Probate often begins during your most difficult moments. In the wake of a loss, you are suddenly faced with court deadlines, creditor claims, and family tensions—all while trying to grieve. Whether you have been named an Executor or are seeking to protect your rights as a beneficiary, you don't have to carry this burden alone.
At Joerika Stitt Esquire, LLC, led by Principal Attorney Joerika Stitt, we provide the steady hand and legal precision required to settle estates with dignity. We represent clients in both uncontested and contested matters throughout Illinois, ensuring that the wishes of the deceased are honored and your interests are protected.
Probate guidance when clarity matters most.
Our Services
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Uncontested Estate Administration
We streamline the transition of assets, guiding you through:
Filing the petition and validating the Will.
Asset inventory, valuation, and protection.
Resolving creditor claims and tax obligations.
Final distribution and estate closure.
The Goal: Fulfilling your duties efficiently while shielding you from personal liability.
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Contested Estate Administration
When disputes arise, we provide aggressive representation for:
Will Contests: Challenges based on undue influence or lack of capacity.
Fiduciary Disputes: Holding executors accountable for mismanagement.
Beneficiary Rights: Ensuring fair and legal distribution of assets.
The Goal: Protecting your inheritance and the true intent of the deceased.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Generally 6–12 months for standard estates, though litigation or complex assets can extend this. We provide a customized timeline during your initial strategy session.
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Many assets (Trusts, POD accounts) bypass probate. We can review the estate to see if a simplified procedure or "Small Estate Affidavit" is an option for you.
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In many cases, reasonable attorney fees for probate administration are paid directly from the estate assets, not the Executor’s personal funds.
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Yes. As an Executor (or Administrator), you have a "fiduciary duty" to the heirs and creditors. If you distribute money too early, fail to pay taxes, or mismanage investments, you can be held personally responsible. My role is to provide the "legal shield" that ensures you follow the law precisely to avoid personal risk.
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In an uncontested probate, all parties are in agreement. The Will is accepted as valid, the heirs agree on the distribution, and the process focuses on the administrative tasks of settling debts and transferring titles.
A contested probate occurs when there is a legal dispute. This could involve a family member challenging the validity of the Will, a disagreement over who should be the Executor, or claims that assets are being mishandled. Contested matters are litigated in court and require a much more aggressive legal strategy.
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A common misconception is that having a Will avoids probate. In reality, a Will acts as a "roadmap" for the probate court. It tells the judge exactly how you want your assets handled, but the court process is still required to legally transfer titles and settle the estate. To skip probate entirely, you usually need a Living Trust.
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This requires what is known as Ancillary Probate. We must open a secondary probate case in this jurisdiction to legally handle the transfer of the local real estate, even if the primary probate case is happening elsewhere.
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Beneficiaries have a legal right to information. If an Executor is "ghosting" you, refusing to provide an inventory of assets, or spending estate money for personal use, we can petition the court to compel an accounting or move to have the Executor removed and replaced.