Illinois § 238

Full text of Illinois Illinois Compiled Statutes § 238, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 238.

Exemption. (a) All proceeds payable because of the death of the insured and the aggregate net cash value of any or all life and endowment policies and annuity contracts payable to a wife or husband of the insured, or to a child, parent or other person dependent upon the insured, whether the power to change the beneficiary is reserved to the insured or not, and whether the insured or his estate is a contingent beneficiary or not, shall be exempt from execution, attachment, garnishment or other process, for the debts or liabilities of the insured incurred subsequent to the effective date of this Code, except as to premiums paid in fraud of creditors within the period limited by law for the recovery thereof. (b) Any insurance company doing business in this State and governed by this Code shall encumber or surrender accounts as defined in Section 10-24 of the Illinois Public Aid Code held by the insurance company owned by any responsible relative who is subject to a child support lien, upon notice of the lien or levy by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (formerly Illinois Department of Public Aid) or its successor agency pursuant to Section 10-25.5 of the Illinois Public Aid Code, or upon notice of interstate lien from any other state's agency responsible for implementing the child support enforcement program set forth in Title IV, Part D of the Social Security Act. This Section does not prohibit the furnishing of information in accordance with the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. Any insurance company governed by this Code shall enter into an agreement for data exchanges with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services provided the Department of Healthcare and Family Services pays to the insurance company a reasonable fee not to exceed its actual cost incurred. An insurance company providing information in accordance with this item shall not be liable to any owner of an account as defined in Section 10-24 of the Illinois Public Aid Code or other person for any disclosure of information to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (formerly Department of Public Aid), for encumbering or surrendering any accounts as defined in Section 10-24 of the Illinois Public Aid Code held by the insurance company in response to a lien or order to withhold and deliver issued by a State agency, or for any other action taken pursuant to this item, including individual or mechanical errors, provided the action does not constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct. An insurance company shall have no obligation to hold, encumber, or surrender any accounts as defined in Section 10-24 of the Illinois Public Aid Code until it has been served with a subpoena, summons, warrant, court or administrative order, lien, or levy requiring that action. (Source: P.A. 95-331, eff. 8-21-07.)

Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois § 238

What does Illinois Compiled Statutes § 238 cover?

Section 238 is part of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, the codified statutory law of Illinois. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Illinois § 238?

A common citation format is "Illinois Compiled Statutes § 238" (Illinois). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Illinois law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Illinois official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Illinois attorney.

How does Illinois § 238 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Illinois can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Illinois.