Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Illinois
My cousin died 6 months ago identified but unclaimed. I was able to provide some information to the coroner who is assigned the case. The coroner has been unable to notify a 'next of kin'. I have never met my cousin and do not know is she left a will, has assets or even where she lived. I only know of her from family genealogy research. The coroner indicates that I actually may be a 'next of kin'. There are other living cousins and perhaps a niece or nephew. Is there legal or financial ramifications if I get involved with this situation ? I am in Calif but this situation is in Illinois. Thank You.
1 Answer from Attorneys
The ramifications of involvement are the potential time and expense of "involvement" and the threat of claims against you from other as yet unidentified persons who may believe your actions are depriving them of some right they have, based on their relationship to the decedent. What do you hope to get out of "involvement"? To become involved will eventually mean taking responsibility for situations perhaps best left alone. Before attempting to "get involved" you need to engage in some fact finding to ascertain what may require resolution.
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