Have you just had an offer accepted on a Barrington home and heard you are “in attorney review”? You are not alone if that phrase makes you wonder what happens next. This short window can shape your deal, your deadlines and your peace of mind. In this guide, you will learn how Illinois attorney review works, how it fits with inspections and financing, and the exact steps to take in Barrington so you stay on track. Let’s dive in.
What attorney review is
Attorney review is a contractual period, not a state law, that most Illinois purchase agreements include or add by rider. During this time, your attorney can review the executed contract, propose changes, or advise you on whether to proceed, renegotiate, or cancel if your contract permits termination during review.
A contract-based window
There is no single statewide rule for how long attorney review lasts. The exact length and notice rules come from your signed contract. In many transactions it is a short period measured in business days. If no timely objection is delivered as your contract requires, the agreement often remains binding as written. Always check your paperwork to confirm how long you have and how notice must be delivered.
What your attorney does
Your attorney focuses on legal terms and risk. They can:
- Draft amendments or counter language to clarify the contract.
- Flag title and deed issues, survey exceptions, HOA restrictions and special assessments.
- Advise you on remedies, cancellation rights during review if allowed, and next steps.
Attorney review is also a signal to coordinate inspections, lender milestones and deposit instructions so you do not miss other deadlines that may be running at the same time.
Deadlines and contingencies
Attorney review sits alongside your other contingencies, such as inspection, financing, appraisal, title and HOA document review. These timelines do not automatically pause for each other.
Track each contingency
Think of each contingency as its own clock. For example, your inspection period might extend beyond attorney review, or it might end sooner, depending on your contract. Keep a simple deadline tracker so you can request extensions in writing before any date lapses.
Earnest money and enforceability
Your contract specifies when earnest money is due, who holds it, and what happens if either party breaches. Some contracts allow you to terminate within attorney review without the usual remedies, but only if you object within the period and deliver notice as required. If attorney review ends without timely objection, your contract typically becomes fully binding, subject to any remaining contingencies.
Barrington specifics to watch
Barrington is unique because properties in and around the area can fall under Cook, Lake or Kane County. That affects where records are filed and how taxes are tracked. Your team should confirm the correct county for parcel history and recorded documents.
Permits, septic and well
Many Barrington-area homes have additions or age-related updates. Ask your attorney and agent to check for permit history when improvements are present. In some areas, septic or well systems are common. If applicable, schedule specialized inspections early and make sure your contract timelines allow time to review results.
HOA and historic areas
Parts of Barrington include HOAs and historic neighborhoods. Your attorney should review HOA rules, budgets, reserves and any special assessments, as well as any preservation restrictions that affect future changes you might want to make. Request documents promptly so your attorney has time to advise you within the review period.
Your first steps after acceptance
You can reduce stress by tackling a few high-impact tasks right away.
- Provide your attorney with the fully executed contract and all addenda immediately. Confirm the attorney-review deadline and the required method for delivering notices.
- Inform your lender and ask about underwriting timelines, key approval dates and rate lock details so you can align any needed extensions.
- Schedule your home inspection as soon as possible so any findings can be addressed while contingencies remain active.
- If the property is part of an HOA or condominium, request and deliver the documents to your attorney promptly.
- Deliver earnest money according to your contract and confirm receipt with the title company to avoid disputes.
- Ask your attorney if they recommend ordering a title search early or reviewing any existing survey. Inquire about local issues such as floodplain or septic considerations based on the property.
What typically gets negotiated
Attorney review is often the first formal legal negotiation after your offer is accepted. Expect your attorney to focus on clarity, remedies and closing mechanics, while your agent drives market terms and logistics.
Common revisions
- Financing contingency details, including how “ability to obtain financing” is defined and what documentation is required.
- Earnest money disposition and remedies for breach.
- Title exceptions to be removed, or agreed remedies if they remain.
- Closing date adjustments, prorations and tax proration language.
- Inspection remedies, credits, or responsibility for specific repairs.
- Required addenda, such as lead-based paint or condo documents.
- Deed form and conveyance language.
When to request extensions
If lender underwriting or appraisal will not meet your contract dates, request extensions in writing well before the deadline. If inspection findings need more discussion beyond attorney review, ask for additional time on the inspection contingency or on attorney review, as appropriate, before any period ends. The goal is to avoid compressing critical steps into the final days.
