{"id":1115,"date":"2018-02-01T07:51:54","date_gmt":"2018-02-01T07:51:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/?page_id=1115"},"modified":"2026-04-16T10:51:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T16:51:36","slug":"probate-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/practice-areas\/probate-law\/","title":{"rendered":"Probate Law"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"1115\" class=\"elementor elementor-1115\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0f4d636 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"0f4d636\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6a679ab elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6a679ab\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">practice area<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d5fcaf6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d5fcaf6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Probate Lawyer Peoria IL<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c53b332 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c53b332\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f1684d6 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"f1684d6\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8f0e3ec common-image pa-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"8f0e3ec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"555\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/probate-6595022b3f256.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-1125\" alt=\"image of main probate\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/probate-6595022b3f256.webp 555w, https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/probate-6595022b3f256-300x189.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 555px) 100vw, 555px\" style=\"width:100%;height:63.06%;max-width:555px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9c15360 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"9c15360\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-83e6614 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"83e6614\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Guidance Through The Probate Process<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c304b55 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c304b55\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Handling a loved one\u2019s estate can be overwhelming, especially when you are also dealing with grief and uncertainty. Probate involves legal responsibilities, strict requirements, and important financial decisions that must be handled correctly.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-97f5c2d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"97f5c2d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>At Stephens Fiddes McGill &amp; Associates, P.C., we help individuals navigate the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/probate-law-peoria-il\/\">probate process<\/a> with clarity and structure. Located in Peoria, Illinois, we represent clients throughout Central Illinois who need assistance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/estate-planning-attorney-dunlap-il\/\">estate administration<\/a>, legal filings, and resolving disputes.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b3a2e45 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b3a2e45\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you are unsure what steps to take or want to avoid costly mistakes, speaking with a probate lawyer can help you move forward with confidence.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ffa0e90 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"ffa0e90\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-42732f7 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"42732f7\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-996291e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"996291e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Does a Probate Lawyer Do?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9cbd98a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9cbd98a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/probate-attorney-east-peoria-il\/\">probate lawyer<\/a> helps manage the legal process of administering an estate after someone passes away. This includes ensuring assets are handled properly, debts are addressed, and distributions are completed according to the law.