Affidavit of Heirship — Spouse and/or Descendants — Probate (Form 3842)

Where to get the official form

The official version of Affidavit of Heirship — Spouse and/or Descendants — Probate (Form 3842) 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:

How to file Affidavit of Heirship — Spouse and/or Descendants — Probate (Form 3842) in Illinois

1. Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formDouble-check that Affidavit of Heirship — Spouse and/or Descendants — Probate (Form 3842) is 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.
2. Step 2 — Complete every required fieldFill out Affidavit of Heirship — Spouse and/or Descendants — Probate (Form 3842) 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.
3. 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.
4. Step 4 — File it with the correct courtSubmit Affidavit of Heirship — Spouse and/or Descendants — Probate (Form 3842) 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).