Illinois Guardianship Filing Fees: What You'll Actually Pay in 2026
The Filing Fee Is Zero — Statewide
On April 30, 2025, the Illinois Supreme Court amended M.R. Order 29741 to eliminate all court filing fees and appearance fees in minor guardianship cases, effective October 1, 2025. Before that date, probate filing fees ranged from $200 to over $350 depending on the county.
This applies everywhere — Cook County, DuPage, Will, downstate circuits, all 102 counties. No circuit clerk can charge you a filing fee or an appearance fee for a minor guardianship petition.
Costs That Didn't Go Away
The fee elimination covers the court's own charges. Third-party costs still exist:
Service of process costs. Sheriff service and certified mail may involve charges. Check with the sheriff's office or postal service for current rates.
Newspaper publication fees. When a parent can't be found and the court approves notice by publication (once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county), a publication charge may apply. Check the newspaper for its current rate.
Certified copy fees. You'll need certified copies of the guardianship order and Letters of Office. Certified copy charges may still apply; ask the circuit clerk for its current rate.
Background check costs. Screening requirements and any related costs depend on the circuit and provider. Cook County offers free fingerprinting at the Richard J. Daley Center (Room 701) for litigants with an approved fee waiver; otherwise, state-approved private fingerprint vendors may be used.
Fee Waivers for Ancillary Costs
If you can't afford ancillary costs, you may file an Application for Waiver of Court Costs under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 298. The waiver process may help with ancillary costs such as sheriff service, certified copies, or newspaper publication; ask the clerk what costs can be covered in your case.
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Realistic Budget for an Uncontested Case
For a straightforward uncontested guardianship where both parents consent:
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court filing fee | $0 |
| Service of notice | Ancillary charges may apply; confirm current rates with the provider |
| Background screening | Requirements and any costs depend on the circuit and provider |
| Certified copies of order | Charges may apply; confirm the clerk's current rate |
| Total | Depends on any ancillary costs |
Add any applicable sheriff service, certified copy, or publication charges. A Rule 298 waiver may be available for ancillary costs.
The Attorney Cost Comparison
Private family law attorneys in Cook County and the collar counties typically require a $1,500 to $2,500 retainer for an uncontested minor guardianship, plus $500 to $650 per month for active case management. Contested cases climb from there.
Illinois has several free legal aid options for kinship caregivers who qualify by income: Illinois Legal Aid Online offers guided document preparation, Cook County has a Minor Guardianship Assistance Desk, and organizations like Prairie State Legal Services and Land of Lincoln Legal Aid provide direct representation.
Filing yourself avoids attorney fees, but ancillary third-party costs may still arise.
The Illinois Guardianship and Custody Court Process Guide walks through every step of the self-filing process, including which documents to print for free from the Illinois Courts website and how to request fee waivers for any remaining costs.
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