Probate Attorneys Representing Heirs in Complex Estate Matters Involving Murder
Like many other states, Illinois has laws that prevent heirs from receiving property or assets from a decedent if those heirs are criminally responsible for the decedent’s death.
Commonly referred to as a slayer statute, the legislation seeks to protect a deceased estate owner from having to provide for a person or persons who purposely killed him or her.
The death of a loved one is already an emotionally challenging time for friends and family.
Learning that the death was intentionally caused by an heir of the victim requires the assistance of a probate litigation firm with experience handling similar circumstances.
The Law Offices of Anthony R. Scifo is a respected probate and probate litigation firm serving families across Chicago who are dealing with the probate process after the death of a loved one.
We have the knowledge and skill to handle highly complex, contentious probate cases.
Powerful Probate Litigation to Address Complex Estate Matters – Slayer Statute
According to a statute in the Probate Act of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/2-6), an individual who intention and unjustifiably causes the death of another may not inherit from the deceased individual.
Additionally, any person who is entrusted with the property, such as an executor, trustee, or beneficiary is not obligated to distribute any property or assets to the heir in question while a determination is being made about the nature of the death.
The determination to bar an heir from inheriting property or assets may be made in a civil proceeding that is separate from a criminal trial.
The law clearly states that if a person is found guilty of first-degree or second-degree murder of the deceased, it is automatically assumed that they caused the death intentionally and without justification. Additionally, the law mandates that anyone who possesses property belonging to the deceased’s estate and has knowledge about the circumstances of the estate owner’s death is obliged to fully cooperate with the authorities.
If you or a loved one is dealing with this kind of circumstance, we can help.
You may not even know where to begin, but we have a step-by-step approach to addressing the various issues and concerns that are present with such emotionally-gripping cases.
Our probate litigation attorneys can take you through the process and work diligently to ensure that the estate of your loved one is protected.
We are highly experienced litigators ready to work with your family to carry out the desires of your cherished loved one.
Contact an Experienced Probate Litigation Attorney
If you need help handling a complex estate matter, please contact our probate litigation firm today by calling 847-628-8311. We can set up an initial consultation to hear more about the circumstances of your probate matter. We serve the Chicago, Illinois area, including Elgin, Rolling Meadows, Barrington, Carpentersville, Crystal Lake, Hoffman Estates, South Elgin, Lake In the Hills, Kane County, Cook County, and surrounding counties.
