Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Illinois
Notification of Beneficiary
My Godmother who was also my first cousin as well as a dear friend passed away recently. 2 years ago when she found out that she was terminal she drew up what she called a ''will'' with her family attorney. She mentioned that she had put her sister as well as an honorable friend whom she felt was ''strong enough'' to handle her sister as executors. I don't know what kind of a legal document she drew up, a Living Trust, Revocable Trust, etc. I assumed that since her passing I would be contacted regarding the ''things'' she said she wanted me to have but as of yet have not heard anything. I know she would have put them in her ''will'' as she wouldn't trust the sister to take care of this request on her own. Since her passing I understand that the friend has relinquished his position. The sister has many issues with our side of the family and has declared a private vendetta at different times throughout the years. None of this has been towards me personally but just the same. My questions are Is there any way I can find out without my cousin knowledge if I have been mentioned in the ''will''? Is there any kind of time limit in processing the requests on a document like a ''will''? If I am mentioned in the ''will'' when & how would I be notified?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Notification of Beneficiary
If there was a valid will that included you it should have been filed on the county courthouse where you cousin died, if she died in Illinois, within 30 days of her death. You may want to check there. Otherwise the friend who relinquished her position as executor should know. You can also check and see if an estate was open in her name at the county courthouse. Of course, you could also ask her sister directly or have a lawyer contact her if you believe that she left you something.
We handle these types of issues all the time and if we can be of further assistance, please contact me at my office.
Diane Ainsworth or Zedrick T. Braden III
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