The Probate Pro  has the great privilege of appearing before probate courts throughout the state of Illinois.  Cook County Probate Court is one of the most enjoyable courts to practice in. The Cook County Probate Court has experienced and knowledgeable judges that understand probate law. They are staffed by friendly and experienced personnel.  

Fun Facts about Cook County  

The county is the second-most populous county in the United States, following Los Angeles County, California. More than 40% of all residents of Illinois live in Cook County, the population being 5,211,263 in 2017. In 2011, people in Central and Southern Illinois got so sick and tired of being overshadowed by Chicago, downstate politicians actually proposed making Cook County a separate state.  

Mission of the Probate Court 

The mission of the Cook County Probate Court is to serve the participants in the judicial system in an efficient, effective and ethical manner. All services, information and court records are provided with courtesy and cost efficiency. The Probate Court Judges and Staff are dedicated public servants who efficiently process all matters relating to the settlement of decedents estate, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and commitment of persons with a mental illness. Resolving disputes among interested persons will be accomplished efficiently with appropriate consideration of the best interests of the minor, the protected individual, the estate, and the public and all others who come before it. The Cook County Probate Court is a court of statutory jurisdiction, primarily concerned with the protection of incapacitated or mentally ill individuals and their assets, and the proper transfer of assets at death. 

Maps and Directions 

The Cook County Probate Court is located in the Richard J. Daley Center in Suite 1803 at 50 West Washington Street in Chicago, Illinois.  

Cook County Probate Court Judges  

The Court is staffed by ten experienced and knowledgeable judges that understand and excel in probate law. 

  • The Honorable Daniel B. Malone is the Acting Presiding Probate Judge. Judge Malone was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court in February 2009 to fill a vacancy. Judge Malone was retained in 2010, and successfully ran for retention in 2016. Judge Malone earned a B.A. from the University of Illinois at Chicago and received his J.D. from the DePaul University College of Law. 
  • The Honorable Shauna L. Boliker is the Associate Judge in the Probate division. Judge Boliker was elected to the Court in 2014, and was reappointed in 2015. Judge Boliker received a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a J.D. from DePaul University College of Law.
  • The Honorable Daniel R. Degnan is a Circuit Judge in the Probate division. Judge Degnan was elected to the court in 2012. His current term expires in 2024. Judge Degnan received his B.A. degree from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota and his J.D. degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.  
  • The Honorable Kent A. Delgado is a Circuit Judge in the Probate division. Judge Delgado was elected to office on November 6, 2018. Judge Delgado received his B.S. in Business Administrator at Georgetown University and his J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. 
  • The Honorable Carolyn J. Gallagher is a Circuit Judge in the Probate division. Judge Gallagher won her primary election on March 15, 2016. Judge Gallagher received her Bachelor’s Degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law at Illinois Institute of Technology and her J.D. from DePaul University College of Law.
  • The Honorable Aicha Marie MacCarthy is a Circuit Judge in the Probate division. She was first elected to the Court on November 6, 2012 and her current term expires in 2024. Judge MacCarthy received her B.A. from Southern Illinois University and her J.D. from DePaul University.
  • The Honorable Terrence J. McGuire is a Circuit Judge in the Probate division. He was first elected to the Court in November 2014 to a term which expires on December 6, 2020. Judge McGuire received his B.A. from the University of Illinois and J.D. from Loyola University of Chicago, School of Law.
     
  • The Honorable James Patrick Murphy is a Circuit Judge in the Probate division. He was first elected to the Court in 2006. His current term expires in 2024. Judge Murphy received his J.D. from the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law.  
  • The Honorable Jesse Outlaw is a Circuit Judge in the Probate division. Judge Outlaw first won the seat in the general election on November 8, 2016.
  • The Honorable Susan Kennedy Sullivan is a Circuit Judge in the Probate division. Judge Sullivan was elected in 2010 and successfully ran for retention in 2016. Judge Sullivan received her J.D. from DePaul University College of Law.  

Cook County Hours and Operations 

The Cook County Probate Court’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The Cook County Probate Court is closed during most major holidays.  

Security Requirements  

An important consideration before entering the Cook County Probate Court are the security requirements. You will be subject to building security before you enter the court and must pass through a metal detector. Weapons and cameras are never permitted in the courthouse. The list of prohibited items seems obvious and include weapons, explosives, cutting instruments of any kind including knives, scissors or anything with a sharp or cutting edge, and chemical or aerosol sprays. They reserve the right to confiscate any item they feel will  compromise the security and integrity of courtroom proceedings.  

Cell phones are permitted; however, they may be used only in the public areas away from the courtrooms.  

Cook County Probate Website 

For many probate related issues, there is no need to venture all the way to the courthouse. You can do it from the warm, cozy confines of your home. The Cook County Probate Court has a wonderful website. The website has tons of valuable information including probate forms that can be downloaded free of charge. Yes, free court approved probate forms! 

A probate record or file search can be done online if you have the case number or file name. 

Online Resources 

Probate Lawyer Near Me for the Cook County Probate Court 

The Probate Pro is grateful to be able to practice law in the Cook County Probate Court. The Probate Pro is here to help you navigate this journey by focusing on your goals.  If you have any questions concerning any aspect of the law, let me know. My direct line is 248-399-3300 or toll free: 833-PROBATE. 

Let our exceptional legal team help you . . .