If the settlement is for less than $50,000, you can send the issuing bank a small estate affidavit.

Do I need a lawyer in court for civial case? Do I need to be present?

You are going to need to talk to a civil litigation lawyer in Illinois and perhaps a bankruptcy attorney there as well to determine the status of...

Estate question?

Mr. Leviloff is spot on in his advice.

'heloc' or home equity loans?

If at least one of them is on title to the home and the lender allows it.

How long can a step child live in a home that is under probate?

If there is no written agreement the Trustee or executor can proceed with formal eviction processs against the tenants. The estate is also...

I got my inheritance can I quit claim it to my sister

Once you have taken title to the property you can do whatever you want with it, including deeding it to your sister. There may be adverse tax...

How can beneficiaries on a irrevocable trust be added or changed in California. ?

If the trust ha a "trust protector" provision, the trust protector may also have the power to add beneficiaries.

Can I pay off a 100 percent ch 13 plan earlier than 60 months?

As chapter 13 plans are voluntary, all you have to do is make a payoff request to the chapter 13 trustee.

Can you give me a ballpark figure of how much it costs to file a petition for accounts?

It depends entirely on the size and complexity of the estate being accounted for. Get some information in that regard and call one or two CPAs for...

A beneficiary can "disclaim" his or her inheritance but cannot direct where the share goes. The terms of the trust determines where the disclaimed...