You will need the assistance of an experienced, aggressive lawyer to represent your interests if you are contesting a will, trust, or guardianship arrangement. This is also true if you are defending against such a contestation.
Even when extensive estate planning has taken place, the death of a loved one could lead to legal challenges to a will, a trust, or an arrangement for guardianship. Whether you are contesting a will or fighting to preserve it as it stands, the result of your litigation will have profound ramifications for you and your family. Guardianship arrangements can affect the whole upbringing of a minor. While a ruling for or against a will may result in the gain or loss of significant property or funds.
Estate, Trust, and Guardianship Litigation
It is critical that you hire an experienced lawyer to represent you through these issues because such issues are incredibly complex and come at such an emotional time. Peck Ritchey, LLC vigorously represents all parties to the decedent’s estate litigation, trust litigation, and contested guardianships.
Peck Ritchey, LLC handles disputed accountings, recovery of assets, claims, heirship disputes, and scores of other potential estate and guardianship. We also handle will and trust contests. The attorneys of Peck Ritchey, LLC are recognized leaders in estate, trust and guardianship litigation. Kerry Peck was also asked by the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education to author chapters on Will Contests and Guardianship. To learn more about what we can do for you, contact us today at (312) 201-0900.
Why You Need a Lawyer
Many difficulties can arise during probate, leading to litigation over a will, a trust, or guardianship. No matter the issue or point of contention, however, it will almost certainly be legally complex. There are only certain grounds on which you can contest a will. Those include: the will wasn’t legally valid or that the decedent made the will under duress or not in their right mind. Determining the grounds for contesting a will and how to go about this can be complicated. But a lawyer with experience in the field of estate litigation will know what strategy is best for you.
In addition, the death of a loved one is an emotional time for everyone. Disputes over an estate can heighten these emotions and cloud judgment for everyone involved. Attempting to handle your litigation alone during this time can be almost impossible.
A great deal is on the line in such matters. You do not want your lack of knowledge about the legal complexities of a will or your clouded judgment to lead to the wrong decisions being made. Hiring a lawyer to handle your estate litigation concerns allows you to focus on mourning and taking care of your family while skilled professionals manage your case.
Why Choose Us?
At Peck Ritchey, LLC, we will bring more than 100 years of experience to your case. Our attorneys provide you with the best legal advice and persuasive arguments. It doesn’t matter what side of the contestation you are on.
Our managing partner Kerry Peck is one of Chicago’s most respected will contestation attorneys. Mr. Peck has been the president of the Chicago Bar Association from 1999 to 2000. In 2014, he was presented with the Chicago Bar Association’s highest honor, the John Paul Stevens Award. Firm partner Timothy Ritchey has also held prominent positions with the Chicago Bar Association. Those include chairing the Probate Practice Committee and serving on the Estate Planning Committee and the Legislative Committee.
Our lawyers take after the firm’s partners. They provide extremely dedicated, knowledgeable, and experienced legal assistance to every client. We are fully aware of just how vital this litigation is to you. We also understand that this is a sensitive and difficult moment for you. That is why we provide the best legal assistance with the least emotional burden. We take care of the law so you can take care of yourself.
Probate, Estate, and Trust Litigation We Can Help You With
A lot can happen during the probate process, even when estate planning documents exist. However, no matter the nature of the contestation, Peck Ritchey, LLC can represent your needs aggressively and effectively.
We are prepared to handle a variety of cases related to probate, estate, and trust litigation, including cases involving:
- Breach of Fiduciary Duty
- Citations to Recover and Discover Assets
- Decedent’s Estate Litigation
- Lack of Mental Capacity
- Removal of Executors, Trustees and Agents under Power of Attorney
- Theft, Improper Withdrawals and Mismanagement
- Total Return Trusts
- Trust Contests
- Trust Construction, Interpretation and Reformation
- Will Contests
- Will Construction, Interpretation and Reformation
Many of the above can become highly technical and will involve complex arguments and evidence. To ensure the best possible result for your case, you should contact Peck Ritchey, LLC immediately to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Contact Us
At Peck Ritchey, LLC, our Chicago probate lawyers know what it takes to represent your interests in litigation involving probate, estate, and trust matters, so call us today at (312) 201-0900 and learn more about what our experienced team is prepared to do for you.