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Illinois Civil Litigation Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Civil Litigation, Collections and Consumer Law for Illinois on
Q: Can creditors in illinois, whom have a judgment against me, find my bank accounts through my credit report?

I have a money judgment against from midland for $4000. The case is over, and the court gave them a DEFAULT JUDGMENT. This happend in cook county circuit court. This happened in June 2023. I'm not working now. Midland has not yet filed a citation to discover assets in court, yet.. I... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Jul 31, 2023

Bank accounts do not generally show in credit reports, only credit cards.

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Collections, Bankruptcy and Consumer Law for Illinois on
Q: Can my uber (1099 )wages be garnished by a creditor? I have default judgment for 9,000 in chicago IL, court.
Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Jul 23, 2023

garnish, no. Levy yes. The difference is they can only get what you were due at the time of the Levy, not what you may be due in the future.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Animal / Dog Law, Civil Litigation and Small Claims for Illinois on
Q: My ex and teenage daughter took my cat (she says it's hers). How do I start the process of getting my cat back?

It happened when I was out of town, so they sneaked over. Totally out of character for my daughter, but I'm not surprised my ex was involved and driving the getaway vehicle!

Jeffrey Li
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Jeffrey Li
answered on Jul 8, 2023

As pets are considered property in IL, you should start with filing a police report. Then to regain the property, you will have to file the matter in court against your ex and your daughter.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Civil Litigation and Legal Malpractice for Illinois on
Q: During a plenary order of protection hearing my attorney failed to present the evidence and witnesses

My attorney obtained subpoenas for the sheriff’s and got a statement that supported my innocence. There was also video to support. However on the day of the hearing she went into another room with opposing counsel and came out telling me there was a warrant for me violating the order of... View More

Clyde Guilamo
Clyde Guilamo
answered on Feb 21, 2023

Hello. I'm sorry to hear that all of that happened to you. Unfortunately, you did not actually include a question to answer. Try re-writing the question.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law, Civil Litigation and Federal Crimes for Illinois on
Q: I would like to file a civil lawsuit against someone for money that was borrowed, fraud, and emotional distress.

I am from Illinois but the individual has moved to New York. The amount is over $10,000. I am currently in litigation with this person for a different matter. If I file a civil suit, would I be able to serve him during our upcoming family court hearing (it's via Zoom)? We both have attorneys.... View More

Alexander Ivakhnenko
Alexander Ivakhnenko
answered on Aug 9, 2022

You are represented by a licensed counsel and it would be improper to suggest any course of action remotely without any case familiarity or case review by anyone.

Q: Can a coworker obtain a no contact stalking order and us continue to work at the same company, or do I have to quit?

A coworker filed a petition for a no contact stalking, alleging that I have harassed and intimidated them while at work, damaged their property. Coworker has never mention these allegations to our supervisor/HR dept., never made them aware that they were filing a petition. Coworker did not aware... View More

Alexander Ivakhnenko
Alexander Ivakhnenko
answered on Aug 8, 2022

It appears that you may have to retain counsel to protect your legal interests with respect to that no contact petition that will affect your employment directly.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Construction Law for Illinois on
Q: Is it possible to hire an attorney in the middle of a litigation if I am representing myself currently?

I am looking for an attorney to help me with a mandatory arbitration. I had a terrible experience with a law firm. We parted ways. I would like to find someone experienced in construction law as we are in the middle of our process. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

Robert Shipley
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Robert Shipley
answered on Mar 8, 2022

My office handles construction disputes. I would be happy to discuss. I can be reached directly at 312-527-4545.

Thank you.

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Employment Law and Civil Litigation for Illinois on
Q: Illinois removal from federal court

I am a plaintiff in a case in which the defendant removed the case from state to federal court. It has now been remanded back to state court. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss in fed court which wasnt resolved. Defendants are now seeking to dismiss case in state court based upon the motion to... View More

Robert D. Kreisman
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Robert D. Kreisman
answered on Feb 26, 2022

I believe that once the federal court is divested of jurisdiction and thus any authority over the pending case, that the motion to dismiss filed in federal court would have to be filed in the state proceeding to heard. That seems to be the case where although the motion to dismiss was filed in the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: My landlord is saying because of 735 ILCS 5, I had to give 30 days notice before my 12 month lease ended

My 12 month lease ends the 28th of February. It is very clearly stated and there is no clause in my lease stating I need to give notice 30 days prior. I gave 29 days notice and now my landlord is fighting me and saying I have to stay and pay March rent

Ana M. McNamara
Ana M. McNamara
answered on Feb 11, 2022

The statute you quoted is incomplete. It should read 735 ILCS 5/ ___ and a number after the slash in order to point to a relevant section of the statute that your landlord is reading. At any rate, you are not required to give thirty days notice unless it specifically states so in your lease.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation, Collections and Social Security for Illinois on
Q: I'm on SSI Disability can I be garnished by a collection agency about a credit card that I've been unable to pay on?

It's a collection agency who is taking me to court tomorrow via a zoom call. I've not been able to pay on it due to everything going up in price and I live on a very low income and am behind on my water bill and several other bills. I was behind on rent until just recently, over a year... View More

Bryan R. Bagdady
Bryan R. Bagdady
answered on Jan 26, 2022

Your inability to pay does not stop the entry of judgment. If there is already a judgment and you are up on a post judgment citation or garnishment, you should read and be aware of the exemption provisions of the post judgment code of civil procedure. Specifically, 735 ILCS5/2-1402 states at (b)(1)... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Civil Litigation for Illinois on
Q: Can you sue an affair partner for emotion distress?

