Illinois Last Will and Testament

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An Illinois last will and testament serves as a person’s final decisions and wishes, usually involving their possessions, financial assets, and heirs.

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1 Illinois Last Will and Testament Template
2 How to Make a Will in Illinois
3 Signing Requirements for Illinois Last Will and Testament
4 Changing an Illinois Last Will and Testament
5 Illinois Last Will and Testament FAQ

Under Illinois law, the last will and testament form must be in writing and signed by the testator — the person creating the will — and at least two witnesses. Additionally, testators must be at least 18 years old and have a sound mind and memory to create a will and understand what it means.

Illinois Last Will and Testament Template

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How to Make a Will in Illinois

To make a will in Illinois, you might consider using a last will and testament template for Illinois. A will template for Illinois guides you with the information you should include for a complete document.

You can also write your own will without using a specific form. Be sure to include:

  • Guardianship for your children or dependents
  • Someone to manage property given to your children
  • How to divide your assets and personal property
  • An executor for your estate
  • Your wishes for your death and funeral, if any

Signing Requirements for Illinois Last Will and Testament

Illinois testators must sign their last will and testament or appoint someone to sign it for them in their presence. Illinois also requires at least two witnesses to be present when the testator signs and to sign the documents themselves.

Changing an Illinois Last Will and Testament

A testator can change or add to their will by following the same laws and signing procedures required for a new will in Illinois. Alternatively, the testator can appoint someone to make changes for them under their direction.

A testator must destroy the original document or create a new will that revokes the previous one to cancel a will.

Illinois Last Will and Testament FAQ

Find answers below to some of the most common Illinois last will and testament questions.

An Illinois will must be handwritten and signed by the testator or their appointed person and at least two witnesses. A testator must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind and memory.

The cost to create a will in Illinois depends on whether you hired an attorney for assistance ($940 to $1,500). Thumbtack lists the nation’s average attorney cost for this service as $940 to $1,500.

You are not required by law to file your will with the court system. If you choose to do so, many Illinois counties do not charge fees to file but may charge nominal fees for certified copies.

You can create a free last will and testament in Illinois by writing your own. If you pay an attorney, you could spend hundreds to thousands of dollars for their time and service.

No, you do not need to notarize your last will and testament form in Illinois for the state to consider it legal. However, the testator and at least two credible witnesses must sign the document.

Yes. If you’d like to avoid paying attorney fees, you can write your own will. Be sure to sign it yourself or have an appointed person do so with two witnesses.

A handwritten will that meets Illinois law for creation and signage will be considered legal in the state.