Illinois Probate Timeline by County
How long probate takes in Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane, and McHenry counties — plus a phase-by-phase breakdown of the Illinois probate process.
Last updated: June 2026 — Timelines are estimates. Actual duration depends on estate complexity and court scheduling.
| County | Simple Estate | Complex Estate | Small Estate | Case Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cook County | 9–12 months | 12–24+ months | 30–60 days | Very High |
| DuPage County | 9–12 months | 12–18 months | 30–60 days | High |
| Lake County | 9–12 months | 12–18 months | 30–60 days | Moderate-High |
| Will County | 9–12 months | 12–24 months | 30–60 days | Moderate-High |
| Kane County | 9–12 months | 12–18 months | 30–60 days | Moderate |
| McHenry County | 9–12 months | 12–18 months | 30–60 days | Moderate |
Illinois Probate Phase-by-Phase Timeline
File Petition & Open Estate
Week 1–2File petition with Circuit Court, attend hearing, receive Letters of Office.
Publish Creditor Notice
Week 2–3Publish notice in local newspaper once a week for 3 consecutive weeks. First publication within 14 days of Letters of Office.
File Inventory
Within 60 daysFile complete inventory of all estate assets with the court.
Creditor Claims Period
Months 1–6Mandatory 6-month period for creditors to file claims (755 ILCS 5/18-3). Cannot distribute assets until this period closes.
Pay Debts & Taxes
Months 6–9Pay valid creditor claims, estate expenses, and any Illinois or federal estate tax obligations.
Distribute Assets & Close
Months 9–12Distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries, file final accounting with court, receive court order closing the estate.
County-by-County Notes
Cook County
Simple: 9–12 monthsLargest probate docket in Illinois. Court scheduling delays are common. Independent administration strongly recommended to avoid supervised administration backlogs.
Find probate attorneys in Cook County →DuPage County
Simple: 9–12 monthsSecond most populous county. Generally efficient court scheduling. Mandatory e-filing through I2File or eFileIL. Inventory due within 60 days of appointment.
Find probate attorneys in DuPage County →Lake County
Simple: 9–12 months19th Judicial Circuit provides a Probate Court Handbook for executors. Court scheduling is generally faster than Cook County. Strong preference for independent administration.
Find probate attorneys in Lake County →Will County
Simple: 9–12 monthsFast-growing southwestern suburb. Caseload increasing annually. Early pilot county for mandatory e-filing. Inventory due within 60 days.
Find probate attorneys in Will County →Kane County
Simple: 9–12 months16th Judicial Circuit. Generally efficient for straightforward estates. Court located in St. Charles. Lighter docket than Cook or DuPage typically means faster scheduling.
Find probate attorneys in Kane County →McHenry County
Simple: 9–12 monthsProbate hearings held at 9:30 AM in Courtroom 202, Woodstock courthouse. Lighter docket means faster court dates. Mandatory e-filing with original wills filed in person at Room 136.
Find probate attorneys in McHenry County →What Makes Illinois Probate Take Longer
- Contested wills or heir disputes — litigation adds months or years
- Real estate in multiple states — requires ancillary probate in each state
- Illinois estate tax — estates over $4 million require a tax return within 9 months
- Supervised administration — court approval required for each action; avoid when possible
- Missing heirs or creditors — extended search periods delay closing
- Cook County court volume — high caseload can delay hearing dates by weeks
Find a Probate Attorney in Your County
An experienced probate attorney can keep your estate on track and avoid the delays that extend timelines by months.