Filing a judgment; out of state

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I was wondering if someone could clarify steps for filing a judgment - my rental is in Chicago; i live in Virginia.

- Tenant abandoned property in late June - lease ends at end of Sept

- We will fill unit by Sept 1, so everything has been done to mitigate losses.

- I want file a judgment for lost rent from July and August.

Is my first step to file for a judgment in Chicago via an evicrion attorney? Any idea what this might cost? Thanks!