<\/p><p>We assist with:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e396b13 elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"e396b13\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 25 25\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_69_25)\"><path d=\"M25 2.86465C25 1.28441 23.7156 0 22.1354 0H2.86465C1.28441 0 0 1.28441 0 2.86465V22.1354C0 23.7156 1.28441 25 2.86465 25H22.1354C23.7156 25 25 23.7156 25 22.1354V2.86465Z\" fill=\"#154225\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.8354 8.37819C19.2426 8.78541 19.2426 9.44363 18.8354 9.85104L12.0645 16.6217C11.8614 16.8249 11.5947 16.9271 11.3281 16.9271C11.0614 16.9271 10.7948 16.8249 10.5917 16.6217L7.20631 13.2364C6.7989 12.8292 6.7989 12.1708 7.20631 11.7635C7.61353 11.3561 8.27176 11.3561 8.67917 11.7635L11.3281 14.4125L17.3626 8.37819C17.7698 7.97078 18.428 7.97078 18.8354 8.37819Z\" fill=\"#FEBF00\"><\/path><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_69_25\"><rect width=\"25\" height=\"25\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Estate administration<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 25 25\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_69_25)\"><path d=\"M25 2.86465C25 1.28441 23.7156 0 22.1354 0H2.86465C1.28441 0 0 1.28441 0 2.86465V22.1354C0 23.7156 1.28441 25 2.86465 25H22.1354C23.7156 25 25 23.7156 25 22.1354V2.86465Z\" fill=\"#154225\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.8354 8.37819C19.2426 8.78541 19.2426 9.44363 18.8354 9.85104L12.0645 16.6217C11.8614 16.8249 11.5947 16.9271 11.3281 16.9271C11.0614 16.9271 10.7948 16.8249 10.5917 16.6217L7.20631 13.2364C6.7989 12.8292 6.7989 12.1708 7.20631 11.7635C7.61353 11.3561 8.27176 11.3561 8.67917 11.7635L11.3281 14.4125L17.3626 8.37819C17.7698 7.97078 18.428 7.97078 18.8354 8.37819Z\" fill=\"#FEBF00\"><\/path><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_69_25\"><rect width=\"25\" height=\"25\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Probate court filings<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 25 25\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_69_25)\"><path d=\"M25 2.86465C25 1.28441 23.7156 0 22.1354 0H2.86465C1.28441 0 0 1.28441 0 2.86465V22.1354C0 23.7156 1.28441 25 2.86465 25H22.1354C23.7156 25 25 23.7156 25 22.1354V2.86465Z\" fill=\"#154225\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.8354 8.37819C19.2426 8.78541 19.2426 9.44363 18.8354 9.85104L12.0645 16.6217C11.8614 16.8249 11.5947 16.9271 11.3281 16.9271C11.0614 16.9271 10.7948 16.8249 10.5917 16.6217L7.20631 13.2364C6.7989 12.8292 6.7989 12.1708 7.20631 11.7635C7.61353 11.3561 8.27176 11.3561 8.67917 11.7635L11.3281 14.4125L17.3626 8.37819C17.7698 7.97078 18.428 7.97078 18.8354 8.37819Z\" fill=\"#FEBF00\"><\/path><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_69_25\"><rect width=\"25\" height=\"25\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Executor guidance and responsibilities<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 25 25\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_69_25)\"><path d=\"M25 2.86465C25 1.28441 23.7156 0 22.1354 0H2.86465C1.28441 0 0 1.28441 0 2.86465V22.1354C0 23.7156 1.28441 25 2.86465 25H22.1354C23.7156 25 25 23.7156 25 22.1354V2.86465Z\" fill=\"#154225\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.8354 8.37819C19.2426 8.78541 19.2426 9.44363 18.8354 9.85104L12.0645 16.6217C11.8614 16.8249 11.5947 16.9271 11.3281 16.9271C11.0614 16.9271 10.7948 16.8249 10.5917 16.6217L7.20631 13.2364C6.7989 12.8292 6.7989 12.1708 7.20631 11.7635C7.61353 11.3561 8.27176 11.3561 8.67917 11.7635L11.3281 14.4125L17.3626 8.37819C17.7698 7.97078 18.428 7.97078 18.8354 8.37819Z\" fill=\"#FEBF00\"><\/path><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_69_25\"><rect width=\"25\" height=\"25\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Asset identification and distribution<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 25 25\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_69_25)\"><path d=\"M25 2.86465C25 1.28441 23.7156 0 22.1354 0H2.86465C1.28441 0 0 1.28441 0 2.86465V22.1354C0 23.7156 1.28441 25 2.86465 25H22.1354C23.7156 25 25 23.7156 25 22.1354V2.86465Z\" fill=\"#154225\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.8354 8.37819C19.2426 8.78541 19.2426 9.44363 18.8354 9.85104L12.0645 16.6217C11.8614 16.8249 11.5947 16.9271 11.3281 16.9271C11.0614 16.9271 10.7948 16.8249 10.5917 16.6217L7.20631 13.2364C6.7989 12.8292 6.7989 12.1708 7.20631 11.7635C7.61353 11.3561 8.27176 11.3561 8.67917 11.7635L11.3281 14.4125L17.3626 8.37819C17.7698 7.97078 18.428 7.97078 18.8354 8.37819Z\" fill=\"#FEBF00\"><\/path><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_69_25\"><rect width=\"25\" height=\"25\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Debt and creditor issues<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 25 25\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_69_25)\"><path d=\"M25 2.86465C25 1.28441 23.7156 0 22.1354 0H2.86465C1.28441 0 0 1.28441 0 2.86465V22.1354C0 23.7156 1.28441 25 2.86465 25H22.1354C23.7156 25 25 23.7156 25 22.1354V2.86465Z\" fill=\"#154225\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.8354 8.37819C19.2426 8.78541 19.2426 9.44363 18.8354 9.85104L12.0645 16.6217C11.8614 16.8249 11.5947 16.9271 11.3281 16.9271C11.0614 16.9271 10.7948 16.8249 10.5917 