When does a deed of trust become active or valid?

Deeds are valid so long as the signatures of all parties named on the doents are on the doents and they have been notarized. In Illinois, recording the deeds don't validate them. It's highly recommended as it will make the deeds easier to track down when recorded rather than trying to figure out who might have possession of the doent. Is your mother's estate in probate? If so, and you are in disagreement with what your sister has done or have suspicions that other things were done without your knowledge, as a next of kin, you can present your concerns to the probate court. Your best course would be to contact and estate attorney.