Illinois Heirship Chart
How the Probate Court distributes your property if you die without a will.
If you die without making a will (intestate), a court will distribute your property according to the heirship laws of Illinois. This process is called “intestate succession" or "intestacy".
| If you die with: | Here's what happens: |
|---|---|
| Children but no spouse | Children inherit everything |
| Spouse but no descendants | Spouse inherits everything |
| Spouse and descendants | Spouse inherits 1/2; descendants inherit 1/2 |
|
Parents but no spouse, descendants, or siblings |
Parents inherit everything |
|
Siblings but no spouse, descendants or parents |
Siblings inherit everything |
|
Parents and siblings |
Parents and siblings inherit your property in equal shares, except if only one parent is living, that parent gets a double share |