In Illinois, the settlement of an estate typically involves the probate process. Probate is a legal procedure that includes validating a will, identifying and appraising assets, settling debts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries.
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.
In this article... In the state of Illinois, a strict statute of limitations governs the filing period for claims against an estate in probate court. Creditors have exactly two years from the date of death to file their claim.
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.
An interested person, usually a family member, files a petition with. the Probate Court asking that an "administrator" be appointed, that the Court determine the heirs, and that an estate be opened. Notice of the presentation of that petition and the hearing must be given in writing to close relatives.
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.