IL SB3551

Amends Section 2-4 of the Probate Act of 1975 to clarify the inheritance rights of adopted children relative to their natural parents and relatives.

Specifies that an adopted child is not a child of a natural parent "whose parental rights were terminated by the adoption" (rather than simply "a natural parent"), narrowing the scope of exclusion from inheritance.

Establishes three conditions under which an adopted child may inherit from natural parents despite parental rights termination: adoption by a descendant or spouse of a great-grandparent; death of a natural parent before adoption; or clear and convincing evidence of contrary intent in an instrument.

Provides liability protections for fiduciaries who act in good faith without actual knowledge that exceptions to the general exclusion rule apply.

Applies changes to all decedents dying on or after January 1, 1998, and all instruments executed on or after January 1, 1998.