Illinois: How to Get a Diminished Value Quote — Step-by-Step FAQ
How to Get a Diminished Value Quote in Illinois Quick answer: In Illinois, getting a diminished value quote means documenting the vehicle's pre-loss value, documenting repairs, and obtaining an independent appraisal or market-based analysis showing the vehicle’s loss in market value after repair. Then present that evidence to the responsible party’s insurer or the at-fault […]
Read article →Options in Illinois When an Insurer’s Offer Won’t Cover Medical Treatment and Lost Wages
What to do in Illinois when an insurer’s top offer won’t cover your medical treatment and lost wages Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. This article is educational and is not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney in Illinois. Detailed Answer — practical options you can pursue in Illinois […]
Read article →How to Get a Realtor Approved by Everyone Before Marketing Property in Illinois
How to Get a Realtor Approved by Everyone Before Marketing a Property in Illinois Short answer: Identify who has legal authority to hire a broker, gather written consent or documented authority from each decision-maker (co-owners, trustees, personal representatives, agents under power of attorney, guardians, etc.), confirm the authority is valid under Illinois rules, and get […]
Read article →Illinois — What Happens to Leftover Money After My Parents’ Home Is Sold?
Will leftover money from a sold home be distributed under my dad’s will? (Illinois FAQ) Short answer: Usually yes — after the home is sold, the sale proceeds become part of your father’s probate estate. The personal representative (sometimes called an executor) must use those proceeds to pay valid debts, funeral and administration expenses, taxes, […]
Read article →Illinois: Life Estate Holder Obligations to Repair and Care for Property — FAQ
Detailed Answer — Life Estate Holder Duties under Illinois Law What a life estate is: A life estate gives one person (the life tenant) the right to possess and use real property for the duration of that person’s life. After the life tenant dies, ownership passes to the remainderman (the person or persons holding the […]
Read article →Illinois: When an Insurer Offers a Full-and-Final Settlement but You Still Need Medical Treatment
Detailed Answer — What a “full and final” settlement means and what to do if you need more treatment When an insurance adjuster offers a “full and final” settlement, they are asking you to accept a single payment in exchange for signing a release that ends your ability to seek any additional compensation later for […]
Read article →Illinois: How to Get Court Approval to Sell a House and Pay Off the Mortgage
Detailed Answer Short answer: If the property is part of an estate, guardianship, or conservatorship in Illinois, you generally must ask the probate court for permission to sell the house. The court will want a petition, notice to interested parties, supporting documents (appraisal or sales contract), and a hearing. After the court issues an order […]
Read article →Illinois: Evidence Needed to Prove Undue Influence or Lack of Capacity in a Will Contest
Proving Undue Influence or Lack of Testamentary Capacity in Illinois: What Evidence Helps a Will Contest Disclaimer: This is general information and not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. If you are considering challenging or defending a will in Illinois, consult a licensed Illinois probate attorney about your specific situation. Detailed Answer When someone […]
Read article →Illinois: How to File a Special Proceeding to Recover Foreclosure Surplus Funds
How to Recover Surplus Funds After a Foreclosure Sale in Illinois — Step‑by‑Step Short answer: To recover surplus (overage) funds after a foreclosure sale in Illinois you generally must: verify the surplus exists with the county circuit clerk, prepare and file a verified petition (a special proceeding) asking the court to award the funds to […]
Read article →Confirming Your Ownership Share in Parents’ Illinois Real Property
How to confirm your ownership percentage in Illinois real property before it’s sold Short answer: Locate the recorded deed and any later recorded instruments (deeds, trust documents, beneficiary/transfer-on-death instruments), read how title is vested, and — if the deed doesn’t specify shares — get a title search or consult a real estate/estate attorney or title […]
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