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LaSalle County, IL Probate Information
Quick facts
| Item | LaSalle County details |
|---|---|
| Court and filing office | Circuit Court of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, LaSalle County. File with the Clerk of the Circuit Court of LaSalle County, Civil Division. |
| Courthouse address | LaSalle County Courthouse, 119 W. Madison Street, Room 201, Ottawa, IL 61350. |
| Mailing address | LaSalle County Circuit Clerk, 119 W. Madison Street, Room 201, Ottawa, IL 61350. |
| Phone | (815) 434-8671. No separate probate phone line is published, so use the Civil Division number for a decedent estate filing. |
| Fax | (815) 433-9198. |
| [email protected] for civil copy requests. [email protected] for general LaSalle County Civil questions. | |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Saturday, Sunday and legal holidays. No lunch closure is published. |
| Filing fee | Administration of a decedent estate: $369.00, effective January 1, 2022. Civil appearance fee: $194.00, effective January 1, 2022. Will deposit alone: $0 under 755 ILCS 5/6-1 and 705 ILCS 105/27.1b. |
| Local forms | Yes. LaSalle County publishes probate forms for will cases, heirship affidavits, oath and bond, proposed orders, estate claims and a petition to sell real estate. |
| E-filing | Probate filings are submitted through eFileIL. Original wills and other testamentary documents are not e-filed and must be delivered or mailed on paper. Self-represented filers may use the exemption form when allowed. |
| Original will | Deliver or mail the original will to Room 201. Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Rule 13.3(b) says wills and testamentary documents are not accepted electronically. |
| Case search | Use the Circuit Clerk's Online Court Records page at https://lasallecounty.com/online-court-records-3. LaSalle County is not on Judici. If an estate does not appear, call the Civil Division or use the written copy request process. |
| Remote appearance | Routine non-evidentiary probate appearances may be attended remotely by Zoom without advance approval under Administrative Order 24-22 and Illinois Supreme Court Rule 45, unless the judge orders otherwise or the matter is an evidentiary hearing, settlement conference, trial or contempt proceeding. |
| Website | https://lasallecounty.com/ |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before you file in LaSalle County, identify the estate's assets, debts, ownership, beneficiaries and whether there is an original will. The Civil Division filing asks for heirship information and a request for letters of office under 755 ILCS 5, and the right path depends on what property actually needs court authority.
Sunset can help with that first inventory by searching more than 2,300 financial institutions, organizing accounts and documents, and turning the information into an estate settlement plan before you pay the LaSalle County filing fee.
Which court handles jurisdiction
LaSalle County has one filing point for a decedent estate: the Clerk of the Circuit Court of LaSalle County, Civil Division, at 119 W. Madison Street, Room 201, Ottawa, IL 61350. The Etna Road Complex handles traffic and criminal matters, and the Streator location is listed for emergency orders of protection, not probate filings.
The county includes Ottawa, LaSalle, Peru, Streator, Mendota, Marseilles, Oglesby, Utica, Seneca and Earlville. The City of LaSalle is in LaSalle County, but the courthouse for a probate filing is in Ottawa.
LaSalle County sits in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit with Bureau and Grundy Counties. Circuit rules are shared, but each county has its own clerk and filing counter. Under Illinois venue law, probate or administration proceeds in the circuit court of the county of the decedent's known residence, or if there was no known Illinois residence, where the greater part of the real estate is located, or failing that, where the greater part of the personal estate is located (755 ILCS 5/5-1).
The jurisdiction process
- Confirm that LaSalle County is the right venue. Use the county rule in 755 ILCS 5/5-1. If the decedent lived in LaSalle County, file in Ottawa. If the decedent had no known Illinois residence, look to the county holding the greater part of the Illinois real estate, then the greater part of the personal estate.
- Gather the original will and local forms. If there is a will, file the original with the clerk on paper because Rule 13.3(b) bars electronic filing of wills and testamentary documents. Use LaSalle County's Probate (PR) forms for the petition, heirship affidavit, oath and bond, and proposed orders.
