Illinois Agreement to Partition Real Property among Surviving Spouse and Children of Decedent is a legal document that outlines the process of dividing real property among the surviving spouse and children of a deceased individual in Illinois. This agreement ensures a fair distribution of the property and protects the interests of all parties involved. In Illinois, there are two main types of Agreement to Partition Real Property among Surviving Spouse and Children of Decedent: 1. Voluntary Agreement to Partition: This type of agreement is reached when the surviving spouse and children agree to voluntarily partition the real property left by the decedent. It allows them to negotiate and decide on the division of the property without court intervention. This agreement can be an amicable solution that avoids legal battles and ensures a peaceful distribution process. 2. Court-Ordered Agreement to Partition: In case the surviving spouse and children cannot come to a voluntary agreement, a court may intervene and order a partition of the real property. This typically happens when there are conflicts or disputes among the parties involved. The court will assess the situation, consider the interests of all parties, and make a decision on how the property should be divided. The Illinois Agreement to Partition Real Property among Surviving Spouse and Children of Decedent typically includes the following key elements: 1. Identification of the Property: The agreement starts by clearly identifying the real property that needs to be partitioned. This includes a detailed description of the property's location, boundaries, and any improvements or structures present. 2. Parties Involved: The agreement identifies the surviving spouse and children as the parties involved in the partition process. Their names, addresses, and relationship to the decedent are specified. 3. Purpose of the Agreement: The document states that the purpose of the agreement is to establish a fair and equitable distribution of the real property, taking into account the legal rights of all parties involved. 4. Terms of Partition: The agreement outlines how the property will be partitioned. This may include various options such as dividing the property into separate parcels, selling the property and distributing the proceeds, or any other mutually agreed-upon method. 5. Valuation of Property: In cases where the property needs to be sold, the agreement may include a provision for obtaining a professional appraisal to determine the fair market value of the property. 6. Distribution of Proceeds: If the property is sold, the agreement specifies how the proceeds will be distributed among the surviving spouse and children. This ensures that everyone receives their rightful share according to Illinois inheritance laws. 7. Signatures and Notarization: The agreement requires the signatures of all parties involved, including the surviving spouse and children. To make it legally binding, the document should be notarized to attest its authenticity. In summary, the Illinois Agreement to Partition Real Property among Surviving Spouse and Children of Decedent is a crucial legal tool that facilitates the fair division of real property among the surviving spouse and children. Whether through a voluntary agreement or court intervention, this document ensures a transparent and equitable distribution process.