Q: How do I request access to adoption records?
A: As a result of adoption records being impounded by statute, a court order must be obtained for access to the records.
Q: Can a non-family member petition the court to have a person involuntarily committed?
A: Yes, the involuntary commitment process is the same whether a family member or non-family member petitions the court after observing a person exhibiting dangerous behavior toward themselves or others.
Q: What options do I have if my child will not take their medication while they are in the hospital?
A: The treating physician will petition the Court requesting that your child be administered the required medication by force. If the Court agrees with the evidence presented in a court hearing by the treating physician that your child is in need of medication, a court order will be issued indicating that your son will receive the necessary medication by force. If the Court does not agree with the treating physician, an order will entered in favor of your son. The Court will weigh all of the evidence presented at the hearing to make a determination.
Q: How do I obtain information in my adoption case file (biological parents, medical history, siblings, etc.)?
A: The Clerk's Office, by law, cannot release adoption information. However, the petitioner in an adoption case can register with the Illinois Adoption Registry. It is possible that your birth parent(s) may already be registered and you don't need to search for them. If your birth parents are not registered, you can petition the Court for the appointment of a Confidential Intermediary.
Q: I just received a “Take Notice” stating that my property has been sold for delinquent taxes and I did not own the property at the time the delinquent taxes were due. Do I have to pay these taxes?
A: The tax purchaser is responsible for notifying all interested parties, including the owner, that the taxes have been sold on a particular property. If you are the owner, you should request an Estimate of Redemption from the Real Estate Taxation Services Division of the County Clerk's Office located at the Cook County Building, 118 North Clark Street, Room 434, Chicago, IL.
If you are an occupant or an otherwise interested party, you are being given notice that the taxes have been sold on the property. You should contact the owner right away to determine if they are aware of the situation. Please note that the current property owner is responsible payment of all taxes due and owed on their property.
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