What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will in Illinois
When an Illinois resident dies without having made a Last Will and Testament, the intestacy succession laws found in the Illinois statutes will dictate who inherits the deceased person's probate estate. A will is a legal document that will serve to communicate the wishes for the disposal of personal property after the owner's death. The will is one part of a complete estate plan that may include tax planning and philanthropic giving as well as the identification of trustees. If an Illinois resident or a person owning property in the state passes away without a will, the determination of dividing assets will be left to the Illinois intestacy succession laws. Intestacy laws and the distribution of assets left after satisfying debts are the responsibility of the probate court. Survived by a Spouse or Descendants Here is what will happen under the Illinois intestacy laws if the deceased person is survived by a spouse and/or descendants (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren,...