Probate Division

Birth Certificates/Death Certificates
Birth Certificates/Death Certificates: County Clerk's Office

Circuit Court of Cook County
Information about court organization, court locations, judge information, court holidays and the trial process can be found at the Circuit Court website.

Circuit Court Rules and Orders
Rules and General Orders of the Circuit Court of Cook County, which govern the structure and processes of the Circuit Court; and selected General Administrative Rules and Orders of the court, which are issued by the Chief Judge.

City of Chicago- Department of Aging
City of Chicago Services for the Elderly and/or Disabled

Clerk of Circuit Court Self Represented (Pro Se) Resources
The Self Help Center offers access to information and public resources with a special focus on people representing themselves (Self Represented or Pro Se litigants).

Cook County Recorder of Deeds
(For ALL property deed inquiries)  Location:  118 North Clark Street, Room 120.  Public Information Number: (312) 603-5050.

Cook County Treasurer
For Funds Deposited per Court Order in Probate Case, Inheritance Tax, Refunds - Contact Maria Pappas (312) 443-5100

Descriptive Guide
Descriptive Guide

Finding an Attorney
A guide to assist qualified customers in finding free or low cost legal assistance in Cook County.

Glossary of Legal Terms

Guardianship and Advocacy Commission
For cases where no one is available to be guardian of the disabled person; an agency is required to be guardian of the person and/or estate; and there are assets of LESS THAN $25,000.  Location:  160 N. LaSalle St., Suite S-500, Chicago, IL 60601.  Phone:  (312) 793-5900.

Illinois Code of Civil Procedure
CIVIL PROCEDURE (735 ILCS 5/) Code of Civil Procedure.

Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation
For inquiries about banks and financial institutions - General Information:  (312) 814-2000.

Illinois Probate Act of 1975, 755 ILCS 5/1-1 et. seq.
The Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission provides the Illinois Probate Act of 1975.

Illinois Supreme Court Rules
Illinois Supreme Court's list of Illinois Supreme Court Rules

Municipality Fees (705 ILCS 105/27.1b)

Office of the County Clerk Vital Records
Death Certificates (County Deaths 1871 - July 2004) (City Deaths 1871 - April 2003).  Location:  118 North Clark Street - Lower Level.  General Information: (312) 603-7790.

Offices of Public Guardian of Cook County
(For cases where no one is available to be guardian of the disabled person; an agency is required to be guardian of the person and/or estate; and there are assets GREATER THAN $25,000).  Location:  69 West Washington St., Room 1800, Chicago, IL 60602.  Phone:  (312) 603-0800.

State of Illinois Department of Aging
State of Illinois for the Eldery and/or Disabled. Contact: (800)252-8966 (inside Illinois). Illinois Elder Abuse 24 Hour Protective Services Hotline: 1-866-800-1409 or 1-888-206-1327 (TTY).

State of Illinois Treasurer’s Office
For inquiries regarding “DASH FOR CASH” requirements for monies, personal estates and property that have escheated to the state - General Information:  (312) 814-1700

Claims against Estates

Arising in a contract, tort or otherwise.

Guardianship of Estate

One who has the legal authority and duty to care for another person's property as a result of that person's incapacity or disability

Guardianship of Minor Person

One who has the legal authority and duty to care for a person who has not reached full legal age; a child or juvenile. Also termed infant.

Guardianship of Minor's Estate

One who has the legal authority and duty to care for another person's property who has not reached full legal age; a child or juvenile. Also termed infant.

Guardianship of Person

One who has the legal authority and duty to care for another person because of the other's infancy, incapacity or disability.

Intestate

One who has died without a valid will.

Settlement of Cause of Action in a Minor's Estate

Authority to accept a settlement on behalf of a minor in tort claim.

Structured Settlement Sale Approval

The authority to permit Insurance companies to make payments on a structured settlement claim for personal injury to anyone other then the beneficiary of the settlement or by the beneficiary of such a structured settlement to assign the payment of the settlement to another

Testate

Having left a will at death.

Will Contest

The litigation of a will's validity.

Q: What is Guardianship?
A: Guardianship involves the appointment by a court of a legally responsible individual or agency on behalf of a person who is not able to independently manage his or her affairs due to a mental or physical disability or minor status (person under the age of 18).

Q: How does guardianship differ from adoptions?
A: With adoption, birth parents give up all rights and responsibilities for the child. With guardianship, parents keep some of these rights and responsibilities. For instance, with a guardianship, parents can visit the child or challenge the guardian's power and they can get custody back by going to court. Also, if able, the parents must contribute money to support the child. The guardian can seek this support in Child Support Court.

Q: How does someone become a guardian?
A: A petition for guardianship (with the appropriate filing fee) must be filed in the Clerk's Office. Once guardianship papers (the petition) are filed with the court, the process takes about six (6) to ten (10) weeks.  This time is used to let the parents (or interested party) become aware of all the proceedings.  If the parents do not need to be given notice, it only takes about six (6) to eight (8) weeks.  If they have to be informed by mail or by publication (in a newspaper), it takes six (6) to ten (10) weeks. Please note that the court will also do a background check and an abuse and neglect check) on the prospective guardian(s) and this may take between four (4) to six (6) weeks to complete. The Judge reviews the Petition and the background check that has been conducted on all potential guardians. Finally, the Judge will make the determination of who will be appointed guardian of a minor.

 For further information and assistance contact The Office of the Chief Judge -Chicago Volunteer Legal Services - Guardianship Assistance Desk for Minors at the following address and telephone number:
69 W. Washington, Room 1020
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-0135

Q: Can I file an order of protection in the Probate Division?
A: Yes, if the order being sought is in conjunction with a minor or disabled case.

Q: How much does it cost to file a Will?
A: There is no fee for filing a will.

View All Probate Division Frequently Asked Questions