Was I served correctly in Illinois?
Illinois substituted-service requires leaving copies with a family member ≥13 AND mailing — note the unusually low 13-year-old threshold for the recipient (most states require ≥18). Sheriff service is the default outside Cook County.
Service methods
Personal service
AllowedIn-hand delivery. The default method under 735 ILCS 5/2-203(a)(1).
Substituted service
AllowedUnder 735 ILCS 5/2-203(a)(2): leave a copy at the defendant's usual place of abode with a family member ≥13, AND send a copy by mail to the same address. Both steps required.
Service by mail
Not allowedMail service alone is generally not authorized in Illinois. Used only as the second step of substituted abode service.
Service by publication
AllowedUnder 735 ILCS 5/2-206 by court order after diligent inquiry. Newspaper publication once a week for three consecutive weeks.
Electronic service (email/text)
Not allowedInitial process cannot be served by email in Illinois. After appearance, e-service of subsequent papers is allowed under Supreme Court Rule 11.
Who can serve?
Sheriff is the default. Private detectives or court-appointed special process servers may serve in counties with populations over 2 million (Cook County), or by court order elsewhere.
Response deadlines
- If you live in-state
- 30 days
- Proof of service required?
- Yes