Required for attorneysProbate filings are e-filed through eFileIL by attorneys and self-represented filers alike. An original will cannot be e-filed and is filed with the clerk on paper. A self-represented filer without home internet access, an email account, or a credit card or bank account can file on paper after filing the Certification for Exemption From E-filing. On paper: Original wills, which are filed with the clerk on paper (Ill. S. Ct. R. 9(c)(1)).
Self-represented filing
This court requires an attorneyThe clerk requires a petition for probate to be filed by an attorney, so a self-represented filer hires one before opening an estate. The clerk's Wills and Probate page carries the circuit's forms for opening and closing an estate.
Hearing schedule
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 9:00 AM
Self-help center
William D. Block Memorial Law Library, Lake County Courthouse, 18 N County Street, Waukegan1-847-377-2800 · lawlibrary@lakecountyil.gov · Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM · Assistance in Spanish in addition to EnglishThe Center for Self-Representation answers basic questions about court forms and offers procedural information, forms and instructions, and referrals. It does not give legal advice.
Probate Division1-847-377-3260Takes new decedent estate and guardianship filings and keeps filed wills.
About the court
The clerk's main office is on the lower level at the south end of the courthouse complex; visitors enter through the Criminal Court Tower at 301 Washington Street or the north entrance near the county parking garage. 19th Circuit Local Rules Part 3.00 governs probate proceedings, and the circuit's Probate Court handbook explains the process.
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Lake County, probate runs through the Circuit Court at 18 North County Street, Waukegan. The court sits in the 19th Judicial Circuit.
The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under Illinois intestacy law when there is no will.
Most Illinois estates take 9 months to 14 months to move through this process. Creditors have 6 months755 ILCS 5/18-3, 5/18-10, 5/18-11, 5/18-12Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present a claim, counted from the first publication of the notice to creditors.
What Probate Costs in Lake County
What probate costs in Lake County, Illinois comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the Circuit Court at 18 North County Street, Waukegan. The court is part of the 19th Judicial Circuit.
Procedures at this court that affect cost: A verified account is filed within 60 days after the first anniversary of letters and every year after until administration is complete.
The Circuit Court charges $284705 ILCS 105/27.1b(a)(2) (Clerks of Courts Act, as last amended by P.A. 104-468, eff. 7-1-26); former 705 ILCS 105/27.3f repealed by P.A. 104-468, eff. 7-1-26Verified Oct 17, 2026View source to open a probate case. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Illinois are negotiated, typically 1.9%Modeled estimate under 755 ILCS 5/27-2 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3%Modeled estimate under 755 ILCS 5/27-2 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Illinois allows executors 'reasonable compensation' — around 2.2%–3.8% of a $500,000 estate, judging by what the states with statutory schedules pay755 ILCS 5/27-1 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Illinois requires publishing notice to creditors in a local newspaper, and the estate pays for it.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%Industry surety premium estimate; the bond itself under 755 ILCS 5/12-2 (bond required), 5/12-4 (security excused by will)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value annually.
Probate in Illinois typically runs 9 months to 14 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.
How to File Probate at the Circuit Court
Probate cases in Lake County, Illinois are filed at the Circuit Court. The court sits in the 19th Judicial Circuit.
Beside the filing office, the court lists a separate line for Probate Division.
The Center for Self-Representation answers basic questions about court forms and offers procedural information, forms and instructions, and referrals. It does not give legal advice.
Can You File Without an Attorney?
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.
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Before You File
An original will is filed with the clerk within 30 days after the death, and it cannot be filed before the death.
The decedent must have lived in Lake County, and the clerk keeps the original will. A petition for probate and the original will can be filed at the same time, and the petition is filed before a court date is set.
When a claim is filed, the clerk sets a claim call at least 60 days out and mails notice to the representative and the claimant.
Under 19th Circuit Local Rule 5-3.09, the representative sends the claim and the clerk's notice to every other party of record at least 30 days before the call and files proof of that notice by the call date.
An estate closes only after receipts from every distributee and a verified final report are on file.
Under 19th Circuit Local Rule 5-3.13, the final report states that court costs are paid, claims are satisfied or dismissed, and taxes are paid or provided for.
Notice of a hearing on a final account, or on a current account meant to be binding, goes out in writing with a copy of the account at least seven days before the hearing.
Under 19th Circuit Local Rule 5-3.07, notice to a person outside the continental United States goes by airmail at least 21 days before the hearing, and a person who cannot be found is also notified by newspaper publication.
The probate judge can refer any contested probate matter to court-annexed mediation, and parties can stipulate to mediate.
Under 19th Circuit Local Rule 5-3.27, mediators come from a list the probate judge keeps; an approved mediator has completed 40 hours of approved training or is a retired judge.
