Illinois Probate Process

Probate is the court-supervised process of administering a deceased person's estate. It validates the will, pays debts and taxes, and distributes assets to beneficiaries.

Probate Steps

1. File Petition: Submit will and death certificate to court (within 30 days recommended)
2. Appointment: Court appoints executor/administrator
3. Notice: Notify heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors
4. Inventory: Catalog all estate assets
5. Pay Debts: Settle outstanding bills, taxes, expenses
6. Distribute Assets: Transfer remaining assets to beneficiaries
7. Close Estate: File final accounting with court

Timeline and Costs

Illinois probate typically takes 6-12 months minimum. Costs include court fees ($500-$1,000), attorney fees (typically 3-5% of estate value), and executor fees (up to 5% of estate).