“Sit down, Judith!” - Issue Spotting at the Dinner Table: A deep dive into the many facets of Probate Court and Contested Estates

Lavelle Law • August 15, 2023

A Lavelle Law Breakfast Briefs Presentation

A logo for lavelle law breakfast briefs with a man in the background


September 13, 2023

7:45 AM – 9:00 AM

1933 N. Meacham Rd., Suite 127

Schaumburg, IL 60173


Remember that classic SNL skit with “Judith” being silenced at the table? They really captured the dreaded family holiday dinner. Year after year, we all follow the family tradition of packing into that one relative’s slightly too small home, to break the less-than-desirable but proverbial bread with your next of kin. The family holiday dinner is a custom honored across all cultures and divides. Yet, why is this institution—the family holiday dinner—dreaded by so many? Is it the reminder that great Uncle Larry is in an ever-declining state? Is that greedy cousin Susan who seems to have her nose in everyone’s business and private finances? Is it your overbearing brother Tom, who seems to control every aspect of your parents’ lives including when they visit and what they eat?

 

The truth is everyone at the dinner table represents a probate case or contested estate waiting to happen. Oftentimes, we fail to see the warning signs until we are served with a subpoena or worse yet, a summons. 


Understanding how Probate Court works can help you protect your loved ones or keep you from staring down the wrong side of a contested matter. Join us on September 13 for this FREE presentation on Contested Probate matters. We will cover topics ranging from:


  1. Contested Guardianship Proceedings;
  2. Petitions to Suspend or Revoke Powers of Attorney;
  3. Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation;
  4. Contested Administration of Decedent’s Estates; and
  5. Will Contest or Renunciation


Doors will open at 7:45 for a complimentary continental breakfast and the presentation will begin at 8:00. Registration is required as seating is limited. No walk-ins. Register through Eventbrite using link below.

REGISTER
A man and a woman are standing next to each other in a circle.

MEET THE PANEL



Brian Warens is a shareholder of Lavelle Law who concentrates his practice in the areas of estate planning, estate and trust administration, special needs planning, estate and gift tax, guardianship, and probate. Brian provides his clients with the knowledge, understanding, and comfort that their wishes will be carried out no matter what may come to pass.


Nataly Kaiser is a vital member of the Trusts and Estates Litigation team at Lavelle Law. As an associate attorney, she handles a variety of contested estate and probate matters and has been very busy lately representing parties in a variety of trust disputes. Nataly provides her clients with a clear roadmap of their options and the risks involved in their legal matters.


More News & Resources

Lavelle Law News and Events

Judge Says “You’re Out!” to Stalker Ex  - a Lavelle Law Success Story
By Family Law Practice Group July 28, 2026
A client came to us needing protection from an ex-boyfriend who wouldn’t take no for an answer. She broke up with him after he used her indoor pet camera to spy on her without her permission, then surveilled her at her home and chased her through a parking lot.
Type F Reorganization
By Frank J. Portera July 28, 2026
Thinking about selling your business? In this video, Lavelle Law attorney Frank Portera explains how a Type F Reorganization can create tax efficiencies and simplify the sale process by reducing the need for third-party consents.
6 reasons why you shouldn’t rely on AI for legal advice.
By Sarah J. Reusché and Shelley McCarthy July 17, 2026
Thinking about using AI to represent yourself in litigation? Think again. It is well-documented that pro se litigants are less likely to prevail compared to their represented counterparts. Regardless, AI has provided people with a false sense of security, tempting them to represent themselves regardless.
Representation and Warranties Insurance Democratization: A Game Changer for Many Deals
By Steven A. Migala July 13, 2026
Representations and warranties insurance (“RWI”) for mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”) is more accessible than ever due to increasing democratization in the market. Now, RWI can be a viable option for smaller, mid-market deals.
IRS Announces Simplified Penalty Relief
By Timothy M. Hughes July 10, 2026
On July 8, 2026, the Internal Revenue Service announced a new automatic process to provide penalty relief for taxpayers with a history of filing and paying on time, reducing the need for those taxpayers to request assistance in addressing penalty relief.
NDAs in the Spotlight: What Swift and Kelce’s Wedding Reveals About Protecting Your Privacy.
By Theodore M. McGinn June 30, 2026
High-profile couples like Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are taking strict steps to protect their privacy. Reports confirm that wedding guests must sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) before receiving event details. This highlights how NDAs help individuals and businesses safeguard sensitive information.
Gross Lease vs. Net Lease: Which is Better for Your Business?
By Theodore M. McGinn June 29, 2026
For many businesses, the commercial lease is the largest single expense each year. But are you actually getting the best deal, or are you unknowingly paying for hidden costs? In this Lavelle Law Minute, Attorney Ted McGinn breaks down the two most common commercial leases: Gross Leases and Net Leases.
Cubs Legend Ryne Sandberg’s Family Heads to Court Over Mishandling of Trust
By Brian I. Warens June 25, 2026
Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, affectionately known as “Ryno,” is forever remembered for his legendary “Sandberg Game.” Sadly, his death last July has since triggered a bitter family dispute, with his children now suing his widow, Margaret Sandberg, over alleged violations of his trust.
Success Story - $7.5 Million Ukrainian Village Commercial Land Sale
By Commercial Real Estate June 23, 2026
This transaction highlights Lavelle Law’s deep expertise in managing complex commercial real estate deals in Chicago’s dynamic market, delivering efficient, client-focused outcomes even under accelerated timelines.
SCOTUS Rules SEC Can Seek Disgorgement Without Proving Victim Financial Loss
By Steven A. Migala June 22, 2026
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling on June 4, 2026, in Sripetch v. Sec. & Exch. Comm’n, clarifying a significant question in securities enforcement. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) does not need to identify victims who suffered actual financial harm to pursue disgorgement of ill-gotten gains.
More Posts