16.6217L7.20631 13.2364C6.7989 12.8292 6.7989 12.1708 7.20631 11.7635C7.61353 11.3561 8.27176 11.3561 8.67917 11.7635L11.3281 14.4125L17.3626 8.37819C17.7698 7.97078 18.428 7.97078 18.8354 8.37819Z\" fill=\"#FEBF00\"><\/path><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_69_25\"><rect width=\"25\" height=\"25\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Probate disputes and litigation<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 25 25\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_69_25)\"><path d=\"M25 2.86465C25 1.28441 23.7156 0 22.1354 0H2.86465C1.28441 0 0 1.28441 0 2.86465V22.1354C0 23.7156 1.28441 25 2.86465 25H22.1354C23.7156 25 25 23.7156 25 22.1354V2.86465Z\" fill=\"#154225\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.8354 8.37819C19.2426 8.78541 19.2426 9.44363 18.8354 9.85104L12.0645 16.6217C11.8614 16.8249 11.5947 16.9271 11.3281 16.9271C11.0614 16.9271 10.7948 16.8249 10.5917 16.6217L7.20631 13.2364C6.7989 12.8292 6.7989 12.1708 7.20631 11.7635C7.61353 11.3561 8.27176 11.3561 8.67917 11.7635L11.3281 14.4125L17.3626 8.37819C17.7698 7.97078 18.428 7.97078 18.8354 8.37819Z\" fill=\"#FEBF00\"><\/path><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_69_25\"><rect width=\"25\" height=\"25\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Will interpretation and challenges<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-437eacc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"437eacc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Our role is to help you understand your responsibilities and guide you through each step of the process.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0e29a6b e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0e29a6b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-48409b5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"48409b5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">When Do You Need a Probate Lawyer?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7e53d79 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7e53d79\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Not every estate requires extensive legal involvement, but many situations benefit from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/practice-areas\/family-law\/\">professional guidance<\/a>.<\/p><p>You should consider contacting a lawyer if:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8f9db3b elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"8f9db3b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 25 25\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_69_25)\"><path d=\"M25 2.86465C25 1.28441 23.7156 0 22.1354 0H2.86465C1.28441 0 0 1.28441 0 2.86465V22.1354C0 23.7156 1.28441 25 2.86465 25H22.1354C23.7156 25 25 23.7156 25 22.1354V2.86465Z\" fill=\"#154225\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.8354 8.37819C19.2426 8.78541 19.2426 9.44363 18.8354 9.85104L12.0645 16.6217C11.8614 16.8249 11.5947 16.9271 11.3281 16.9271C11.0614 16.9271 10.7948 16.8249 10.5917 16.6217L7.20631 13.2364C6.7989 12.8292 6.7989 12.1708 7.20631 11.7635C7.61353 11.3561 8.27176 11.3561 8.67917 11.7635L11.3281 14.4125L17.3626 8.37819C17.7698 7.97078 18.428 7.97078 18.8354 8.37819Z\" fill=\"#FEBF00\"><\/path><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_69_25\"><rect width=\"25\" height=\"25\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">There is no will in place<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 25 25\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_69_25)\"><path d=\"M25 2.86465C25 1.28441 23.7156 0 22.1354 0H2.86465C1.28441 0 0 1.28441 0 2.86465V22.1354C0 23.7156 1.28441 25 2.86465 25H22.1354C23.7156 25 25 23.7156 25 22.1354V2.86465Z\" fill=\"#154225\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.8354 8.37819C19.2426 8.78541 19.2426 9.44363 18.8354 9.85104L12.0645 16.6217C11.8614 16.8249 11.5947 16.9271 11.3281 16.9271C11.0614 16.9271 10.7948 16.8249 10.5917 16.6217L7.20631 13.2364C6.7989 12.8292 6.7989 12.1708 7.20631 11.7635C7.61353 11.3561 8.27176 11.3561 8.67917 11.7635L11.3281 14.4125L17.3626 8.37819C17.7698 7.97078 18.428 7.97078 18.8354 8.37819Z\" fill=\"#FEBF00\"><\/path><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_69_25\"><rect width=\"25\" height=\"25\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">The estate involves multiple assets or beneficiaries<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 25 25\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_69_25)\"><path d=\"M25 2.86465C25 1.28441 23.7156 0 22.1354 0H2.86465C1.28441 0 0 1.28441 0 2.86465V22.1354C0 23.7156 1.28441 25 2.86465 25H22.1354C23.7156 25 25 23.7156 25 22.1354V2.86465Z\" fill=\"#154225\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.8354 8.37819C19.2426 8.78541 19.2426 9.44363 18.8354 9.85104L12.0645 16.6217C11.8614 16.8249 11.5947 16.9271 11.3281 16.9271C11.0614 16.9271 10.7948 16.8249 