How your team works together
A smooth Barrington closing depends on coordination among four parties:
- Buyer’s attorney reviews the contract, title, survey and HOA documents, drafts amendments, and advises on notices and removals.
- Buyer’s agent negotiates price and terms, coordinates inspections, communicates with the seller’s side, and recommends local attorneys and inspectors. Your agent does not provide legal advice.
- Lender manages underwriting, appraisal and loan conditions. Loan timelines can drive the need for extensions.
- Title or closing agent prepares the title commitment, identifies exceptions and drafts closing documents.
When these roles are aligned, you can resolve legal language, inspection items and lender needs without missing key dates.
Buyer checklist for your attorney
Send these items to your attorney early to save time and reduce back-and-forth:
- Executed contract and all addenda
- Seller disclosures provided, including any lead-based paint or material defect disclosures
- Any available survey or prior title policy
- HOA contact and preliminary documents, including rules, operating budget and any noted special assessments
- Lender contact information and a brief summary of your loan terms
- Any known property concerns you want reviewed, such as boundary questions or unpermitted work
Avoid common pitfalls
A few preventable issues can slow or derail a transaction. Keep these in mind:
- Do not assume deadlines are the same. Attorney review, inspection, financing and appraisal periods often run on different clocks.
- Confirm notice requirements. Many contracts require written notice, delivered in a specific way. If you do not follow the method, your notice may not count.
- Address title and survey early. Ask your attorney whether to push for cures now or set clear remedies if a title exception cannot be removed.
- Coordinate inspection timing. If you might need quotes or specialized inspections, schedule quickly so you can request extensions before periods expire if needed.
- Keep earnest money instructions clear. Deliver per the contract and confirm receipt to avoid later disputes.
Barrington buyer action plan
Use this short plan to stay organized during attorney review and beyond:
- Read your contract’s attorney-review clause, highlight the deadline and note how notice must be sent.
- Send the signed contract to your attorney and ask for their expected turnaround time for proposed changes.
- Book your inspection and any specialty checks, such as radon, well or septic, if applicable.
- Call your lender and confirm the appraisal order timing, loan approval date and rate lock expiration.
- Request HOA or condo documents and deliver to counsel right away.
- If any timeline looks tight, ask your agent and attorney about requesting extensions now instead of later.
Why work with a coordinated team
In a market like Barrington, clear communication can be the difference between a calm closing and a scramble. A coordinated team helps you avoid deadline compression, spot local issues early and keep leverage during negotiations. With a boutique approach and strong local relationships, you get proactive planning and practical guidance every step of the way.
If you would like a steady hand on the process, Jessica brings a paralegal background and specialized negotiation training to help you manage the legal, logistical and emotional pieces with confidence.
Ready to move forward?
If your offer was accepted, your next few days matter. Confirm your attorney-review deadline, book inspections, and align lender milestones now so you can make informed decisions without rushing. If you are buying in Barrington or nearby communities and want a coordinated plan, reach out to the Jessica Anthony Group. If you also need to sell, you can request a home valuation to time both moves with clarity.
FAQs
How long is Illinois attorney review for a Barrington purchase?
- It varies by contract. Many forms use a short period measured in business days, so check your signed agreement for the exact timeframe and notice instructions.
Can my attorney cancel the contract during review in Illinois?
- Only if your contract allows it and your attorney delivers objection or termination within the review period as the contract requires.
Does attorney review pause inspection or financing contingencies?
- Not automatically. Each contingency may have its own deadline. You can request extensions in writing if more time is needed.
What happens to earnest money during attorney review?
- Your contract controls. Some agreements permit termination within review without the usual remedies. If review ends without objection, the contract is typically binding, subject to remaining contingencies.
What should Barrington buyers send their attorney first?
- Start with the executed contract and addenda, seller disclosures, any prior survey or title policy, HOA documents if applicable, lender contact details and any specific concerns you want reviewed.
When should I ask for a contingency extension in Barrington?
- Ask as soon as you see a timing issue. Common triggers include inspection findings that need quotes or lender underwriting or appraisal delays.
What is my real estate agent’s role during attorney review?
- Your agent coordinates logistics and negotiates market terms, but does not give legal advice. Legal questions go to your attorney.
