The Timeline at a Glance: 6 to 24+ months.
Minimum Timeline: 6 months (Mandatory Creditor Claim Period).
Simple/Uncontested Estate: 6-12 months.
Complex/Contested Estate: 18-24+ months.
The Biggest Delay: Selling Real Estate or resolving family disputes.
From Filing to Final Distribution – How Long Does it Take to Close a Probate Case
Table of Contents
- A Step-by-Step Probate Timeline in Illinois
- 1. Filing the Probate Petition (1 to 4 months)
- 2. Appointing an Executor or Administrator
- 3. Notifying Heirs and Creditors (2 to 6 months)
- 4. Identifying and Valuing Assets (2 to 6 months)
- 5. Paying Debts, Taxes, and Expenses (6 to 12 months)
- The Real Estate Factor – Selling an Inherited House in Illinois
- Don't Delay, Take Action Today!
- Can Probate Be Expedited?
- FAQs About Probate Timelines in Illinois
- Final Thoughts – How Long Does Probate Take?
If you ever wondered “How long does probate take?”, you’re not alone. Many executors and heirs find themselves navigating this complex legal process, wondering when they’ll be able to settle the estate and distribute assets.
In Illinois, probate can take anywhere from 6 months to over 2 years, depending on factors like estate size, creditor claims, and legal disputes. Some estates move quickly, while others face delays due to court backlogs, real estate sales, or contested wills. This duration is particularly affected by the local court’s capacity, particularly in highly populated areas like Chicago, where the Cook County Probate Division handles a massive caseload, potentially moving slower than the courts in DuPage County or Lake County.
In this guide, we’ll break down how long probate takes in Illinois, step by step, so you can better understand what to expect.
A Step-by-Step Probate Timeline in Illinois
1. Filing the Probate Petition (1 to 4 months)
The probate process starts when the executor (named in the will) or a family member (if no will exists) files a petition with the local county court. The court must validate the will and officially appoint the executor before probate can move forward.
Why this step takes time:
- Court backlogs can delay initial hearings for weeks to months. This is particularly true in highly populated areas; for instance, the Cook County Probate Division is one of the busiest in the country, often moving slower than DuPage, Lake or the surrounding collar counties.
- If the will is contested, the process can take longer.
2. Appointing an Executor or Administrator
Once you file the petition, the court will appoint a fiduciary – either an executor (if there’s a will) or an administrator (if there’s no will). This person is responsible for managing the estate throughout the probate process.
3. Notifying Heirs and Creditors (2 to 6 months)
Once probate is opened, the executor must notify heirs and creditors. Illinois law requires that:
- A legal notice is published in a local newspaper within 2 months.
- Creditors have at least 6 months to submit claims for unpaid debts.
Since creditor claims remain open for 6 months, this step alone can extend how long probate takes—even for simple estates.
4. Identifying and Valuing Assets (2 to 6 months)
The executor must locate, document, and appraise all assets in the estate, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, valuables, and personal property.
Delays often happen if:
- Financial records are missing.
- Professional appraisals are required (especially for real estate or businesses).
For estates with multiple properties or business assets, this step can add months to the process.
5. Paying Debts, Taxes, and Expenses (6 to 12 months)
Before any beneficiaries receive their inheritance, the estate must:
- Pay valid creditor claims.
- Settle outstanding debts, including mortgages or medical bills.
- File and pay any state and federal estate taxes (if required).
Disputed creditor claims can lead to legal battles and further slow probate and can extend the process by several months to over a year.
The Real Estate Factor – Selling an Inherited House in Illinois
For most executors, the single biggest factor dictating “how long does probate take” is the inherited property itself. The sale of the home – or the delay in deciding what to do with it – can add months of holding costs and legal complexity to the process.
As one of the top probate Realtor teams in Illinois, serving Cook, DuPage, and Lake counties, my team and I specialize in turning this potential delay into an accelerator for the estate. We provide expert guidance to ensure the property sale meets all court requirements while achieving the best outcome for the heirs.
Before you proceed, review the two primary strategies for selling your inherited property:
Fast Cash Sale
If the estate is facing immediate debt obligations, the property is in poor condition, or the beneficiaries require a fast settlement.
- Goal: Speed and Convenience
- Process: We can facilitate a quick, cash offer from our vetted network of trusted investors.
