The eviction process begins with serving a Landlord/Tenant notice. Click to view the Eviction Procedures (PDF).  Contact the Lake County Circuit Clerk’s Office (847-377-3380) to obtain the requirements for a proper service.  The Lake County Sheriff’s Office does not serve the Landlord/Tenant notice, this is served by the landlord.  After service is complete, a notarized copy of the Landlord/Tenant notice for eviction is filed with the Lake County Circuit Clerk’s Office.

Serving Eviction

Two (2) Summons (PDF) and 1 Complaint (PDF) for each person to be served are required, all documents MUST be court filed.. We accept cash, checks, money orders, or credit cards (except American Express). Call the Civil Process Team at 847-377-4400 or send an e-mail to [email protected] .  Click to view the current service fee schedule (PDF) as set by the Lake County Board. 

Please be aware serving unknown occupants is a separate service the Sheriff's Office recommends. The Sheriff’s Office requires a minimum of 2 weeks to attempt service.  Know your court date and plan time for service.

After service is attempted or completed, the affidavits of service are e-filed with the Lake County Circuit Clerk's Office.  The Deputy’s affidavit discloses if the papers were served or not.  To verify service please call 847-377-4400 or send an e-mail to [email protected] and provide the clerk with your case number.

Order of Possession

An Order of Possession gives the Sheriff the authority to return possession of the property back to the Plaintiff or Plaintiff's Attorney.

The Order of Possession is signed by a Judge. We require one certified copy, one copy, and the Eviction Request Form (PDF).  A certified copy of the Order of Possession is available the next business day.    Evictions are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis.  Fee must be paid at time of scheduling.  Please see the first column of the 'Fee Schedule'.  This payment is to schedule your date and post the red notice on the tenants abode.  If we enforce the eviction, you will be billed after a minimum of one hour.

Plaintiff Responsibility

A Deputy Sheriff will meet the Plaintiff at the address and notify the Plaintiff where to place remaining belongings.  Belongings taken out of the property must remain at the designated location for a minimum of 24 hours. It is the Plaintiff’s responsibility to be at the eviction site at the designated time with capable movers, and be prepared to open doors and change locks.  It is the Plaintiff’s responsibility to provide tarps to cover items during inclement weather.

All items must remain on the premises for 24 hours. After the 24-hour period passes, it is Plaintiff’s responsibility to dispose of the items according to the city/municipal ordinance of the eviction location. For personal property located outside the residence, it is the responsibility of the Plaintiff to inform the Deputy of the removal.

Invoices

Invoices are sent to the Plaintiff/Plaintiff’s Attorney within 1 week of the eviction. Payment is due upon receipt or legal action may occur.  Failure to pay will result in suspension of future process services by the Sheriff until the outstanding bill is paid in full.

Further Information

Contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Civil Process Team at 847-377-4400 or by e-mail at [email protected]  if you have questions.