Rock Island solo practice serving Rock Island County and the Quad Cities. Attorney Philip Koenig handles wills, trusts, probate, and estate administration, including estate-tax, property, and litigated estate issues. Recognized as an Illinois Leading Lawyer every year since 2003.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Rock Island County, Illinois
How probate works in Rock Island County: the Circuit Court record, what the process costs, and how to file there.
Probate Court Record
Rock Island County Circuit Court
Rock Island County · 14th Judicial Circuit
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office
1317 3rd Avenue, Suite 101, Rock Island, IL 61201
Website
E-filing
Filing in person
Walk-ins accepted
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)).
Filing in person
Walk-ins acceptedProbate walk-in court is held every day from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 402 for uncontested openings and closings of decedents' estates, sales of real estate, annual reports and accounts, and agreed orders. A self-represented filer can also ask there for a hearing outside walk-in.
Self-represented filing
AllowedThe court's probate page carries its approved decedent's estate forms, from the petition for probate and letters to the receipt and waiver on closing.
Accepted payment
- At the counterCredit card.Card payments can be made at the self-help area in the Circuit Clerk's office.
Hearing schedule
- Probate walk-in court is held every day from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 402.
Self-help center
- Circuit Clerk's Office, 1317 3rd Ave Suite 101, Rock Island, IL 61201Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PMThe Legal Self-Help Center in the Circuit Clerk's office has computers for e-filing and card payments, and staff show how to use it but give no legal advice. Free court guides are reachable through Illinois Court Help.
County forms
- Petition for Probate and for LettersOpen a decedent's estate and ask for letters of office.
- Affidavit of Heirship (Surviving Spouse and/or Descendants)Prove the heirs of a decedent survived by a spouse or descendants.
- Affidavit of Heirship (No Surviving Spouse)Prove the heirs of a decedent with no surviving spouse.
- InventoryList the estate's assets for the court.
- Claim Against EstateFile a creditor's claim against a decedent's estate.
- Final Report of Independent RepresentativeClose an estate under independent administration.
Fax
1-309-786-3029
Departments
- Civil Division (Probate)1-309-558-3538 · riccecopy@co.rock-island.il.usProbate filings and copies go through the Civil Division.
Verified October 16, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Rock Island 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 Rock Island, probate runs through the Circuit Court at 1317 3rd Avenue, Suite 101, Rock Island. The court sits in the 14th Judicial Circuit. The same 14th Judicial Circuit also serves Henry, Mercer and Whiteside.
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 Rock Island County
What probate costs in Rock Island 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 1317 3rd Avenue, Suite 101, Rock Island. The court is part of the 14th Judicial Circuit.
Procedures at this court that affect cost: Every estate representative files an annual report or account, the first by the first Monday of the month after one year from the issue of letters.
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 Rock Island County, Illinois are filed at the Circuit Court. The court sits in the 14th Judicial Circuit.
Beside the filing office, the court lists a separate line for Civil Division (Probate).
The Legal Self-Help Center in the Circuit Clerk's office has computers for e-filing and card payments, and staff show how to use it but give no legal advice. Free court guides are reachable through Illinois Court Help.
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 Rock Island County Self-Filing Assessment.
Rock Island 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
Probate filings use the Fourteenth Circuit's approved forms; a filing not on an approved form needs the court's leave.
Under Fourteenth Circuit Rule 8(a) and (d), inapplicable printed alternatives are struck before filing, and extra information goes on a marked 8 1/2 by 11 inch exhibit.
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 Rock Island County
In Illinois a death is registered locally, and in Rock Island County certified copies of the death certificate are issued by Rock Island County Clerk's Office as well as by Illinois Department of Public Health - Division of Vital Records.
Vital Records Office Record
County Clerk
Rock Island County · Rock Island County Clerk's Office
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office
1504 Third Avenue, 1st Floor, Rock Island, IL 61201
Website
Certified copies
At the counter
Order online
Fax
1-309-786-7381
Local rule
- In the first four to six weeks after a death, certified copies come from the Registrar's Office at the Rock Island County Health Department; after that the Clerk's office issues them too. The Clerk takes no personal checks.
Certified copy fees
| First certified copy | $20 |
| Each additional copy ordered at the same time | $14 |
Verified November 2, 2026 · Source
Coroner or Medical Examiner Record
Coroner
Rock Island County · Rock Island County Coroner's Office
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Office
6120 78th Avenue, Milan, IL 61264
Website
Release of remains
1-309-788-8988 · After hours, weekends and holidays, the Sheriff's Department county radio
Cremation authorization
Signed by this office
Mail and offices
Fax
1-309-558-3646
Verified November 2, 2026 · Source
Transferring Property in Rock Island 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 Rock Island County are recorded with the County Recorder at 1504 3rd Avenue, 2nd Floor, Rock Island, IL 61201. Phone: 1-309-558-3360. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM.
The County Recorder charges $83 flat, regardless of page count.
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Rock Island County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office
1504 3rd Avenue, 2nd Floor, Rock Island, IL 61201
Website
Fax
1-309-558-3642
Recording fees
| Flat fee (any length) | $83 |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax |
55 ILCS 5/3-5018.2; Rock Island County Board Ordinance No. 2024-11-A (effective February 1, 2025)
Verified October 16, 2026 · Source
Forms that put a death on the title
- Free forms: Affidavit of Death Form
Probate Attorneys Serving Rock Island 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 Rock Island 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.
Geneseo firm tracing its origins to 1857, with a second office in Silvis, serving western Illinois and eastern Iowa. Represents trustees, executors, and heirs in probate and trust administration — filing the will and inventory, collecting assets, filing tax returns, selling real estate and businesses, and settling creditor claims — alongside estate planning and elder law.
La Salle firm serving the Illinois Valley, traced to a sole practice James Eugene Malone opened in La Salle circa 1909 and formerly Herbolsheimer, Duncan, Eiten & Hintz. Handles probate administration, will and trust contests, and guardianships. John S. Duncan counsels on advanced estate tax planning, marital and bypass trusts, and estate tax return preparation.
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.
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; Rock Island County Board Ordinance No. 2024-11-A (effective February 1, 2025)
- Rock Island Circuit Court, official page
- Rock Island County Recorder, official page
- Rock Island 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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