Who must I contact to file a claim against the estate?

File the claim at the Lee County Clerk's office (309 S. Galena Avenue, Dixon) or deliver it to the estate representative, Thomas N. Hager, Jr.

What is the deadline to file a claim for Carol A. Banas's estate?

All claims must be filed on or before November 4, 2026.

Do I need to send copies if I file with the Clerk?

Yes — you must mail or deliver copies to the representative and the attorney within 10 days after filing with the Clerk.

Probate — 309 S. Galena Avenue, Dixon, IL (2026 PR 00014)

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Intestate

Affects:CreditorsHeirs

This is a probate claim notice for the estate of Carol A. Banas, informing creditors and others that claims against the estate must be filed by November 4, 2026, or they will be barred. The estate representative and attorney contact details are provided.

Key Takeaways

Deadline to file claims: November 4, 2026
Claims can be filed at Lee County Clerk or with the representative
Representative: Thomas N. Hager, Jr., Oak Park address listed
Attorney: Ward, Murray, Pace & Johnson, Sterling, IL
Copies of claims filed with Clerk must be sent to representative and attorney within 10 days

Deadline · Claims Deadline

November 4, 2026

Pro users tracking probate like this were alerted the second it filed. Never miss a deadline

Published

May 12, 2026 · 1 week ago

What to do next

1
Prepare and file your claim
Draft your claim and submit it to the Lee County Clerk at 309 S. Galena Avenue, Dixon, IL on or before November 4, 2026.
2
Send copies to representative and attorney
If you file with the Clerk, mail or deliver copies within 10 days to Thomas N. Hager, Jr. (724 North Kenilworth, Oak Park, IL 60302) and Ward, Murray, Pace & Johnson, P.C., 202 E. 5th Street, Sterling, IL 61081.
3
Contact the estate attorney for questions
Call Ward, Murray, Pace & Johnson at 815-625-8200 or email olson@wmpj.com for guidance before the November 4, 2026 deadline.

Frequently asked questions

Who must I contact to file a claim against the estate?: File the claim at the Lee County Clerk's office (309 S. Galena Avenue, Dixon) or deliver it to the estate representative, Thomas N. Hager, Jr.
What is the deadline to file a claim for Carol A. Banas's estate?: All claims must be filed on or before November 4, 2026.
Do I need to send copies if I file with the Clerk?: Yes — you must mail or deliver copies to the representative and the attorney within 10 days after filing with the Clerk.

The suggestions and answers above are AI-generated for general information only. They can be wrong, and we don't take responsibility for their accuracy. Talk to a qualified professional before acting on them.

Legal terms in this notice

Letters of Office: Court-issued documents naming the estate representative and granting authority to manage the estate.
Representative: Person appointed to administer the deceased person's estate and handle claims and distributions.
Barred: Legal effect that prevents a claim from being considered or paid if not filed by the deadline.

Full Notice Text

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS Estate of: CAROL A. BANAS, Deceased. No. 2026 PR 00014 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of CAROL A. BANAS. Letters of Office were issued to THOMAS N. HA-GER, JR., 724 North Kenilworth, Oak Park, IL 60302, as Representative, whose attorneys are WARD, MURRAY, PACE & JOHNSON, P.C., 202 E. 5th Street, Sterling, Illinois 61081. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of Court, Lee County Courthouse, 309 S. Galena Avenue, Dixon, IL 61021, or with the Representative, or both, on or before November 4, 2026, and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and to the attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed. Dated: April 24, 2026 Thomas N. Hager, Jr., Representative Ryan M. Olson ARDC 6333161 WARD, MURRAY, PACE &  JOHNSON, P.C. Attorneys for  Estate 202 E. 5th Street P.O. Box 400 Sterling, IL 61081 P: 815.625.8200 olson@wmpj.com  April 28, May 5, 12, 2026