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Estates & Powers of Attorney

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Settling an estate after someone dies

When people pass away, they may still have property that needs to be addressed or given away. Learn more about what a person can do to settle a decedent's estate after they die.

Settling an estate after someone dies
Learn about what happens with someone's estate when they die, including what's a part of an estate, who collects and distributes property after someone dies, and using small estate procedures.
FAQ
Probate
Explore the probate process, a court procedure to settle someone's estate after they pass away.
FAQ
Notice of Death Affidavit
Use this form to tell the Recorder of Deeds office that a property owner has died and their property should be transferred to their beneficiaries.
Form download
Small estate affidavits
(5 resources)
Transferring property with a small estate affidavit basics
Explore how a small estate affidavit can be used to transfer property after someone's death without going to court.
Guide
Small estate affidavits
Explore the commonly asked questions about small estate affidavits.
FAQ
Using a small estate affidavit
Get the facts on using a small estate affidavit to transfer a person's property after they pass away.
How-To
Small estate affidavit
This Easy Form helps you make forms to transfer someone's personal property worth up to $150,000 after their death.
Easy Form
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Funeral or burial planning
(3 resources)
Funeral planning basics
Learn about help that may be available when a loved one dies.
Guide
Funeral planning and assistance
Explains the most frequently asked questions about funeral planning after someone dies and the different types of help that may be available.
FAQ
Applying for funeral and burial costs from IDHS
Learn who may be eligible for reimbursement for funeral and burial costs from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the steps to apply.
How-To
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