Detailed Answer

Short answer: Possibly — but the proper route in Illinois depends on who removed the items, whether you have a court order or letters appointing you (for example, as personal representative), whether the items are clearly estate property or the heirs’ separate property, and whether a court order already requires the items to be returned. You cannot use self-help (breaking in, repossessing things by force) without risking criminal or civil exposure. Instead, Illinois law gives civil remedies — most commonly a replevin action (to recover specific personal property), an action for conversion or damages, and enforcement remedies through the probate or civil court (including contempt).

Which laws and remedies apply in Illinois?

• Probate authority: If you are the appointed personal representative (executor or administrator), the Illinois Probate Act governs your duties and powers to collect, safeguard, and distribute estate property. For the Probate Act text see the Illinois Compiled Statutes: Probate Act of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/) — https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1796&ChapterID=52
• Replevin (recovery of personal property): Illinois law allows a person with a right to possession to sue for return of specific personal property. See the Code of Civil Procedure provisions for actions to recover possession (replevin) in the Illinois Compiled Statutes: 735 ILCS 5/Art. XIX — https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1875&ChapterID=52
• Conversion and civil damages: If someone wrongfully took or retained personal property, you may have a tort claim for conversion (damages for loss of use or value) under Illinois common law and may pursue damages in civil court.
• Enforcing court orders: If a court (probate or other) already ordered the items returned or ordered that you take possession of the house and heirs ignored the order, you can ask the issuing court to enforce its order. Typical enforcement tools include contempt proceedings (to compel compliance), turnover orders, and/or supplemental proceedings to recover the items or obtain damages for noncompliance.

How the process typically works

Below is a common sequence for a person in your position in Illinois:

1. Document ownership and authority. Gather proof you are entitled to the items or to possession of the house: letters of office (if you are a personal representative), the will, death certificate, inventories, photographs, receipts, witness statements, and any prior court orders.
2. Identify the items and scope. Prepare a detailed inventory showing what was removed and who removed it (name, relationship, and the circumstances if known).
3. Ask for voluntary return. Send a written demand (certified mail recommended) asking the heir to return the items by a deadline. Preserve evidence of delivery.
4. File the appropriate action. If voluntary return fails, choose the correct legal filing:
   • If you need specific items returned, file a replevin action in civil court (requesting return of the property). See replevin provisions: 735 ILCS 5/Art. XIX — https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1875&ChapterID=52
   • If you are a personal representative and the items are estate property, file a motion in the probate case asking the probate court to order turnover and, if appropriate, hold the non‑complying heir in contempt. See the Probate Act: 755 ILCS 5/ — https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1796&ChapterID=52
   • If the heir has converted the items or sold/destroyed them, you can also sue for conversion and damages in civil court.
5. Request emergency relief if items are at risk. If items are in danger of being moved, sold, or destroyed, ask the court for temporary injunctive relief, a temporary restraining order, or a turnover order so the items cannot be dissipated while the case is pending.
6. Enforce orders. If a court orders return and the heir refuses, ask the court to hold the person in contempt or issue writs for law enforcement to assist with turnover. The court can award costs, fines, or other sanctions to compel compliance.

Practical limits and risks

• Do not use self-help. Entering the house, changing locks, or seizing property yourself can lead to criminal charges (trespass) or civil liability.
• Proof of ownership matters. If heirs claim the items were theirs before the decedent’s death or gifts, the court will weigh evidence. Clear documentation and witness testimony help.
• Timing and expense. Civil and probate litigation takes time and money. Consider whether recovery of specific low-value items justifies legal costs; for high-value or sentimental items, litigation is more commonly pursued.

When to involve law enforcement

Police generally will not execute civil court orders on their own. They will act on criminal matters (theft, burglary) or if you have a valid court order directing law enforcement to enforce turnover. Coordinate with the court clerk and sheriff’s office if you obtain a turnover order or writ.

Example hypothetical

Suppose you are the court-appointed administrator for an estate in Cook County. Several heirs removed antique furniture and jewelry the week after the decedent died. You have letters of office proving your authority and an inventory showing the items are estate property. You first send a written demand for return. When the heirs refuse, you file a motion in the probate case asking the probate court to order the heirs to return the items and seek a contempt hearing if they refuse. The court issues a turnover order and, when the heirs still do not comply, holds a contempt hearing and orders return or awards damages. If the heirs sold the items, you file for conversion and damages or replevin against the purchasers (if they were on notice).

Statute references and resources (Illinois):

• Probate Act of 1975 (governs personal representatives and estate administration): https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1796&ChapterID=52 (755 ILCS 5/)
• Code of Civil Procedure — actions for possession (replevin) and related remedies: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1875&ChapterID=52 (735 ILCS 5/)

Bottom line: You can often recover personal items removed by heirs in Illinois, but you must follow the court process (replevin, probate turnover, or contempt) rather than taking matters into your own hands. Success depends on proof of ownership/authority and prompt, correct procedure.

Helpful Hints

• Get and preserve documentation: letters of office, the will, inventories, photos, receipts, and witness contact info.
• Send a clear written demand for return by certified mail and keep proof of delivery before filing suit.
• Do not enter the property or remove items yourself. Self-help can create criminal and civil exposure.
• If items are at immediate risk (about to be sold or destroyed), ask the court for emergency relief (temporary injunction or restraining order).
• Consider replevin for specific items and conversion/damages if items were sold or destroyed.
• Coordinate with the probate clerk and sheriff if you receive a court turnover order — the sheriff typically executes writs and turnover orders.
• Keep litigation cost in mind. For low-value items, mediation or negotiated return may be more efficient than full litigation.
• Consult an Illinois attorney experienced in probate or civil recovery for help drafting filings, proving ownership, and handling contempt or enforcement proceedings.