Probate Lawyer in Chicago

Guiding Families Through Probate With Care

Compassionate support during a difficult time

When a loved one passes away, settling their estate can feel overwhelming—especially while you’re grieving. At the Law Office of Johann Chau, we guide families through the Illinois probate process with patience and clarity. Whether you’re an executor handling legal responsibilities or a family member trying to understand your rights, we’re here to help you take each step with confidence.

What You Need to Know About Probate

Simplifying a complex legal process

Probate is the court-supervised process for settling a deceased person’s estate. It involves validating their will (if there is one), paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries.



In Illinois, probate isn’t always required—small estates may qualify for a simplified procedure. However, if your loved one owned property solely in their name or didn’t leave a trust, probate is often necessary.

As your probate attorney, we can help with:

  • Filing necessary paperwork with the probate court to start the process.
  • Guiding executors and administrators through their legal duties and helping them avoid common mistakes.
  • Communicating with heirs and beneficiaries to keep the process clear and minimize conflicts.
  • Resolving debts and taxes in compliance with Illinois law.
  • Distributing assets according to the will or state intestacy laws if there’s no will.

Our goal is to make a challenging time a little easier by handling the legal details for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Probate

Helping you understand what to expect

  • How long does probate take in Illinois?

    The probate process typically takes between six months to a year in Illinois, though it can take longer for complicated estates or if disputes arise among heirs. Much of this time is spent waiting for creditor claims to be resolved and for the court to approve final distributions. We’ll help you navigate every step so you’re never left wondering what comes next.

  • What happens if my loved one didn’t have a will?

    If there is no will, Illinois intestacy laws determine how assets are distributed. This usually means the estate is divided among the closest surviving relatives, which may not reflect what your loved one wanted. We’ll guide you through the process to make sure everything is handled properly and fairly under state law.

  • Do all estates have to go through probate?

    Not always. If the total value of the estate is under $100,000 and there is no real estate, Illinois allows for a simplified process called a Small Estate Affidavit. We can help you determine if this option applies to your situation and handle the necessary paperwork.

  • Can you help if I live outside Chicago but need to handle probate here?

    Yes. We regularly assist out-of-state executors and family members with probate matters in Cook County and surrounding areas. Much of the process can be handled remotely, and we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.