Do I really need to hire an attorney for my closing?

Illinois law does not require you to use an attorney to buy or sell real estate. However, this state does have well-established limitations on what a non-attorney may do with respect to preparing a contract or other legal documents for someone else. In fact, if a non-attorney (e.g. real estate broker) goes beyond merely “filling in the blanks” on a form contract, it may be considered as the unauthorized practice of law, which is a serious, prosecutable offense. Further, in recent years, real estate matters have become increasingly complex legal transactions. The regulations which govern even a “simple” sale or purchase are constantly changing, making it essential to have an experienced real estate attorney representing your best interests. Finally, considering that this is probably one of the most significant events in your life, the benefits of having competent legal representation advocating for you greatly outweigh the relatively low cost of doing so.