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Illinois Probate and Estate Forms

Illinois does not publish a statewide set of fill-in probate forms. The Illinois Supreme Court's approved statewide standardized forms cover matters such as eviction, name change, orders of protection, small claims, and guardianship of a minor, but there is no decedent estate category. Probate pleadings are drafted from the contents prescribed by the Probate Act of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/) and filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the decedent lived, using that circuit's own local forms where it publishes them.

Illinois Probate Forms by Situation

Start with the Illinois Courts forms hub to confirm that no statewide decedent estate form exists, then go to the Clerk of the Circuit Court for the decedent's county for that circuit's probate packet. For the statutory content of each filing, read the controlling section of the Probate Act of 1975 on the Illinois General Assembly site.

Find Forms By Your Situation

Official Resources

Start with the Illinois Courts forms hub to confirm that no statewide decedent estate form exists, then go to the Clerk of the Circuit Court for the decedent's county for that circuit's probate packet. For the statutory content of each filing, read the controlling section of the Probate Act of 1975 on the Illinois General Assembly site.

Illinois Courts - Approved Statewide Standardized Forms

Official Illinois Supreme Court approved forms library. Every Illinois court must accept these forms. There is no decedent estate or probate category in the set, which is why Illinois probate pleadings are drafted from the statute or from local circuit forms.

Illinois Courts - Court Forms Hub

Official entry point to Illinois court forms, including the standardized statewide forms and links out to the circuit courts.

Illinois Courts - Circuit Court Clerks

Official directory of the Clerk of the Circuit Court for every Illinois county. The clerk's office publishes the local probate forms, the filing fee schedule, and the e-filing instructions.

Probate Act of 1975, 755 ILCS 5/ (Illinois General Assembly)

Controlling statute. Each section below prescribes what a given Illinois probate filing must contain.

Important Notes

  • -Illinois publishes no statewide standardized probate forms. The Illinois Supreme Court's approved forms set has no decedent estate category, so probate pleadings are drafted from the Probate Act of 1975 or taken from the local circuit clerk's forms.
  • -Never assume a probate form number for Illinois. Where a form number is shown here it belongs to a specific agency, such as the Illinois Secretary of State's RT OPR 31 for vehicle transfers.
  • -Estates are opened in the Circuit Court of the county where the decedent resided (755 ILCS 5/5-1). Illinois has no separate probate court, and Cook County runs a dedicated Probate Division.
  • -The original will must be deposited with the Circuit Court Clerk immediately after the death (755 ILCS 5/6-1). That deposit is separate from, and does not start, a probate case.
  • -Illinois charges no probate tax. The clerk collects a flat county filing fee set within the maximums of 705 ILCS 105/27.1b, plus the statewide $100 guardianship and advocacy operations fee under 705 ILCS 105/27.3f.
  • -Do not distribute estate assets until the claim period, the spouse's or child's award, and any renunciation or will contest deadlines are resolved.

Sources: Illinois Courts - Approved Statewide Standardized Forms | Illinois Courts - Court Forms Hub

Not sure which Illinois forms you need?

Answer a few questions to sort the likely filing path before you pick forms or contact the Circuit Court.

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A few simple steps (naming beneficiaries, a transfer-on-death deed where your state allows it, or a living trust) can keep your estate out of court.

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How to Use Illinois Probate FormsWhy the filing path comes before the form number

The form finder groups records such as Opening the Estate, Creditor Notice and Claims, Inventory, Accounting, and Closing, Small Estate Affidavit (No Court Case) so you can start with the likely procedure rather than one isolated form number.

Use source links such as Illinois Courts - Approved Statewide Standardized Forms, Illinois Courts - Court Forms Hub, Illinois Courts - Circuit Court Clerks to locate official forms and verify which documents belong in the packet.

Illinois Form Prep ChecksCounty packet rules and the records to gather before filing

Choose the filing path

Common filing paths in this data include Independent administration under 755 ILCS 5/Art. XXVIII, unless the will forbids it or the court orders supervision, Small estate affidavit under 755 ILCS 5/25-1, A recorded transfer on death instrument if one exists, otherwise probate or summary administration and a recorded estate deed. Match the estate facts to the correct path before preparing forms.

Verify the county packet

Check the county Circuit Court or local filing-office instructions for coversheets, copy rules, appointments, fees, and filing methods.

Pull supporting records first

Collect the original will if one exists, certified death certificates, asset values, deed or title records, heir and beneficiary details, and creditor information before filling out the packet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get Illinois probate forms?
Start with Illinois Courts - Approved Statewide Standardized Forms, Illinois Courts - Court Forms Hub, Illinois Courts - Circuit Court Clerks. Then verify local county instructions before you file, because packet rules, copy requirements, fees, and filing methods can vary.
How do I know which Illinois probate form I need?
Start with the filing path, not the form number. The right packet depends on will status, asset type and value, creditor issues, heirs or beneficiaries, and whether a simplified procedure fits.
Can I file Illinois probate forms without an attorney?
Some paths may allow self-filing, but the answer still depends on the estate, the county office, disputes, real estate, creditors, and tax facts. Verify the county rules and get legal help when rights or strategy are unclear.
What should I gather before filling out Illinois probate forms?
Gather the original will if one exists, certified death certificates, asset and debt lists, deed or title records, beneficiary records, and names and addresses for heirs or beneficiaries.
Illinois Official Forms and SourcesOfficial references used for this page

Information current as of July 19, 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.

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