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Illinois Probate Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Estate Planning and Probate for Illinois on
Q: I have a loan, the loaner passed away. Beneficiary is handing his estate and now want the checks made out to them.

I have a loan contract that the loaner passed away a few months ago. The person handling the estate just informed me that they are having issues cashing my checks that are made out to the deceased name. Now they want me to write the checks in their name going forward. They did not open a bank... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Apr 3, 2024

It is very perilous for you to do what they are asking! What if they are lying about who the proper heir(s) is/are? You could give them a lot of money and then when the proper heirs come along you have to pay the real heirs all over again. Don't do it!

Keep making the checks payable...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Illinois on
Q: My brother died homeless in MI, without a Will. What MI papers do I file with IL unclaimed property to collect as heir.

The deceased never collected the Annuity left to him by our Mother. It was sent to IL Unclaimed Cash.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Feb 15, 2024

To claim the annuity left by your mother to your deceased brother, who died intestate (without a Will) and homeless in Michigan, as an heir through the Illinois unclaimed property, you will likely need to obtain a declaration of heirship or a similar court order from Michigan proving your status as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Illinois on
Q: If you are a beneficiary in your fathers will and your mother is alive and the executor of the will, how does it work

How will I know what I am to inherit

Bryan R. Bagdady
Bryan R. Bagdady
answered on Jan 13, 2024

The original will is required to be filed with the Court in the County where the decedent lived. You can look at the will after it is filed and read the provisions. Assuming assets in excess of $100,000 or an estate with real estate (no real estate passes through probate if it was in joint title),... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Illinois on
Q: My spouse has 2 ex wives, 0 kids, and NO WILL! Home is paid off.Should he pass away how will the estate be settled?

We do not have any joint accounts, my name is technically on nothing, and ,because of his past issues with his former spouses, he trusts no one, so I am pretty much standing at the window looking in.

When we talk about it his statement is. “ You’re my wife. You’ll get it all. Case closed.”

Charles E. Hutchinson
Charles E. Hutchinson
answered on Jan 4, 2024

At the time of his passing, and there is no will, he is considered to have died "intestate". If he is a resident of the state of Illinois, the Illinois statute regarding intestate distribution will apply. Your situation falls under paragraph (c). (Ex-wives/husbands do not take under... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Probate for Illinois on
Q: Beneficiary Rights to Mothers Estate, information is not being shared by Executor.

It appears that the Executor

is not being fair or impartial and it is not in the best interest of the beneficiary, my mom. I believe my grandma’s estate is being mis-managed. We would appreciate some guidance on what we, as a family, can do for my mom. Please let me know if you need... View More

Cheryl Powell
Cheryl Powell
answered on Dec 14, 2023

The first thing is that there are timelines. Was there a will? If so, it should be filed within 30 days of death. And an inventory should be filed 60 days after the will was admitted to probate. Has your mother received an inventory?

Timeliness are not as strict if there was no will.

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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Illinois on
Q: If i set up a consultation for me and my uncle to talk to a lawyer and my uncle showed up and I didnt because I was busy

And my uncle told me what they was talking about and I decided differently and told the lawyer we decided to not use him and my uncle uses him is that a conflict of interest

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Dec 12, 2023

No unless you become a Defendant Party.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Elder Law and Probate for Illinois on
Q: Can you help me find out what happend my Mother ?

I'm retired, and handicapped, living in Florida. Her granddaughter found her obituary on line this week. My mother passed away Sept. 8. She passed away in Great Lakes. None of the family was notified. I can't find out where her personal belongings are or even where she died. The police in... View More

Cheryl Powell
Cheryl Powell
answered on Nov 9, 2023

I found the obit. Did you call the funeral home at Seguin and Symonds Funeral Home in Highwood? Somebody paid for the funeral. I am guessing that she got married to someone who lived in Great Lakes. The funeral home usually puts people in touch with each other.

1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Wrongful Death for Illinois on
Q: I have a question about distribution of a wrongful death settlement to heirs once the amount enters probate.

The probate attorney for the special administration of the estate stated the wrongful death settlement amount per heir is based upon each of the heirs "relationship" with the deceased. Therefore if one sibling had a closer relationship they would get a larger share. I don't believe... View More

Bryan R. Bagdady
Bryan R. Bagdady
answered on Nov 7, 2023

Assuming you are talking about Illinois probate law, if there is not will then the distribution is by statute and the governing statute is pretty straightforward and clear. It does not talk about the relative dependency of any heir. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Illinois on
Q: Father is on ventilator and unsure if there’s a will. His older sister is taking titles and other things out of his home

I know me and siblings are beneficiaries from his job he worked is all

Timothy S O'Brien
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answered on Nov 10, 2023

Sorry to hear about your father. First, I presume since he is on a ventilator, he is not conscious or competent to answer questions about whether he has a will or not. Second, as long as he does not have a spouse (who is currently alive and to whom he is currently married), you and your siblings... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Probate for Illinois on
Q: my husband passed away in Florida on 8/4/23 . I live in Illinois . He has a bank account with Chase bank in Florida ,

w/o court proceedings , how do i retrieve his acct

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 25, 2023

Unless the account has a POD (which it should), you will likely need a court proceeding to access the account if it is solely in his name.

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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Illinois on
Q: Half siblings are suing for deceased dads house from ex-wife. I want no part of it. Can I be taken off the lawsuit?

