Illinois
102 counties indexed · 19,894 est. 2025 filings
E-Filing Portal
eFileIL — Statewide E-Filing System
Doc Format
PDF (text-searchable preferred)
File Size Limit
Varies by county (typically 10–25 MB per document)
Mandatory E-Filing
Yes — Attorneys
Foreclosure Process Overview
Illinois is a 100% judicial foreclosure state governed by the Illinois Mortgage Foreclosure Law (IMFL), 735 ILCS 5/Article XV. The lender files a Complaint to Foreclose Mortgage in the Circuit Court (Chancery Division in larger counties; Civil Division in smaller counties). All parties are served and have 30 days to answer. If no answer is filed, the court enters a Judgment of Foreclosure. The property is then sold at a sheriff's sale (judicial sale) following published notice. The court must confirm the sale under 735 ILCS 5/15-1507. The redemption period is 7 months from service or 3 months from judgment (whichever is later), or 30 days from judgment if the property is abandoned. Typical timeline: 12–18 months. E-filing via eFileIL is mandatory statewide for all civil cases since July 1, 2018.
Statewide Filing Requirements
Document Standards
E-Recording Vendors
Typical Documents Filed
Illinois Mortgage Foreclosure Law (IMFL) — 100% Judicial State
Illinois is governed by the Illinois Mortgage Foreclosure Law (IMFL), 735 ILCS 5/Article XV. All foreclosures are judicial — filed in Circuit Court (Chancery Division in larger counties). E-filing via eFileIL is mandatory statewide for all civil cases (since July 1, 2018). A Verified Statement (Tier Classification) is required at filing to determine the filing fee tier.
Redemption Period
7 months from service OR 3 months from judgment (whichever is later). Abandoned property: 30 days from judgment.
Cook County
Dedicated Mortgage Foreclosure Section — Calendars 56–64. Mandatory Mediation Program (MFMP) for residential cases. Largest foreclosure docket in IL (~7,400/year).
Key Mediation Counties
Lake (19th Circuit): Mandatory 42-day stay. Will (12th Circuit): Mandatory mediation Form 115. Kane (16th Circuit): Mediation program. Winnebago (17th Circuit): Mediation program.
⚠ Best Practice: Always check the individual circuit's local rules and standing orders before filing. Cook County's 9 foreclosure calendars each have separate standing orders. Verify current judge assignments at cookcountycourtil.gov.