How long does a Chicago foreclosure take?

Illinois judicial foreclosures typically take 9-18 months in Cook County. You have 30 days from service to file an Answer. The IL Mortgage Foreclosure Act requires a 90-day pre-foreclosure notice and allows homeowners to request loss mitigation review.

What is the Illinois Mortgage Foreclosure Act?

The Illinois Mortgage Foreclosure Act (IMFL) governs judicial foreclosure in Cook County. Key protections include: a 90-day grace period notice before filing, requirement for loss mitigation review, and the right to reinstate the mortgage up to 90 days after service.

Which court handles Chicago foreclosure cases?

The Cook County Circuit Court, Chancery Division handles judicial foreclosure cases. The main courthouse is the Richard J. Daley Center at 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602. Illinois is a judicial-only foreclosure state.

How long is the redemption period in Chicago Illinois?

Illinois has a 90-day redemption period after the foreclosure judgment is entered in Cook County — or 30 days if the property is abandoned. During this period you can pay the full judgment amount to keep the home. After redemption expires, the property goes to judicial sale.

What does Chicago foreclosure defense cost?

Our document preparation costs a fraction of attorney fees. You represent yourself pro se in Cook County Circuit Court. Every case starts with a free consultation. Call 323-813-4113.

Chicago Homeowners

Chicago Foreclosure Defense
Document Preparation

Facing foreclosure in Chicago? Illinois is a judicial foreclosure state under 735 ILCS 5/15. Lenders must file in Cook County Circuit Court — one of the largest unified court systems in the world. 30 days to answer. We prepare Answers, Motions, and all court-ready documents for Chicago homeowners in the Richard J. Daley Center.

Get Free Case Review Call 323-813-4113

Cook County Circuit Court

Richard J. Daley Center

30-Day Answer

735 ILCS 5/15-1504.5

Cook County Recorder

Lis Pendens research & filings

Pro Se Document Prep

You represent yourself — we prepare

Chicago Foreclosure Process

How Foreclosure Works in Chicago / Cook County

Illinois is exclusively judicial under ILCS 735 ILCS 5/15. Lenders file in Cook County Circuit Court. 30 days to answer. IL has strong consumer protections including loss mitigation requirements, a 90-day grace period for HAMP-eligible loans, and strict standing requirements. Process takes 12-18 months — substantial time to mount a defense.

IL Judicial Foreclosure Timeline

1

Lis Pendens — Cook County Recorder

Public notice recorded.

2

Summons & Complaint Served

30 calendar days to answer under 735 ILCS 5/15-1504.5.

3

File Answer at Daley Center

Motion Practice / Discovery / Settlement Conference / Trial. 12-18 month process.

30 days. File Answer at Cook County Circuit Court, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602.

IL Homeowner Protections

Loss Mitigation: 735 ILCS 5/15-1502.5 requires pre-filing loss mitigation affidavit.
90-Day Grace Period: HAMP-eligible loans get 90-day grace before foreclosure can proceed.
Standing: Lender must prove ownership. Chain-of-title issues are powerful defenses.
Redemption: Right to redeem until judicial sale confirmation (or 90 days after).

Related Resources

Illinois Guide Judicial Foreclosure Mediation Contact

Chicago FAQ

Chicago Foreclosure FAQs

Act Now — 30 Days To Answer

Facing Foreclosure in Chicago?
Get a Free Case Review Today

30 days to answer at the Daley Center. IL has strong protections — use them. Free consultation. No obligation.

Get Free Case Review 323-813-4113

Chicago Foreclosure DefenseDocument Preparation