Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Illinois

I live in the State of IL. My question is this. A member of our family just passed away and left her son power of attorney. Her son is homeless, unable to be located, addicted to and smokes marijuana and crystal meth on a daily basis, is a registered sex offender. Since we can not locate him, what do we need to do in order to remove him as the executor of the will and power of attorney since his mother did not revise her will before her death.


Asked on 9/24/14, 3:59 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Virginia Prihoda Law Offices of Virginia Prihoda

A power of attorney expires upon the death of the person who created it, so no action can be performed under authority of the power of attorney. Whoever is in possession of the decedent's last will must file the original will with the clerk of the county where the decedent resided. Illinois law mandates the filing of the will even if there will be no probate. Probate proceedings are not always necessary. Most well drafted wills name alternates if the first named executor cannot serve. If a probate is necessary, this person should move to be appointed executor, best accomplished with the assistance of an attorney. If the son were ever convicted of a felony, Illinois law prevent him from serving as executor. Get an appointment with an attorney in your area.

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Answered on 9/24/14, 5:00 am
Henry Repay Law Offices of Henry Repay

Great answer from Attorney Prihoda. I would add, if it is determined to be worthwhile, that you can force the issue by someone petitioning for probate even if not the named executor or an alternate. As noted, make an appointment with a probate attorney serving the county in which the decedent resided.

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Answered on 9/24/14, 8:15 am


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