How to Take Over a Parent’s Mortgage After Their Death in Illinois
Taking Over a Parent’s Mortgage After Their Death — What to Do in Illinois Detailed answer This guide explains, in plain language, the typical steps people take to keep or take over a mortgaged home in Illinois after a parent dies. It covers how title and probate affect the mortgage, what lenders may require, and […]
Read article →Proving Paternity for Inheritance in Illinois
How to prove you are a decedent’s child for inheritance when the father’s name is not on the birth certificate (Illinois) Quick answer: In Illinois you can still establish legal parentage and inherit even if a father’s name is not on your birth certificate. Common routes are: locating a signed Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity, getting […]
Read article →Protecting an Inheritance in Illinois When a Family Member Contests an Estate
Short answer If someone contests an estate in Illinois, act quickly: secure documentation, contact the executor or personal representative, preserve assets, and get an attorney experienced in Illinois probate. You can also reduce the risk of future contests by using non‑probate transfers (trusts, beneficiary designations, joint ownership, transfer‑on‑death instruments) and clear estate‑planning records. Detailed answer […]
Read article →How to Be Appointed Administrator of a Sister’s Intestate Estate in Illinois
How to get appointed administrator of your sister’s estate in Illinois when she died without a will Short answer: If your sister died intestate (without a will) in Illinois, a probate court in the county where she lived can appoint a personal representative (often called an administrator or administrator of an intestate estate). You (or […]
Read article →Notices to Send to Heirs When Opening Probate in Illinois
Notices to Send to Heirs When Opening Probate in Illinois — FAQ Quick answer When you open probate in Illinois, you generally must provide written notice to all known heirs, beneficiaries (devisees/legatees), and certain interested parties, and you must publish a formal Notice to Creditors for unknown creditors and unknown heirs. Exact requirements depend on […]
Read article →Finalizing Probate and Selling Estate Property in Illinois When a Will Is Outdated
How to finish probate and obtain authority to sell real property in Illinois when a will appears outdated Disclaimer This article explains common Illinois probate steps and legal rules in plain language. It is educational only and not legal advice. For decisions about a particular estate, consult a licensed Illinois probate attorney. Detailed Answer — […]
Read article →Illinois: Selling a Deceased Parent’s Home When the Reverse Mortgage Servicer Demands Renunciation Letters
Detailed Answer Short summary: If your father had a reverse mortgage, the loan generally becomes due when he dies. The servicer (lender) may ask heirs to sign “renunciation” or other forms to confirm who will act, who will sell the home, or to avoid opening probate. You have several practical options: (1) get formal authority […]
Read article →Illinois: What to Do When an Uncle Refuses to Sign a Renunciation for Personal Representative
Detailed Answer When someone named in a will (or otherwise first in line under Illinois law) refuses to sign a written renunciation, that can block your ability to be appointed as the personal representative (executor/administrator) of the estate. Below is a clear, step‑by‑step explanation of what renunciation means under Illinois practice, why an uncle’s refusal […]
Read article →Including an Out-of-State House in an Illinois Will: What You Need to Know
Disclaimer: This is general information and educational only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. For specific legal advice about your situation, consult a licensed Illinois attorney and an attorney in the state where the house is located. Detailed Answer Yes — you can include a house you own outside […]
Read article →Illinois — First Step to Find Who Owns a Portion of Your Grandfather’s Land
How to begin finding who legally owns part of your grandfather’s land in Illinois This FAQ-style guide explains the practical first steps someone with no legal background should take to figure out who owns a portion of land that was associated with a deceased grandparent. It describes how to locate basic records, what files matter, […]
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