Quick answer: Illinois probate filing fees are set by each county's Circuit Court clerk, not the state, and typically run $250–$500 to open a decedent's estate. Cook County (Chicago) is at the higher end, around $479; suburban and downstate counties are lower. Always confirm the current fee with your county clerk.
How Illinois filing fees work
Probate is filed with the Circuit Court of the county where the person lived — Cook (Chicago), DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane, and the state's 102 counties. Each county's clerk sets its own fee to open the estate and issue Letters of Office. It's a flat amount per case, not a percentage of the estate, and covers filing the petition and opening the case; certified copies and publication are extra.
| County (major city) | Approx. probate filing fee |
|---|---|
| Cook (Chicago) | ~$479 |
| DuPage | ~$350 |
| Lake | ~$330 |
| Will | ~$320 |
| Kane | ~$300 |
| Other / downstate counties | ~$250–$300 |
Approximate figures; county fees change and vary by filing type. Confirm the exact fee with the county Circuit Court clerk before filing.
Other court-related costs
- Publication to creditors — required once a week for three consecutive weeks (755 ILCS 5/18-3); ~$150–$500. If not done properly, the claims period can extend to two years instead of six months.
- Certified copies of Letters of Office — needed by banks and title; a few dollars each.
- Surety bond — if required (not waived by the will or court); ~0.5–1% of the estate per year.
- Small estate affidavit — the $150,000 route needs no court filing at all.
Where the fee sits in the total
The filing fee is a small part of Illinois probate — the executor and attorney fees, and (for larger estates) the $4 million estate tax, dominate. See the whole picture in the Illinois probate cost breakdown, learn about attorney fees, or estimate your total with the Illinois probate cost calculator.