Challenging a Suspected Forged Will in Illinois: How to Get a Will Thrown Out
How to challenge a suspected forged will in Illinois: clear steps and what to expect Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. Laws and procedures vary; speak with a licensed Illinois attorney about your situation. Detailed Answer Overview: what a will contest in Illinois […]
Read article →How to Confirm an Original Will in Illinois
Detailed Answer This section explains, in plain language, how to determine whether a will you have is the original document under Illinois law and what to do if you only have a copy. This is general information only and not legal advice. What the court normally wants For probate in Illinois the court will ordinarily […]
Read article →Illinois: What Happens If the Original Will Is Lost or Damaged in the Mail?
Detailed Answer Short answer: In Illinois, a lost or damaged original will does not automatically void the will. The probate court can still admit the testator’s intent and the will’s terms through secondary evidence (a copy, witness testimony, affidavits, or other documents), but you must explain why the original cannot be produced and present acceptable […]
Read article →How to Recover Surplus Funds After an Illinois Property Tax Sale
How to Recover Surplus Funds After an Illinois Property Tax Sale — FAQ Quick answer When a property in Illinois is sold at a tax sale for more than the total of taxes, fees, interest, and sale costs, the amount left over is called the surplus (or overage). The surplus generally belongs to the person […]
Read article →Illinois: Financial Power of Attorney — What Powers an Agent May Have
Disclaimer: This information is educational only and is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Illinois attorney. Detailed Answer A financial power of attorney is a legal document in which a person (the principal) authorizes another person (the agent, sometimes called an attorney-in-fact) to manage the principals property and financial […]
Read article →Illinois: Releasing Escrow or Trust Funds When a Deed Hasn’t Been Recorded
Disclaimer: This is educational information only and not legal advice. For guidance tailored to your situation, consult a licensed Illinois attorney. Detailed Answer — How Illinois law treats release of funds held in trust or escrow before a deed is recorded When money (sale proceeds, a loan payoff, or other purchase funds) is held by […]
Read article →What Happens If a Will Is Not Properly Signed — Illinois Probate FAQ
When an unsigned or improperly signed will is treated as invalid under Illinois law Detailed Answer This section explains what typically happens in Illinois when a will is not properly executed (for example, not signed or not witnessed correctly) and the probate court treats it as invalid. This is a general overview and not legal […]
Read article →Minor Settlement Court Hearings in Illinois: Attendance and What to Expect
Detailed Answer This section explains how Illinois courts handle the settlement of claims on behalf of a minor, what the court will typically require, and whether you (a parent, guardian, or the minor) will need to attend a hearing. Why the court is involved When a person under 18 (a minor) receives money from a […]
Read article →Illinois: Role of a Guardian ad Litem in a Minor Injury Settlement and Whether You Can Serve
What a guardian ad litem does in an Illinois minor injury settlement — and whether you can serve Quick answer: In Illinois a guardian ad litem (GAL) is someone the court appoints to protect a minor’s legal interests in a lawsuit or in court approval of a settlement. The GAL investigates the case, evaluates whether […]
Read article →Understanding Medical Liens and How They Affect Your Settlement in Illinois
Disclaimer: This article explains general concepts about medical liens under Illinois law and related federal rules. It is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified Illinois attorney about your specific situation. What a medical lien is and how it can affect money you recover A medical lien is a claim […]
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