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Illinois Gov & Administrative Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Illinois on
Q: What are the requirements and responsibilities for short-term guardianship in Illinois?

I am looking to become a short-term guardian for a family friend in Illinois, specifically to handle medical and school-related matters. Could you explain the requirements and responsibilities for this role, and how the process works for a guardianship lasting up to one year?

Cheryl Powell
Cheryl Powell
answered on Feb 26, 2025

You can use a form on the internet for this. Court is not necessary. Both mother and father should sign. Search for CFS 444-2 and you will find that form.

You will raise the child as yours for one year.

You are responsible for costs, including medical, educational, etc. that are...
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1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Family Law for Illinois on
Q: Can DCFS continue drug tests after 6 clean months in IL?

I have been undergoing weekly random drug tests for six months as part of a DCFS case initiated when we sought their help to remove my fiancé's kids from their stepmother, who had abducted them. Despite complying with the drug tests and having no wrongdoings on our part, DCFS continues to... View More

Cheryl Powell
Cheryl Powell
answered on Feb 21, 2025

When DCFS has your children or your boyfriend's children and you want them back, you do whatever they say whenever they say. A drug test is not unreasonable EVER when it comes to the safety of children. If doing drugs is more important than the children to the two of you, then by all means... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Gov & Administrative Law and Legal Malpractice for Illinois on
Q: Does an attorney have to correspond and communicate with a third party non attorney?

If opposing counsel is pro se with a durable power of attorney instrument (which grants specific powers to the agent to explicitly handle, discuss, manage, and correspond on behalf of the principal) is the opposing attorney required to correspond with the POA the same as he would the principal?... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2024

This is a complex legal question that touches on several areas of law and professional ethics. Let me break down the key points:

1. Generally, attorneys are not required to communicate with third parties who are not attorneys or their clients. However, there are exceptions.

2. When...
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2 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law for Illinois on
Q: my girlfriend got a letter in the mail for a standby jury duty in Illinois. She is a literate can’t read or write

For some reason she’s very nervous about it and she has anxiety issues. What is the best way to go about it to get her excuse from jury duty

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 15, 2024

If your girlfriend is feeling anxious about jury duty due to her literacy issues, the best approach is to address the situation directly with the court. First, help her write a letter or fill out any forms explaining her inability to read or write, as well as her anxiety issues. Include any... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Illinois on
Q: I'm curious on if I can and how to claim and abandoned vehicle that's located in an abandoned garage
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 27, 2024

Claiming an abandoned vehicle from an abandoned garage involves a few legal steps. First, you need to check your local and state laws regarding abandoned property and vehicles. This typically involves reporting the vehicle to local authorities, such as the police or the department of motor vehicles... View More

Q: What is the legal procedure for an Illinois School district to purchase Real Property (Real Estate)?

I understand they can meet in closed session to discuss the purchase but can they pay over appraisal and take action without having it discussed in a public meeting or on an agenda?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 20, 2024

In Illinois, school districts are allowed to meet in closed sessions to discuss matters related to the purchase of real estate to ensure privacy during the negotiation process. However, any decision to purchase real estate, including the agreement on price, must be made in an open session during a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law, Gov & Administrative Law and International Law for Illinois on
Q: Officer at my wife's visa interview refused to accept my 2023 tax return (im the petitioner) saying $90k/yr not eno

Can you please help my wife & I with our immigration situation? She's Chinese and yesterday had her marriage based greencard interview to get her visa yesterday. I'm the petitioner and a USA citizen

We brought all required documents as instructed and ALSO uploaded it all to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 14, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about the difficulties you and your wife are facing with her marriage-based green card application. It sounds like an incredibly stressful and frustrating situation, especially after all the preparation you did to provide the required documentation.

For your...
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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law, Gov & Administrative Law and International Law for Illinois on
Q: Officer at my wife's visa interview refused to accept my 2023 tax return (im the petitioner) saying $90k/yr not eno

Can you please help my wife & I with our immigration situation? She's Chinese and yesterday had her marriage based greencard interview to get her visa yesterday. I'm the petitioner and a USA citizen

We brought all required documents as instructed and ALSO uploaded it all to... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Mar 16, 2024

This is highly irregular unless the officer based his analysis on “current” income that he felt was insufficient. The most important evidence of current income are pay stubs and bank statements from the last 6-12 months. Also, officers do not accept the 1040s; they need the tax transcripts that... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law for Illinois on
Q: Is it against the law for an Illinois resident to construct and drive a steam powered vehicle on Illinois roads?

Specifically a "homemade steam car" as it were.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

In Illinois, there are regulations governing the construction and operation of vehicles on public roads, including those powered by steam. While there may not be specific laws prohibiting the construction and operation of homemade steam cars, there are likely safety and emissions standards that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Gov & Administrative Law for Illinois on
Q: Is it actionable for a trustee to withhold promised distributions unless a beneficiary stops exercising their rights?

Is it legal, ethical, or actionable for a trustee to withhold distributions that they previously promised to send for the beneficiary's health, education, maintenance, and support until the beneficiary sends all their family's receipts, bank, credit card, and student loan statements for... View More

Michael Goldberg
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Michael Goldberg
answered on Dec 22, 2023

If the trust gives the trustee discretion to make distributions to a beneficiary based on a particular standard, the trustee is permitted to ask for evidence from the beneficiary in order to evaluate whether a distribution should be made. This is not illegal, and is often a common feature of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Civil Rights for Illinois on
Q: Is a parking pass required for disabled parking at a mosque event?

