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 you die without a will in Illinois, your estate will undergo the probate process. The probate court assigns an administrator, who is usually a family member, to manage the distribution of your assets.
The Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court Lake County Court states on its website that “a typical probate estate is open for more than a year before all assets are distributed.” However, in Illinois, there is no fixed time limit for settling an estate, as the duration can be influenced by various factors.
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.
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.
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.
When there's no will, an estate administrator is appointed by the probate court in Illinois. Preference is often given to the deceased's spouse or adult children.
The children of the person who has died inherit the whole estate. This applies however much the estate is worth. If there are 2 or more children, the estate will be divided equally between them.
Key Takeaways: A spouse and children are given priority in inheritance. Parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews only inherit if closer relatives do not exist. Stepchildren and domestic partners are generally excluded unless legally recognized.