Legal Question in Family Law in Illinois
Notification of death
My friend's father recently died after a long illness. He's his father's sole heir and needs to make arrangements. He wants to exclude the remaining of his extended family from participating in the funeral/burial and make all decisions himself. He plans to honor his father's will and disburse his estate as instructed, but legally, does he have to notify the rest of the family or include them?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Notification of death
Legally he does not have to include the others in the planning and participation of the funeral. However your friend will have file the will with the court and open an estate so that the estated can be probated. During the probate process heirs and legatees will need to be notified, but this does not mean that they have to be included in the making of funeral arrangements.
I suggest your friend speak with an attorney regarding the will and the opening of the estate. If he would to speak with me my office number is 815-254-4719.