HB5161 Summary

• Increases the minimum spousal award from $10,000 to $20,000 for surviving spouses of Illinois residents whose estates are administered in the state.

• Increases the minimum award per child from $5,000 to $10,000 for dependent children residing with the surviving spouse at the time of death.

• Increases the minimum combined award for children when there is no surviving spouse from $10,000 to $20,000, with each child receiving at least $10,000 (previously $5,000).

• These changes apply to decedents whose date of death occurs on or after the effective date of the act, which is upon becoming law.

• Updates the small estate affidavit form in the Probate Act to reflect the new dollar amounts for spousal and child awards.