How Much Does Probate Cost in DuPage County, Illinois?
Understanding what probate costs before you start helps you plan and avoid surprises. Here's what families in DuPage County can expect.
One of the most common concerns families in DuPage County have is how much probate will actually cost. The answer depends on the estate's value, complexity, and whether you hire an attorney.
Attorney fees in Illinois are based on reasonable compensation755 ILCS 5/27-2 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 7, 2026, typically 2%755 ILCS 5/27-2 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 7, 2026 to 4%755 ILCS 5/27-2 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 7, 2026 of estate value. Many Wheaton-area attorneys offer flat-rate arrangements for straightforward estates.
Estimate the total cost for this estate:
The Circuit Court charges $479705 ILCS 105/27.1b; 705 ILCS 105/27.3f(c)Verified May 7, 2026 to open a probate case, plus additional fees for motions and final accounting.
Attorney fees in DuPage County typically range from 2%755 ILCS 5/27-2 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 7, 2026 to 4%755 ILCS 5/27-2 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 7, 2026 of estate value, though many local attorneys offer flat-rate arrangements for straightforward cases. Executor compensation in Illinois is 2%755 ILCS 5/27-1 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 7, 2026 to 4%755 ILCS 5/27-1 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 7, 2026 of estate value based on reasonable payment for time and effort managing the estate.
Illinois requires publishing legal notices to creditors in DuPage County newspapers, typically costing $200-$500. Professional appraisals for real estate, business interests, or collections add another $300-$600 per property.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. If required, premiums typically cost 0.5%755 ILCS 5/12-2Verified May 7, 2026 of estate value annually.
Probate at the Circuit Court typically takes 9 months755 ILCS 5/25-1 (small estate), 5/27-1, 5/28-1 (independent admin)Verified May 7, 2026 to 14 months755 ILCS 5/25-1 (small estate), 5/27-1, 5/28-1 (independent admin)Verified May 7, 2026, during which these costs add up. Much of that timeline is the 6 months755 ILCS 5/18-3Verified May 7, 2026 creditor claim window—a mandatory waiting period that extends the process regardless of estate complexity.
Legal Sources
- 705 ILCS 105/27.1b; 705 ILCS 105/27.3f(c)
- 755 ILCS 5/12-2
- 755 ILCS 5/18-3
- 755 ILCS 5/25-1 (small estate), 5/27-1, 5/28-1 (independent admin)
- 755 ILCS 5/27-1 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
- 755 ILCS 5/27-2 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
Data sourced from Illinois statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Total probate costs usually run 3–8% of the estate value. For DuPage County, that means filing fees ($398 to open), attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and possibly a bond. The calculator on this page runs the math for your estate size.
The petition to open probate costs $398 in DuPage County. Additional filings during administration (inventory, accounting, final petition) can add to the total. The calculator above shows the full picture.
Illinois uses "reasonable fees" — usually hourly billing or a percentage of the estate. Typical range is 2%–4% of estate value, negotiable based on complexity.
Illinois allows "reasonable" executor compensation, typically 1–5% of estate value depending on complexity. Family executors often waive fees because the fee is taxable income while an inheritance is not.
Yes. Illinois estates under $150,000 can use a Small Estate Affidavit and avoid most probate costs. Check the Illinois self-filing assessment to see if this applies.
A revocable living trust skips probate entirely — no filing fee, no attorney schedule, no executor commission. The cost of setting up the trust is typically recovered many times over compared to what probate would cost the estate. Create a revocable trust online and keep the estate out of DuPage County probate.
Circuit Court
DuPage County
505 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone:
630-407-8700Fax:
630-407-8575
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
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