Illinois — What Happens to Joint Bank Accounts and Property When Someone Dies Without a Will
How joint bank accounts and property pass when someone dies without a will in Illinois This FAQ explains, in plain language, what typically happens to jointly owned bank accounts and other property when a person dies intestate (without a will) under Illinois law. It uses simple hypothetical facts to show likely outcomes and steps heirs […]
Read article →Illinois — Reimbursable Estate Property Maintenance Expenses Before Sale
Detailed Answer This explains which costs typically come out of an estate to preserve, secure, and prepare real property for sale under Illinois probate practice. It is aimed at someone who is acting (or might act) as a personal representative (executor/administrator) or at beneficiaries trying to understand what the estate can pay. This is general […]
Read article →How to Be Appointed Estate Administrator or Co-Administrator in Illinois
How to Be Appointed Estate Administrator or Co-Administrator in Illinois Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. This article explains general Illinois probate procedures to help you decide whether to consult a probate attorney. Detailed answer: Overview and step-by-step process When a person dies in Illinois, someone usually must be […]
Read article →Avoiding Probate in Illinois: Using Wills, Beneficiary Designations, Joint Ownership, and TOD Tools
A practical guide to avoiding probate in Illinois using wills, beneficiary designations, and ownership choices Short answer: Wills alone usually do not avoid probate in Illinois. To pass assets to a spouse and children without probate, you generally use beneficiary designations (for retirement plans, life insurance, payable-on-death (POD) bank accounts), joint ownership with rights of […]
Read article →How to Submit an Original Will to Probate Court in Illinois When You Live Out of State
Submitting an Original Will to Illinois Probate Court When You Live Out of State This FAQ-style guide explains in plain language what to do if you must submit an original will to an Illinois probate court but you live in another state. This is an educational guide, not legal advice. Disclaimer: This is general information […]
Read article →How to Buy Out Siblings’ Interests in a Father’s Property in Illinois
Detailed Answer This guide explains how one owner can buy out the other owners’ interests in real property in Illinois rather than selling the property. It explains how ownership is determined, how to calculate a buyout price, steps to complete a buyout, alternatives if siblings won’t agree, and practical and tax considerations. This is educational […]
Read article →Illinois: Recovering Money Taken from a Deceased Parent’s Bank Account or Credit Cards
What happens when an heir withdraws money from a deceased parent’s accounts — can the estate recover it? Detailed Answer When a person dies, most of the decedent’s bank accounts, credit card accounts, and other assets become part of the decedent’s estate unless title automatically passes to someone else (for example, a joint account with […]
Read article →Buying Out Siblings’ Shares of a Parent’s House in Illinois: Step-by-Step Guide
Detailed Answer — How to Buy Out Siblings’ Shares of a Parent’s House in Illinois Short answer: First confirm how title passed (joint tenancy, transfer-on-death deed, or probate). If the property is now owned by multiple heirs as tenants in common through probate or intestacy, you can often buy your siblings’ shares by negotiating a […]
Read article →Illinois — Appointing a Guardian ad Litem for Minor Heirs Before Selling Inherited Land
Detailed answer Yes. Under Illinois law, an interested person (for example, a personal representative of an estate, an heir, or another party with standing) may ask the probate court to appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) or otherwise obtain court-appointed representation for minor heirs before selling inherited real estate. Courts commonly appoint a GAL or […]
Read article →Illinois — How to Get Court Approval to Sell an Inherited Home When Co‑Owners Include Minors
Overview If you and one or more co‑owners (and one or more of those co‑owners are minors) have inherited a house in Illinois, you generally cannot sell the property free of court supervision without taking specific legal steps. Illinois law requires court involvement whenever a minor’s ownership interest in real estate must be protected, and […]
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