Eviction Process for dummies

[Justin Johnson]

Can someone hold my hand and walk me through the eviction process step by step? My understanding is that it is not too difficult (although I have read the nightmare stories) and can be done without a lawyer. Please give a step by step. Here is what I think I know... 1. Serve 5 day eviction notice. Proper forms and wording necessary. Must be delivered in accordance with local laws. Also have a second copy of these documents signed and notarized? Where do I find my local county laws? 2. File complaint with county. Do I need any documentation that I served a 5 day notice for this step? Is there a cost to file a complaint? 3. Sheriff serves the tenants with a court date. Will this be automatic after certain time frame following the county complaint is filed? Or do I need to contact the court to set up a date after a certain time frame? 4. Day in Court. I understand that if tenant shows up that automatically qualifies them for a grace period for another court date? Or at least gives them several days/weeks to move out? Or will a judgement be made on this day? Any additional tips and advice you can give is helpful. Thank you!

[George Skidis]

A first time eviction is not the time to learn by trial and error. Hire a competent attorney that does these on a regular basis.

The problem with giving eviction advice is that what works at the Saint Clair County courthouse is not the same as Cook County. They have their own rules that us the folks in Southern Illinois just have not been exposed to. By Southern Illinois I mean anything outside of greater Chicago and environs. Every municipality has it's quirks.

My friend Steve who has done hundreds of evictions in Madison County tried to play by Illinois rules in Saint Louis County and lost. The judge read him the riot act and made him start over. GET AN ATTORNEY!