Discovering defective construction work is frustrating, but what you do in the days and weeks after you find the problem matters as much as the defect itself. The steps you take early on - and the mistakes you avoid - can determine whether you have a strong legal claim...
When two or more people inherit property together, they don't always agree on what to do with it. One sibling wants to keep the family home. Another wants to sell. The property sits there costing everyone money while the disagreement drags on. Here's how partition actions work in Illinois...
Construction disputes in Illinois generally follow one of four paths - direct negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. The right choice depends on the nature of the dispute, the relationship between the parties, and what your contract says...
Creating an easement seems straightforward. Two property owners agree, put something in writing, and move on. Everything works fine - until one of them tries to sell and the title company flags the easement as defective...
When the public record says something different than reality, you need a court to fix it. Here's how quiet title actions work in Chicago and when you need one...
A mechanics lien on your property doesn't disappear on its own — even when it's expired or already paid. Here are the legal options Illinois property owners have for removing a lien and clearing title...
A no-lien clause in a construction contract may or may not be enforceable depending on where it appears in the contractual chain and whether statutory notice requirements have been met. Here is how Illinois courts analyze these provisions...
An easement gives someone the right to use part of your property for a specific purpose - even though they don't own it. Whether an easement helps or hurts your property's value depends on the type, location, and how much it limits what you can do with the land...
Illinois courts strictly construe the Mechanics Lien Act, and lien claims that fail to comply with its precise requirements are vulnerable to challenge. Here are the most common defects and strategies property owners can use to defeat invalid liens...
You sold your house and moved on. Then you get a letter from a lawyer. The buyers found a crack in the foundation and want you to pay. Whether you're a seller facing a disclosure claim or a buyer who discovered hidden defects, here's what Illinois law requires...
Your mechanics lien deadlines in Illinois all depend on one date: the last day you furnished labor or materials. But not every trip to the jobsite counts. Here's what extends your lien timeline and what doesn't...
Lien waivers are one of the most misunderstood documents in construction. Signing the wrong type at the wrong time can cost contractors their payment rights or leave property owners exposed to double-payment claims. Here's what both sides need to understand...
