My wife recently passed away, and now my father-in-law just passed. My FIL had an annuity that my wife was ....

Very sorry about the loss of your wife. If she died before your FIL-The annuity either stated who the contingent beneficiary was or it probably...

Sorry about your Mom. Yes-you can do nothing and walk away. It does not appear to be worth the cost and effort to start a probate process.

Our adult children took my husband to an atty about a wk before his death to sign a will that greatly benefits them.

The will might be invalid or signed with undue influence presence. You need to see an estate/litigation attorney to understand yoiur rights.

If a person has been diagnosed previously wtih dementia hire a new attorney and remove the existing poa

Maybe-the new attorney might try for a guardianship and void the POA based on the facts of the case.

How do I change my last name in Illinois

You can try to do a name change yourself-good luck. If you fail-hire an attorney to assist you.

Married with 2 kids named as a beneficiary of my IRA and my bank account (less than $200k). Upon my death is it taxable?

All IRA distributions are taxable unless a ROTH IRA-so Yes it is taxable.

You would be wise to consult an attorney under any conditions if you feel your beneficiary rights are being violated.

Your stepdad will have a life estate in the homestead and then it would go equally to your mom's children.

Can a collection agency place a lien against my father's estate assests while I'm contesting their claims in probate court?

The collection agency can file a claim in the probate court and you could object to the claim.

My Dad passed away in July of this year. He left no power of attorney or will and I am his only living child name on death cert

Need more information. You stated you were the only child on the death certificate. 1 Were there other children? 2 Any deceased children with...