Handling Probate in Chicago from Out of State?

Almost always — but it depends on your role and the type of estate.

If you’re the Executor, Administrator, or Estate Representative:
Yes, in nearly all formal probate cases, legal representation is required.
Courts used to allow non-lawyers to appear, especially in downstate counties, but a recent appellate decision has clarified that all in-court probate matters now require an attorney.

If the estate qualifies for a Small Estate Affidavit (under $100,000 with no real estate), probate may not be necessary — and a lawyer isn’t required. But even then, the person handling the estate can be personally liable for mistakes, so legal advice is strongly recommended.

If you’re an Heir or Legatee (but not in charge):
You don’t need a lawyer to protect your own interests, but probate law is complex. If you’re concerned about getting your rightful share, or want to contest the actions of the person managing the estate, having a lawyer can make a big difference — especially if the estate is contested or unclear.

Almost never.

Our clients seldom, if ever, need to come to Chicago. We handle nearly everything remotely through phone, email, and video conference. Documents can be signed and transmitted electronically, and most probate court hearings in Illinois now take place via Zoom.

That said, if you prefer to meet in person, you’re welcome to visit our office. And in the rare case that a court requires you to appear in person, we’ll guide you through it.

We’ve built our probate process to be as easy and convenient as possible — so you can focus on your family, not logistics.

No problem — in fact, most people contact us before they’ve been officially appointed.
Whether you're named in a will or just trying to figure out who should be in charge, we can guide you through the process of becoming the legal representative of the estate.
We help you take the right legal steps, starting with the court petition to open probate.

In Illinois, probate takes a minimum of six months — and that’s just due to the required creditor claim period, which can’t be shortened. There’s no way around it.

On average, most estates take 9 to 12 months to complete.
Larger or more complex estates, or those involving real estate, business interests, or family disputes, can take significantly longer.

The biggest factor that slows probate down? Disputes between heirs or beneficiaries.
Other delays can come from uncooperative family members, missing documents, or an estate representative who isn’t staying on top of things.

Bottom line: court is slow, but we do everything possible to keep your case moving forward and avoid unnecessary delays.

If there’s no will, the court will appoint an administrator (instead of an executor), and Illinois law will determine how assets are distributed.
We can help you petition the court to become the administrator and ensure the estate is handled properly. This is a common situation, and we’ll walk you through it step-by-step.

We represent both estate representatives (executors, administrators) and heirs or beneficiaries — but the process and costs are different.

If you're the person in charge of the estate, your consultation is free, and legal fees are typically paid from the estate.

If you're an heir or beneficiary who is not taking charge, we can still help — but:

• We charge a consultation fee

• Legal fees are paid out of pocket, not by the estate

• Costs can range from modest (if you just want us to monitor the estate) to very high (if you are contesting a will or filing court actions)

In our experience, most heirs do not pursue representation unless significant assets are at stake and there’s a strong legal claim.

If you’re unsure of your rights, we’re happy to talk through your options — just know that contesting an estate is a serious and often costly step.