Probate is just one way to settle an estate when someone dies. And it's not always required. Illinois law allows a different and simplified procedure for handling small estates. A small estate is one with no land and less than $100,000 in total assets.
In Illinois, the settlement of an estate typically involves the probate process. Probate is a legal procedure that includes validating a will, identifying and appraising assets, settling debts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries.
When there's no will, an estate administrator is appointed by the probate court in Illinois. Preference is often given to the deceased's spouse or adult children.
While Illinois does not require you to hire an attorney for a real estate transaction, it's in your best interest to work with one. There are certain tasks related to Illinois real estate deals that only you or your lawyer can perform, and a lawyer can safeguard your rights throughout the legal process.
The average contingency rate falls between 20-40%, with most lawyers charging around 33% to 35% of the total amount recovered in a case. The exact percentage can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer's experience, and the stage at which the case is resolved.
Typically, most construction projects use a contingency rate of 5% to 10% from the total project budget. This is typically enough to cover any unexpected costs that may arise throughout the project.
Set aside a well-researched contingency amount, typically between 5% and 10% of the overall project budget.
This contingency is normally calculated as a percentage. If the phase is 100 days of effort, contingency at 20% would be another 20 days. As the project progresses, the level of risk reduces as the requirements and issues become known, so the percentage will be reduced.
The recommended percentage for a contingency fund is between 5-10% of the total budget, but this may vary depending on project complexity and past experiences.