Agency

What is the difference between 'actual notice' and 'constructive notice' in Illinois real estate?

AActual notice is legally stronger than constructive notice; constructive notice is not recognized in Illinois
BActual notice means a party has direct knowledge; constructive notice means the law presumes knowledge because information was publicly recorded✓ Correct
CThey are legally identical; both provide the same protection
DConstructive notice applies only to liens; actual notice applies to ownership

Explanation

Actual notice means a party has direct, personal knowledge of a fact (they actually know). Constructive notice is knowledge the law attributes to a party even if they don't actually know—because information is available in the public record. In Illinois, when a document (deed, mortgage, lien) is properly recorded, all subsequent parties have constructive notice of its contents. 'I didn't know about the recorded lien' is not a valid defense against constructive notice.

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