Build Your Illinois Estate Plan with State-Specific Forms
The Prairie State
Explore FREE Illinois estate planning documents designed for state requirements. Download Last Will and Testament, Financial Power of Attorney, Healthcare Proxy, and Pour-Over Will forms, plus learn about Illinois probate laws.
What Makes Illinois Different
Like all states, Illinois recognizes formally executed wills and living trusts as valid estate planning tools. A standard will here requires 2 adult witnesses, and adding a notarized self-proving affidavit can streamline the probate process later.
If you die without a will in Illinois, your heirs must survive you by at least 5 days to inherit anything. This "survival period" exists to prevent property from passing through multiple estates in quick succession when family members die close together in time, such as in an accident.
Estates valued under $150,000 may avoid formal probate entirely through a simplified affidavit procedure. This threshold is relatively generous compared to other states, potentially saving families significant time and legal fees.
Illinois Estate Planning Resources
Free estate planning forms, calculators, and checklists for Illinois. No account required.
Illinois Last Will and Testament
Create a free, state-specific will with Illinois's witness and notarization requirements included.
Illinois Pour-Over Will
Transfer assets to your existing trust. Illinois's execution requirements included.
Illinois Healthcare Power of Attorney
Designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. Illinois's requirements included.
Illinois Financial Power of Attorney
Designate someone to manage your financial affairs. Illinois's requirements included.
How Much Does Probate Cost in Illinois?
Estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state. See if the estate qualifies for simplified probate procedures.
How Much Can an Executor Charge in Illinois?
Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. See if your state has statutory fees or uses reasonable compensation.
What's Fair Trustee Compensation in Illinois?
Find out what's fair compensation for serving as trustee. Compare family, professional, and corporate trustee rates based on your situation.
Who Inherits in Illinois?
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need in Illinois?
Calculate how many certified death certificates you need based on the assets and accounts you need to close. See state-specific ordering information.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes in Illinois?
Calculate federal estate tax, state estate tax (12 states + DC), and inheritance tax (5 states) for an estate or trust.
Do I Need Probate in Illinois?
Answer a few questions to find out if an estate needs full probate, qualifies for simplified probate, or can avoid probate entirely with a small estate affidavit.
How Do I Settle an Estate in Illinois?
Get a personalized checklist for settling an estate after someone passes away. Covers trust administration, probate, and intestate estates.
What Are My Duties as Trustee in Illinois?
Step-by-step guide for successor trustees administering a trust. Understand your duties, notification deadlines, and asset management responsibilities.
What Are My Duties as Executor in Illinois?
Complete guide for executors and personal representatives navigating probate. Court filings, creditor claims, and distribution timelines.
What Does a Revocable Living Trust Cost in Illinois?
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
What Does a Will Cost in Illinois?
Compare the cost of creating a will. See document costs plus probate fees your heirs will pay. Compare SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys.
How Much Life Insurance Do I Need in Illinois?
Calculate how much life insurance coverage you need. Accounts for income replacement, debt payoff, college funding, and state-specific factors like cost of living and estate taxes.
What Should I Expect When Inheriting in Illinois?
Find out what to expect when inheriting money, property, or other assets. See timeline estimates, inheritance tax implications, and understand what the executor or trustee is handling behind the scenes.
What makes estate planning in Illinois unique compared to other states?
Estate planning in Illinois stands out due to its specific probate processes and rules. For instance, Illinois has an independent administration process which allows for a simplified probate process that saves time and paperwork if heirs are in agreement. Additionally, Illinois follows the 'Illinois Prudent Investor Rule,' which provides guidelines for trustees on how to invest trust assets responsibly. These factors make understanding local nuances crucial when setting up a plan to ensure seamless asset distribution and compliance with state laws. This tailored approach can facilitate smoother transitions and minimize potential legal hurdles during estate settlement.
