Illinois Heirship Chart

 

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 intestate property in equal shares, except that if only one parent is living, that parent gets a double share