Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Illinois
I am behind on my rent and received a Forcible Entry and Detainer Summons and says I am required to appear before the court at Madison County Illinois Courthouse. What can I expect during this procedure?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Unless you have defenses and the judge finds all the paperwork is correct and that you are behind in rent, there most likely will be a judgment entered giving the landlord an order of possession (and rent if that was part of the summons and complaint), and that could require you to be out immediately, or depending on circumstances, within up to 30 days, but that is the judge's call. Even if you ask for a trial, that could be the same day or very soon depending on the court's schedule. Once the order becomes 'firm' (meaning whatever time you're given to get out expires), the landlord will then go to the sheriff and depending on the sheriff's schedule, the sheriff will then come out and forcibly remove you, and the landlord will toss your stuff out. Time to get an attorney?