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Standard Index GroupThe End of Life PlannerUnited States by Valoren

General information · not a substitute for the advice of an attorney · Valoren is a publisher, not a law firm.

Free · general informationIllinois

Small estates in Illinois

Where Illinois law lets a smaller estate be settled without full probate, these are the official words on how: who may use the route, what it covers and what the paperwork must say. Whether a particular estate fits is for the court, the bank or company holding the asset, or an attorney in Illinois; nothing on this page decides it.

  • Every fact dated, in the official words
  • Each state’s own law

Every quotation checked October 11, 2026 – October 16, 2026

Every quotation on this page is the official body’s own words, as they stood on the day we read them. The date is beside each one.

When the court may grant summary administration

Upon the filing of a petition therefor in the court of the proper county by any interested person and after ascertainment of heirship of the decedent and admission of the will, if any, to probate, if it appears to the court that: (a) the gross value of the decedent's real and personal estate subject to administration in this State as itemized in the petition does not exceed $100,000;

(b) there is no unpaid claim against the estate, or all claimants known to the petitioner … are listed in the petition; (c) no tax will be due…

Illinois · general information · checked October 16, 2026 · 755 ILCS 5/9-8 (P.A. 99-143, eff. 7-27-15)

The small estate affidavit, in the Cook County clerk’s words

Allows heirs avoid to probate by using a simple form to transfer a decedent's personal property

Our office does not charge a filing fee for this form; does not store this form; does not record this form

Public gets this form and uses it with third parties such as banks and insurance companies

Illinois · general information · checked October 11, 2026 · Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, New Laws (Public Act 104-0346)

FAQ

Common questions

Allows heirs avoid to probate by using a simple form to transfer a decedent's personal property

Our office does not charge a filing fee for this form; does not store this form; does not record this form

Public gets this form and uses it with third parties such as banks and insurance companies

Illinois · general information · checked October 11, 2026 · Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, New Laws (Public Act 104-0346)

Upon the filing of a petition therefor in the court of the proper county by any interested person and after ascertainment of heirship of the decedent and admission of the will, if any, to probate, if it appears to the court that: (a) the gross value of the decedent's real and personal estate subject to administration in this State as itemized in the petition does not exceed $100,000;

(b) there is no unpaid claim against the estate, or all claimants known to the petitioner … are listed in the petition; (c) no tax will be due…

Illinois · general information · checked October 16, 2026 · 755 ILCS 5/9-8 (P.A. 99-143, eff. 7-27-15)