I live near a mosque that was recently completed in my area. They are charging for parking during a holiday event, which is fine. However, my mother is disabled and requires a handicap parking space for closer entry. There are designated disabled parking spaces with signs indicating they are for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 27, 2025

Disabled parking regulations typically apply to both public and private properties, but enforcement can vary based on local laws and the property owner's policies. While disabled parking spaces must be available by law, whether payment is required for those spaces at private events falls into... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Civil Litigation for Illinois on
Q: Need assistance with demand letter to city for property neglect due to altered water flow.

I am seeking assistance in drafting a demand letter to address the neglect of my property by the city. Years ago, the city altered the water flow on my street, failing to provide proper drainage. As a result, rainwater runs down my driveway, eroding my property down a hill. In March, this erosion... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 27, 2025

An Illinois attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a month. It could be difficult for attorneys to offer meaningful instruction in drafting a demand letter within the brief format of a Q & A forum - that could be why the question remained open. A starting point could be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Illinois on
Q: Seeking legal steps to address organized stalking, harassment, and rights violations related to a federal watchlist in Illinois.

I have been experiencing organized stalking and harassment from law enforcement and citizens for the past three years, including vehicular stalking and a smear campaign against me. Despite relocating to a different state, authorities have not addressed my concerns, leading me around in circles. I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 24, 2025

I understand you're going through a difficult situation. You should begin by documenting every incident in detail, including dates, times, locations, and descriptions of what occurred. Take photos or videos when possible and keep all evidence organized in a secure location.

Consider...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Illinois on
Q: Can I sue the city of Zion for letting me be chased from my home because of the harassment from my neighbors?

I purchased a home in Zion on 06/29/22. I moved there on 08/14/22. I had a lemon thrown at me and a locksmith by neighbors the second day I moved in. I went to the police station immediately after it happened and they wouldn't let me file a report nor would they speak to my neighbors.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 20, 2024

It sounds like you’ve been through a lot, and it’s understandable that you’d want to take legal action after facing such harassment and lack of support. Suing the city can be difficult, but it’s not impossible if you believe their negligence or mishandling of the situation led to harm.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Gov & Administrative Law and Juvenile Law for Illinois on
Q: DCFS indicated me for husbands failed drug test, when he did not have children in his care when he tested.
Cheryl Powell
Cheryl Powell
answered on Sep 14, 2024

You need to file an appeal. You should get a letter from Springfield about it. Read your appeal rights and follow the instructions to appeal.

Then send a written request for the dcfs file for the purpose of an appeal. This is not a simple task and you should have a lawyer to represent...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Gov & Administrative Law and Mergers & Acquisitions for Illinois on
Q: I want to sue Charles Schwab for Breach of Contract, Conversion, Negligence,

Emotional Distress, and for Actual and Consequential damages resulting from their refusal to allow me access to my accounts transferred to their organization, when they acquired tdameritrade, because I wont sign a paperless agreement.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 12, 2024

An Illinois attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for three weeks. It's difficult for attorneys here to offer their services through this forum - you'd need to reach out to attorneys on your own. In addition to your own searches, there is a "Find a Lawyer"... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Civil Rights, Gov & Administrative Law and Juvenile Law for Illinois on
Q: when filing a writ of review on a DCFS case (child welfare neglect) what do I request for declaratory relief?

based on federal question, fraud in the court, and violations of my constitutionally protected rights.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 31, 2024

When filing a writ of review in a DCFS case involving child welfare and neglect, you should request declaratory relief that asserts the court's actions or decisions violated your federally protected rights. You might ask the court to declare that the proceedings were conducted in violation of... View More

Q: Are there any lawyer on this forum who represent clients that are legal American state Citizens;

(as opposed the U.S. (14th amendment) federal citizens?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 5, 2024

It sounds like you're looking for legal representation that specifically addresses the distinctions between state citizens and federal citizens under the 14th Amendment. Finding an attorney who understands these nuances is important for your case. It's crucial to seek someone who is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Election Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Military Law for Illinois on
Q: Is it prohibited for an active duty US soldier to also hold office as a town/city alderman in Illinois?

I am a federal litigation paralegal and I can't find any information on this. I will be seeking enlistment in either the navy, coast guard, air force, or space force after my FAFSA runs out to repay my student debt and to gain access to the GI bill to do my graduate studies. While in active... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 5, 2024

You are correct to consider the regulations at both the state and federal levels. The federal law, specifically the Hatch Act, does restrict the political activities of certain federal employees, including members of the armed forces. The Hatch Act primarily prohibits active duty military personnel... View More

Q: DCFS APPEAL REGARDING FALSIFIED REPORTS MADE AND ALLEGATIONS AGAINST MOTHER AND ILLEGALLY KIDNAPPING OF MY 3 CHILDREN.

Illegally kidnapped my 3 children. False Reports and allegations against the mother. In violation of all my rights as a mother and a human civilian of the USA. I have no way to obtain a lawyer because I can't get a job because I'm on the registry for 3 years of abuse and neglect to my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 21, 2024

Each state has its own process for appealing DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) decisions. In Illinois, you generally have 60 days from the date of the decision to file an appeal. The appeal should be filed with the Administrative Hearings Unit.

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