When families call our office, one of the first questions they ask is:
“How much does probate cost in Illinois?”
The honest answer: It depends.
Probate costs vary depending on the size of the estate, whether there are disputes, and how organized things were before your loved one passed. At Estate & Probate Legal Group, our probate legal team has helped hundreds of families through probate in Cook, DuPage, Kane, and Will Counties. We know what drives costs up — and how to keep them down.
Probate Done Differently
Let’s be real: not every law firm handles probate efficiently. Some drag things out just to bill more hours.
That’s not how we work.
We built our probate practice around fair, transparent pricing and faster resolutions — because families deserve closure, not chaos. Our flexible fee options include:
- Flat Fees for Qualifying Cases: We’re motivated to resolve your case, not milk it. You’ll know upfront what your total cost is.
- Hourly Rates with Payment Plans or Subscription Options: Ideal for more complex or unpredictable cases. You pay only when the team is actively working, and we can often structure predictable payments.
- No-Money-Down Options (in limited cases): When the estate has available assets but limited liquidity, we may defer payment until assets are released.
We call it Probate Done Differently — real help, reasonable fees, and no surprises.
What Drives Probate Costs in Illinois
Probate expenses are influenced by:
- Attorney Fees: Based on complexity and the time involved.
- Court Costs: Filing fees, publication notices, and administrative costs.
- Executor Compensation: Executors are entitled to reasonable pay for their work.
- Estate Size and Complexity: Estates involving real estate, businesses, or out-of-state property take longer to settle.
- Family Disputes: When heirs disagree or a will is contested, legal fees can escalate quickly.
If you suspect executor mismanagement, inheritance disputes, or invalid wills, don’t wait. Illinois gives you only six months after a will is admitted to probate to contest it. Our experienced probate litigation attorneys act fast to protect your rights.
👉 Learn more about probate disputes and family conflicts.
How to Lower or Avoid Probate Costs
Even before someone passes away, there are ways to minimize future probate fees:
- Use a Revocable Living Trust: Assets in a trust skip probate entirely.
👉 Read: Probate vs. Non-Probate Assets in Illinois
- Add Payable-on-Death or Transfer-on-Death Designations: This lets accounts transfer directly to beneficiaries.
👉 See: Is Your Bank Account POD?
- Update Beneficiaries Regularly: Especially for life insurance and retirement accounts.
👉 Can You Put Retirement Accounts In A Trust In Illinois?
- Choose a Responsible Executor: A reliable executor can make or break how smoothly probate runs.
👉 3 Essential Probate Tips To Streamline the Process
When Probate Gets Complicated
Family fighting over an inheritance?
Executor ignoring your rights?
Our Illinois probate lawyers handle complex and contested estates, from will challenges to executor abuse. Whether you’re defending a valid will or contesting one that looks suspicious, we protect your interests — and your inheritance.
We’ve seen firsthand how probate disputes can tear families apart. Our mission is to resolve cases faster and keep families intact, with fair pricing and professional guidance at every step.
FAQs About Probate Costs in Illinois
- How much does probate typically cost?
For uncontested estates, costs often range between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on complexity. Contested matters can cost more due to additional hearings and filings.
- Who pays for probate fees?
Probate fees and legal costs are usually paid from the estate’s assets before beneficiaries receive their share.
- How long does probate take?
Most Illinois estates close in 6-12 months. Complex or contested cases may take longer.
- Can I avoid probate costs altogether?
Yes — with careful estate planning, such as trusts and beneficiary designations, many assets can pass outside probate.
- What if I can’t afford a large retainer?
We offer flat fees, hourly billing with payment plans, and subscription options to fit your budget and case needs. Contact us to explore what’s best for your situation.
Contact Probate Lawyers Who Actually Get It
At Estate & Probate Legal Group, we understand that probate isn’t just paperwork — it’s about protecting families, legacies, and peace of mind.
📞 Call (630) 864-5835 for a Free Probate Discovery Call,
or Contact us online to get started.
Serving Cook, DuPage, Kane, and Will Counties, we’re here to make probate simpler, faster, and fairer.