- Benefits: Close in 7-21 days, skip all repairs, no cleanout, quick way to turn the house into cash for the estate.
Maximized Market Sale
Best for estates that are financially stable, inherited properties in decent condition, or heirs prioritizing the highest possible profit.
- Goal: Highest possible net profit.
- Process: We help you list and sell the property quick on the open market
- Benefits: Close in 30-45 days, attract competitive market offers and maximize the sales price
Don’t Delay, Take Action Today!
Don’t let the house become your biggest source of stress or delay in the probate process. We’ll help you determine the best path forward. Whether you prefer a Fast Cash Sale or a Maximized Market Sale, find out how much your inherited house could sell for.
6. Resolving Disputes (6+ months to several years, if applicable)
If family members contest the will, disagree on asset distribution, or challenge the executor’s role, probate can take significantly longer.
Common reasons probate takes longer due to disputes:
- Family members contesting the will.
- Disagreements over the executor’s handling of assets.
- Multiple heirs fighting over real estate or personal property.
Disputes can add months or even years to the process.
7. Distributing Assets & Closing the Estate (1 to 3 months)
Once debts are paid, the executor submits a final accounting to the court for approval. After approval, remaining assets are distributed to heirs, and the court officially closes probate.
Delays in this step happen if:
- The court requires additional review or hearings before approving the final distribution.
- The estate includes real estate that must be sold before closing probate.
How Long Does Probate Take in Illinois?
The duration of probate varies based on estate complexity and whether disputes arise. Typical timelines are:
| Estate Type | Estimated Probate Duration |
|---|---|
| Simple estate, no disputes | 6 to 12 months |
| Moderate estate, some debts | 12 to 18 months |
| Complex estate, disputes | 18 to 24+ months |
The biggest factors affecting how long probate takes include:
- Independent vs. Supervised Probate – Independent probate is faster; supervised probate requires ongoing court involvement.
- Creditor Claims – If creditors contest payments, probate may take longer.
- Real Estate Sales – Selling a house in probate can add months to the timeline.
- Family Disputes – Will contests and legal battles can stretch probate years beyond the norm.
Can Probate Be Expedited?
Yes! Certain estates qualify for a faster probate process in Illinois:
- Independent Administration: If all heirs agree, the executor can settle the estate with minimal court involvement, allowing more flexibility, reducing delays.
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate is worth less than $100,000 and has no real estate, heirs may bypass probate entirely.
- Avoiding Probate with a Living Trust: If the deceased placed assets in a living trust, they pass directly to beneficiaries without probate.
FAQs About Probate Timelines in Illinois
How long does probate take in Cook County, Illinois?
Due to the volume of cases handled by the Cook County Probate Division at the Richard J. Daley Center in Chicago, the probate timeline often leans toward the longer end (12–18 months for a moderate estate). Uncontested estates are still subject to the mandatory 6-month creditor period, but expect slight delays in scheduling initial and final hearings due to the court’s high volume.
Is the probate timeline faster in DuPage County or Lake County, IL?
DuPage County and Lake County probate courts generally have slightly less congestion than Cook County. This means that if your estate is simple and uncontested, you may experience a quicker start to the process, potentially keeping your timeline closer to the 6-to-12-month range.
How long does probate take in Illinois if there’s a will?
If there’s a valid will and no disputes, probate usually takes 6 to 12 months.
How long does probate take in Illinois if there’s no will?
Without a will, probate follows Illinois intestacy laws, often making the process longer – typically 12 to 24 months.
Can you sell inherited house before probate is completed?
Yes, in Illinois, you can sell an inherited house once the court issues Letters of Office and appoints you as the independent administrator of the estate. These documents give you the authority to list and sell the inherited property. If the estate is under supervised administration, you’ll need court approval before finalizing the sale.
Final Thoughts – How Long Does Probate Take?
So, how long does probate take in Illinois? The answer depends on the estate’s complexity, the presence of disputes, and whether the executor follows the proper steps. While some estates wrap up in 6 to 12 months, others may take 2+ years due to court delays, creditor claims, or legal challenges.
If you’re handling probate and need help selling an inherited home, our team can guide you through the process. Whether you need a fast sale or assistance navigating probate requirements, We are here to help.