My husband and I are married and not legally separated. I have proof of his affair and I am interested in suing the affair partner for emotional distress.

J. Richard Kulerski
J. Richard Kulerski
answered on Dec 7, 2021

No, not any longer. The lawsuit you are referring to is Alienation of Affection, and it was repealed in IL.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Federal Crimes for Illinois on
Q: Can someone be charged and held in prison under an alias name?

My father was a teenager when he was charged of committing murder in the 90’s. He is under a different name. When you search him , they have his birthday and a alias name.

Alexander Ivakhnenko
Alexander Ivakhnenko
answered on Nov 15, 2021

Yes, criminal charges are possible when the law-enforcement does not know the actual, legal, or true name of the suspect, so, the charges may be filed under any name available or given to the authorities. As in the case with your family member you could see that could happen.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Civil Litigation and Domestic Violence for Illinois on
Q: How can I motion to exclude evidence from discovery of a video that skips and lapse in time?

Can a plaintiff use a video that skips and lapse in time for evidence in their case or can I motion to exclude it from being seen?

If so, under what grounds can I motion?

Video goes up to minute 2 then skips to 2:30 to 3:15 then skips to 4:05, lot of the video seem altered.

Dan Nold
Dan Nold
answered on Oct 1, 2021

You could do a motion in limine asking to bar the video due to lack of foundation. If it’s edited in some way, it has been altered and wouldn’t meet foundational requirements to be admissible evidence.

Probably a good issue to have a lawyer handle. Each county is different and has...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Family Law, Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Illinois on
Q: how to get a family member out of home.

3 brothers have inherited a large home, one of the brothers are living there and cannot maintain the home due to alcoholism. Each has a 1/3 of real estate as stated in the will. He refused to pay the other 2 brothers rent or expenses. He needs to go to detox and rehab. He is incapable to help with... View More

Bryan R. Bagdady
Bryan R. Bagdady
answered on Oct 1, 2021

Illinois has a partition statute to handle situations concerning jointly held real property. The statute is found at 735 ILCS 5/17-101, et seq. If you read section 105 you will see that the court has the power to determine if the property can be divided among the parties without prejudice to any of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for Illinois on
Q: Can a plaintiff contact potential witnesses before their attorney does?
Alexander Ivakhnenko
Alexander Ivakhnenko
answered on Sep 18, 2021

That maybe improper depending on Plaintiff’s intent and purpose which may create witness tampering situation.

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Libel & Slander, Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for Illinois on
Q: Can a person take a picture of my car to use as evidence in their case?

A petitioner took a picture of my car to use for their evidence because they say that my car resembles a car they have video of but not plate number. The person took the picture without asking me. I explained that just because my car is the same model in their video doesn’t mean it proves it’s... View More

Alexander Ivakhnenko
Alexander Ivakhnenko
answered on Sep 15, 2021

No one needs your permission to take a picture of your car if it is visible anywhere. In fact, the photograph may be offered into evidence as corroborating evidentiary exhibit that may show that the make, model, shape, color and the type of the vehicle matches the one on the video.

A...
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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation and Collections for Illinois on
Q: If I won monetary judgement and know that the other party will not pay, what is the next step?

I won my case for selling a car with a vehicle sales agreement. The other party did not show. I see lots of things on the docket that I am not sure about. Due Date , satisfied, 851- Judgement, what do these headings mean?

Bryan R. Bagdady
Bryan R. Bagdady
answered on Jun 30, 2021

You should reference 735 ILCS 5/2-1401 for post judgment proceedings. Make sure that your order is final and appealable, meaning that it resolves all claims brought against all parties in the action. Assuming that to be the case, you will likely want to file a citation to discover assets, a... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Family Law, Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Illinois on
Q: What part of the law would I find Bias Judgement, Colleagues, and what to do when case involves a Circuit Clerk employee

I have a custody case were the sister works for the Circuit Clerks office. Her and the girlfriend came up with a well calculated plan to make my character out to be a low life junkie so my ex could gain custody. They have gone as far as emailing where I live stating I deal drugs out of my... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jun 1, 2021

your efforts are better spent working on your custody issues. Arrange a visitiation eval with a social worker, etc. but you need an attorney. d.i.y. is getting you nowhere. Trying to tell a judge the system is biased doesn't get an unrepresented person anywhere. You need an attorney to build a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for Illinois on
Q: My mother bought me a car as a gift and now she's trying to take it back.

I have the registration and all paperwork she was suppose to insure it but didn't. I called about insuring it today when I got a call from the local police asking me to drop the vehicle off. She bought the car and has the title and it's in her name but she has never had possession of it or the keys.

Juan Ooink
Juan Ooink
answered on Mar 8, 2021

Not sure what your question is here. If the police are involved, you might want to consider giving the car back to her right away.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Federal Crimes for Illinois on
Q: Can the grand jury use the same evidence to indict you again for the same charge?

1st indictment for distribution didn't have probable cause but he was still indicted. How can grand jury indict again with the same evidence and add another charge and co conspirator?

Juan Ooink
Juan Ooink
answered on Jan 28, 2021

This is really something to discuss with the Defendant's attorney. Only their attorney will have the needed information in order to address your concerns. If they have not hired an attorney yet, they need to do so right away. The sooner an attorney is hired, the better.

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