- E-file the opening petition. Walk-in probate is no longer available. E-file the petition with the affidavit of heirship and request for letters of office under 755 ILCS 5 through eFileIL. If you cannot e-file, review the exemption form published by the clerk.
- Pay the opening fee. The published fee for administration of a decedent estate is $369.00, effective January 1, 2022. The published civil appearance fee is $194.00, effective January 1, 2022. Confirm the current total with the Civil Division before submitting payment.
- Use the case number for consents and proposed orders. After the filing is accepted, the clerk issues a case number. File any consents under that number, then submit the Order Declaring Heirship, Oath and Bond, and either the Order Admitting Will or the Order Appointing Administrator for the judge's signature.
- Handle notice and creditor publication. When administration is opened, creditor notice is published once each week for 3 successive weeks in a newspaper published in the county of administration, and known or reasonably ascertainable creditors receive mailed or delivered notice. The claim date must follow 755 ILCS 5/18-3, including the 6 months from first publication or 3 months from mailing or delivery rule, whichever is later.
- Attend the court date in person or remotely when allowed. For routine non-evidentiary probate appearances, Administrative Order 24-22 and Rule 45 allow a case participant to choose Zoom without advance approval. Use the courtroom and Zoom information on the notice. Evidence hearings, settlement conferences, trials, contempt matters and judge-ordered in-person dates require different handling.
- Get certified letters of office. Once the judge appoints the representative, request certified copies of letters of office under 755 ILCS 5 from the clerk. The published fee is $2.00 each, effective January 1, 2022, under the county schedule and 705 ILCS 105/27.1b.
- Administer and close the estate. Collect assets, keep records, address claims, file the first inventory within 60 days after letters under Rule 11.7(e), account under Rule 11.12, distribute as authorized, and close the estate when the court requirements are satisfied.
Executor duties
LaSalle County follows the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit probate rules, which add practical local deadlines to the representative's work after letters of office issue under 755 ILCS 5. The first inventory must be filed within 60 days after letters, and Rule 11.7 requires detailed descriptions for real estate, stocks, bonds, notes, partnership interests and causes of action.
Accounts also have local detail. Rule 11.12 requires the first account within 60 days after the end of the first 6 months after letters, then annually, and Rule 11.11 requires numbered disbursements supported by vouchers or cancelled checks unless the court waives them. If an estate sits with no action of record for 5 years, Rule 11.10 allows removal of the representative or dismissal for want of action.
Forms and documents
Probate forms in LaSalle County
Illinois does not publish an approved estate administration form set for opening, inventorying, accounting for or closing a decedent estate. LaSalle County does publish local probate forms through the Circuit Clerk's Probate (PR) forms page.
| Form | Local use |
|---|---|
| Petition for Probate of Will and for Letters Testamentary | Opening a will case and requesting authority for the named executor. |
| Affidavit of Heirship, Surviving Spouse or Descendant | Heirship facts when there is a surviving spouse or descendant. |
| Affidavit of Heirship, No Surviving Spouse or Descendant | Heirship facts when there is no surviving spouse or descendant. |
| Oath and Bond of Representative | Representative's oath and bond submission. Local Rule 11.3(a) requires an individual bond for an executor even if the will waives bond. |
| Order Declaring Heirship | Proposed order for the judge to enter after heirship is presented. |
| Order Admitting Will to Probate and Appointing Representative | Proposed order for a will case. |
| Order Appointing Legal Representative of Decedent's Estate | Proposed order for appointment in a decedent estate. |
| Petition to Sell Real Estate | Used when estate real property must be sold through the estate. |
| Estate Claim, Contract | Creditor claim based on contract. |
| Estate Claim, Tort | Creditor claim based on tort. |
| Petition for Letters of Administration to Collect (Missing) | A missing-person form. It is not the local plain-intestate petition for a decedent estate. |
The clerk's important notice says walk-in probate is no longer available. E-file the petition with the affidavit of heirship and request for letters of office under 755 ILCS 5, wait for the accepted filing and case number, then submit consents and the proposed orders as the clerk instructs.
