Illinois Estate Law

The Process

Estate Planning Process

Typical Timeline: 1-3 months
1

Initial Consultation

Optional

Optional one-on-one meeting to discuss your goals and answer any preliminary questions.

2

Intake Questionnaire

Complete a comprehensive questionnaire about your assets, family structure, and estate planning goals.

3

Planning Session

Meet with your attorney to discuss how to structure your plan, answer questions, and design your custom estate plan.

4

Drafting

Usually takes 2 weeks

Our attorneys draft your estate planning documents based on your unique needs and preferences.

5

Review

Review your documents on your own or in collaboration with your attorney to ensure everything meets your expectations.

6

Notarization

Sign and notarize your documents either online or via mobile notarization where a notary comes to your location.

7

Trust Funding Guidance

We show you which assets belong in the trust and how to retitle each one, and we draft and record the deed for your real estate. You complete the account transfers with your institutions.

8

Completion

Receive your physical estate planning portfolio by mail and digital copies via email.

Probate Administration Process

Typical Timeline: 14 months
1

Initial Consultation

Optional

Optional meeting to discuss the probate process, answer questions, and review the estate situation.

2

Intake Questionnaire

Complete a questionnaire with details about the deceased, their assets, debts, and beneficiaries.

3

Petition Filing

Court date usually 6-8 weeks from filing

We draft and file the initial petition with the probate court. The court automatically assigns an initial court date.

4

Initial Court Date (Opening)

The case is officially opened with the court system and the representative of the estate receives Letters of Office.

5

Creditor Notification Period

6-month creditor period

We publish notice in a local newspaper. Creditors have 6 months to file claims. During this time, the representative can open estate bank accounts, list real estate, and marshal assets.

6

Administration

We prepare a final accounting detailing all assets, expenses, and debts within the estate. Heirs and legatees begin receiving their shares.

7

Closing Hearing

Final court appearance where the estate is officially closed and the representative is discharged from their duties.

Deed Transfer Process

Typical Timeline: 1-2 weeks
1

Initial Consultation

Brief consultation to understand your deed transfer needs and property details.

2

Short Intake Questionnaire

Complete a brief questionnaire with property information and transfer details.

3

Drafting

We draft your deed based on the information provided and send it to you for review.

4

Online Notarization

Conveniently sign and notarize your deed online from anywhere.

5

Recording

We send your deed to the county recorder to officially record the transfer.

Ready to Get Started?

We make the process simple, transparent, and stress-free. Schedule your consultation today to begin protecting your legacy or administering an estate.

Book Consultation(312) 373-0731