Can a Parent Access a Minor’s Settlement Early for College or Medical Costs in Illinois?
Disclaimer: This is general information and not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified Illinois attorney. Detailed Answer — How Illinois law treats access to a minor’s settlement before age 18 In Illinois, money paid to or for a minor because of an injury or other claim generally belongs to the […]
Read article →Illinois — How to Make Sure a Wrongful Death Settlement Is Filed Correctly and Split as Agreed
FAQ — Ensuring Proper Court Filing and Distribution of a Wrongful Death Settlement in Illinois This FAQ explains how to make sure a wrongful death settlement in Illinois is filed correctly with the court and that settlement proceeds are split the way everyone agreed. The explanation uses a simple hypothetical to illustrate typical steps. This […]
Read article →How Prior Accidents Affect Diminished Value Claims in Illinois
How prior damage before you owned a truck affects its diminished market value under Illinois law Short answer: Prior accidents that happened before you owned the truck reduce the baseline vehicle value you can legitimately claim was lost by a later accident. In Illinois you can only recover the loss in market value caused by […]
Read article →How to Get an Appraisal to Prove Vehicle Diminished Value in Illinois
How to get an appraisal to prove diminished value of your vehicle (Illinois) Short answer: Hire an independent automotive appraiser who documents pre‑accident value, post‑repair condition, and comparable market evidence; deliver a written diminished‑value appraisal to the at‑fault insurer (or use small claims court if negotiation fails). This article explains each step under Illinois practice, […]
Read article →Illinois: Risks of Granting a Life Estate Instead of Selling Property
Disclaimer: This is educational information only and not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is unique. Consult a licensed Illinois attorney for advice tailored to your facts. Detailed Answer What a life estate is (simple definition) A life estate is a type of ownership split into two pieces: (1) the life tenant’s right to […]
Read article →Setting Up an Annuity for a Child’s Settlement in Illinois
How to protect a child’s settlement with an annuity: an Illinois FAQ Disclaimer: This is educational information only and not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different. Consult a licensed Illinois attorney before making decisions. Detailed answer — can I put my child’s settlement into an annuity in Illinois, and how? Yes — […]
Read article →Challenging Power of Attorney Transfers in Illinois: What to Know If Capacity Is in Doubt
Can transfers made under a power of attorney be challenged if the principal lacked capacity? A clear Illinois FAQ Short answer Yes. Under Illinois law you can challenge transfers an agent made under a power of attorney (POA) if you have a good-faith basis to believe the principal (for example, your grandfather) lacked the mental […]
Read article →Illinois: What to Do If You Don’t Have a Doctor’s Note After an ER Visit
Detailed answer — options when you don’t have a doctor’s note after an ER visit (Illinois) If you missed work because you went to an emergency room but you don’t have a formal doctor’s note, you still have several practical and legal options to document the absence and protect your job. Employers often request medical […]
Read article →Negotiating a Fair Settlement in Illinois: When the Initial Offer Is Far Below Your Demand
How to negotiate a fair settlement when the initial offer is far below your demand — Illinois guidance Disclaimer This article explains general principles under Illinois law and common negotiation strategies. It is educational only and not legal advice. Consult a licensed Illinois attorney about your specific case. Detailed Answer When the other side’s opening […]
Read article →How You Will Receive Settlement Funds in Illinois: What to Expect
How You Will Receive Settlement Funds in Illinois Not legal advice. This article explains general Illinois practice and common steps. Consult a licensed Illinois attorney about your specific situation. Detailed Answer — What typically happens after the insurer issues the check Once an insurance company issues a settlement check in Illinois, the method and timing […]
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