About Claim Against Estate
Allows a creditor or claimant to file a formal claim for payment against a deceased person's estate in probate court.
When you'd use it: File this form when you have an unpaid debt or claim against the estate and wish to present it to the probate court for allowance and payment.
Where to get the official form
The official version of Claim Against Estate is published as a PDF by the Illinois courts. We checked this link and it resolved to a form on an official court or government website — always download the current version directly from the source rather than a third-party copy:
Verified official PDF
Download Claim Against Estate (PDF) →
Source: mchenrycircuitclerk.org
Link last checked: May 31, 2026
How to file Claim Against Estate in Illinois
- Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formUse Claim Against Estate (PR-CLA1) when file this form when you have an unpaid debt or claim against the estate and wish to present it to the probate court for allowance and payment. Double-check it's the right form for your situation — Illinois probate forms are revised periodically, so verify the name and number against your court's current form list before you start.
- Step 2 — Complete every required fieldFill out Claim Against Estate carefully and review it for errors before filing. Probate cases can already take months — a small mistake on the form can set your timeline back further.
- Step 3 — Get it notarized or witnessed if requiredSome probate forms must be signed in front of a notary or witnesses. Check the instructions on the form itself, and arrange notarization before you file if it's required.
- Step 4 — File it with the correct courtSubmit Claim Against Estate to the probate court or county clerk handling the estate — usually in the Illinois county where the deceased lived. Ask the clerk how they prefer to receive filings (in person, by mail, or e-filing).