Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Illinois

Re: the judge is the law

You're welcome. Sounds like you are on your way, with your brother being represented by an attorney in the probate proceding. Generally, the judge is going to decide based on the facts proved in court, which would include the deed and the will admitted. If your brother and his attorney think the judge ultimately decides the issues against the law, then your brother can appeal to a higher court.

I can't predict what is likely to happen without a thorough review of the facts,and nothing is certain when litigation starts, but good luck with your case.

Our comments are based on treating your question as a hypothetical. Accordingly, our comments could be substantially and materially different were we advised of all of the relevant facts and circumstances. Our comments are by necessity general in nature, and should not be relied upon in taking or forgoing action in your circumstances without retaining an attorney. In order to fully explore your legal matter, you should meet with us or another attorney and bring to any such meeting all relevant documents and correspondence, and any other relevant facts.

We are not hired to be your attorney, and no attorney-client relationship exists between us, unless and until you enter into a written retainer agreement with us, tender the agreed amount for a retainer and it is accepted by us. We reserve the right to decline representation should circumstances change.

As you are aware, in Illinois there are various deadlines for filing a complaint, filing an answer to a complaint, or taking other action in order to preserve your legal rights, and avoid a complete loss of those rights. You should retain counsel immediately in order to be fully advised of your rights, and to be fully informed of the applicable time period within which those rights must be asserted. If you were to delay in doing so, it might result in your potential cause of action being forever barred.