10.5917 16.6217L7.20631 13.2364C6.7989 12.8292 6.7989 12.1708 7.20631 11.7635C7.61353 11.3561 8.27176 11.3561 8.67917 11.7635L11.3281 14.4125L17.3626 8.37819C17.7698 7.97078 18.428 7.97078 18.8354 8.37819Z\" fill=\"#FEBF00\"><\/path><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_69_25\"><rect width=\"25\" height=\"25\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Disputes arise between family members<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 25 25\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_69_25)\"><path d=\"M25 2.86465C25 1.28441 23.7156 0 22.1354 0H2.86465C1.28441 0 0 1.28441 0 2.86465V22.1354C0 23.7156 1.28441 25 2.86465 25H22.1354C23.7156 25 25 23.7156 25 22.1354V2.86465Z\" fill=\"#154225\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.8354 8.37819C19.2426 8.78541 19.2426 9.44363 18.8354 9.85104L12.0645 16.6217C11.8614 16.8249 11.5947 16.9271 11.3281 16.9271C11.0614 16.9271 10.7948 16.8249 10.5917 16.6217L7.20631 13.2364C6.7989 12.8292 6.7989 12.1708 7.20631 11.7635C7.61353 11.3561 8.27176 11.3561 8.67917 11.7635L11.3281 14.4125L17.3626 8.37819C17.7698 7.97078 18.428 7.97078 18.8354 8.37819Z\" fill=\"#FEBF00\"><\/path><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_69_25\"><rect width=\"25\" height=\"25\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">You are serving as an executor and need guidance<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 25 25\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_69_25)\"><path d=\"M25 2.86465C25 1.28441 23.7156 0 22.1354 0H2.86465C1.28441 0 0 1.28441 0 2.86465V22.1354C0 23.7156 1.28441 25 2.86465 25H22.1354C23.7156 25 25 23.7156 25 22.1354V2.86465Z\" fill=\"#154225\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.8354 8.37819C19.2426 8.78541 19.2426 9.44363 18.8354 9.85104L12.0645 16.6217C11.8614 16.8249 11.5947 16.9271 11.3281 16.9271C11.0614 16.9271 10.7948 16.8249 10.5917 16.6217L7.20631 13.2364C6.7989 12.8292 6.7989 12.1708 7.20631 11.7635C7.61353 11.3561 8.27176 11.3561 8.67917 11.7635L11.3281 14.4125L17.3626 8.37819C17.7698 7.97078 18.428 7.97078 18.8354 8.37819Z\" fill=\"#FEBF00\"><\/path><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_69_25\"><rect width=\"25\" height=\"25\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">You are unsure how to handle debts or distributions<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 25 25\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_69_25)\"><path d=\"M25 2.86465C25 1.28441 23.7156 0 22.1354 0H2.86465C1.28441 0 0 1.28441 0 2.86465V22.1354C0 23.7156 1.28441 25 2.86465 25H22.1354C23.7156 25 25 23.7156 25 22.1354V2.86465Z\" fill=\"#154225\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.8354 8.37819C19.2426 8.78541 19.2426 9.44363 18.8354 9.85104L12.0645 16.6217C11.8614 16.8249 11.5947 16.9271 11.3281 16.9271C11.0614 16.9271 10.7948 16.8249 10.5917 16.6217L7.20631 13.2364C6.7989 12.8292 6.7989 12.1708 7.20631 11.7635C7.61353 11.3561 8.27176 11.3561 8.67917 11.7635L11.3281 14.4125L17.3626 8.37819C17.7698 7.97078 18.428 7.97078 18.8354 8.37819Z\" fill=\"#FEBF00\"><\/path><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_69_25\"><rect width=\"25\" height=\"25\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Legal filings and deadlines feel overwhelming<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-43df6e1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"43df6e1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Even straightforward estates can become complicated without proper guidance.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5571e18 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5571e18\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-28fc149 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"28fc149\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How the Probate Process Works<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-011d5ec elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"011d5ec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The probate process follows a structured legal path, and understanding it can help reduce confusion.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-94c51b6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"94c51b6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b>Filing the Estate With the Court<\/b><\/p><p>The probate process begins by submitting required documents to the court.<\/p><p><b>Appointing an Executor or Administrator<\/b><\/p><p>An individual is officially responsible for managing the estate.<\/p><p><b>Identifying Assets and Debts<\/b><\/p><p>All assets and liabilities are identified and documented.<\/p><p><b>Paying Debts and Expenses<\/b><\/p><p>Outstanding debts and expenses are addressed before distributions.<\/p><p><b>Distributing Assets<\/b><\/p><p>Remaining assets are distributed according to the will or Illinois law.