CHICAGO PROBATE LITIGATION LAWYERS
Slayer Statute
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.
SERVICE AREAS
Powerful Probate Litigation to Address Complex Estate Matters
According to a statute in the Probate Act of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/2-6), a person who intentionally 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.
As the statute explains: A person convicted of first-degree murder or second degree murder of the decedent is conclusively presumed to have caused the death intentionally and unjustifiably… The statute also states that any holder of property in the decedents estate who knows information about the death of the estate owner must fully cooperate with law enforcement.
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.
