Article IV. Attachment · Part 2. Watercraft · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceSection 4-226 sets the priority for distributing sale proceeds on motion with notice: first pre-distribution costs on complaints won by the plaintiff, then seamen's wages for the last two voyages or months, then all other pre-distribution claims plus remaining wages.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/4-226
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The sum delivered by the sheriff to the clerk of court as above set out, shall be distributed by the court upon motion of any party in interest of record, and due notice to the other parties, and after the following manner:
First - The costs accruing upon all complaints filed before distribution, and on which judgment is or may be thereafter entered in favor of plaintiff.
Second - Seamen's (which term shall include the master) wages due upon the last two voyages, or if shipped by the month the last two months.
Third - All other claims filed prior to order of distribution on which judgment may be entered in favor of plaintiff, together with whatever balance may be due seamen.
Plain-English Summary
Once the sheriff delivers sale proceeds to the clerk, the court distributes them on the motion of any party in interest of record, after due notice to the other parties. The section lays out the order of payment in three tiers.
First come the costs accruing on all complaints filed before distribution and on which judgment is or may later be entered for the plaintiff. Second come seamen's wages — a term the section defines to include the master — due for the last two voyages, or the last two months if the seamen were hired by the month. Third come all other claims filed before the order of distribution on which judgment favors the plaintiff, together with any balance still owed to seamen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can move for distribution of the sale proceeds?
Any party in interest of record, after due notice to the other parties.
What gets paid first from the proceeds?
Costs accruing on all complaints filed before distribution and judged in the plaintiff's favor.
What gets paid second?
Seamen's wages due for the last two voyages, or the last two months if hired by the month.
What falls into the third tier of payment?
All other claims filed before the distribution order and judged for the plaintiff, plus any remaining balance owed to seamen.
Does the term "seamen" include the ship's master?
Yes — the section defines the term to include the master.
Amendment History
(Source: P.A. 83-707.)
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, published by the
Illinois Compiled Statutes, Illinois General Assembly / Legislative Reference Bureau. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as:seamen's wages priority illinoisdistribution proceeds boat sale illinoismaritime lien priority order illinoisclerk distribution motion vessel proceeds