04/16/2026
Illinois Changes the Small Estate Affidavit Threshold
Illinois has increased the small estate affidavit threshold from $100,000 to $150,000 for eligible personal property, making it easier in some cases for families to transfer assets without opening a full probate estate. In addition, the value of a motor-vehicle to be transferred does not count towards that total. This change appears in 755 ILCS 5/25-1, as amended by P.A. 104-0346, which was effective August 15, 2025.
If your estate plan has not been reviewed in a while, now is a good time to revisit how your assets are titled, whether your beneficiary designations still work as intended, and whether your plan will actually help your loved ones avoid unnecessary court involvement.
A higher small estate threshold can be helpful, but it does not eliminate the need for a well-coordinated estate plan. Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and asset ownership still matter.
Need an estate plan review? Contact our office to discuss whether these Illinois law changes should prompt updates to your plan.
