Small Estate Affidavit

• An Illinois estate left by a decedent, which does not exceed $100,000 in value can prepare a small estate affidavit. This allows collection of property from debtors, property custodians and transfer agents, according to FamilyEstate.com.
  
  

Large Estates

• The decedent's Illinois property must be probated if it exceeds $100,000 in value. After filing the will, you must petition the probate court to admit the will to probate.
  
  

No Will

• In Illinois, if there was no will left by the decedent, a petition to the probate court must request issuance of letters of office to an heir or another person of interest. This person is known as the administrator of the estate.