An Illinois Small Estate Affidavit is a legal document filed in the state of Illinois to prove a person's right to an estate without going through the full probate process. It is used when the estate of the deceased is valued at $100,000 or less and all debts have been paid. There are two types of Illinois Small Estate Affidavit: the Independent Administration Affidavit and the Summary Administration Affidavit. The Independent Administration Affidavit is used when the deceased has a will and allows the executor to handle the distribution of the estate without court involvement. The Summary Administration Affidavit is used when there is no will and the estate is distributed according to the state laws on intestate succession. Both types of affidavits require the signature of the person claiming the estate, and the signatures of two witnesses.