The Illinois Small Estate Affidavit is a legal document used by heirs of an estate to collect and distribute assets of a deceased person without the need for probate. In order to use the affidavit, the value of the estate must be $100,000 or less and the deceased must have been a resident of Illinois at the time of death. There are two types of Illinois Small Estate Affidavits: the Illinois Small Estate Affidavit for Decedents Without a Will and the Illinois Small Estate Affidavit for Decedents With a Will. The affidavit must be completed and signed by the heirs of the deceased and must include certain information such as the names of the decedent, the heirs, and the details of the assets. Once the affidavit is completed, it must be notarized and submitted to the appropriate court or agency for review. Upon approval, the assets will be released to the heirs according to the terms of the affidavit.