A couple of things involving probate in Cook County that have changed recently (or maybe I just became aware of):
1. Fee increase. It now costs $304 in fees to open a probate estate worth more than $15,000, up from $279. The entire fee schedule can be found here (as a PDF).
2. Cover sheet. One procedural thing that needs to be done when you go to file your petition to open an estate: completing a probate division cover sheet. I don't know why it's needed, but it is -- the form is here (again, as a PDF).
