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Illinois Estate Planning Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Illinois on
Q: Can I legally separate a parcel with a joint agreement signed and notirized. Will it hold up in court at a later date?
Vincent Anthony Incopero
Vincent Anthony Incopero
answered on Mar 17, 2017

Without more information, your question cannot be answered.

Specifically, is this a large, unsubdivided parcel of land, or is it adjacent lots that make up a larger parcel? If it is a large unsubdivided parcel you would need to obtain a new plat of subdivision describing the area to be...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for Illinois on
Q: My dad had a will the money has been released to pay bills,but my dads lawyer says we have to wait 3 months before we

can pay us any money to make sure theres no other debts out there which we know there isnt as my sister has taking care of this and dad for 5 years

anyhow is this just the lawyer talking as my sister can write out checks as we know there no debts or is this a law where we would get in... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Mar 7, 2017

It is just the lawyer talking about what the law requires. YES you have to wait. The time for waiting varies from state to state (it is 4-5 months in Michigan) but you HAVE to wait before making a 'final' distribution in order to comply with the requirements of satisfying creditors.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Elder Law for Illinois on
Q: What happens to my mothers assets should she need to be put into long term care? What happens to her house?

She may need to go into long term care. Unsure at this time. She has an IRA and 2 annuities.

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Mar 3, 2017

The answer to your question depends on specific facts that are not provided here, such as whether or not your mother has a will, the precise terms of the will, and whether or not your mom has a designated power of attorney. If your mother does not have a will or a power of attorney, I would highly... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Estate Planning for Illinois on
Q: What are the legal implications if an executor of an estate wants to purchase the residential property of said estate?

The surviving siblings include one who is the executor. The offer to purchase the family home is being made with the condition that a real estate agent will not handle the transaction as a listing/sale, so as to increase the value of the estate to the heirs. How do the remaining siblings handle... View More

Vincent Anthony Incopero
Vincent Anthony Incopero
answered on Feb 21, 2017

The absence of a realtor is a plus and results in about a 5 to 6% savings for the estate.

If all of the heirs agree to the terms, including the purchaser/executor, each heir will have to sign the purchase contract agreeing to sell the property to the executor and will need to sign the deed...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Illinois on
Q: Where can I get a free download of an Affidavit of surviving joint tenant

I live in Indiana and husband died. I want kids to get house with no hassles when I pass

Vincent Anthony Incopero
Vincent Anthony Incopero
answered on Feb 2, 2017

If the property is located in Illinois, you can obtain a copy here (please note that the property does not have to be located in cook county for this form to be applicable)

http://cookrecorder.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Surviving-Tenant-Affidavit-AKA-Deceased-Joint-Tenancy-Affidavit.pdf

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Real Estate Law for Illinois on
Q: I would like to sell our property, but my wife is not in the U.S.

Hi Sir/Madam,

I would like to sell our property, but my wife is not in the U.S. and there is no way she would be able to come to U.S.

What is it that i would need from her to sell our property here in the U.S. (Note: Her name is on the title)...

As far as i could... View More

Vincent Anthony Incopero
Vincent Anthony Incopero
answered on Feb 2, 2017

You could have the POA notarized by a notary at a US Embassy or Consulat.

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Estate Planning for Illinois on
Q: How does it work if I die and leave my house to my daughter and it is not paid for?
Vincent Anthony Incopero
Vincent Anthony Incopero
answered on Jan 30, 2017

Liens (mortgages) are not extinguished by the death of an owner. Any open liens (mortgages) stay legally attached to the property. So if you leave your home to a child, and at the time of your death there is a $150,000 mortgage, your child inherits the property "Subject To" the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Illinois on
Q: I have a power of attorney question,,can you changed your mind on the person who is power of attorney

My brother had a severe heart attack a few months ago ,after a couple of days his stepdaughter came to the hospital with her brother in law who is an attorney and said she was going to be his power of attorney and that my oldest sister would be second power of attorney ,she didn't have to... View More

Cheryl Powell
Cheryl Powell
answered on Jan 18, 2017

If your brother was competent at the time he signed it, distraught is not a basis to declare it invalid. However, if he is still competent today, he most certainly can terminate the power of attorney. He would need to send a letter certified mail to the person who is the power of attorney now... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for Illinois on
Q: I hired a lawyer to do my will. It has been seven month. I have called a few times. Can I fire this lawyer?