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eb49c3f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"eb49c3f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>We guide you through each step to help ensure everything is handled correctly.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc86b16 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"cc86b16\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-895e60e e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"895e60e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6249b19 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6249b19\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Why Choose Stephens Fiddes McGill &amp; Associates, P.C.<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-234f26f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"234f26f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Choosing the right legal support can make the probate process more manageable.<\/p><p>At our firm:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d218532 elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"d218532\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 25 25\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_69_25)\"><path d=\"M25 2.86465C25 1.28441 23.7156 0 22.1354 0H2.86465C1.28441 0 0 1.28441 0 2.86465V22.1354C0 23.7156 1.28441 25 2.86465 25H22.1354C23.7156 25 25 23.7156 25 22.1354V2.86465Z\" fill=\"#154225\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.8354 8.37819C19.2426 8.78541 19.2426 9.44363 18.8354 9.85104L12.0645 16.6217C11.8614 16.8249 11.5947 16.9271 11.3281 16.9271C11.0614 16.9271 10.7948 16.8249 10.5917 16.6217L7.20631 13.2364C6.7989 12.8292 6.7989 12.1708 7.20631 11.7635C7.61353 11.3561 8.27176 11.3561 8.67917 11.7635L11.3281 14.4125L17.3626 8.37819C17.7698 7.97078 18.428 7.97078 18.8354 8.37819Z\" fill=\"#FEBF00\"><\/path><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_69_25\"><rect width=\"25\" height=\"25\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">We have decades of experience handling probate and estate matters<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 25 25\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_69_25)\"><path d=\"M25 2.86465C25 1.28441 23.7156 0 22.1354 0H2.86465C1.28441 0 0 1.28441 0 2.86465V22.1354C0 23.7156 1.28441 25 2.86465 25H22.1354C23.7156 25 25 23.7156 25 22.1354V2.86465Z\" fill=\"#154225\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.8354 8.37819C19.2426 8.78541 19.2426 9.44363 18.8354 9.85104L12.0645 16.6217C11.8614 16.8249 11.5947 16.9271 11.3281 16.9271C11.0614 16.9271 10.7948 16.8249 10.5917 16.6217L7.20631 13.2364C6.7989 12.8292 6.7989 12.1708 7.20631 11.7635C7.61353 11.3561 8.27176 11.3561 8.67917 11.7635L11.3281 14.4125L17.3626 8.37819C17.7698 7.97078 18.428 7.97078 18.8354 8.37819Z\" fill=\"#FEBF00\"><\/path><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_69_25\"><rect width=\"25\" height=\"25\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">We understand Illinois probate laws and court procedures<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 25 25\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_69_25)\"><path d=\"M25 2.86465C25 1.28441 23.7156 0 22.1354 0H2.86465C1.28441 0 0 1.28441 0 2.86465V22.1354C0 23.7156 1.28441 25 2.86465 25H22.1354C23.7156 25 25 23.7156 25 22.1354V2.86465Z\" fill=\"#154225\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.8354 8.37819C19.2426 8.78541 19.2426 9.44363 18.8354 9.85104L12.0645 16.6217C11.8614 16.8249 11.5947 16.9271 11.3281 16.9271C11.0614 16.9271 10.7948 16.8249 10.5917 16.6217L7.20631 13.2364C6.7989 12.8292 6.7989 12.1708 7.20631 11.7635C7.61353 11.3561 8.27176 11.3561 8.67917 11.7635L11.3281 14.4125L17.3626 8.37819C17.7698 7.97078 18.428 7.97078 18.8354 8.37819Z\" fill=\"#FEBF00\"><\/path><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_69_25\"><rect width=\"25\" height=\"25\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">We provide clear, step-by-step guidance for executors and families<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 25 25\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_69_25)\"><path d=\"M25 2.86465C25 1.28441 23.7156 0 22.1354 0H2.86465C1.28441 0 0 1.28441 0 2.86465V22.1354C0 23.7156 1.28441 25 2.86465 25H22.1354C23.7156 25 25 23.7156 25 22.1354V2.86465Z\" fill=\"#154225\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.8354 8.37819C19.2426 8.78541 19.2426 9.44363 18.8354 9.85104L12.0645 16.6217C11.8614 16.8249 11.5947 16.9271 11.3281 16.9271C11.0614 16.9271 10.7948 16.8249 10.5917 16.6217L7.20631 13.2364C6.7989 12.8292 6.7989 12.1708 7.20631 11.7635C7.61353 11.3561 8.27176 11.3561 8.67917 11.7635L11.3281 14.4125L17.3626 8.37819C17.7698 7.97078 18.428 7.97078 18.8354 8.37819Z\" fill=\"#FEBF00\"><\/path><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_69_25\"><rect width=\"25\" height=\"25\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">We