Fees
| Fee item | Amount | Effective date and note |
|---|---|---|
| Open administration of a decedent estate | $369.00 | LaSalle County Circuit Clerk Schedule of Fees and Services, effective January 1, 2022. |
| Missing person probate case | $369.00 | LaSalle County Circuit Clerk Schedule of Fees and Services, effective January 1, 2022. |
| Wrongful death to collect judgment | $269.00 | LaSalle County Circuit Clerk Schedule of Fees and Services, effective January 1, 2022. |
| Civil appearance fee for probate | $194.00 | The schedule lists civil appearances at $194.00, effective January 1, 2022, and does not list a separate probate appearance fee. |
| Certified copy of letters of office | $2.00 each | LaSalle County Circuit Clerk Schedule of Fees and Services, effective January 1, 2022, under the probate copy framework in 705 ILCS 105/27.1b. |
| Contest of will | $60.00 | LaSalle County Circuit Clerk Schedule of Fees and Services, effective January 1, 2022. |
| Estate claim from $0.00 to $149.99 | No charge | LaSalle County Circuit Clerk Schedule of Fees and Services, effective January 1, 2022. |
| Estate claim from $150.00 to $499.99 | $25.00 | LaSalle County Circuit Clerk Schedule of Fees and Services, effective January 1, 2022. |
| Estate claim from $500.00 to $9,999.99 | $40.00 | LaSalle County Circuit Clerk Schedule of Fees and Services, effective January 1, 2022. |
| Estate claim of $10,000.00 or more | $60.00 | LaSalle County Circuit Clerk Schedule of Fees and Services, effective January 1, 2022. |
| Twelve-person jury demand in probate | $137.50 | LaSalle County Circuit Clerk Schedule of Fees and Services, effective January 1, 2022. |
| Certified civil copy | $6.00 additional per certified document | LaSalle County Circuit Clerk Schedule of Fees and Services, effective January 1, 2022. |
| Record search | $6.00 per year | LaSalle County Circuit Clerk Schedule of Fees and Services, effective January 1, 2022. |
The clerk's fee book says the fees are established by 705 ILCS 105/27.1b and applicable LaSalle County Board resolutions. Confirm the current total with the Civil Division before filing, because the clerk's published schedule is effective January 1, 2022.
Timeline
- Immediately after death. Anyone holding the original will must file it with the clerk of the proper county immediately under 755 ILCS 5/6-1. In LaSalle County, the original will is paper, not electronic.
- After the petition is accepted. The clerk issues a case number. Use that number to file consents and submit proposed orders for heirship, oath and bond, and appointment.
- Within 60 days after letters. The first inventory is filed within 60 days after issuance of letters of office under 755 ILCS 5 and Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Rule 11.7(e).
- When a claim is filed. The claimant mails or delivers the claim to the representative and attorney, then files proof of mailing or delivery with the clerk within 10 days after filing the claim under Rule 11.8(b).
- At least 35 days after claim proof. A claim is automatically set for hearing not less than 35 days after proof of mailing is filed under Rule 11.8(c).
- Within 30 days after claim proof. The representative or another affected person may answer and contest the claim within 30 days after the claimant files proof under Rule 11.8(e).
- For creditor notice. Published creditor notice must follow 755 ILCS 5/18-3, including the 6 months from first publication or 3 months from mailing or delivery claim date rule, whichever is later.
- For the first account. Rule 11.12(a) requires the first account within 60 days after the expiration of 6 months after letters issue, then annually.
- If the estate goes dormant. If there is no action of record for 5 years without good cause, Rule 11.10 allows removal of the representative or dismissal for want of action, with 30 days to seek reinstatement after the clerk's notice.
Local nuance
LaSalle County-specific considerations
Walk-in probate has ended. The Circuit Clerk directs filers to e-file the petition with the affidavit of heirship and request for letters of office under 755 ILCS 5, then use the issued case number to file consents and submit the proposed orders in a separate filing.
