A 68-year-old man in suburban Chicago is grappling with severe memory loss and paranoia after mistakenly believing he never sold his longtime family home, despite a documented 2023 transaction. His family and legal team are urgently addressing the situation amid concerns over his mental health and financial stability.
- Property sold in February 2023 for $512,000 with $478,000 net proceeds
- Man’s purchase price in 1991: $187,000
- Guardianship petition filed February 15, 2026
- Neurologist’s assessment dated January 2026 confirms moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment
- Court investigator’s report due March 10, 2026
- Funds from sale held in federally insured trust account
The man, identified as Robert T. in court filings, purchased a three-bedroom residence in Naperville, Illinois, in 1991 for $187,000. In February 2023, he sold the property for $512,000 through a real estate agent, receiving a net proceeds of $478,000 after closing costs and taxes. However, recent communications from his legal representative indicate that he now denies ever selling the home, claiming it remains in his name and that he is being wrongfully evicted. Court records show that a guardianship petition was filed on February 15, 2026, by his younger sister, who has been managing his finances since late 2024. The petition cites worsening cognitive symptoms, including delusional thinking and disorientation, supported by a neurologist’s assessment from January 2026 indicating moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment consistent with early-stage dementia. The legal team reports that the man has not responded to repeated attempts to clarify the sale, insisting instead that the property is still his and that he has been robbed. The situation has triggered a formal review by Cook County Probate Court, which has assigned a court-appointed investigator to evaluate the man's mental capacity and living conditions. The investigator’s preliminary report, due March 10, 2026, will determine whether a permanent guardianship or conservatorship should be established. If approved, his sister will be granted authority to manage his assets, including the $478,000 from the home sale, which remains in a federally insured trust account under his name. Family members say the emotional toll has been significant, with the man refusing visits from relatives over fears of surveillance and theft. His brother-in-law, a retired school principal, noted that he now believes government agents are monitoring his movements. The case underscores growing challenges in elder care, especially among individuals with undiagnosed or untreated cognitive decline, and highlights the need for earlier intervention in mental health and estate planning.