Tag: rights of surviving spouses

Preparing an estate plan is a wise decision. However, even with a valid estate plan in place, your express wishes might not be carried out. For example, Illinois probate law affords special rights to surviving spouses and minor children that could contravene specific provisions in your will. Electing to Take a Statutory Share The surviving spouse has the right to renounce the decedent’s will in favor of taking a statutory (or elective) share of the decedent’s probate assets. This statutory share amounts to one-third of the estate if there are […]