Original wills stay on paper. Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Rule 13.3(b) says wills and other testamentary documents are not accepted electronically. Deliver or mail the original will to the Civil Division in Room 201.
Nonresident executors should plan for bond questions. Rule 11.3(a) requires an individual bond for an executor even if the will waives bond, and says surety for a nonresident individual executor, or deposit of personal assets with a trust company, will be required unless the judge excuses it for good cause.
Handwritten and non-English wills have extra local requirements. Rule 11.1 requires a typewritten copy for a handwritten will and a qualified translator's certification for a will in a language other than English.
Recent updates
| Date | Local update |
|---|---|
| May 24, 2024 | Administrative Order 24-22 replaced the prior Thirteenth Judicial Circuit remote appearance order. Routine non-evidentiary civil matters, including probate matters not otherwise exempted, allow remote appearance without advance approval, subject to Rule 45 and judge-specific orders. |
| Current clerk notice | LaSalle County says walk-in probate is no longer available. The clerk directs filers to e-file the petition, affidavit of heirship and request for letters of office under 755 ILCS 5, then file consents and proposed orders after the case number issues. |
| January 1, 2022 | The Circuit Clerk's published Schedule of Fees and Services lists $369.00 to open administration of a decedent estate and a $194.00 civil appearance fee, effective January 1, 2022. |
Scenarios
| Scenario | Likely LaSalle County path | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse with a co-owned home | Start by confirming how the home is titled and whether any assets need letters of office under 755 ILCS 5. If the spouse needs authority to collect accounts or address a title issue, file in Ottawa with the Civil Division and use the local heirship and proposed order forms. | Sunset helps identify accounts, review the asset list, organize title and beneficiary information, and prepare the estate settlement packet for LaSalle County. |
| Out-of-state adult child with a small estate | If court authority is needed, LaSalle County permits e-filing for the petition and routine non-evidentiary appearances by Zoom. An original will still must be delivered or mailed on paper. If a small estate affidavit under 755 ILCS 5/25-1 is enough, it is handled with the asset holder rather than filed as a court case. | Sunset helps the child find accounts, decide what needs court authority, generate documents, and connect with counsel if the nonresident bond rule creates an issue. |
| Parent settling predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | A home sale usually means a court estate in LaSalle County. File the petition, heirship affidavit, oath and bond, and proposed appointment order, then use the local Petition to Sell Real Estate if sale authority is needed. | Sunset organizes the asset search, task list, creditor information and probate forms so the estate settlement can move from appointment to sale and closing. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | What it offers | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| LaSalle County Circuit Clerk | Local forms, fee schedule, e-filing information, online court records, copy requests and courtroom Zoom links. | 119 W. Madison Street, Room 201, Ottawa, IL 61350. Phone: (815) 434-8671. Website: https://lasallecounty.com/ |
| LaSalle County Legal Self-Help Center | Legal information, court forms, computers, internet, printers, procedure information and referrals. It provides information, not legal advice. | LaSalle County Courthouse, 119 W. Madison Street, Room 200, Ottawa, IL 61350. |
| LaSalle County Law Library | Public-facing law library on the 3rd floor of the downtown courthouse, with print materials and Westlaw Next access. | 119 W. Madison Street, Ottawa, IL 61350. |
| Prairie State Legal Services, Ottawa Office | Free civil legal help for eligible applicants in Bureau, Grundy, LaSalle and Putnam Counties. Probate representation is subject to screening. | 1021 Clinton Street, Ottawa, IL 61350. Phone: (815) 434-5903. Toll-free: (800) 892-7888. Website: https://pslegal.org/ |
| Illinois Legal Aid Online | Guides for settling an estate and an Easy Form for a small estate affidavit under 755 ILCS 5/25-1. | https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/ |
| Illinois Court Help | The LaSalle County Circuit Clerk links to this court-user help site for self-represented litigants. | https://www.ilcourthelp.gov/ |
When to hire an attorney
A lawyer is especially useful in a LaSalle County estate settlement when the estate includes a home sale, a handwritten or non-English will, a nonresident executor who may need surety under Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Rule 11.3(a), a creditor claim on the Rule 11.8 timetable, a will contest, or a petition to sell real estate. The clerk publishes self-help resources and forms, but an executor or administrator acts for beneficiaries and creditors, so counsel can prevent delays in getting and using letters of office under 755 ILCS 5. Sunset connects to a vetted attorney
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Sunset searches across more than 2,300 financial institutions to help families identify accounts, balances and clues before they decide whether a LaSalle County probate filing is needed. That asset picture is the foundation for an organized estate settlement.
