Weesatche, TX Estate Planning Law Firms & Lawyers

Generally speaking, you can get control over an estate, even if you live in a different state. For a probate estate, most states allow an executor/trustee to be a non-resident, but they may require a supplemental, local executor/trustee to be appointed to assist you in handling certain real estate and financial transactions. However, it appears from your question that your father is still living, so I assume this would a guardianship estate. Guardianship estates can be split into two - one for control over the person (i.e., making decisions about their health, living environment and general care), and the other is for control over their financial estate. Most states, Illinois included, require that the guardian for the financial estate be located in the same state as the ward. You may need to find someone locally to act as this guardian. There are professional organizations that provide these services, such as a trust company (i.e., Northern Trust). This answer is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice nor does it establish an attorney-client relationship. Please consult a local probate lawyer for legal advice that is tailored to your facts and circumstances.

Her children are not directly responsible for your mother's debts. To the extent that you received assets as a result of her passing, creditors might be able to force you to pay. Even though you have no direct liability, in some cases the creditors will try to convince you to pay; don't without consulting first with a probate lawyer.

You are confused or have been misinformed. A Power of Attorney is only used for a living person. Once a person has died, any Power of Attorney terminates upon death. At this point, if there is an estate, you need to be named Personal Representative of the estate. That requires probate proceedings. It is a highly technical process and should not be attempted without the assistance of an attorney.