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Named as Executor
What an executor actually does: getting appointed, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and where personal liability starts.
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Death of a Parent
A step-by-step guide to what happens after a parent dies: the documents to find, the certificates to order, and whether probate is even required.
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Loss of a Spouse
What a surviving spouse needs to do: death certificates, survivor benefits, whether probate is even required, and the tax election that expires.
Learn moreForms for Settling an Estate in Illinois
Free forms for settling an estate in Illinois: probate petition, small estate affidavit, creditor notice and closing forms. Prepare each form for Illinois.
Petition for Probate and Letters
In Illinois, the petition asks the Circuit Court to appoint the personal representative, whose authority is proved by Letters of Office; every appointment goes through the court755 ILCS 5/6-4, 5/9-4 (court admits the will and issues letters; no registrar/clerk informal appointment)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Notice to Creditors
In Illinois, the notice to creditors is published for 3755 ILCS 5/18-3, 5/18-10, 5/18-11, 5/18-12Verified Oct 18, 2026View source weeks in a local newspaper, and creditors have 6 months755 ILCS 5/18-3 (claim date not less than 6 months from first publication, or 3 months from mailing, whichever is later); 5/18-12(b) (2-year outer bar from death)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication to present claims.
Small Estate Affidavit
In Illinois, the Small Estate Affidavit755 ILCS 5/25-1Verified Sep 8, 2026View source covers estates with personal property of $150,000755 ILCS 5/25-1Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less, presented directly to the bank or other holder, not filed with a court.
Estate Inventory
In Illinois, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 days755 ILCS 5/14-1Verified Oct 10, 2026View source of appointment.
Estate Closing
In Illinois, the personal representative is discharged by court order755 ILCS 5/28-11(d), (e), (f); 5/24-2Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required unless it is waived.
IRS Form 1310
Claim a refund due a deceased taxpayer on the official form, on the box the form routes you to, with what the form says to attach.
Letter of Instruction
Prepare the letter a bank or insurer requests during estate settlement, addressed to its claims department.
Affidavit of Death
In Illinois, a transfer on death deed beneficiary records the “Notice of death affidavit755 ILCS 27/75Verified Oct 26, 2026View source”.
Tools for Settling an Estate in Illinois
Free tools for settling an estate in Illinois: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines and taxes. Run each tool for Illinois.
How Much Can an Executor Charge?
Illinois pays executors reasonable compensation755 ILCS 5/27-1 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, typically 2.2%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.8%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate.
Can I Self-File Probate?
In Illinois, informal probate is not available755 ILCS 5/6-4, 5/9-4 (court admits the will and issues letters; no registrar/clerk informal appointment)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, so self-filing means a formal court petition rather than a registrar filing.
How Do I Get Letters Testamentary?
In Illinois, the Clerk of the Circuit Court issues Letters of Office once the Circuit Court appoints the personal representative; every appointment goes through the court755 ILCS 5/6-4, 5/9-4 (court admits the will and issues letters; no registrar/clerk informal appointment)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?
In Illinois, creditors have 6 months755 ILCS 5/18-3 (claim date not less than 6 months from first publication, or 3 months from mailing, whichever is later); 5/18-12(b) (2-year outer bar from death)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication of the creditor notice to present claims; late claims are barred.
What Happens When an Estate Is Insolvent?
When an estate owes more than it holds, Illinois pays the claims in 7755 ILCS 5/18-10; 5/18-13Verified Sep 23, 2026View source classes in statutory order, beginning with funeral and burial expenses, expenses of administration, statutory custodial claims, and final guardianship fees and costs as determined by the court.
How Do I Claim a Deceased Person's Unclaimed Property?
In Illinois, a deceased owner's unclaimed property is claimed from the Illinois State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division765 ILCS 1026 (Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act); claims 765 ILCS 1026/15-903Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
How Do I Open an Estate Account When Someone Dies?
Compare estate-account opening requirements bank by bank: channels, required documents, and steps.
Hire an Illinois Probate Attorney
Browse 125 probate firms in Illinois with addresses, contact info, and practice details.
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Illinois Estate Settlement Resources
In-depth guides covering Illinois probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.