Yes. A will is not about how much you own — it’s about making sure your wishes are followed. Without one, Illinois law decides who receives your assets, which can create unnecessary stress and conflict for your family.

The estate goes through intestate succession, meaning the court distributes assets based on state law. This process can delay access to assets and may not reflect what the person actually wanted.

Probate is the legal process of settling an estate, including paying debts and distributing assets. Not every estate requires probate — some assets can pass outside of it depending on how they are titled.

Most probate cases take several months to over a year. The timeline depends on the size of the estate, whether there are disputes, and how organized the estate is.

In many cases, yes. Tools like trusts, payable-on-death accounts, and proper beneficiary designations can help avoid probate or simplify the process.

A will outlines your wishes after death and typically goes through probate. A trust can manage assets during your lifetime and allow them to pass to beneficiaries without probate.

You should review your plan after major life events like marriage, divorce, having children, or significant financial changes.