If you’ve lost a loved one, you may be facing the process called probate—a court-supervised way to distribute someone's property after they pass away. Probate helps make sure debts are paid and assets go to the right people. But the big question most people have is: How much will probate cost me?
That’s where our Illinois Probate Cost Estimator comes in. It’s a simple tool to help you figure out what you might pay to get through the probate process. Below, we’ll explain what each part of the calculator means so you know exactly what numbers to enter.
This is the total value of everything your loved one owned that needs to go through probate. This might include bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, and personal belongings. Life insurance and retirement accounts usually don’t count if they have a named beneficiary.
In Illinois, probate attorneys often charge a percentage of the estate—usually between 2% and 5%. Some may charge hourly. If you’re not sure, use 4% as a ballpark figure. Our calculator uses the percentage you enter to estimate the attorney’s cost.
These are fees you pay to the probate court to open the case. In Illinois, this cost depends on the county, but a typical range is $250 to $500. Check your county clerk’s website if you want an exact number, or just estimate.
Illinois law says you have to publish a notice to creditors in a local newspaper. This lets anyone who might be owed money come forward. The cost usually ranges from $100 to $500 depending on the paper.
If the person handling the estate (called the “executor”) wants to be paid, they can receive a reasonable fee—often a percentage of the estate, like 2% or 3%. If a family member is serving as executor and won’t charge anything, you can leave this blank.
Probate can come with other expenses, such as:
If you're not sure, you can estimate a round number like $1,000 to cover extras.
Once you plug in your numbers, the calculator will give you a Total Estimated Probate Cost. It will also break that number down so you can see how much each part contributes—attorney fees, court costs, executor pay, and so on.
This is not a bill, and it’s not a guarantee. It’s just a planning tool to help you get a sense of what to expect and prepare for.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or aren’t sure where to start, we’re here for you. Our Illinois probate attorneys can walk you through the process, explain your options, and help you avoid costly mistakes.
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