Decatur firm serving Macon County and the surrounding area with wills, estates, and probate. Also handles guardianships of minors and disabled adults, covering both guardian of the person and guardian of the estate appointments, plus real estate transfers. The office does not charge for the initial estate consultation.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Macon County, Illinois
How probate works in Macon County: the Circuit Court record, what the process costs, and how to file there.
Probate Court Record
Macon County Circuit Court
Macon County · 6th Judicial Circuit
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Office
253 East Wood Street, Room 129, Decatur, IL 62523
Website
E-filing
Self-represented filing
Allowed
Self-help forms
E-filing
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
AllowedThe clerk links the Illinois statewide approved forms, and many of them are printed and available in the Self-Help Center in the courthouse.
Self-help center
- Macon County Law Library, third floor, Macon County Circuit Court1-217-624-4135The Self-Help Center serves people representing themselves in court, and its staff are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice. The law library beside it offers printed materials and Westlaw research.
Fax
1-217-424-1350
Departments
- Mental Health and Probate1-217-624-4469 · probate@maconilcourts.govThe clerk's probate desk. The email address reaches the Probate/Juvenile Division for official correspondence only.
- Language and Disability Assistance1-217-624-4326
Verified October 15, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Macon County
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 Macon County, probate runs through the Circuit Court at 253 East Wood Street, Room 129, Decatur. The court sits in the 6th Judicial Circuit. The same 6th Judicial Circuit also serves Champaign, De Witt, Douglas, Moultrie and Piatt.
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 Macon County
What probate costs in Macon 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 253 East Wood Street, Room 129, Decatur. The court is part of the 6th Judicial Circuit.
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 Macon County, Illinois are filed at the Circuit Court. The court sits in the 6th Judicial Circuit.
Beside the filing office, the court lists separate lines for Mental Health and Probate and Language and Disability Assistance.
The Self-Help Center serves people representing themselves in court, and its staff are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice. The law library beside it offers printed materials and Westlaw research.
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.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Macon County Self-Filing Assessment.
Macon County Filing Requirements
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Document Requirements
A handwritten will is filed with a typewritten copy
When the will is handwritten, the petition to probate is filed with a typewritten copy of the will and an affidavit that the copy is true and correct.
SourceA will in another language is filed with an English translation
When the will is in a language other than English, the petition to probate is filed with a typewritten English copy and a qualified translator's certification that the translation is true and correct.
SourceWhat to Bring
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 Macon County
In Illinois a death is registered locally, and in Macon County certified copies of the death certificate are issued by Macon County Clerk's Office as well as by Illinois Department of Public Health - Division of Vital Records.
Vital Records Office Record
County Clerk
Macon County · Macon County Clerk's Office
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Office
141 South Main Street, Room 104, Decatur, IL 62523
Website
Certified copies
At the counter
Order online
Fax
1-217-423-0922
Local rule
- In person the Clerk takes cash or check only, with valid photo identification. A mail request is paid by money order only.
Certified copy fees
| First certified copy | $27 |
| Each additional copy ordered at the same time | $14 |
Verified November 2, 2026 · Source
Coroner or Medical Examiner Record
Coroner
Macon County · Macon County Coroner
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Office
253 East Wood Street, Decatur, IL 62523
Website
Mail and offices
Fax
1-217-425-4015
Verified November 2, 2026 · Source
Transferring Property in Macon County
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 Recorder.
Deeds and other real property documents for Macon County are recorded with the County Recorder at 141 South Main Street, Room 201, Decatur, IL 62523. Phone: 1-217-424-1359. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM.
The County Recorder charges $72 flat, regardless of page count.
Macon County accepts electronic recording through CSC, Hopdox and Simplifile.
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Macon County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Office
141 South Main Street, Room 201, Decatur, IL 62523
Website
E-recording
Fees
Recording fees
| Flat fee (any length) | $72 |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax |
55 ILCS 5/3-5018.2; Macon County Recorder Fee Schedule (2025)
Verified October 16, 2026 · Source
Forms that put a death on the title
- Free forms: Affidavit of Death Form
Probate Attorneys Serving Macon County
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 Macon 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.
Decatur firm serving Macon, Piatt, Moultrie, Shelby, and DeWitt counties for over 50 years. Represents families through probate court after a death, working to protect the estate against claims and move the process along, and handles wills, trusts, guardianship, long-term care, and Social Security matters.
Serves Champaign and McLean counties from offices in Champaign and Bloomington. Its estate and trust group handles estate administration and probate alongside estate and charitable gift planning, with eight attorneys in the practice, two of them at the Bloomington office.
Woodford County firm based in Eureka since its founding by Don B. Pioletti Sr. in 1938, with offices in Bloomington, Peoria, Springfield, and Kankakee. Drafts wills, living and life insurance trusts, special needs trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives, and handles creditor claims, fiduciary litigation, trust contests, and guardianships.
Taylorville firm practicing in Christian County since 1928. Guides executors and trustees through probate and estate administration and litigates disputes between heirs, estate challenges, trustee misconduct, and misappropriation of assets. Also drafts wills, trusts, and powers of attorney and handles guardianships for minors and incapacitated adults.
Macomb general-practice firm on West Side Square, serving McDonough, Hancock, Henderson, Fulton, Schuyler, Warren, and Knox county families. Estate administration work covers probate, small estate affidavits, will contests, and inheritance and estate tax returns. Farm estates and farm succession planning are a recurring emphasis.
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.
Legal Sources
(10)·
- 705 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. 7-1-26
- 755 ILCS 5/18-3, 5/18-10, 5/18-11, 5/18-12
- 755 ILCS 5/27-1 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
- 755 ILCS 5/28-1, 5/28-2 (independent administration granted unless the will forbids it or an interested person objects)
- 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)
- 755 ILCS 5/6-4, 5/9-4 (court admits the will and issues letters; no registrar/clerk informal appointment)
- 55 ILCS 5/3-5018.2; Macon County Recorder Fee Schedule (2025)
- Macon County Circuit Court, official page
- Macon County Recorder, official page
- Macon County vital records and death investigation offices, official page
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.
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