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When life feels overwhelming

What to do when someone dies in Illinois

Illinois has a few things that catch families off guard. The state's estate tax kicks in at $4 million, much lower than the federal threshold. The surviving spouse is also entitled to a $20,000 award from the estate on top of any inheritance. Probate runs through Circuit Court.

What this guide covers

• How probate works in this state
• Estate and inheritance taxes
• Surviving spouse rights and protections
• Small estate shortcuts and affidavit thresholds
• Step-by-step checklist for your family

Order walks your family through every task — from filing the will with the court to closing the final accounts. Use it to stay organized, assign tasks to family members, and make sure nothing gets missed.