15.14 Fees
- The personal representative in an estate of a decedent may pay all fees and expenses which the personal representative concludes to be reasonable, including the fees and expenses of the personal representative, without court approval.
If any fee or expense is objected to by the personal representative or by any other interested person having legal standing to object, prior to closing the estate, the objecting person shall file a statement reciting such objection with the clerk of the court and shall serve notice of such filing upon the person claiming such fee or expense within ten (10) days after such filing. A form of such objection is attached hereto as Appendix N. Within twenty (20) days after receipt of notice of such objection, the person claiming such fee or expense shall file a petition with the court setting forth the following:
- The value of the assets and liabilities in the estate for probate and tax purposes respectively;
- The amount of fee desired; and
- A summary of the work done and to be done, and a statement of the basis of the charge being made, e.g. a schedule of fees, results achieved, an hourly rate, or other reasons, including those set forth in Supreme Court Rule 1.5 of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct. Where the fees are based on an hourly rate, the number of hours spent shall be stated.
- Fees shall be allowed in estates of minors or disabled persons upon a petition being presented as in an estate of a deceased person, unless such requirements are waived by the court.