Who can file a claim against this estate?

Anyone owed money by the deceased—creditors or service providers—may file a claim with the clerk or the executor.

Where do I file a claim for Violet Hiteman Frederick's estate?

File at the Stephenson County Clerk's office, 15 N. Galena Avenue, Freeport, IL, or send it to the executor at 1499 Mud Creek Road, Oregon, IL.

What is the deadline to submit a claim?

Submit by November 1, 2026, or within three months after you receive mailed 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

The estate of Violet Hiteman Frederick of Freeport has opened probate and Melodie A. Dewall is appointed Independent Executor. Creditors must file claims by November 1, 2026, or within three months of receiving notice, or risk being barred.

Key Takeaways

Claims deadline: November 1, 2026 (or three months after notice)
Independent Executor: Melodie A. Dewall
Claims may be filed with the Clerk or the representative
Claims not timely filed will be barred

Deadline · Claims Deadline

November 1, 2026

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

Published: May 15, 2026 · 4 days ago

What to do next

1
Prepare and file your claim
Draft a written claim with supporting documentation and file it with the Stephenson County Clerk by November 1, 2026.
2
Send copies to executor and attorney
Mail or deliver a copy of any claim to Melodie A. Dewall at 1499 Mud Creek Road, Oregon, IL and to attorney David D. Shockey at 208 W. Stephenson St., Freeport, IL within 10 days after filing.
3
Contact the estate attorney for questions
Call or write David D. Shockey, Shockey & Cox, LLC, 208 West Stephenson Street, Freeport, IL 61032 to confirm procedures or get guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Who can file a claim against this estate?: Anyone owed money by the deceased—creditors or service providers—may file a claim with the clerk or the executor.
Where do I file a claim for Violet Hiteman Frederick's estate?: File at the Stephenson County Clerk's office, 15 N. Galena Avenue, Freeport, IL, or send it to the executor at 1499 Mud Creek Road, Oregon, IL.
What is the deadline to submit a claim?: Submit by November 1, 2026, or within three months after you receive mailed 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 document officially appointing someone to administer the estate.
Independent Executor: Executor authorized to administer the estate without court supervision.
Barred: Legal prevention from later enforcing a claim or right.

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