assist with both routine and complex probate cases<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 25 25\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_69_25)\"><path d=\"M25 2.86465C25 1.28441 23.7156 0 22.1354 0H2.86465C1.28441 0 0 1.28441 0 2.86465V22.1354C0 23.7156 1.28441 25 2.86465 25H22.1354C23.7156 25 25 23.7156 25 22.1354V2.86465Z\" fill=\"#154225\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.8354 8.37819C19.2426 8.78541 19.2426 9.44363 18.8354 9.85104L12.0645 16.6217C11.8614 16.8249 11.5947 16.9271 11.3281 16.9271C11.0614 16.9271 10.7948 16.8249 10.5917 16.6217L7.20631 13.2364C6.7989 12.8292 6.7989 12.1708 7.20631 11.7635C7.61353 11.3561 8.27176 11.3561 8.67917 11.7635L11.3281 14.4125L17.3626 8.37819C17.7698 7.97078 18.428 7.97078 18.8354 8.37819Z\" fill=\"#FEBF00\"><\/path><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_69_25\"><rect width=\"25\" height=\"25\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">We help minimize errors that could delay or complicate the process<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cf35bff elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cf35bff\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>We focus on helping you move forward with clarity and confidence during a difficult time.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3ecac86 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"3ecac86\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-733ee81 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"733ee81\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Serving Clients Throughout Illinois<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-23dc764 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"23dc764\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Our office is located in Peoria, Illinois, and we assist clients across Central Illinois and throughout the state.<\/p><p>We regularly work with individuals in:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fc4c38d elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"fc4c38d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 25 25\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_69_25)\"><path d=\"M25 2.86465C25 1.28441 23.7156 0 22.1354 0H2.86465C1.28441 0 0 1.28441 0 2.86465V22.1354C0 23.7156 1.28441 25 2.86465 25H22.1354C23.7156 25 25 23.7156 25 22.1354V2.86465Z\" fill=\"#154225\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.8354 8.37819C19.2426 8.78541 19.2426 9.44363 18.8354 9.85104L12.0645 16.6217C11.8614 16.8249 11.5947 16.9271 11.3281 16.9271C11.0614 16.9271 10.7948 16.8249 10.5917 16.6217L7.20631 13.2364C6.7989 12.8292 6.7989 12.1708 7.20631 11.7635C7.61353 11.3561 8.27176 11.3561 8.67917 11.7635L11.3281 14.4125L17.3626 8.37819C17.7698 7.97078 18.428 7.97078 18.8354 8.37819Z\" fill=\"#FEBF00\"><\/path><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_69_25\"><rect width=\"25\" height=\"25\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Peoria<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 25 25\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_69_25)\"><path d=\"M25 2.86465C25 1.28441 23.7156 0 22.1354 0H2.86465C1.28441 0 0 1.28441 0 2.86465V22.1354C0 23.7156 1.28441 25 2.86465 25H22.1354C23.7156 25 25 23.7156 25 22.1354V2.86465Z\" fill=\"#154225\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.8354 8.37819C19.2426 8.78541 19.2426 9.44363 18.8354 9.85104L12.0645 16.6217C11.8614 16.8249 11.5947 16.9271 11.3281 16.9271C11.0614 16.9271 10.7948 16.8249 10.5917 16.6217L7.20631 13.2364C6.7989 12.8292 6.7989 12.1708 7.20631 11.7635C7.61353 11.3561 8.27176 11.3561 8.67917 11.7635L11.3281 14.4125L17.3626 8.37819C17.7698 7.97078 18.428 7.97078 18.8354 8.37819Z\" fill=\"#FEBF00\"><\/path><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_69_25\"><rect width=\"25\" height=\"25\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">East Peoria<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 25 25\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_69_25)\"><path d=\"M25 2.86465C25 1.28441 23.7156 0 22.1354 0H2.86465C1.28441 0 0 1.28441 0 2.86465V22.1354C0 23.7156 1.28441 25 2.86465 25H22.1354C23.7156 25 25 23.7156 25 22.1354V2.86465Z\" fill=\"#154225\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.8354 8.37819C19.2426 8.78541 19.2426 9.44363 18.8354 9.85104L12.0645 16.6217C11.8614 16.8249 11.5947 16.9271 11.3281 16.9271C11.0614 16.9271 10.7948 16.8249 10.5917 16.6217L7.20631 13.2364C6.7989 12.8292 6.7989 12.1708 7.20631 11.7635C7.61353 11.3561 8.27176 11.3561 8.67917 11.7635L11.3281 14.4125L17.3626 8.37819C17.7698 7.97078 18.428 7.97078 18.8354 8.37819Z\" fill=\"#FEBF00\"><\/path><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_69_25\"><rect width=\"25\" height=\"25\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Pekin<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 25 