Overview
Champaign County, part of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, is located in east-central Illinois and is the tenth-most populous county in the state. It encompasses the communities of Champaign, Urbana, Rantoul, Mahomet, and Savoy, and is home to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The Circuit Court of Champaign County handles probate matters at the Champaign County Courthouse in Urbana.
The Sixth Judicial Circuit has published detailed local rules for probate proceedings (Part 9 of the local rules), which provide guidance on filing requirements, hearing procedures, inventories, and estate administration specific to the circuit. Most estates in Champaign County proceed under independent administration, consistent with the statewide preference under the Illinois Independent Administration of Estates Act.
For smaller estates, the small estate affidavit option allows families to transfer personal property without formal probate when the total value is $100,000 or less (increasing to $150,000 for decedents dying on or after August 15, 2025) and no real estate is involved.
The standard 6-month claims period applies following publication of notice to creditors. All probate filings must be submitted electronically.
Note: This guide provides general informational guidance and is not legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Courthouse Information
Champaign County Probate Court Location
Probate matters are handled at the Champaign County Courthouse in Urbana.
- Address: 101 E. Main Street, Urbana, IL 61801
- Phone: (217) 384-3725
- Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Champaign County Courthouse is located in downtown Urbana at the intersection of Main Street and Broadway Avenue. Metered street parking and nearby public parking lots are available. The courthouse is accessible from I-74 and US-45.
E-Filing
Champaign County uses eFileIL for mandatory electronic filing of all civil cases, including probate. The Circuit Clerk's office can provide assistance.
Filing Process
How to File a Probate Case in Champaign County
Step 1: Choose the Type of Administration
- Independent Administration: Most common; representative acts without prior court approval for routine actions
- Supervised Administration: Court oversight required for all estate actions
- Small Estate Affidavit: For personal property $100,000 or less (no real estate)
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
- Petition for Probate of Will and Issuance of Letters (or Petition for Letters of Administration)
- Original will and codicils (if testate)
- Certified death certificate
- Proposed order
- Oath and Bond (or bond waiver)
- Notice of filing
Step 3: File Electronically Through eFileIL
All probate filings must be submitted electronically. Original wills must be filed in person at the Circuit Clerk's office.
Step 4: Attend the Court Hearing
A hearing will be scheduled on the petition. The petitioner or their attorney must appear before the assigned judge.
Step 5: Publish Notice to Creditors
After receiving Letters of Office, publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Champaign County once a week for three consecutive weeks.
Step 6: Administer the Estate
File an inventory within 60 days, manage the 6-month claims period, pay debts, file tax returns, and distribute assets.
Local Requirements
Champaign County Local Probate Requirements
- Local Rules (Part 9): The Sixth Judicial Circuit publishes detailed local rules for probate proceedings in Part 9 of the circuit's local rules. These address filing requirements, hearing procedures, and estate administration standards.
- Mandatory E-Filing: All probate filings must be submitted electronically through eFileIL. Original wills are filed in person.
- Inventory: Must be filed within 60 days of the representative's appointment.
- Claims Period: 6 months from the first publication of notice to creditors.
- Bond: May be waived per the will's terms. Otherwise, the court sets the appropriate bond amount.
- Commonly Used Forms: The Champaign County Circuit Clerk publishes commonly used case forms on their website, including probate-related forms.
- Real Property: Orders affecting real property must be recorded with the Champaign County Recorder of Deeds.
- Estate Tax: Illinois estate tax applies to estates exceeding approximately $4 million in gross value.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Probate Case Filing | Approximately $300 - $400 |
| Certified Copies | Varies; contact Clerk's office |
Contact the Champaign County Circuit Clerk at (217) 384-3725 for the most current fee schedule.
Typical Timelines
- Simple Estate (Independent Administration): Approximately 9 to 12 months
- Complex Estate (Supervised or Contested): 12 to 24+ months
- Small Estate Affidavit: Typically 30 to 60 days after the mandatory waiting period
These are estimates and depend on estate complexity, creditor claims, and court scheduling.
Local Resources
Champaign County Probate Resources
- Sixth Judicial Circuit — Probate Proceedings (Part 9) — Local rules for probate proceedings
- Champaign County Circuit Clerk — Common Forms — Commonly used forms including probate documents
- Champaign County Circuit Clerk — General clerk information and filing assistance
- Champaign County Courthouse Information — Courthouse location and contact details
- eFileIL — Illinois Electronic Filing — Statewide e-filing portal
- Champaign County Bar Association — Lawyer referral services