Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Illinois

no will-who HAS to handle estate

Mother in law died in Illinois. No will. Owned an old truck and a has couple of paycks due to her, and does have some outstanding bills. We have been estranged for a very long while... My husband, her son did go up and handle funeral arrangements as no one else would, but he does not want to handle her estate or anything else. What happens in that case? Does he have to? She has a brother but again estranged and wants nothing to do with it.

Thanks in advance.

--name removed--


Asked on 1/25/06, 4:46 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Thomas Moens Moens Law Offices, Chartered

Re: no will-who HAS to handle estate

Your husband is not required to do anything, particularly if he does not want anything. Neither will he be obligated to pay her bills. If any of the creditors wanted to do so, they could open an estate to get their bills paid, but unless they are owed a significant amount of money.

Read more
Answered on 1/25/06, 4:58 pm


Related Questions & Answers

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