Overview
The Probate Division is established pursuant to General Order 1.2,2.1(e) of the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Announcements
The Probate Division has resumed in-person operations at the Daley Center, while Zoom appearances remain permitted under certain circumstances. Please review the Division’s Amended General Administrative Order 2023-P-01 (January 8, 2024) for specific instructions regarding the resumption of in-person court activities in the Probate Division.
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Case Types
The Probate Division hears matters concerning wills and administration of estates. These cases are primarily divided into three categories:
Probate Mediation:
Calendar 14 is the Probate Division’s Mediation Calendar, open to litigants in pending Probate Proceedings in Cook County. Matters arising under the Illinois Power of Attorney Act, the Elder Abuse and Neglect Act, and matters involving structured settlements are also heard in the Probate Division.
For People without Lawyers:
If you are not represented by an attorney and are involved in a Probate Case or feel that you may have a Probate issue that requires you to open a case, there are resources available for assistance:
Judges Information
| Judge | Assignment | Primary Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malone, Daniel B. Circuit Judge Presiding |
Probate Division | Richard J. Daley Center
Courtroom 1803
|
(312) 603-7545
(312) 603-7546
|
| Kennedy-Sullivan, Susan Circuit Judge |
Probate Division | Richard J. Daley Center
Courtroom 1811
|
(312) 603-7546
(312) 603-7545
|
| Alonso, Amee E. Associate Judge |
Probate Division | Richard J. Daley Center
Courtroom 1804
|
(312) 603-7545
(312) 603-7546
|
| Degnan, Daniel R. Circuit Judge |
Probate Division | Richard J. Daley Center
Courtroom 1813
|
(312) 603-7546
(312) 603-7545
|
| Delgado, Kent A. Circuit Judge |
Probate Division | Richard J. Daley Center
Courtroom 1802
|
(312) 603-7545
(312) 603-7546
|
| Dickler, Jamie G. Circuit Judge |
Probate Division | Richard J. Daley Center
Courtroom 1806
|
(312) 603-7546
(312) 603-7545
|
| Gallagher, Carolyn J. Circuit Judge |
Probate Division, Surety Section | Richard J. Daley Center
Courtroom 1807
|
(312) 603-7546
(312) 603-7545
|
General Administrative Orders
Contact & Zoom Information
The Probate Division is located on the 18th Floor of the Richard J. Daley Center. The Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court for the Probate Division is located on the 12th Floor of the Richard J. Daley Center.
For inquiries regarding the Probate Division, including the filing of new cases or checking the status of a pending estate, please contact:
- The Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court – Probate Division
Richard J. Daley Center, Rm. 1202
(312) 603-6441 - The Office of the Presiding Judge – Probate Division
Hon. Judge Daniel B. Malone
(312) 603-7546
Zoom & Contact Information for the Probate Division - Remote Court Proceedings
Additional Resources
For individuals without lawyers, additional resources are available, including:
- Resource Page For People Without Lawyers - Circuit Court of Cook County
Provides information about how to file a case and resources to assistance individuals who do not have a lawyer. - Probate Court Assistance Program - Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
Pro bono representation is available to low-income individuals referred by Probate Judges and screened by CVLS. Clients include people who filed a decedent’s estate but can’t proceed on their own and clients who don’t know what to do when a relative dies owning a home. Volunteers litigate estate cases or find extra-judicial solutions to marshal family assets, saving time and headaches for the clients and the court. - Minor Guardianship Help Desk
Assistance is available for pro se petitioners seeking to file an action to obtain guardianship of a minor.
If you or someone you know is elderly and requires legal advice or representation as a result, please consider the following resources: