A 90-year-old woman in Brazil, Norma Silveira da Silva, was mistakenly declared dead by hospital staff in São José. She was placed in a body bag and sent to the morgue for preservation. However, a crematorium worker discovered she was…
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Certified Questions In An Illinois Divorce
Divorce law is incredibly broad in Illinois. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act covers everything from what happens if you miss a visit with a child to how to divide a railroad pension plan.
When the Illinois Marriage And Dissolution of Marriage Act do not specify a rule, the Illinois appeals courts step in to make new case law that comport with the statute and all the other decisions the courts have made in the past.
Still…new issues come up all the time. Important issues that the court, the lawyers and the litigants need to resolve before…
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Should I Take the First Offer for a Car Accident Settlement?
A car accident is an unsettling experience that can leave one feeling a mix of shock, confusion, and fear. The aftermath is often filled with a cascade of tasks, from dealing with insurance claims to managing medical appointments. It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed, especially when faced with the question of accepting a settlement offer. […]
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When Does Life Stop? A New Way of Harvesting Organs Divides Doctors.
A new organ retrieval method for hearts from donors is sparking a debate on the boundary between life and death in hospitals. NYU Langone Health supports the way, claiming to have been the first to try it in the U.S….
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Intercategorical analysis in lawmaking
Adam J. Hirsch (Professor of Law, University of San Diego School of Law) recently posted on SSRN his article entitled Intercategorical Analysis of Law which appears in 16 Wash. Univ. Jur. Rev. 45 (2023). Below is the abstract of the…
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Do I Need to Move Out of My Home During a Divorce?

In most divorce cases, Illinois law does not require you to leave your family home while going through a divorce. However, it may be the better decision to do so if staying there would open you up to domestic abuse. Moving out of the home during a divorce has become commonplace, as sharing a space with the person you no longer want to be married to may only cause more friction and emotional turmoil. For legal advice on approaching your impending divorce, consult an experienced attorney.
Pros and Cons of Staying in the House
If you have no other…
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Legal Separation vs. Divorce: What Is the Difference?

The primary difference between a legal separation and a divorce is that a divorce will allow you to remarry should you choose to do so. Without a divorce to terminate the marriage, the ability to remarry is off the table for both parties. A legal separation also has no time limit, whereas once a divorce goes through, it is final. If you are facing the decision between a legal separation or divorce, an experienced Illinois attorney can help figure out your best option and represent you at trial if necessary.
Advantages of Legal Separation Over Divorce
A legal separation may…
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What Do Drug Manufacturing Charges Entail in Illinois?

Drug manufacturing charges are serious offenses that carry severe penalties in the state of Illinois. Many people have a general idea of what illegal drug manufacturing is through movies and other forms of media, but what do such charges actually entail? If you are facing drug manufacturing charges, you are implored to seek legal help right away. Without the guidance of a lawyer, you are opening yourself up to making your legal problems even worse.
Legal Definition of Drug Manufacturing
Drug manufacturing refers to the process of producing, cultivating, or synthesizing controlled substances, such as meth, cocaine, heroin, or…
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Emergency Preparedness: A Guide to Being Ready for Accidents
Accidents can happen unexpectedly and may lead to severe consequences, including injuries, property damage, or even loss of life. Being prepared for accidents is crucial as it enhances one’s ability to respond effectively, mitigate risks, and minimize the impact of unforeseen events. Preparedness involves having the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to address various types of accidents, whether they occur at home, on the road, or in the workplace.
Statistics on the Frequency of Accidents
Road Accidents:
- Every year the lives of approximately 1.3 million people are cut short as a result of a road traffic crash. Between 20 and
…
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The Intersection of Workplace Safety and Personal Injury Claims

Workplace safety regulations are a set of guidelines and standards established by governmental bodies to ensure the safety and well-being of employees in various industries. These regulations are put in place to prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses that may occur in the workplace. The overarching purpose is to create a safe working environment for employees and to minimize the risks associated with various job tasks.
Purpose and Scope
Employee Protection
The primary purpose of workplace safety regulations is to protect employees from hazards and risks associated with their job roles. This includes physical hazards such as machinery, chemicals, and equipment,…
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Article: The Concept of Personality in Private Law
Paul B. Miller (Notre Dame Law School) recently published, The Concept of Personality in Private Law, Oxford University Press, November 2023. Provided below is an Abstract: This chapter examines the concept of personality in common law private law. That we…
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What Do I Do if an Order of Protection Is Issued against Me?

The State of Illinois takes accusations of domestic violence very seriously. Anyone who issues a complaint can be granted an Order of Protection, or a restraining order, which will have legal authority to demand that the alleged abuser stays away from the alleged victim. If danger seems imminent, an almost automatic process can grant an Emergency Order of Protection.
While it is wonderful that these accusations are taken so seriously and can be dealt with so quickly, false accusations are sometimes made and the accused party can suffer unnecessarily. If you believe you have been wrongfully accused of domestic…
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Retail Theft Increases During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is approaching fast, and you can expect to see an uptick in receiving packages to your door, good cheer, and Mariah Carey singing on every radio station. According to law enforcement, you can also expect an uptick in retail theft. For whatever reason, theft is on the rise during the holiday season, which means that theft and larceny charges will also be on the rise. Facing these charges is always better with an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side.
Why Theft Rises During the Holidays
There is no one definitive answer to why holidays see…
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What Are the Consequences of an Illinois Drug Conviction?

A drug possession conviction can have significant and long-lasting consequences that impact various aspects of a person’s life. Illinois law classifies drug possession as a criminal offense, and the penalties can vary depending on the type and quantity of drugs involved. This is why anyone charged with drug possession should contact an Illinois criminal defense lawyer right away. The following are some of the consequences of a drug possession conviction.
Criminal Record
A drug possession conviction results in a criminal record. A criminal record can have far-reaching consequences, affecting future employment opportunities, housing options, and educational prospects. Many employers…
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How a Parent Receives Restricted or Supervised Parenting Time

The critical factor in an Illinois court’s decision on allocating parental responsibilities, including parenting time, is the child’s best interest. A parent who creates an environment that negatively affects a child’s mental, physical, emotional, or moral well-being may incur limitations to their access to the child following a divorce. A child custody and divorce attorney can provide additional information regarding decision-making, parenting time, and other factors that allocate parental responsibilities.
What is Parenting Time?
Formerly physical custody, parenting time outlines how much time a parent can spend with their child. Usually, it will involve a rigid schedule set forth…
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Types of Medical Errors That Can Cause Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders affecting movement and muscle tone caused by damage to the developing brain. Although there are some genetic and developmental causes of CP, a significant percentage of cases are due to preventable medical errors during labor and delivery. If you believe medical negligence led to your child developing cerebral palsy, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. You should be aware of some of the most common medical errors that can result in cerebral palsy. An Illinois lawyer can help you if your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
Failure to…
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