(312) 335-9470
44 S. Vail Ave, Arlington Heights, , Illinois 60005
Funeral directors and embalmers are required to complete the proper training and maintain a professional license. Because of the sensitive nature of their work, any complaints or concerns about unprofessional conduct or violations of the law may result in disciplinary action by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). In these cases, funeral directors should work with an attorney who is experienced in defending professional licenses.
The law firm of Williams & Nickl, LLC provides dedicated legal help for licensed professionals throughout the state of Illinois. Our lawyers have over 55 years of combined legal experience, and we have represented more than 3,000 clients in cases before the IDFPR. Attorney Edward Williams formerly served as the Chief of Prosecutions for IDFPR. Our knowledge and understanding of IDFPR policies and procedures can help ensure that you reach a positive outcome to your case.
The Funeral Directors and Embalmers Licensing and Disciplinary Board take disciplinary action in a variety of circumstances, including:
When addressing disciplinary issues, it is crucial to work with an attorney who understands the laws and statutes that apply to funeral directors. Our lawyers are well-versed in the Funeral Directors and Embalmers Licensing Code (225 ILCS 41/1-1, et. seq.), the Disposition of Remains Act (755 ILCS 65/5-1, et. seq.), and the Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535/1, et. seq.). We can also ensure that the rules defined in the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act (5 ILCS 100/1-1, et. seq.) and the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois (20 ILCS 2105/2105-1, et. seq.) are followed correctly.
A licensed professional who is facing disciplinary action may attempt to negotiate a Consent Order with an IDFPR staff prosecutor. However, doing so without the assistance of an attorney is not recommended. In many cases, prosecutors will include “standard” conditions in a Consent Order that place restrictions on a licensee or which may result in unforeseen consequences. With our lawyers on your side, you can negotiate a settlement that will protect your license and your ability to continue working as a funeral director.
We have successfully represented numerous licensed professionals in IDFPR cases. In one case, our client had been convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, and his professional license had been revoked. When the IDFPR refused to negotiate, we took the case to trial, where we presented multiple character witnesses and convinced the Board to restore our client’s license.
If you have applied for a Funeral Director & Embalmer license, you may receive a request from the IDFPR for background information. This request may come in the form of a Deficiency Checklist, and it may ask about certain types of past incidents, such as discipline in a sister state or previous criminal convictions. Before providing any information to the IDFPR, we recommend that you contact us to discuss your options. We will consult with you for up to one hour free of charge, and we will help you understand the best ways to respond to these requests. In some cases, we may advise you about how to answer queries on your own without our help, or we may assist in drafting an explanation letter that will allow your license to be issued as quickly as possible.
If you are facing potential discipline to your funeral director license, or if you need to address the denial of a license, our attorneys can provide you with representation before the IDFPR and help you protect your ability to continue working in your chosen career. To learn more about how we can help, contact us at 312-335-9470 to schedule a free consultation. We will meet with you in person or speak to you over the phone, and we will explain the most prudent course of action that will allow you to minimize discipline to your license to the fullest extent possible.
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