Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Illinois

An executor acts as a fiduciary of the assets of an estate. By law, if the will does not state that an executor may act without a bond, a surety bond must be purchased. If the estate is probated through the court, the judge will require it. Of course, the bond is to help safeguard the assets of the estate for the beneficiaries.

With that said, the law doesn't give a timeframe for the notification. However, the will must be filed with the county within 30 days of the death. The will then becomes a public record and you can call the probate clerk in the court where the person died. They will be able to make a copy of the will for you. There will be a cost for copying and mailing.

Good luck to you.