Get Illinois 20A Form

Get Illinois 20A Form

The Illinois 20A form is a legal document used in the Circuit Court of Will County, Illinois, to notify a defendant about a pending action for forcible entry. This form requires the defendant to appear in court and outlines the consequences of failing to do so, including potential eviction. Understanding the implications of this form is crucial for anyone involved in a real estate dispute in Illinois.

To ensure you are properly informed and prepared, consider filling out the Illinois 20A form by clicking the button below.

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The Illinois 20A form plays a critical role in the legal process concerning forcible entry actions within the Circuit Court of Will County. This form serves as a notice requiring the defendant to appear in court regarding a pending action for the recovery of real estate possession. It includes essential information such as the names of the parties involved, the case number, and the specific address of the property in question. The form also outlines the requirement for the defendant to file a written appearance, either personally or through an attorney, by a designated date. Failure to comply may result in a default judgment against the defendant, which could lead to eviction by the sheriff. The document must be completed with accurate details and is issued after the requisite affidavit for notice by posting has been filed. Understanding the implications of the Illinois 20A form is crucial for both plaintiffs and defendants involved in real estate disputes, as it sets the stage for the legal proceedings that follow.

Document Breakdown

Fact Name Description
Governing Law The Illinois 20A form is governed by the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure, specifically 735 ILCS 5/9-107, which outlines the procedures for forcible entry and detainer actions.
Purpose This form serves as a notice requiring the defendant to appear in court regarding a pending action for the recovery of possession of real estate.
Service Requirements Before this notice is issued, an affidavit for notice by posting must be filed, indicating that the defendant could not be served in person.
Court Appearance The defendant is required to appear in person on a specified date and time, as determined by the court, at the Will County Court House.
Consequences of Non-Appearance If the defendant fails to appear, a judgment by default may be entered against them, potentially resulting in eviction by the sheriff.
Form Revision Date The current version of the 20A form was revised on January 13, 2020, reflecting updates to procedural requirements.

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What Is Foid - A $75 processing fee must accompany the application.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about the Illinois 20A form can lead to confusion for defendants facing eviction proceedings. Below are seven common misconceptions, along with clarifications.

  • The 20A form is optional. Many believe that completing the 20A form is not necessary. In reality, it is a required document for notifying defendants of their obligation to appear in court.
  • Receiving the 20A form means eviction is guaranteed. Some individuals think that the issuance of the 20A form automatically leads to eviction. However, this form merely serves as a notice; the court must still hear the case and make a ruling.
  • The defendant must appear in court on the specified date. It is a common assumption that attendance is mandatory. While it is highly advisable to appear, defendants may have options to file a written appearance instead.
  • Service of the 20A form guarantees the defendant will see it. Many assume that posting the 20A form ensures the defendant will receive it. This is not always the case, as the defendant may not check the location where the notice is posted.
  • The 20A form can be ignored. Some individuals believe that they can disregard the 20A form without consequences. Ignoring it can lead to a default judgment, resulting in eviction.
  • The date on the 20A form is flexible. Some think that the court appearance date can be changed at will. In fact, the date is set by the judge and must be adhered to unless a formal request for a change is made.
  • Only attorneys can file a response. There is a misconception that only legal representatives can respond to the 20A form. Defendants have the right to file their written appearance without an attorney.

Understanding these misconceptions can help defendants navigate the legal process more effectively and avoid potential pitfalls.

Example - Illinois 20A Form

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS

_______________________________________

Plaintiff

vs

CASE NO. __________________________________

 

Forcible Entry

_______________________________________

 

Defendant

 

NOTICE REQUIRING APPEARANCE IN PENDING ACTION

To the defendant:

The requisite affidavit for notice by posting having been filed, you are notified that at the instance of plaintiff _______________________________________________ in the above entitled action against you

for the recovery of the possession of real estate is now pending in the Circuit Court of Will County, Illinois that the premises, the possession of which is sought to be recovered by the plaintiff from you, are located

at __________________________________________________________________, Illinois, and are described

(Address and City)

as follows:

Summons was issued in said suit and was returned without service stating that service could not be obtained.

You are hereby required to appear in person on * _________________________________ 20 ______,

at _____ a.m./p.m., in Courtroom ________ located atWill County Court House, 14 W. Jefferson St.,

Will County Court Annex, 57 N. Ottawa St.,

Joliet, Illinois. You are further required to file your written appearance by yourself or your attorney

in the above cause.

IF YOU FAIL TO DO SO, A JUDGMENT OR DECREE BY DEFAULT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU FOR THE POSSESSION OF THE AFORESAID PREMISES AND ANY RELIEF ASKED IN THE PETITION. AFTER THE JUDGMENT IS ENTERED; THE SHERIFF MAY EVICT YOU.

WITNESS_______________________________, 20____

(Seal of Court)

_______________________________________________________

(Clerk of the Circuit Court)

Attorney or Party, if not represented by an attorney

Name _____________________________________

ARDC # ___________________________________

Firm Name _________________________________

Attorney for ________________________________

Address ____________________________________

City & Zip Code _____________________________

Telephone __________________________________

E-mail _____________________________________

*The date set for the court appearance must be a date provided by the Judge or is the date set for Trial.

PAMELA J. MCGUIRE, CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF WILL COUNTY

20A Revised (01/13)

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Illinois 20A form, it is essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Below is a list of things to do and avoid during this process.

  • Do: Read the entire form carefully before starting.
  • Do: Provide accurate information for all required fields.
  • Do: Ensure that the date for the court appearance is correctly filled in.
  • Do: Sign the form in the designated area.
  • Do: Include your contact information, including telephone and email.
  • Don't: Leave any required fields blank.
  • Don't: Use incorrect or outdated information.
  • Don't: Forget to file your written appearance as instructed.
  • Don't: Submit the form without checking for errors.
  • Don't: Ignore the consequences of failing to appear in court.

Illinois 20A: Usage Instruction

After obtaining the Illinois 20A form, it is crucial to fill it out accurately and completely. This form is a legal notice that requires your prompt attention. Follow these steps carefully to ensure proper submission.

  1. Begin by entering the name of the plaintiff in the space provided at the top of the form.
  2. Next, fill in the case number assigned to your case.
  3. In the section labeled "Defendant," write the name of the individual or entity being served.
  4. Provide the address of the premises from which possession is being sought. Include the full address and city.
  5. Indicate the date of the court appearance. This must be a date set by the Judge or the date of the trial.
  6. Specify the time of the court appearance, using either a.m. or p.m.
  7. Fill in the courtroom number where the hearing will take place.
  8. Complete the witness line with your name and the date.
  9. Sign the form where indicated, if you are not represented by an attorney.
  10. Include your name, ARDC number (if applicable), firm name (if applicable), address, city and zip code, telephone number, and email address.

Once the form is completed, review it for accuracy. Ensure all required fields are filled out. After this, the form must be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Will County. Keep a copy for your records.