Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Illinois

Trust fund

My cousin died this month (Jan 4, 2007) at 69yrs old. She was an only child and was never married and had no children. My sister and I are her only living relatives. Her father was my mother's brother. She has a home and it is in a trust 1/2 still under my Uncle's name.My uncle died in 1989. Can I claim my uncle's 1/2 of the property? and how would go about it? I know she had a male friend, who lived in the house with her and is retired. It is possible she left her half of the house to him. I don't know if she had a will, but I know there is a trust setup with a Chicago bank. I have the trust number. Should I call the bank to let them know she does have my sister and I as her only suving relatives on her father's side, since the trust has him mentioned as an ''undivided 1/2 interest.''

Where do I start? I really can't afford an attorney.

Thanks for any help you can give me.


Asked on 1/26/07, 5:08 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
George Zuganelis Zuganelis & Zuganelis, Attorneys at Law, P.C.

Re: Trust fund

If you want to inherit the house you will have to hire an attorney. The trustee will not just turn the house over to you. The trust document will indicate how the house is to pass. If there are no living beneficiaries of the trust, you will have to file a probate case and have a judge appoint an administrator (maybe you). After certain other affidavits are filed and approved by the judge, then you can transfer title. Please call for a free consultation.

Read more
Answered on 1/26/07, 6:09 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Probate, Trusts, Wills & Estates questions and answers in Illinois