Illinois Estate Planning

Does Illinois require probate if I don't have a living trust?

In Illinois, estates that lack a living trust or other probate-avoidance tools typically must go through the court probate process before assets can be transferred to heirs. Probate in Illinois can take anywhere from several months to over a year depending on the complexity of the estate, and court fees and legal costs reduce what beneficiaries ultimately receive. A revocable living trust allows assets to pass directly to named beneficiaries without court involvement, keeping the process private and often much faster. Illinois families with real estate, investment accounts, or other significant assets often explore living trusts specifically to sidestep the probate process.