Who can file a claim against this estate?

Creditors or anyone owed money by the decedent may file a claim with the Clerk or the executor.

Where do I file my claim?

File with the Stephenson County Clerk at 15 N. Galena Avenue, Freeport, IL, or deliver to the executor.

What is the deadline to file a claim?

File by November 1, 2026, or within three months after mailing or delivery of notice, whichever is later.

Probate — 1499 Mud Creek Road, Oregon, IL (2026-PR-27)

Official courthouse record · Indexed in NoticeRegistry archive · AI-enriched for research

Affects:CreditorsHeirsGeneral Public

This is a probate claim notice for the estate of Violet Hiteman Frederick of Freeport, Illinois. Creditors must file claims by November 1, 2026 (or within three months of notice delivery) or be barred from recovery.

Key Takeaways

Executor: Melodie A. Dewall, 1499 Mud Creek Road, Oregon, IL
Claims deadline: November 1, 2026 or three months after notice delivery
File claims with Stephenson County Clerk or with the representative
Must mail copies to executor and estate attorney within 10 days of filing

Deadline · Claims Deadline

November 1, 2026

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

Published: May 8, 2026 · 1 week ago

What to do next

1
Prepare your claim
Gather invoices, contracts, or other proof of debt to include with your claim before filing.
2
File by the deadline
File the claim with the Stephenson County Clerk at 15 N. Galena Avenue, Freeport, IL by November 1, 2026, or within three months of receiving notice.
3
Send copies to executor and attorney
Within 10 days after filing with the Clerk, mail or deliver copies to Melodie A. Dewall, 1499 Mud Creek Road, Oregon, IL, and attorney David D. Shockey, 208 W. Stephenson St., Freeport, IL 61032.

Frequently asked questions

Who can file a claim against this estate?: Creditors or anyone owed money by the decedent may file a claim with the Clerk or the executor.
Where do I file my claim?: File with the Stephenson County Clerk at 15 N. Galena Avenue, Freeport, IL, or deliver to the executor.
What is the deadline to file a claim?: File by November 1, 2026, or within three months after mailing or delivery of notice, whichever is later.

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 document authorizing the executor to manage the decedent's estate.
Independent Executor: An executor who can administer the estate without court supervision, within legal limits.
Probate Act Section 5/18-3: Illinois law provision that sets deadlines and notice requirements for filing claims against estates.

Full Notice Text

STATE OF ILLINOIS
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
STEPHENSON COUNTY

In the Matter of the Estate of
VIOLET HITEMAN
FREDERICK, Deceased.

CASE NO. 2026-PR-27

CLAIM NOTICE

   Notice is given of the death of Violet Hiteman Frederick, of Freeport, Illinois. Letters of Office were issued on April 20, 2026, to Melodie A. Dewall, of 1499 Mud Creek Road, Oregon, IL 61061, as Independent Executor. The attorney for the estate is David D. Shockey of Shockey & Cox, LLC, 208 West Stephenson Street, Freeport, IL 61032.
    Claims against the Estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Court at Stephenson County Courthouse, 15 N. Galena Avenue, Freeport, IL 61032, or with the representatives, or both, on or before November 1, 2026, or within three (3) months from the date of mailing or delivery of Notice to creditors, if mailing or delivery is required by Section 5/18 of the Illinois Probate Act (755 ILCS 5/18-3), whichever date is later. 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 for the estate within ten (10) days after it has been filed.

     David D. Shockey,
     Attorney for the Estate of
     Violet Hiteman Frederick,
     Deceased
May 1, 8, 15 2026
LILS0509639