Where to Get Help in Your County” – official directories, statewide assistance numbers, and a few local examples.
NOTE: Also see our county-specific resource pages in the Investor Resources section for local court information, sheriff’s contacts, and other helpful resources.
Illinois resources to include
Illinois Court Help
(833) 411-1121
Call or text for help navigating court processes, finding court forms, locating the correct court, and connecting with local resources throughout Illinois. It does not provide legal advice.
Illinois Court Help
Illinois Courts — Find Your County Court
Use the official directory to locate the circuit court and courthouse for the county where the property is located. Check with the circuit clerk for current filing procedures and forms.
Illinois Courts
+1
Official Illinois court directory
Illinois Legal Aid Online
Provides legal information and tools to help people understand legal processes, including eviction and occupancy issues. For a complicated tenant or squatter situation, property owners should also consider consulting a qualified Illinois attorney.
County-specific sheriff contacts for eviction enforcement
For an investor who already has a court order for possession, the county sheriff’s civil process division is generally the place to check for enforcement procedures. The sheriff does not replace an attorney or decide what legal action should be filed.
Here are three examples relevant to your Northern Illinois audience:
| County | Office | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Will County | Sheriff’s Civil Process Division | 815-727-8895, ext. 8019 for evictions and orders of possession. |
| DuPage County | Sheriff’s Civil Division | 630-407-2054 for evictions. |
| Cook County | Sheriff’s Civil Services | See the official website for eviction enforcement instructions and courthouse contacts. |
Will County Sheriff’s Civil Process Division
DuPage County Sheriff’s Civil Division
Cook County Sheriff’s Civil Services
For other counties, readers should use the official Illinois Courts directory to find the correct court and then follow the county sheriff’s official website for civil process instructions.
Where to Get Help in Your Illinois County
If you’re dealing with a possible eviction, an unauthorized occupant, or a squatter situation, start with the official resources for the county where the property is located.
1. Contact the local circuit court clerk. The clerk can explain local filing procedures, direct you to court forms, and tell you where to find court information. Court clerks cannot provide legal advice or tell you what legal strategy to use.
2. Contact the county sheriff’s civil process division. If you already have a court order for possession, ask about the sheriff’s current enforcement procedures, required paperwork, scheduling, and fees. Do not assume that contacting the sheriff alone is sufficient to begin an eviction.
3. For a suspected trespasser, contact the appropriate local law-enforcement agency. Explain the facts and ask how to report the situation. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. If the situation is not an emergency, use the local agency’s published non-emergency contact information.
4. Get help finding the right court or local resources. Illinois Court Help is a free statewide service. Call or text 833-411-1121, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., or visit ilcourthelp.gov. Court guides can help you navigate the court system and connect with local resources, but they do not provide legal advice.
5. Consult an Illinois real estate or landlord-tenant attorney. If you’re unsure whether an occupant is a tenant, former tenant, guest, or trespasser—or which notice or court process applies—get legal advice before taking action.
Important: Procedures, forms, fees, and enforcement requirements can change. Always verify current information directly with the appropriate court, sheriff’s office, law-enforcement agency, or attorney. Never use self-help tactics such as changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities to force someone out without confirming that the action is lawful.