Chicago foreclosures go through court. The lender files in the Circuit Court of Cook County's Mortgage Foreclosure Section, and a judge must enter judgment and confirm any sale. Homeowners with a 1–4 unit primary residence in foreclosure can use the free Cook County Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program at (855) 452-2637 for counseling, legal advice, and mediation.
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Being served with foreclosure papers can make you feel like you have already lost. You have not. Illinois gives you time and a judge, and Cook County offers free help to use both well.
Illinois home foreclosures are judicial. That means the lender must sue you and win a judgment before your home can be sold. Our Illinois foreclosure help page covers statewide law. This page focuses on Cook County.
In Cook County, foreclosure cases are heard by the Chancery Division's Mortgage Foreclosure Section of the Circuit Court, based at the Richard J. Daley Center, Room 2802 (calendars 56 through 64). The section's phone number is (312) 603-3900.
Before a case is filed, federal rules usually keep the servicer from starting foreclosure until you are more than 120 days behind (12 C.F.R. §1024.41(f)).
Once you are served, Illinois Legal Aid Online says you generally have 30 days to file an appearance and a response. Filing keeps you in the case, so you get notice of hearings and a chance to be heard. If you have papers already, read what to do after being served.
Yes. As of September 2026, the Circuit Court's Chancery Division lists the Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program as active, and Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt (CCLAHD) describes it on its site.
Partners include Legal Aid Chicago, CARPLS Legal Aid, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, and other local legal aid groups. The court can also refer your case to mediation. If you are behind but not yet sued, CCLAHD can still help you look at options.
The judgment names who runs the sale, called the selling officer. In Cook County, that may be the Cook County Sheriff or a private company.
Illinois requires the notice of sale to be published for at least three weeks in a row, between 45 and 7 days before the sale, according to Illinois Legal Aid Online. A sale is not final until a judge confirms it at a later hearing.
Once your case is public, you may get "rescue" offers. Do not pay upfront fees or sign over your deed. See foreclosure scams to avoid.
Legal Aid Chicago serves Chicago and suburban Cook County and lists "foreclosure defense and other protections for homeowners" among its services. Apply at 312-341-1070 on weekdays starting at 8 a.m., or online through Illinois Legal Aid Online.
HUD's list shows many Chicago agencies offering mortgage delinquency and default resolution counseling, including:
You can also call HUD at 1-800-569-4287. A counselor can help you prepare a complete loss mitigation application.
| Step | Typical timing | Rule or source |
|---|---|---|
| Missed payments | Case usually cannot be filed until 120+ days behind | 12 C.F.R. §1024.41(f) |
| Served with summons | Generally 30 days to file an appearance and response | Illinois Legal Aid Online |
| Reinstatement right | Within 90 days after service | 735 ILCS 5/15-1602 |
| Mediation | Any time after you are sued; call early | Cook County MFMP |
| Redemption period ends | Later of 7 months after service or 3 months after judgment | 735 ILCS 5/15-1603 |
| Notice of sale published | 3 weeks in a row, 45 to 7 days before sale | Illinois Legal Aid Online |
| Sale, then confirmation hearing | Judge must approve the sale | 735 ILCS 5/15-1508 |
| Possession | Buyer generally entitled 30 days after confirmation | Illinois Legal Aid Online |
The court process takes months, and often more than a year. That time is valuable. Use it to apply for help rather than waiting for the sale notice.
Sources (checked 2026-09-26):
Call the Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program helpline at (855) 452-2637, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or request an appointment online. It serves Cook County owners of 1–4 unit homes that are their primary residence and are in foreclosure. The program is free.
It depends on the selling officer named in the judgment. Cook County Sheriff's sales are held weekdays at 1 p.m. at the Daley Center, Lower Level, outside Room 06. Private selling officers such as The Judicial Sales Corporation hold sales at their own offices, listed in the notice of sale.
Usually many months and often more than a year. The redemption period alone lasts until the later of 7 months after service or 3 months after judgment, and the sale must then be published and confirmed by a judge.
Foreclosure cases are handled by the Chancery Division's Mortgage Foreclosure Section at the Richard J. Daley Center, Room 2802. The section's phone number is (312) 603-3900.
Illinois Legal Aid Online says the buyer is generally entitled to possession 30 days after the judge confirms the sale. After that, the sheriff can carry out an eviction.
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