Frequently Asked Question:
Does Having a Will Affect Probate

Assuming that the decedent left assets subject to probate, a dramatic difference can occur if the person died testate (with a will) or intestate (without a will).

Although the same court system is used with and without a will, major differences occur if there is no will.

Will No Will
Called Probate Called Administration
Executor Set by Will Administrator Set by Statute
Distribution Decided in Will Distribution Set by Statute
Can Specify No Bond
Result: Major Cost Savings		 Bond Required
Result: Large Cost of Estate
Can Specify Independent Status
Fewer Court Dates/ Lower Fees		 Can Request Independent Status
If Supervised Results in More Court Dates
and Higher Fees
Executor Broad Powers By Will Administrator Statutory Powers
Fewer Appraisals Required Appraisals More Likely

Planning Point:

If you do nothing else, write a Will to save on time, money and to achieve the results you want, not the results Illinois' legislature and court system finds reasonable.

For more information on estate planning, see:

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