How much does probate cost in Illinois?
Illinois has no statutory percentage fee — attorneys bill hourly or a flat fee for an uncontested estate, plus circuit-court filing fees that vary by county.
- No statutory percentage fee — Illinois attorneys typically bill hourly or a flat fee for an uncontested formal probate.
- Circuit-court filing fees vary by county, generally a few hundred dollars to open an estate.
- The big cost lever in Illinois is staying UNDER the $150,000 small-estate threshold — a small-estate affidavit avoids court costs and attorney filing fees entirely.
- Kindred's flat administrative fee, plus a fixed attorney fee where a formal estate is required, is shown as two clear line items.
Estimate your Illinois costs
≈ 45 hours of admin and legal work, all billed at lawyer rates.
Kindred + your attorney
Estimated difference vs. a full-service firm
$5,500
+ about 150 hours of your own time
Full-service estimated at $250–$400/hr for ~45hours; the attorney figure is an illustrative fixed fee. Illustrative only — not a quote or legal advice. Figures vary by estate. We're not a law firm; an independent attorney always handles the legal work.
Common questions
What is the small estate affidavit limit in Illinois?
$150,000, as of August 15, 2025 — raised from the old $100,000 limit (many pages online still show the old number). Vehicles are excluded from the count. If the estate fits and the heirs agree, you can transfer personal property with the affidavit instead of opening a probate case. Real property in the decedent's name alone generally still needs probate.
Do I need a lawyer for probate in Illinois?
For a formal estate opened in the circuit court, generally yes — the representative acts on behalf of the estate and is expected to act through a licensed attorney. For a small estate under the $150,000 affidavit limit, no court case and no attorney filing is needed. Kindred handles the administration and coordinates an attorney only where a formal estate requires one. Kindred is not a law firm.
How long does probate take in Illinois?
A formal probate usually runs 9 to 14 months because creditors get 6 months to file claims after notice is published. A small-estate affidavit avoids the court timeline entirely and can transfer assets in days.
Last verified June 2026. Figures are illustrative and vary by estate — not a quote or legal advice. Kindred is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice; we handle the administrative work and coordinate an independent attorney where one is legally required.
You don't have to carry this alone.
Tell us about the estate on a free, no-obligation call. We'll map out exactly what needs to happen — and how we'd take it off your plate.
Start with fixed-fee Estate Setup, then choose the right package.
Tell us about your situation
Has the person passed away?
Your relationship to them