How much does probate add to the cost of a will in Illinois?

Probate on a $500,000 estate in Illinois costs about $29,820 — roughly 6% of estate value — including attorney fees, executor fees, court filing fees, and publication costs (755 ILCS 5/6-4, 5/9-4 (appointment), 5/12-2, 5/12-4 (bond), 5/14-1, 5/14-2 (inventory/appraisal), 5/18-3 (creditor notice), 5/25-1 (small estate), 5/27-1, 5/27-2 (fees), 5/28-1, 5/28-2 (independent admin)). These costs are paid by the estate before assets transfer to beneficiaries, reducing the total inheritance.

How Much Does a Will Cost in Illinois?

Compare will costs across providers in Illinois. Includes document purchase, annual subscriptions, life event fees, and probate costs your heirs will pay.

State

Document Type

Estate Value

Used to calculate probate costs when your estate is distributed

Plan Type

IndividualCouple

Life Events (next 5 years)

Select events that might happen. These affect costs on some platforms.

Get marriedHave a baby

Cost estimates based on published pricing. Actual costs may vary.Pricing verified June 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Will costs in Illinois depend on the provider. Online services range from $30-$300 upfront. Attorneys in Illinois charge around $334/hour for wills and estates, putting a simple will between $1,002 and $2,004. The document is only part of the cost: probate on a $500,000 estate in Illinois adds about $29,820 in fees that heirs pay later.

Probate on a $500,000 estate in Illinois costs about $29,820 — roughly 6% of estate value — including attorney fees, executor fees, court filing fees, and publication costs. These costs are paid by the estate before assets transfer to beneficiaries, reducing the total inheritance. Estimate the full cost with the Illinois probate calculator.

A will does not avoid probate in Illinois — probate is the court-supervised process that validates the will, pays debts, and distributes assets. Estates under $150,000 may qualify for a simplified small-estate procedure instead of full probate. A revocable living trust transfers assets to beneficiaries without probate at any estate size.

Online will services cost $30-$300 upfront compared to $1,002-$2,004 for an attorney in Illinois. Either way, the will goes through the same probate process. Total cost depends on subscription fees, amendment charges, and the eventual probate expenses heirs will pay.

Life events like marriage, divorce, or having a child require updating your will. Some online providers require purchasing a new document. Attorney amendments in Illinois cost $368 to $736 for minor changes and $1,472 to $2,944 for major restructuring.

Illinois has specific requirements for executing a valid will, including witness and notary rules. A will that does not meet these requirements may not be accepted during probate. See the full requirements with the Illinois signing requirements tool.

Will Costs in Illinois

A will in Illinois costs $1,002 to $2,004 through an attorney, or $30-$300 through an online service. However, the document cost is only the beginning. The will still goes through probate, adding about $29,820 on a $500,000 estate in court costs, attorney fees, and executor compensation that heirs must pay.

Probate in Illinois lasts 6 months to 9 months for straightforward cases, with attorney fees that are reasonable compensation. Small estates under $150,000 may use abbreviated procedures. For a detailed fee estimate, use the probate calculator.

For a will to be accepted during Illinois probate, it must meet the state's execution requirements, including witness and notary rules. Failing to meet these requirements can invalidate the document entirely. Check what Illinois requires with the signing requirements tool.

SimplyTrust Editorial·Updated July 14, 2026

Legal Sources

Data sourced from Illinois statutes and official state code. How we research.

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