Which statements and financial documents are required for annual and final probate accountings in Illinois (IL)?
Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. This article explains general Illinois probate accounting practices to help you understand what documents and statements courts and interested parties commonly expect. For binding guidance about your situation, consult a licensed Illinois probate attorney. Detailed Answer Overview — who must account and why […]
Read article →What steps can heirs take to resolve an elective share dispute through mediation in Illinois (IL)?
Resolving an Elective Share Dispute Through Mediation in Illinois This FAQ explains practical steps heirs can take to resolve an elective share dispute by mediation under Illinois law. This is educational information only and not legal advice. Detailed answer — How heirs can mediate an elective share dispute in Illinois When a surviving spouse claims […]
Read article →What is the process for negotiating a creditor’s payoff amount in estate administration? (IL)
Negotiating creditor payoffs during Illinois estate administration: what an executor or personal representative should know Disclaimer: This article explains general Illinois law and practical steps. It is educational only and is not legal advice. Speak with a licensed Illinois probate attorney for advice about a specific estate. Detailed Answer — step-by-step process under Illinois law […]
Read article →What steps can be taken to verify or contest a creditor’s payoff quote on an estate debt in Illinois (IL)?
Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. If you need legal advice about a specific estate or claim, consult a licensed Illinois attorney. Detailed Answer — How to verify or contest a creditor’s payoff quote on an estate debt (Illinois) When someone dies, their estate may owe money to […]
Read article →How to submit an affidavit accounting for personal property in a small estate case in IL
Detailed Answer Quick overview: In Illinois, when a decedent leaves only personal property and the property qualifies as a "small estate," an heir or other person can use an affidavit to collect the decedent’s personal property without full probate administration. The affidavit must meet statutory requirements and be filed or presented to the holder of […]
Read article →What records are needed to show asset transfers under small estate procedures in IL?
Detailed Answer — Documents and proof needed to show asset transfers under Illinois small estate procedures This article explains the common records and proof that banks, insurers, and other holders of property typically require to release or transfer assets using Illinois small‑estate procedures (see 755 ILCS 5/18‑1 et seq.). It uses simple hypotheticals to show […]
Read article →How do I value collectibles like Pokémon cards when preparing my estate paperwork in Illinois (IL)?
Detailed Answer If someone in Illinois owns a collection of trading cards — like Pokémon cards — and you are preparing estate paperwork, you must assign a realistic, supportable value to those collectibles for the probate record. Illinois law requires the personal representative (executor or administrator) to identify and value estate assets for the court. […]
Read article →What are the legal requirements and process for transferring a decedent’s firearms during probate in Illinois (IL)?
How are a decedent’s firearms legally transferred during probate in Illinois? Short answer: The personal representative (executor or administrator) must secure the firearms, determine who is entitled to them under the will or Illinois intestacy rules, confirm the transferee is legally allowed to possess firearms (FOID/eligibility), and either complete lawful transfers through a licensed firearms […]
Read article →What documentation is needed to prove ownership when filing a surplus funds claim in Illinois (IL)?
How to Prove Ownership When Filing a Surplus Funds Claim in Illinois Detailed Answer When a property sells at a judicial or sheriff's sale in Illinois for more than the amount owed, the extra money (surplus or excess proceeds) becomes available for claim by persons or entities with a valid legal interest. To recover those […]
Read article →How to protect life insurance proceeds in Illinois when there is no named beneficiary?
Disclaimer: This is general information only and not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For advice about a specific situation, consult a licensed Illinois attorney. Detailed Answer — How life insurance proceeds are handled in Illinois when there is no named beneficiary If a decedent dies with a life insurance policy that does not […]
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