Eviction papers in Illinois: free help

Your deadline

Go to court (in person, or by phone or video if your summons allows) on the date and time printed in item 3 of your Eviction Summons. You do not have to file an Answer unless the judge orders it. You may have to file an Appearance; filing one is how you tell the court in writing that you are taking part. If you file an Eviction Answer, file it on or before that court date.

If you do not answer or appear

If you do not go to court on the date in your summons, the judge can decide the case without hearing from you and order you to move, sometimes within a very short time.

Source: Eviction Summons E-S 3507.3 (05/23), page 1 and page 4 ('IF YOU DO NOT GO TO COURT')

Cost to answer

There can be a fee to file an Appearance and an Eviction Answer, and a jury request can cost more. The amount depends on the county; ask the Circuit Clerk. If you cannot afford it, file an Application for Waiver of Court Fees (form ATJ 601.9).

Source: How to Respond to an Eviction Complaint, ATJ 4801.4 (05/25); Eviction Summons E-S 3507.3 (05/23), YOU HAVE RIGHTS item 4; 705 ILCS 105/27.1b(b)

What your papers are called

Eviction Summons (form E-S 3507.3), with the landlord's Eviction Complaint (often form E-C 3502.3) and a Court-Based Rental Assistance notice in English and Spanish attached. Circuit Court of the county where the rental is (eviction case).

Free help

• The court's answer formAppearance (Civil) (ATJ 503.11)
• Free online interview from the courtIllinois Legal Aid Online: Respond to an eviction (Easy Form)
• The court's eviction self-help pageIllinois Courts: Eviction Forms and help (Illinois Supreme Court)
• Free legal helpEviction Help Illinois (outside Cook County) · 855-631-0811Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt, Early Resolution Program (Cook County, including Chicago) · (855) 956-5763Illinois Legal Aid Online: Get Legal Help
• Free lawyer programs for tenantsChicago: City of Chicago Right to Counsel Program (Department of Housing), with the Cook County Early Resolution ProgramWho qualifies: Tenants who live within the City of Chicago, have received an eviction notice, court summons or threat of eviction, and have household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. The city: 'Right to Counsel services are completely free for qualifying tenants.' Get connected in court (ask the judge or clerk for the Early Resolution Program) or by calling 855.956.5763.
• Help in SpanishAviso del Programa de Asistencia para Renta Basado en la Corte (English and Spanish notice attached to every eviction summons)Ayuda Legal para viviendas y deudas del Condado de Cook (CCLAHD), en español