Generate the probate packet. Sunset helps turn the family's information into a probate packet aligned to LaSalle County's local forms, including the petition, heirship information, oath and bond, and proposed orders for letters of office under 755 ILCS 5.
Find a local probate attorney. When a LaSalle County estate involves real estate, a nonresident executor, creditor claims, a will issue or a contested family situation, Sunset can connect the family with an Illinois probate attorney who handles the court side of the estate settlement.
Sunset is free for families. Families can use Sunset to organize assets, tasks and documents without paying Sunset. If legal help is needed, attorney fees are discussed directly with the lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file probate in LaSalle County?
File with the Clerk of the Circuit Court of LaSalle County, Civil Division, at 119 W. Madison Street, Room 201, Ottawa, IL 61350. LaSalle County is in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, but venue is by county under 755 ILCS 5/5-1, so a LaSalle County estate is filed in Ottawa, not with the Bureau County or Grundy County clerk.
Does LaSalle County still have walk-in probate?
No. The Circuit Clerk says walk-in probate is no longer available. The local path is to e-file the petition with the affidavit of heirship and request for letters of office under 755 ILCS 5, then, after acceptance and a case number, file consents and submit the proposed heirship, oath and bond, and appointment orders.
Can I e-file a LaSalle County probate case?
Yes, probate pleadings are filed through eFileIL. Original wills and other testamentary documents are different: Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Rule 13.3(b) says they are not accepted electronically, so deliver or mail the original will to Room 201.
How much does it cost to open a LaSalle County estate?
The published LaSalle County fee schedule lists $369.00 to open administration of a decedent estate, effective January 1, 2022. It also lists a $194.00 civil appearance fee, effective January 1, 2022. Confirm the current total with the Civil Division before filing.
Is there a fee just to file the original will in LaSalle County?
Will deposit alone is $0 under 755 ILCS 5/6-1 and 705 ILCS 105/27.1b. Filing the original will does not, by itself, open an estate or create letters of office under 755 ILCS 5.
Can I appear by Zoom for a LaSalle County probate hearing?
For a routine non-evidentiary probate matter, yes. Administrative Order 24-22 says that in civil matters not on the exempted list, a case participant can choose to appear remotely without advance approval. Probate is a civil matter under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 45. Use the Zoom information on the hearing notice or the courtroom link published by the clerk, and remember that evidentiary hearings, settlement conferences, trials, contempt matters and judge-ordered in-person appearances are treated differently.
How do I look up a LaSalle County probate case?
Use the Circuit Clerk's Online Court Records page at https://lasallecounty.com/online-court-records-3. LaSalle County is not on Judici. If the estate does not appear online, call (815) 434-8671 or submit a written copy request by mail, fax or email.
Does LaSalle County have local probate forms?
Yes. The Circuit Clerk publishes local Probate (PR) forms, including a will petition, heirship affidavits, oath and bond, proposed orders, estate claims and a petition to sell real estate. Illinois does not publish approved estate administration forms for these decedent estate filings.
Do I have to travel to Ottawa for every step?
Not always. Probate pleadings are generally e-filed, and routine non-evidentiary court dates may be attended by Zoom under Administrative Order 24-22 and Rule 45. The original will must still be handled on paper, and a judge can require in-person attendance for a specific matter.
Shaped by the families we've helped
Thank you to the thousands of families who have trusted Sunset to help settle their loved ones' estates. This page is shaped by the questions they actually asked and the obstacles they actually hit — and that hard-won experience is what keeps it accurate, current, and genuinely useful to the families who come next.