Executor of estate w/o going through probate?

[peterspiano]

Is it possible in Illinois to be appointed as an administrator or executor of a deceased spouses estate without going through probate? The case in question is 4 years old. The surviving spouse received property/real-estate through their joint ownership but now needs a court document identifying her as the estate executor due to a pension plan not being paid out. Is there any manner in which she can receive a document which states that she is the legal administrator/executor of his estate from the judicial authorities without going through probate?

Many thanks,

Peter

[PallasAthena]

Sorry this is a UK website dealing with UK law. We can't help with the law of Illinois.

[peterspiano]

Ah, ok, I seem to have been misdirected. Thank you though for the reply!