Illinois Code § 3
Illinois Code § 3. Reproduced from the official Illinois Compiled Statutes, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.
§ 3.
When the State's Attorney of the county is informed or has reason to believe that any real estate within the county has escheated to the county by reason that any person owning the real estate has died without bequeathing the same, and leaving no heir capable of inheriting the same, or by reason of the incapacity of the legatee to hold the same, and such estate has not been sold according to law within 5 years after the death of the last owner, for the payments of the debts of the deceased, or if the State's Attorney is informed, or has cause to believe that any such estate within the county has otherwise escheated to the county, it shall be the duty of the State's Attorney to file a complaint in behalf of the county in the circuit court of the county, setting forth a description of the estate, the name of the last lawful owner thereof, the names of the parties in possession, and persons claiming such estate, if known, and the fact and circumstances in consequence of which such estate is claimed to have escheated, and alleging that by reason thereof the county has a right by law to such estate. The court shall enter an order against such persons, bodies politic or corporate, as alleged in the complaint, to hold, possess or claim such estate, requiring them to appear at the court on a designated return day, not less than 60 nor more than 90 days after the date thereof, and show cause why such estate should not be vested in the county. A certified copy of the order shall be served at least 10 days before the return day thereof. The court shall set forth in the order briefly the contents of the complaint, and require all persons interested in the estate to appear at the court on the return day so designated and show cause, if any, why the same should not be vested in the county; and the order shall be published for 6 weeks successively in some newspaper printed and published in the county, if any is there published; and if no newspaper is printed in the county, then the notice shall be published in some newspaper in the adjoining county thereto, the last insertion to be at least 2 weeks before the return day on which the parties are required to appear. (Source: P.A. 83-359.)
Source: official Illinois text · Last verified 2026-08-27
At a glance
- Citation: Illinois Compiled Statutes § 3
- Jurisdiction: Illinois
- Code: Illinois Compiled Statutes
- Text: transcribed from the official source (verify below)
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Statute text is transcribed from the official Illinois Compiled Statutes. Confirm it against the primary source before relying on it:
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed Illinois attorney.
Common questions
What is the source of Illinois Compiled Statutes § 3?
The text above is transcribed from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, the codified statutes of Illinois. The official publisher link appears under "Verify the text" on this page.
What subject does Illinois Compiled Statutes § 3 address?
It addresses the rule set out in the section text. Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.
Is Illinois Compiled Statutes § 3 still in force?
Statutes are amended, repealed, and renumbered every session. Confirm the current version at the official Illinois source before relying on this text.
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