When a loved one passes away, the last thing families want to deal with is court paperwork, legal delays, and family disputes. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happens to many families in Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, and Will counties — and often, the financial and emotional costs of probate are completely avoidable.
If you’re navigating the probate process in Oak Brook, Naperville, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, or anywhere in the greater Chicago area, here’s what you need to know.
Probate is the legal process used to settle a person’s estate after death. It involves:
But the process comes with a high price tag. Even a small, uncontested estate can cost $4,000–$6,000 in court and attorney fees. Larger or contested estates can cost $12,000 or more, not to mention the months (or years) of delays and stress it causes grieving families.
👉 How Much Are Probate Fees in Illinois?
Most of the costs and delays in probate are the result of poor or outdated estate planning. Common issues include:
Even families with modest assets can suffer major financial setbacks if probate is not handled correctly.
👉 What Happens in Illinois Probate Court?
An experienced probate lawyer in Oak Brook or the surrounding area can:
If you’re already in the probate process, it’s not too late. We help families settle estates efficiently, even if the situation is already complicated.
Probate procedures can vary by county. Our attorneys regularly appear in probate courts in:
We’ve helped families in Oak Brook, Elmhurst, Lombard, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, and beyond settle estates efficiently and with peace of mind.
If someone in your family just passed away, here are the first steps:
👉 Dying Without a Will in Illinois: What Happens Next
Don’t let your family lose more than necessary in probate. At Estate & Probate Legal Group, we’ve helped hundreds of families across the western suburbs and Greater Chicago settle estates, resolve conflicts, and keep more of what their loved ones worked hard to leave behind.
📍 Conveniently located in Oak Brook, we serve clients throughout DuPage County and the surrounding areas.
Let’s talk about your situation and your options — no pressure, just answers.
Q: How long does probate take in Illinois?
A: Anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the complexity of the estate.
👉 Learn more
Q: Can I avoid probate in Illinois?
A: In many cases, yes. With a proper estate plan, tools like trusts and joint ownership can help avoid court involvement.
👉 How to Avoid Probate
Q: What if there’s no will?
A: The estate will be handled according to Illinois intestate succession laws. That can get complicated — and fast.
👉 What Happens If Someone Dies Without a Will?
If you have questions about the Illinois probate process, contact the Estate & Probate Legal Group at 630-864-5835. We serve clients throughout Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will counties and can help you protect your inheritance in probate court.
