What Happens After You File an Eviction Case in an Illinois Court?

 Posted on February 20, 2026 in Civil law

When an eviction case is filed in an Illinois court, the case moves through several legal steps before the tenant can be required to leave. Filing the complaint does not remove the tenant right away. Illinois law requires landlords to follow specific legal steps before the tenant can be required to leave.

As of 2026, eviction cases in Illinois must follow strict court procedures, and our Naperville, IL landlord eviction lawyer helps property owners complete each step properly and protect their rights.

What Happens After You File the Eviction Complaint in Illinois?

Once you file the eviction complaint, the court opens a case and assigns a court date. This is the first hearing where the judge reviews the case.

Under 735 ILCS 5/9-106, eviction cases must be filed in the circuit court where the property is located. For example, eviction cases involving property in Naperville are usually handled at the DuPage County Courthouse.

The court also issues a summons. This document tells the tenant that a case has been filed and gives the date they must appear in court. Filing the complaint officially starts the eviction process.

How Is the Tenant Notified About the Eviction Case in Illinois?

The tenant must receive legal notice of the eviction case. This is called service of process. The summons and complaint must be delivered by the sheriff or an authorized process server, and the tenant must receive these documents before the court can move forward.

Under 735 ILCS 5/9-107, proper service is required for the court to have authority over the tenant. If the tenant is not properly served, the case may be delayed or dismissed. This step ensures the tenant has a fair chance to respond.

What Happens at the First Court Hearing for an Eviction in Illinois?

The first hearing is when the judge reviews the case. Both the landlord and tenant have the opportunity to appear and explain their side.

At this hearing, the judge may:

• Confirm that the tenant received proper notice.
• Review the eviction complaint.
• Allow the tenant to respond.
• Schedule a trial if the case is disputed.

If the tenant disputes the eviction, the court may schedule another hearing.

What Happens After the Court Grants an Eviction Order?

If the landlord wins, the court issues an order for possession. This order gives the landlord the legal right to take back the property. The tenant is usually given a short period to move out voluntarily. The exact time depends on the judge’s order. If the tenant does not leave, the sheriff can enforce the eviction.

Only the sheriff has the authority to remove the tenant. Landlords cannot remove tenants themselves, change locks, or force them out.

What Can You Do if the Tenant Does Not Show Up to Court for an Eviction?

If the tenant does not appear at the hearing, you can ask the judge for a default judgment. This means the court may grant the eviction because the tenant did not respond or appear. The judge will still review your case to make sure you followed the law. If the court finds everything was done properly, it may issue an order for possession.

Even after a default judgment, the tenant is not removed immediately. The sheriff must carry out the eviction if the tenant does not leave on their own. Following the correct legal steps helps ensure the eviction can be enforced while preventing delays.

How Long Does the Eviction Process Take in Illinois?

The eviction timeline depends on the specific case. Some evictions move quickly if the tenant does not respond. Others take longer if the tenant contests the eviction.

Delays may happen if the tenant was not properly served or if additional hearings are needed. Court schedules can also affect how long the process takes.

Following the required legal procedures helps avoid delays and ensures the eviction is completed properly.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our DuPage County, IL Landlord Eviction Attorney

At Appelman Law LLC, our team helps property owners navigate the eviction process and comply with Illinois law. Call 630-717-7801 to schedule a free consultation with a Naperville, IL landlord eviction lawyer and learn how to protect your property rights.