What Drives Probate Cost in Illinois
Court filing fees are the visible starting point, but many estates also pay for certified copies, notice or publication, property recordings, appraisals, and legal help.
Illinois publishes no single statewide dollar table for probate. Each county board sets the circuit clerk filing and appearance fees by ordinance within the caps in 705 ILCS 105/27.1b (Schedule 2 filings up to $362 in Cook and $266 in any other county; Schedule 1 appearances up to $235 and $196), and every decedent estate filing adds the uniform statewide $100 guardianship and advocacy operations fee under 705 ILCS 105/27.3f. Kane and Will may add up to $30 more under 27.1b(b-5). Current published totals to open a decedent estate are $364 in Madison County, $414 in Will County, and $479 in Cook County, and the same amount applies to independent, supervised, and summary administration. Probate is filed with the probate division of the circuit court in the county where the decedent lived, so confirm the exact total with that county circuit clerk before filing.
Cost componentsFiling fees, add-on charges, and attorney work compared
Court Filing Fees
The court procedure chosen is often the biggest first driver of cost. Simplified procedures usually cost less than full administration.
Additional Charges
Certified copies, publication or notice costs, appraisals, and document recordings can materially change the final number.
Attorney Work
Legal fees depend on the estate's issues. A modest estate with title or creditor problems can cost more than a larger estate with clean paperwork.
How to Use the EstimateWhat the number means and which check to run next
Use the result to set expectations, not to lock in a final fee quote. If the number looks high, the next question is whether all of the property really needs probate or whether some assets already transfer outside court.
From here, compare the estate structure with the estate value calculator, review transfer structure with the beneficiary checker, and use the Illinois courts page if you need the next local filing contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Illinois probate costs and filing fees?
Do I need an attorney for Illinois probate?
How long does Illinois probate take?
Official Sources and Further ReadingOfficial references used for this page
- 705 ILCS 105/27.1b circuit court clerk fees (Schedule 2 filing caps, appearance caps, and the subsection (v) probate fees)
- 705 ILCS 105/27.3f $100 guardianship and advocacy operations fee on administration of a decedent estate
- 755 ILCS 5/25-1 small estate affidavit ($150,000 personal estate excluding registered vehicles for deaths on or after August 15, 2025)
- 755 ILCS 5/9-8 distribution on summary administration ($100,000 gross real and personal estate)
- 755 ILCS 5/27-1 fees of the representative (reasonable compensation, no statutory percentage)
- 755 ILCS 5/27-2 attorney fees for the representative (reasonable compensation)
- Illinois Supreme Court M.R. 29741 civil assessment schedules (probate filings are Schedule 2, appearances Schedule 1)
- Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Probate Division fee schedule CCP-0607 ($479 filing / $250 appearance)
- Will County Circuit Clerk fee schedule ($414 to administer a decedent's estate / $239 appearance)
- Madison County Circuit Clerk feebook ($364 to administer a decedent's estate / $189 appearance)
- IRS Publication 559 for survivors, executors, and administrators
- CFPB guide to managing someone else’s money
Information current as of May 31, 2026
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in Illinois can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.