25\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_69_25)\"><path d=\"M25 2.86465C25 1.28441 23.7156 0 22.1354 0H2.86465C1.28441 0 0 1.28441 0 2.86465V22.1354C0 23.7156 1.28441 25 2.86465 25H22.1354C23.7156 25 25 23.7156 25 22.1354V2.86465Z\" fill=\"#154225\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.8354 8.37819C19.2426 8.78541 19.2426 9.44363 18.8354 9.85104L12.0645 16.6217C11.8614 16.8249 11.5947 16.9271 11.3281 16.9271C11.0614 16.9271 10.7948 16.8249 10.5917 16.6217L7.20631 13.2364C6.7989 12.8292 6.7989 12.1708 7.20631 11.7635C7.61353 11.3561 8.27176 11.3561 8.67917 11.7635L11.3281 14.4125L17.3626 8.37819C17.7698 7.97078 18.428 7.97078 18.8354 8.37819Z\" fill=\"#FEBF00\"><\/path><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_69_25\"><rect width=\"25\" height=\"25\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Bloomington<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\" viewBox=\"0 0 25 25\" fill=\"none\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_69_25)\"><path d=\"M25 2.86465C25 1.28441 23.7156 0 22.1354 0H2.86465C1.28441 0 0 1.28441 0 2.86465V22.1354C0 23.7156 1.28441 25 2.86465 25H22.1354C23.7156 25 25 23.7156 25 22.1354V2.86465Z\" fill=\"#154225\"><\/path><path d=\"M18.8354 8.37819C19.2426 8.78541 19.2426 9.44363 18.8354 9.85104L12.0645 16.6217C11.8614 16.8249 11.5947 16.9271 11.3281 16.9271C11.0614 16.9271 10.7948 16.8249 10.5917 16.6217L7.20631 13.2364C6.7989 12.8292 6.7989 12.1708 7.20631 11.7635C7.61353 11.3561 8.27176 11.3561 8.67917 11.7635L11.3281 14.4125L17.3626 8.37819C17.7698 7.97078 18.428 7.97078 18.8354 8.37819Z\" fill=\"#FEBF00\"><\/path><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_69_25\"><rect width=\"25\" height=\"25\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">And surrounding communities<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-977c3fc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"977c3fc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>No matter where you are located, we can help guide you through the probate process.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6d68170 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"6d68170\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f7ebdc1 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"f7ebdc1\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1737898 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1737898\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-33258af e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"33258af\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3d27d6a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"3d27d6a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b93544a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b93544a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6c331f5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6c331f5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How long does probate take in Illinois?<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9826010 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9826010\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the estate, but many cases take several months to over a year.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a06f4ae elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a06f4ae\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Do all estates have to go through probate?<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-268aaad elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"268aaad\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Not all estates require probate. This depends on how assets are structured and whether a valid <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/estate-planning-attorney-dunlap-il\/\">estate plan<\/a> is in place.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2e078b5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2e078b5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What does an executor do?<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b5434f8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b5434f8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>An executor is responsible for managing the estate, handling debts, and distributing assets according to the will or state law.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5387238 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5387238\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What happens if there is no will?<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-169a490 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"169a490\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If there is no will, Illinois law determines how assets are distributed among heirs.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b37fa41 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b37fa41\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Can probate be contested?