at Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard P.C., in its O’Fallon office. She focuses her practice on estate planning, estate and trust administration, litigation, business law, and real estate. Cavataio is a Certified Public Accountant and a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. She has been chosen as a Super Lawyer (2015 – 2022) and is listed as part of the Estate Planning and Probate Division for Illinois. She also serves on the Board of Mackrell International, which provides international opportunities to lecture. Cavataio also is a frequent lecturer for IICLE®, local bars, and business organizations. She received her B.S. from the University of Kansas and her J.D. from the Washington University School of Law.
- Amy Delaney
Amy Delaney
Amy Delaney is a Managing Partner at DDV Law, Ltd., in Arlington Heights, Orland Park, and Chicago, where she focuses her practice on elder law, trusts, and estates. Delaney is a board-certified elder law attorney (CELA), certified by the National Elder Law Foundation and the American Bar Association. She holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and she has been recognized by Super Lawyers as one of the Top 50 Female Attorneys in Illinois. Delaney received her B.A. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, her M.S. from the University of Illinois Springfield, and her J.D. from Lewis and Clark Law School.
- Beth K. Flowers
Beth K. Flowers
Beth K. Flowers is the Owner of Flowers Law, LLC, in Edwardsville, where she concentrates her practice in estate planning, estate tax planning, and probate and trust administration. Flowers has been recognized as a Leading Lawyer (2020 – 2025). She is a member of the Madison County Bar Association and the Estate Planning Counsel of St. Louis. Flowers received her B.A. from Truman State University and her J.D. from Saint Louis University Law School.
- Elizabeth A. Garlovsky
Elizabeth A. Garlovsky
Elizabeth A. Garlovsky is a Partner at Harrison, LLP, in Chicago, where she focuses her practice on estate planning and trust administration. She is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. Garlovsky is also a member of the Board of Directors for IICLE and Cochair of the planning committee for IICLE’s annual Estate Planning Short Course. She received her B.A. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and her J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
- Thomas F. Hartzell
Thomas F. Hartzell
Thomas F. Hartzell is a Partner at Tucker, Hartzell & Bryant, in Carthage, and concentrates his practice in estate planning and probate, taxation, real estate, business law, and agriculture law. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the Hancock County Bar Association, and the Agricultural Law Section Council of the Illinois State Bar Association. He has written articles for the Agricultural Law and General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Section Councils. Hartzell received his B.S. from Illinois Wesleyan University and his J.D. from the Southern Illinois University School of Law.
- Patricia A. Hoke
Patricia A. Hoke
Patricia A. Hoke is a Partner at Barrett, Twomey, Broom, Hughes & Hoke, LLP, in Carbondale, where she focuses her practice on estate planning and administration. Hoke has been an author and speaker for many IICLE® publications and programs regarding estate planning and administration, and she previously served on IICLE’s Board of Directors. She is a member of the American Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, and the Jackson County Bar Association. She received her B.S. and M.A. from Southern Illinois University, and she received her J.D. magna cum laude from the Southern Illinois University School of Law.
- Nicholas R. Houska
Nicholas R. Houska
Nicholas R. Houska is a Partner at Wood, DeVary, Armstrong, Houska & Butts, P.C., in Bloomington, where he focuses on trusts and estates. Houska received his B.A. from the University of Illinois and his J.D. cum laude from the University of Illinois College of Law.
- Joshua B. Hutkins
Joshua B. Hutkins
Joshua B. Hutkins is a Shareholder at Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard P.C., in St. Louis and O’Fallon, where he is a member of the Business Practice Group and the Wealth Planning Team Leader. He concentrates his practice in estate planning and trust and estate administration. Hutkins received his B.A. from Lindenwood University and his J.D. from the University of Missouri — Kansas City School of Law.
- Jennifer A. Johnson
Jennifer A. Johnson
Jennifer A. Johnson is a Partner at Lyons Law Group, LLC, in Downers Grove, where she focuses her practice on estate planning and estate and trust administration. She is a member of the American Bar Association, the Kane County Bar Association, and the DuPage County Bar Association. Johnson received her B.A. from Northern Illinois University, her M.A. from the University of Illinois, and her J.D. from Harvard Law School.
- David M. Lutrey
David M. Lutrey
David M. Lutrey is a Partner at Lesser Lutrey Pasquesi & Howe, LLP, in Lake Forest, where he concentrates his practice in trust and estate planning administration and litigation. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and a Past Chair of the Legislation Committee of the Illinois State Bar Association’s Trusts and Estates Committee. Lutrey is a Leading Lawyer and has been named a Super Lawyer since 2014. He received his B.S. from the University of Illinois, his M.B.A. from the DePaul University Kellstadt Graduate School of Management, and his J.D. from the DePaul University College of Law.
- Amina Saeed
Amina Saeed
Amina Saeed is a Director at Huck Buoma, in Wheaton, where she focuses her practice on estate, tax, and charitable planning; asset protection; estate and trust administration; and faith-based estate planning. She is a frequent speaker on the legal aspects of charitable gift planning and has trained nonprofit organizations in developing and sustaining planned giving programs. Saeed currently serves on the Trusts and Estates Section Council of the Illinois State Bar Association, and she is also a fellow of Leadership Greater Chicago and a founding member of the Muslim Bar Association of Chicago. Saeed received her B.A. from Loyola University Chicago, her J.D. from Valparasio University School of Law, and her LL.M. from University of Illinois Chicago School of Law.
- Andrew D. Thomson
Andrew D. Thomson
Andrew D. Thomson is a Partner at Black, Ballard, McDonald, P.C., in Mt. Vernon, where he concentrates his practice in estate planning, estate and trust administration, and corporate and business representation. Thomson is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Jefferson County Bar Association, and he has been recognized as an Emerging Lawyer by Leading Lawyers Magazine. He received his J.D. from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law.
- Jessica M. Visage
Jessica M. Visage
Jessica M. Visage is an attorney at Barrett, Twomey, Broom, Hughes & Hoke, LLP, in Carbondale, where she focuses her practice on estate planning, family law, and immigration law. She is a member of the Illinois State and Jackson County Bar Associations and has earned numerous awards and recognitions for her academic achievements and her volunteer work within the military community. Visage received her J.D. cum laude from the Southern Illinois University School of Law.
- Carrie Zuniga
Carrie Zuniga
Carrie Zuniga is a senior associate at Lesser Lutrey Pasquesi & Howe, LLP, in Lake Forest, where she concentrates her practice in estate planning and estate and trust administration. She is the Vice President of the Lake County Estate Planning Council and a member of the Lake County Bar Association, where she is Chair of the Trusts and Estates Committee. Zuniga is also a Board Member of the Jefferson Inns of Court. She received her B.A. magna cum laude from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and her J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law, where she received the CALI Award for Elder Law.
Estate Administration Fundamentals 2026 Edition
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