This content is researched and written independently of the views or opinions of Online Will Makers' editorial team. Online Will Makers may earn a commission from purchases of products featured on this website. Full disclosure available here.
Online Wills in Illinois
No matter your age or financial situation, you probably care a lot about who will inherit your assets after your death. By creating a will in Illinois, you can rest easy knowing that your hard-earned money and property will be distributed in accordance with your wishes after your death. While in the past you needed to visit a lawyer and pay a significant amount of money to make a will, today, you can use an online will maker to create an affordable online last will and testament in illinois without spending nearly as much money and putting nearly as much effort.
If you’re considering making an online will in Illinois, there are numerous will-making services to choose from. Each company offers a unique combination of features, prices, and services. To find the service that best suits your needs, check out our will-maker reviews.
In addition to making wills affordable, online will services in IL also improve the accessibility of estate planning services. Online wills are perfect for those who can’t or prefer not to leave their home to visit a lawyer’s office. Additionally, all the questions are written in simple English with clear explanations and helpful tips, allowing anyone to make a will regardless of their level of legal knowledge.
General Information
With over 12 million residents, Illinois ranks in 6th place in the US by population. A little over 15% of the state’s residents are older than 65, which is about average for the country.
12,569,300
Population
6/51
15.1%
Population over 65
29/51
2.02%
Population over 85
22/51
2.57
Average Household Size
19/51
$102,768
Average household wealth
23/51
67.8%
Home Ownership
28/51
82.9%
Car Ownership
28/51
163,956
Total notaries
6/51
62,720
Total attorneys
5/51
298
Lawyer hourly rate
10/51
While the average household wealth in the state is just over $100,000, making it 23rd among all the states, the average hourly rate for attorneys is $298, which is the 10th highest number in the US. As a result, many Illinois residents may not be able to easily afford attorney services when they need to make a will.
How to Write a Will in Illinois?
Lawyer needed
No
Signatory requirements
Yourself or authorized representative
Notarization needed
No
Revokation/edit allowed
Yes
Testator minimum age
18
Testator requirements
Sound mind
Witnesses needed
2
Format requirements
In writing
Beneficiary restrictions
None
There are a few requirements you have to fulfill when creating a last will and testament in Illinois. First of all, the state allows only testators who are older than 18 to create a will. The testator (the individual making the will) must also be “of sound mind and memory” at the time of making a will. Illinois does not allow digital or handwritten wills, so your will must be typewritten and printed out. To become valid, a filled-out Illinois will template must be signed by the testator. If the testator is unable to sign the will, he or she can direct another person to sign the will on the testator’s behalf and in their presence. Illinois requires wills to be signed by at least two witnesses who are not listed in the document as beneficiaries. Apart from the fact that a witness to the will cannot also be a beneficiary of the will, the state doesn’t place any restrictions on will beneficiaries.
Changing and Revoking Last Will and Testament in Illinois
Illinois allows residents of the state to make changes to their wills by creating a codicil and following the same procedures as when creating a will. You can also revoke an in-person or online will in Illinois by tearing, burning, or otherwise destroying the document or asking someone to do it in your presence. The most efficient way to revoke a will is by creating a new will that contradicts the old document and/or states that the old document is no longer valid. You can also create a written statement that revokes your old will.
Islamic Wills in Illinois
Illinois has the largest Muslim population of all states in the US. As a result, a lot of residents of the state need to create a Sharia-compliant Islamic will that will be considered valid by Illinois courts. Fortunately, there are several online will-making services specifically tailored to Muslims living in the US. MyWassiyah allows Muslim Americans to create affordable Sharia-compliant wills, while Shariawiz offers Islamic wills, trusts, and numerous other estate planning documents to its customers.
Special Feature
Medical Power of Attorney in Illinois
A medical power of attorney is also sometimes called an Illinois power of attorney for health care. This document allows you to appoint a person who will make decisions regarding your health if you are unable to speak for yourself at some point in your life. It’s important to be careful and deliberate when choosing this person, as he or she will ultimately decide which treatments doctors will administer to you, whether or not life support measures should be withdrawn, etc. A number of will makers allow you to make an Illinois power of attorney form online.
FAQ
What happens if you die without a will in Illinois?
If you die without a will in Illinois, a probate court will distribute your assets in accordance with intestacy laws. The way your property is given away will depend on whether you have a spouse, children, living parents, siblings, and other relatives.
How long do I have to file a will in Illinois?
An Illinois will must be filed with the local Clerk of Court within 30 days after the testator’s death.
Do wills in Illinois need to be notarized?
No, last will and testaments in Illinois don’t need to be notarized, they just need to be signed by the testator and two witnesses.
Is a handwritten will valid in Illinois?
No, Illinois accepts only typewritten wills and legal documents.
Concluding Words About Illinois’ Online Wills
Any person “of sound mind” who is 18 or older can make a will in Illinois. The will must be typewritten and printed out, as the state does not allow handwritten or digital wills. To become valid, the will must be signed by the testator and at least two witnesses who are not beneficiaries of the document. An Illinois will can be changed or revoked at any time by the testator.
