Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Illinois

Re: Inheritance Notification

If there is a probate estate opened (when there is a court proceeding started in order to oversee the distribution of an estate), by law, the executor or the administrator of the estate must notify all "interested parties." Interested parties to a will would include heirs, named beneficiaries, and creditors of the estate.

If there is no probate proceeding, the will must still be filed with the County Clerk, and the executor would be required to notify the beneficiaries.

If you know the name of the executor, the best thing to do would be to make inquiries of him or her to find out what is happening.

As a named beneficiary you have rights. If you have a copy of the will, it would be a good idea to have a lawyer review it for you to determine what those rights are, and how they should be enforced.

Good luck to you.

This answer is based on the hypothetical set forth in your question. It is possible that my answer would change if I was presented with additional facts. Therefore, this answer in no way should be construed as legal advice.