Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Illinois

Has the money been distributed out to someone else already, or is it still held in your mother's name or in the name of her estate?

Also, the will would have to be original and contain at least two witnesses.

I suggest bringing the info to a probate attorney ASAP to assess the situation and your prospects. It's not necessarily impossible, but might be difficult, depending on a number of factors.

I agree with the foregoing comment. You need to show the original will to an attorney and then the original will must be filed with the clerk of court's office in the county in which the decedent resided at the time of death. Then, the individual who wants the will recognized should work with an attorney to open an estate proceeding in probate court.