<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-92285f5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"92285f5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Yes, disputes can arise over wills, assets, or distributions. Legal guidance can help resolve these issues.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e0c394d e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e0c394d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0335c9d faq-probate-law elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"0335c9d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image-of-probate-law-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-13231\" alt=\"Image of Probate Law\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image-of-probate-law-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image-of-probate-law-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image-of-probate-law-2-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" style=\"width:100%;height:66.63%;max-width:800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1f7e605 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"1f7e605\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0b34b4b e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0b34b4b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1738926 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1738926\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-63d6861 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"63d6861\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Speak With a Probate Lawyer Today<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8ea8be1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8ea8be1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you are responsible for handling an estate or have questions about the probate process, speaking with a lawyer can help you avoid mistakes and move forward with confidence.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eabe199 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"eabe199\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Contact Stephens Fiddes McGill &amp; Associates, P.C. today to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/contact\/\">schedule a consultation<\/a> and take the next step.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4e1ad6a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"4e1ad6a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3d21278 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3d21278\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">We invite you to call today for a consultation!<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-782ffe6 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-laptop__width-initial contact-info elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"782ffe6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>For further information contact <span style=\"color: #e3af14;\"><a style=\"color: #e3af14;\" href=\"\/g-douglas-stephens\/\">G. Douglas Stephens<\/a> <\/span>or <span style=\"color: #e3af14;\"><a style=\"color: #e3af14;\" href=\"\/heather-l-calvert\/\">Heather L. Calvert<\/a><\/span> by calling <span style=\"color: #e3af14;\"><a style=\"color: #e3af14;\" href=\"tel:309-637-5297\">309-637-LAWS<\/a><\/span> or emailing <span style=\"color: #e3af14;\"><a style=\"color: #e3af14;\" href=\"mailto:info@sfmlegal.com\">info@sfmlegal.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>practice area Probate Lawyer Peoria IL Guidance Through The Probate Process Handling a loved one\u2019s estate can be overwhelming, especially when you are also dealing with grief and uncertainty. Probate involves legal responsibilities, strict requirements, and important financial decisions that must be handled correctly. At Stephens Fiddes McGill &amp; Associates, P.C., we help individuals navigate&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/practice-areas\/probate-law\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Probate Law<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1125,"parent":950,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1115","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1115","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1115"}],"version-history":[{"count":92,"href":"https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1115\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13257,"href":"https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1115\/revisions\/13257"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/950"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1125"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stephensfiddesmcgill.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1115"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}