I had a nearly non-existent relationship with father. He was a sperm donor. Left my mom and went to KY where he had another new family with 3 kids. Dad and 3rd wife divorced years ago and house went to her, since it was hers anyways before they married. She didn't get around to putting it... View More

Bryan R. Bagdady
Bryan R. Bagdady
answered on Aug 22, 2023

As I understand your fact pattern, it does not sound like you actually authorized anyone to bring a claim on your behalf for any part of the house. If this is correct, then you don't need to do anything. No one can file a claim on your behalf without your express permission. If there is an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Illinois on
Q: What do I need to file to have my minor sons estate money put in a trust before he turns 18 ?

Me and my ex wife won a lump sum from a settlement from a malpractice suit our son received his amount and is not available until he is 18. Is there a trust I can have his money put in so when he turns 18 he will get a small portion amount or being able to withdraw funds for college if he decides... View More

Jeffrey Li
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Jeffrey Li
answered on Jul 13, 2023

Sounds like the settlement proceeds for your son were placed only a restricted bank account. The better choice would have been to place the money in a structured settlement, which the money could have been paid out in portion throughout time. You will need to consult with an attorney in your area... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Illinois on
Q: Hi there. I was forced by my brother to sign something that closed my late mother's estate. Is there anyway to reopen it

The legal document stated that id been given the full inventory list/asset list and that he forced me to sign it and said that I wasn't allowed to look at that paper bc I didn't have a lawyer. Is there anyway someone could help me? I feel like he screwed me out of my share or my full... View More

Bryan R. Bagdady
Bryan R. Bagdady
answered on Jun 21, 2023

In Illinois petitions to reopen an estate are governed by 755 ILSC 5/24-9. Estates may be reopened to permit the administration of a newly discovered asset or to permit the administration of an unsettled portion of the estate. The petition may be filed by any interested person. You will need to... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Illinois on
Q: Im 20 years old, My grandparents passed away about 2 years ago and left no will. My mom doesn’t take care of the bills.

My mom has not reported my moms death or put the house under her name and I’m wondering if I can inherit it.

Michael Goldberg
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Michael Goldberg
answered on Jun 6, 2023

If your grandparents did not have a will, the default inheritance rules of the State of Illinois apply. Under the default inheritance rules, the first in line to inherit are the spouse and children of the decedent. Grandchildren would only inherit assets if their parent (the child of the decedent)... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Illinois on
Q: What statuory notices do I need to send out as an administrator of an estate? And, what is a verified inventory?
Michael Goldberg
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Michael Goldberg
answered on May 26, 2023

As a recently appointed administrator of an estate, you are required to provide 1) a notice to heirs and legatees of rights in independent administration (if it is indeed independent administration) 2) claims notice published in the newspaper 3) notice to known creditors mailed directly to them.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Illinois on
Q: Was joint tenancy owner of home (in Illinois) with my mother who died 4 years ago. How do I clear deed for future?

What do I need to file (mothers death certificate?) in order to clear the house for future sale or for adding another family member to the deed? I have kept the taxes paid and up to date and currently residing in the house.

Stephen Sotelo
Stephen Sotelo
answered on Feb 20, 2023

In cases where the most recent deed in the chain of title reflects title held by co-owners "as joint tenants" and one of the co-owners passes away, the next step would be to

(1) complete a Surviving Tenant Affidavit a/k/a Deceased Joint Tenant Affidavit (example form:...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for Illinois on
Q: How would you include the %'s in an Illinois Executors Deed when you have 1 executor but multiple heirs/grantees (6)?

Trying to fill out an Executors Deed. I have one executor but about 6 heirs/grantees. Do I just list each heir and their percentage and say individually? For example: John Doe (20%) individually, John Doe Jr. (20%) individually, etc. Should percentages not be included?

Stephen Sotelo
Stephen Sotelo
answered on Jan 23, 2023

An Executor's Deed or Administrator's Deed is generally utilized when the Representative is "selling" real estate to a third party.

On the other hand, when a representative is merely releasing the estate's interest in the property and confirming title in the heirs...
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2 Answers | Asked in Probate for Illinois on
Q: Grandma (decedent) quit claimed house to aunt (now deceased) no known will, not in probate. I am last living relative.

Can I claim this house. If so how? The property has been vacant over a year. Deed still in aunt's name and someone recently paid taxes.

Bryan R. Bagdady
Bryan R. Bagdady
answered on Jan 5, 2023

There is no such thing as "claiming" the house. If property is owned by someone who dies, then that property can be transferred by small estate affidavit if the amount is small and there is no real estate. Here, you are dealing with real estate, so the small estate affidavit is not an... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Illinois on
Q: Who has the legal authority to make decisions in regard to disposition of remains?

There is a guardian (co-guardians in this case), a will, and a trust. The ward dies, the will has no written instructions for disposition of remains. Who is the 1st person legally responsible for making decisions about the disposition?

The guardian, the guardian who also is executive... View More

Cheryl Powell
Cheryl Powell
answered on Nov 16, 2022

Powers of attorney and guardianships end at death. The only person with any legal authority is the executor of the will, who will have letters of office. That person has to see to it that bills are paid, including the funeral, cremation, etc.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Probate, Tax Law and Banking for Illinois on
Q: Is there federal laws for a trust
Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Sep 14, 2022

Tax laws and ERISA Qualification laws come to mind. Banking Statutes also cover Trust Regulation. Securities Law may often be indirectly determinative. There are probably many others. Obviously Anti-Trust Statutes. State Laws control most disputes, but Trusts often involve several possible... View More

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