Home › Landlords › Illinois › Will County

Will County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything Illinois landlords need to file a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) in Will County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.

$236
Filing fee
3–5 weeks
Hearing wait
4–8 weeks
Total process
E-File ✓
Filing method

🏛️ Will County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Will County — What Landlords Should Know

Will County follows standard Illinois FED procedures.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Will County?

Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Will County eviction attorney — free consultation.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Will County

1

Serve the Required Notice

Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 5-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 10-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Illinois law.

2

File Your Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) at Will County Courthouse

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Will County Courthouse (14 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60432). The filing fee is $236. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service. Online filing is also available.

3

Serve the Summons on the Tenant

After filing, the court issues a summons. In Will County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $60. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in Will County are typically scheduled 3–5 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.

5

Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Illinois Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Illinois.

Will County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $236 Paid to Will County Clerk of Court
Summons Service $60 Sheriff or process server fee
Writ of Possession ~$51–$60 Sheriff enforcement after judgment
Attorney (optional) $750–$3000 Recommended for contested cases

Frequently Asked Questions — Will County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Will County?

The typical Will County eviction takes 4–8 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Will County has stronger tenant protections that can extend the timeline.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Will County?

The court filing fee in Will County is $236. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($60), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$51–$60), and attorney fees if represented ($750–$3000). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $347–$356.

What court handles evictions in Will County?

Evictions in Will County are filed at the Will County Courthouse, located at 14 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60432. The case type is filed as a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED).

Can I file an eviction online in Will County?

Yes, Will County accepts electronic filing for eviction cases. You can file the complaint and pay fees online, though in-person service of process is still typically required.

Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Will County?

Illinois law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.

What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Will County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Will County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Illinois.

See full Illinois eviction laws and notice requirements.

Illinois Eviction Guide for Landlords →

Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Illinois.

Illinois Eviction Notice Templates →

Is your tenant facing eviction in Will County? See their rights.

Tenant Rights in Will County →

Relevant Illinois Statutes