Filed with the opening petition at the Circuit Court: Copy of the death certificate, which the Cook County Clerk asks for when the will is filed; the Probate Act and the court rules do not require one, and a plain copy serves; Original will and any codicils, filed with the clerk on paper (755 ILCS 5/6-1 "Immediately upon the death of the testator any person who has the testator's will in his possession shall file it with the clerk of the court of the proper county"; Ill. S. Ct. R. 9(c)(1) excepts original wills from e-filing entirely — they "may not be electronically filed")755 ILCS 5/6-2, 5/6-8 (admit will & issue letters testamentary); 755 ILCS 5/9-3, 5/9-4 (letters of administration & preference); 755 ILCS 5/12-2 to 12-5 (oath & bond); 755 ILCS 5/28-2 (independent administration); 755 ILCS 5/6-13, 5/9-1 (who may act)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
Death Certificates and the Coroner in Lake County
In Illinois a death is registered locally, and in Lake County certified copies of the death certificate are issued by Lake County Clerk's Office, Vital Records Department as well as by Illinois Department of Public Health - Division of Vital Records.
Vital Records Office Record
County Clerk
Lake County · Lake County Clerk's Office, Vital Records Department
Lake County Clerk
Vital Records Department
18 North County Street
Room 101
Waukegan, IL 60085
Fax
1-847-984-5826
Local rule
Walk-in requests in Room 101 are usually filled in under 30 minutes with no appointment, on a request form with valid identification. A non-relative brings a written document showing a personal or property interest in the record.
Clearing title to real estate after a death, whether by a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order, happens at the County Clerk.
Deeds and other real property documents for Lake County are recorded with the County Clerk at 18 North County Street, 6th Floor, Waukegan, IL 60085. Phone: 1-847-377-2575. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-5:00 PM.
The County Clerk charges $70 flat, regardless of page count.
Lake County accepts electronic recording through CSC, ePN, Hopdox and Simplifile.
Illinois allows independent administration755 ILCS 5/28-1, 5/28-2 (independent administration granted unless the will forbids it or an interested person objects)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, so the personal representative manages, pays and distributes the estate without returning to the court for approval at each step. A probate attorney earns the fee when the estate is contested, includes a business or out-of-state real estate, has unclear or insolvent debts, or when beneficiaries disagree.
Probate attorney fees in Illinois are based on reasonable compensation, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Lake County firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Circuit Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
Crystal Lake firm of five attorneys serving McHenry, Lake, and Kane counties. Guides families through Illinois probate — validating the will, inventorying and appraising property, paying debts, and distributing assets — and handles guardianships for adults and minors, with attorneys appointed as guardian ad litem. Wills, trusts, and real estate round out the practice.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateConservatorshipGuardianshipand 3 more
Libertyville firm serving Lake, Cook, and McHenry counties from eight Chicago-area offices. Represents executors, trustees, and beneficiaries in probate and trust administration and contested probate, and prepares wills, living and special needs trusts, and powers of attorney. Founded by brothers Gary and Stephen Newland nearly three decades ago.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 4 more
Office
1512 Artaius Parkway, Suite 300Libertyville, IL 60048
Waukegan firm across from the Lake County courthouse, with a second office in Fox Lake. Handles probate and estate administration — gathering estate assets, paying debts, and distributing what remains — alongside wills, living wills, powers of attorney, and living trusts. Founded in Lake County in 1956 by John Soffietti.
Frankfort practice in Will County with a second Chicago location, serving Mokena, New Lenox, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Joliet, and the south suburbs. Handles estate planning, wills, trusts, and probate alongside a business, contracts, and intellectual property practice. Founder Mark Varboncouer spent more than ten years at Kirkland & Ellis.
Schaumburg practice serving northwest suburban Cook County and neighboring DuPage, Lake, and Kane counties. Represents clients on both sides of probate litigation, including will contests and disputes over executor or trustee conduct, and handles guardianships, wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Free initial consultation.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateProbate LitigationConservatorshipand 2 more
Office
1101 Perimeter Drive, Suite 220Schaumburg, IL 60173
Arlington Heights practice on Salt Creek Lane serving the northwest suburbs — Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg, and Barrington — across Cook, Lake, and DuPage counties. Attorney Donald J. Cosley drafts wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney for property and health care, and HIPAA releases. Offers free consultations and Spanish-language service.
PracticesEstate PlanningWills Trusts
Office
3030 Salt Creek Lane, Suite 120Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
Data sourced from Illinois statutes and official state code. Fee percentages are modeled estimates; each figure's note says how. How we research.
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 Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Illinois: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 days755 ILCS 5/14-1Verified Oct 10, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 6 months755 ILCS 5/18-3, 5/18-10, 5/18-11, 5/18-12Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.
See the Steps
How Do I Settle a Trust?
Settling a trust in Illinois happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's Uniform Trust Code760 ILCS 3/101 et seq.Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries within 90 days760 ILCS 3/813.1Verified Oct 10, 2026View source, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.
See the Steps
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.
Enter the estate value to see Illinois attorney fees, executor fees, court costs and the timeline.
Examples:
General information about probate costs, not legal or financial advice. Fee bases vary by state and may use gross estate, personal property, inventory value or net property after debts. Actual costs vary by county, attorney and estate complexity. Consult a licensed attorney for legal questions.
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See whether you can file probate yourself
Enter the estate value to see whether Illinois lets a self-represented person open probate, what the court requires, and what each route costs.
General information about filing probate without a lawyer, not legal advice. Both routes are priced by the probate cost estimator on the same estate; the attorney fee is the one line that differs. Actual costs vary by county, attorney and estate complexity. Consult a licensed attorney for legal questions.
