A Small Estate Without Probate
755 ILCS 5/25-1 — an affidavit for personal property up to $150,000, plus registered vehicles
A small estate affidavit may be used to transfer a decedent's personal property where no letters of office are outstanding or sought, and the personal estate passing by will or without one is limited to property worth not more than $150,000, apart from vehicles registered with the Secretary of State.
Who handles this in Illinois: Illinois State Bar Association, Illinois Lawyer Finder; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Illinois directory.
A bank, company or person holding the decedent's property, owing them a debt, or controlling a safe deposit box, who is given the affidavit pays, delivers or transfers as the affidavit directs.
Sources for this section (1)
- 755 ILCS 5/25-1 — Payment or delivery of small estate of decedent upon affidavit
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Illinois attorney.