What Is HB 3207?

• HB 3207 is a bill introduced in 2025 that seeks to amend the Probate Act of 1975.
• If passed, the bill would raise the maximum value for estates eligible for simplified handling — either via the “summary administration” procedure or a “small estate affidavit” — from $100,000 up to $500,000.
• In practical terms, this means many more estates might qualify for a faster, simpler settlement process, avoiding the full probate process in many cases.

Why This Matters — What Could Change

Right now (after the 2025 update), the value threshold for the small-estate affidavit was raised from $100,000 to $150,000 — a helpful improvement.
But if HB 3207 becomes law, the jump to a $500,000 threshold would dramatically expand eligibility.

Here’s why that matters for many Illinois families:

• More estates qualify for simplified settlement. Estates that once exceeded the $100,000 (or new $150,000) cap — perhaps because of modest retirement savings, small investment accounts, or personal property — might now be eligible under $500,000.
• Less paperwork, less cost, less delay. Using summary administration or an affidavit tends to involve fewer filings, no need for full probate court supervision, and often lower legal fees. This can be a major relief for grieving families.
• Faster access to assets. Heirs and beneficiaries may receive bank accounts, personal property, and other non-real estate assets more quickly than under traditional probate.
• Simplicity for straightforward estates. For estates without complicated assets, disputes, or debts — for example modest savings, personal effects, maybe a car — the streamlined process may be much less stressful and more family-friendly.

 What HB 3207 Does Not Do — What Remains the Same

Even under the proposed change, there are important limits and conditions for using summary administration or small-estate procedures:

• The simpler procedure does not apply to real estate. If the decedent owned real property (a house, land, etc.), traditional probate may still be required.
• Known debts and claims against the estate must still be addressed. For summary administration under HB 3207, the estate must have no unpaid claims (or all known claims must be listed), and taxes must be paid or otherwise handled.
• All heirs and beneficiaries must consent (or heirs/legatees must agree in writing), and distribution must follow statutory protections for surviving spouses or children when applicable.
• The process may require a bond from each distributee (depending on circumstances) — similar to existing procedures.

In other words: HB 3207 could make things much easier for many families — but it doesn’t make probate obsolete for every situation.

What Illinois Families Should Do Now

If you live in Illinois and are thinking about estate planning or helping a loved one plan ahead, now is a good time to pay attention to HB 3207 (and related laws). Here are steps you might take:

• Take stock of your assets. Add up savings, investments, bank accounts, personal property, and car values. If your “non-real-estate assets” are under the ballpark of $500,000 (or might be under that if HB 3207 passes), simplified administration might be an attractive option.
• Keep real estate separate (if possible). If you own a home or other real estate, note that this may still require probate — so consider estate planning tools (e.g., trusts, deeds) if avoidance of probate is a goal.
• Gather beneficiary designations, titles, and documentation. Proper titling of vehicles, accounts, and other assets — as well as up-to-date beneficiary designations — can help maximize the benefit of simplified settlement.
• Discuss with your attorney. Because each family’s situation is unique (debts, creditors, spouse/children rights, overall estate size, assets, and real estate), it’s wise to review your estate plan with a qualified Illinois probate or estate-planning lawyer.

What to Watch — The Status of HB 3207

As of now, HB 3207 has been introduced (February 2025), assigned to committees, and is pending further review.
That means: nothing has changed yet in the law — but the proposed change is significant, and families should keep a close eye on its progress.

If the bill passes, it would mark one of the largest expansions of simplified estate settlement in recent years — a major development for estate planning in Illinois.

Conclusion — Why This Matters for “Your Neighborhood Law Firm”

At the Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C., we believe it’s important for Illinois families to stay informed about pending law changes that could make estate planning and probate simpler, less expensive, and less stressful.

If you’re thinking about your estate plan — or helping a loved one get things in order — this potential change (HB 3207) could make a big difference. We encourage you to review your assets, consider how they’re titled, and think ahead now.

If you have questions or want to explore whether your estate might qualify under the proposed changes (or how to plan around real estate, debts, or other complexities), contact us. We’re here to help — guiding Illinois families with compassion, clarity, and expertise.

(708) 529-7794 | Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. — “Your Neighborhood Law Firm.”