Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Illinois

My uncle has recently passed away this week. He mentioned to me before that he has left me some things in his joint will. Recently, his wife had a falling-out with my family. Is it possible for her to change the joint will to cut me out of it? Or is it possible for her to "hide" the assets that my uncle wanted to pass on to me (his and his wife's watches, their rings, etc)?


Asked on 1/22/11, 5:04 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Steve Raminiak Law Offices of Steve Raminiak, P.C.

Joint Wills are rare. Typically, a surviving spouse cannot modify any gift of a deceased spouse, but that is not always the case. Furthermore, a surviving spouse may be entitled to use the money or assets that is intended to be gifted upon that second spouse's death.

It is certainly possible for her to use or hide items that she has possession of.

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Answered on 1/27/11, 3:51 pm


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