What can I do in Illinois if the personal representative sends a payment without explaining how they calculated my share of the estate?
What to do if a personal representative in Illinois sends a payment without explaining how they calculated your share Detailed answer — your rights and practical steps under Illinois law When a personal representative (also called an executor or administrator) distributes estate funds without explaining how they calculated each beneficiary's share, you have clear rights […]
Read article →What documentation is required to prove I'm the next of kin and qualify as administrator in a reopened estate? (IL)
How do I prove I'm the next of kin and qualify as administrator in a reopened estate in Illinois? Disclaimer: This is educational information only and not legal advice. For legal advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Illinois probate attorney. Detailed Answer — What you must prove and which documents matter When a […]
Read article →What steps do I need to take when the original estate administrator has died before completing the probate in Illinois (IL)
Detailed Answer Short answer: If the original estate administrator (personal representative) dies before completing probate in Illinois, you must notify the probate court, file a petition to appoint a successor personal representative, give required notice to interested parties, and have the court issue new letters to the successor. The successor then continues administration: inventory, pay […]
Read article →How can I reopen my father's closed estate in Illinois so I can be appointed as administrator?
Short answer: In Illinois you can often reopen a probate estate that was previously closed so a new personal representative (administrator or executor) can be appointed, but you must file a petition in the same probate court that closed the estate and show a proper legal reason (for example: discovered assets, mistakes in distribution, creditor […]
Read article →How long does it usually take to get an out-of-state will approved in Illinois probate?
Detailed Answer This article explains how long it typically takes to admit an out-of-state will in Illinois probate and what affects the timing. It uses a simple hypothetical so you can see how the process works in practice. This is educational information only and not legal advice. How admission of an out-of-state will works in […]
Read article →What happens if the survey shows the property was conveyed out of my mother’s estate decades ago? — IL
Understanding What Happens When a Survey Shows a Property Was Conveyed Out of Your Mother’s Estate Decades Ago State: Illinois Detailed Answer — What this usually means and what to do next If a recent survey or title search shows that the property was conveyed out of your mother’s estate decades ago, the most likely […]
Read article →How do I get the probate court’s permission to sell the property when the clerk’s office won’t explain the filing requirements? (IL)
Getting Probate Court Permission to Sell Estate Property in Illinois Short answer: If you are the executor or administrator, you usually must ask the probate court for authority to sell estate real estate unless the will specifically gives you clear, express power to sell. If the clerk’s office refuses to explain filing requirements, use the […]
Read article →Can I recover personal items that heirs removed from the house before I took possession and enforce the court’s order? (IL)
Recovering Personal Items Removed by Heirs Before You Took Possession — Illinois FAQ 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 […]
Read article →What steps do I need to follow as executor to sell real property to pay estate debts (IL)
FAQ — Selling estate real property as an executor in Illinois This FAQ explains the typical steps an executor (personal representative) follows to sell real estate to pay estate debts under Illinois law. It uses plain language and hypothetical, general facts so you can understand what usually happens. This is not legal advice. Detailed answer […]
Read article →Can heirs of a deceased sibling be included in a partition action in Illinois (IL), and how do I add them?
Detailed Answer Short answer: Yes. Under Illinois law, heirs of a deceased sibling who owned (or co-owned) real property can be joined in a partition action. To include them you must identify who the heirs are (or the estate’s representative), add them to the lawsuit as parties, and serve them properly. Courts will treat heirs […]
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