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Make edits, fill in missing information, and update formatting in US Legal Forms—just like you would in MS Word.

Download a copy, print it, send it by email, or mail it via USPS—whatever works best for your next step.

Sign and collect signatures with our SignNow integration. Send to multiple recipients, set reminders, and more. Go Premium to unlock E-Sign.

If this form requires notarization, complete it online through a secure video call—no need to meet a notary in person or wait for an appointment.

We protect your documents and personal data by following strict security and privacy standards.
Probate is just one way to settle an estate when someone dies. And it's not always required. Illinois law allows a different and simplified procedure for handling small estates. A small estate is one with no land and less than $100,000 in total assets.
How to Avoid Probate in Illinois Establish a Living Trust. Creating a living trust is one of the most effective ways to avoid probate. Joint Ownership of Property. Use of Transfer-on-Death Instruments. Payable-on-Death (POD) and Beneficiary Designations. Utilize the Illinois Small Estate Affidavit.
Simple estates might be settled within six months. Complex estates, those with a lot of assets or assets that are complex or hard to value can take several years to settle. If an estate tax return is required, the estate might not be closed until the IRS indicates its acceptance of the estate tax return.
When a person dies, Illinois law generally requires that the decedent's estate go through the probate process. The exception to this rule is if the decedent owned no real estate at the time of death, and the remainder of the estate is valued at less than $100,000.
When a person dies in Illinois, anyone who has a claim against a decedent's estate —whether it is a contract, tort, or statutory custodial claim—may file that claim with the estate representative or with the court.