Overview
Lake County, part of the 19th Judicial Circuit, is the third-most populous county in Illinois. Located along the shore of Lake Michigan north of Chicago, it encompasses communities including Waukegan, North Chicago, Gurnee, Highland Park, and Lake Forest. The Probate Court Division within the 19th Judicial Circuit handles decedent estates, guardianships, and trust matters.
Probate cases in Lake County are heard at the Main Courthouse in Waukegan. The 19th Judicial Circuit provides a helpful Probate Court Handbook that outlines procedures for self-represented individuals navigating the probate process. Most estates in Lake County proceed under independent administration, which allows the estate representative to manage the estate without prior court approval for routine transactions.
For smaller estates, Illinois law provides a small estate affidavit option when the total personal property is valued at $100,000 or less (increasing to $150,000 for decedents dying on or after August 15, 2025) and no real estate is involved. This simplified process helps families avoid the time and expense of formal probate for qualifying estates.
Lake County maintains a 6-month claims period following publication of notice to creditors. The representative must publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Lake County once a week for three consecutive weeks.
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
Lake County Probate Court Location
Probate matters are heard at the Main Courthouse in Waukegan.
- Address: 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, IL 60085
- Phone (Probate Division): (847) 377-3260
- Phone (General Clerk): (847) 377-3380
- Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The courthouse is located in downtown Waukegan, near the intersection of County Street and Washington Street. Parking is available in nearby lots. The courthouse is accessible from I-94 and IL-120.
E-Filing Assistance
Lake County uses the eFileIL system for electronic filing. The 19th Judicial Circuit provides resources and instructions on its website for self-represented litigants.
Filing Process
How to File a Probate Case in Lake County
Step 1: Determine the Type of Administration
- Independent Administration: Most common; the representative can act without prior court approval for routine matters
- Supervised Administration: Court oversight is required for all actions
- Small Estate Affidavit: Available when personal property is $100,000 or less (no real estate)
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
- Petition for Probate of Will and Issuance of Letters (or Letters of Administration)
- Original will and codicils (if a will exists)
- Certified death certificate
- Proposed order
- Oath and Bond (or bond waiver)
- Notice of filing
Step 3: File Electronically Through eFileIL
All civil filings, including probate, must be submitted electronically. Wills must be deposited in person at the Clerk's office.
Step 4: Court Hearing
A hearing will be scheduled on the probate petition. The petitioner or attorney must appear before the assigned judge.
Step 5: Publish Notice to Creditors
Publish notice once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in Lake County. The first publication must be within 14 days of the order.
Step 6: Administer the Estate
File an inventory within 60 days, manage claims during the 6-month claims period, pay valid debts, file tax returns, and distribute assets to beneficiaries.
Local Requirements
Lake County Local Probate Requirements
- Mandatory E-Filing: All probate filings must be submitted electronically through eFileIL. Wills are filed in person only.
- Probate Court Handbook: The 19th Judicial Circuit publishes a Probate Court Handbook with detailed instructions for filing probate cases. This resource is available on the court's website and is particularly helpful for self-represented filers.
- Inventory: Must be filed within 60 days of appointment.
- Claims Period: 6 months from the date of first publication.
- Bond: May be waived if the will provides for it. Otherwise, the court sets bond.
- Real Property: Orders affecting real property must be recorded with the Lake 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 |
|---|---|
| Petition for Probate / Letters of Administration | Approximately $337 - $439 |
| Certified Copies | Varies; check with the Clerk's office |
Lake County fee schedules are published by the Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Contact the Clerk's office at (847) 377-3260 for the most current fee information.
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
Timelines vary based on estate complexity, creditor claims, and court schedules.
Local Resources
Lake County Probate Resources
- 19th Judicial Circuit — Probate Court — Court information and the Probate Court Handbook
- Lake County Circuit Clerk — Wills & Probate — Filing information and instructions
- Lake County Probate Fee Schedule — Current fee schedules
- eFileIL — Illinois Electronic Filing — Statewide e-filing portal
- Lake County Bar Association — Lawyer referral services