One of my very long-range projects is creating a comprehensive, soup-to-nuts checklist for Illinois probate. This may be a stand-alone website with just my own content, or I may set it up as a wiki. Anyway, here is the rough outline of things I hope to cover, which can serve as a very rough checklist for Illinois probates:
1.0 Deal with funeral and related post-death matters (including anatomical gifts)
2.0 Find and file the Will, if any
3.0 Compile a list of the decedent’s assets and liabilities
4.0 Compile a list of the decedent’s heirs and (if there’s a Will) legatees
5.0 Determine who will be personal representative (executor or administrator)
6.0 Initiate a probate proceeding (if needed)
7.0 Deal with initial practical matters (forward mail, contact social security, etc.)
8.0 Collect property
9.0 Liquidate or otherwise manage property
10.0 Deal with claims, if any
11.0 Deal with litigation, if any
12.0 Pay taxes
13.0 Close the estate