In june we gave him $800 dollars beginning . f July gave him all info. In august was told soon. I really Don't want to pay him more or do business with him again what can I do

Ben F Meek III
Ben F Meek III
answered on Jan 16, 2017

Yes, you can fire him and demand the return of your retainer. You should put this in a letter to him asking for return of your $800 retainer and stating that you are terminating the relationship. You could also mention that failure promptly to return your retainer will result in your making a... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Consumer Law for Illinois on
Q: My mother went into a nursing home and I didn't think to turn off utilities. As power of attorney am I responsible?
Cheryl Powell
Cheryl Powell
answered on Jan 10, 2017

Yes, it is a power of atty's responsibility to c that her bills are paid out of her income.

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1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law and Estate Planning for Illinois on
Q: If mom resides in il, with her power of attorney, but moves to Indiana, does the poa become invalid?
Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Jan 15, 2016

An IL estate planning lawyer can review to determine if it complies with IL law.

Please Take Notice: I am not your lawyer unless we enter into an engagement agreement in writing. This is only general information. It is NOT legal advice, and it may not work for your specific situation. It...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Illinois on
Q: motion was made for formal proof of will and was not responded to by lawyer for estate or pettioner (executor).

They are continuing as if no request was made. We are coming up on four months from the time the motion was filed requesting formal proof. Can I ask for a default judgment from the judge based on their failure to respond and provide proof?

Robert Jason De Groot
Robert Jason De Groot
answered on Oct 25, 2015

Go have a full discussion with a probate attorney about this.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Illinois on
Q: My father passed away and his ex girlfriend/roommate will not let us into the house to obtain his personal belongings.

In talking with her she agreed that everything in the garage and all of the mechanical items were our Dad's when initially speaking with her. Now she will not let us into the house to obtain the items from his room, his computer or see anything that might have been jointly owned, they had... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Oct 24, 2015

Yes, you need to file a probate petition with the courts, and also need to ask the court for a writ of possession for the personal property. Who does the house belong to?

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Illinois on
Q: CAN A WIDOWER WITH CHILDREN WILL HIS HOUSE TO WIFE #TWO
Zaher Fallahi
Zaher Fallahi
answered on Nov 15, 2013

Yes, one with children has the legal right to will his property to anyone he likes. In the case of an intestacy, the children may be eligible to get their intestate share. Please consult a probate attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Illinois on
Q: Where should I seek legal advice?
Stephen Sotelo
Stephen Sotelo
answered on Jan 19, 2013

It's best to contact an attorney who practices in the area of law that you are seeking advice on. I see that you posted under "estate planning law," so I assume you have some need for advice in that area. Estate planning can involve relatively simple matters, such as drafting a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Illinois on
Q: How a person prepare their estate plan to include daughter-in-laws and sons-in-law?
Timothy J. Deffet
Timothy J. Deffet
answered on Oct 11, 2012

Contact a lawyer who does probate law. It is worth it for the future of your family. It is one of the most important documents you can have and can prevent years of family division if you draft it poorly. The money is well spent and most are fairly reasonable if not too complicated. I do not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Illinois on
Q: How much does it cost to make a will? My mom asked me and I do not have a clue? Thank You. M
Timothy J. Deffet
Timothy J. Deffet
answered on Aug 16, 2012

Different lawyers charge different rates and it also depends on how complicated the will is. Ask around where you live for a lawyer who does probate or estates and trusts. They will normally after asking some questions, quote you a price. Remember just going to the cheapest lawyer should not be the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Illinois on
Q: My sister was given an order naming her administrator of my deceased mother's estate (she left no will). Can I contest?
Andrew John Hawes
Andrew John Hawes
answered on Sep 22, 2011

Yes. If you are serious about this, I HIGHLY recommend that you obtain an attorney to assist you with this process.

Generally, once an administrator is appointed, they can only be removed by cause as provided for in 755 ILCS 5/23-2 (the Illinois Probate Act). A representative may be...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Illinois on
Q: I don't think my grandmothers estate was handled right. can it be r opened after 35 yrs

My grandmother passed away 1983 in illinois my dads gone and I found some things just don't add up .on my grandmother estate . Can this estate be reopend after 35 yrs

Andrew John Hawes
Andrew John Hawes
answered on Aug 25, 2011

No. First, under § 755 ILCS 5/28-11(f), "In the absence of fraud, accident or mistake, an order discharging the independent representative and declaring the estate closed is binding on each person whose receipt or approval was filed with the report and on each person to whom notice thereof... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Illinois on
Q: Who is financially responsible for the final (death) expenses of a parent?
Burton A. Padove
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answered on Jul 19, 2011

The parent's estate is generally responsible.

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