735 ILCS 5/ Code of Civil Procedure.

(735 ILCS 5/13-203) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-203)

Sec. 13-203. Loss of consortium - Injury to person. Actions for damages for loss of consortium or other actions, including actions for the medical expenses of minors or persons under legal disability, deriving from injury to the person of another, except damages resulting from first degree murder or the commission of a Class X felony, shall be commenced within the same period of time as actions for damages for injury to such other person. Where the time in which the cause of action of the injured person whose injuries give rise to the cause of action brought under this Section is tolled or otherwise extended by any other Section of this Act, including Sections 13-211, 13-212 and 13-215, the time in which the cause of action must be brought under this Section is also tolled or extended to coincide with the period of time in which the injured person must commence his or her cause of action.

(Source: P.A. 88-22.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-203.1) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-203.1)

Sec. 13-203.1. Loss of means of support or parental relationships. Actions for damages for loss of means of support or loss of parental or in loco parentis relationships sustained by a minor resulting from an injury described in Section 13-214.1 may be commenced no later than 10 years after the person who inflicted such injury has completed his sentence therefor.

(Source: P.A. 84-1043.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-204) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-204)

Sec. 13-204. Contribution and indemnity.

(a) In instances where no underlying action seeking recovery for injury to or death of a person or injury or damage to property has been filed by a claimant, no action for contribution or indemnity may be commenced with respect to any payment made to that claimant more than 2 years after the party seeking contribution or indemnity has made the payment in discharge of his or her liability to the claimant.

(b) In instances where an underlying action has been filed by a claimant, no action for contribution or indemnity may be commenced more than 2 years after the party seeking contribution or indemnity has been served with process in the underlying action or more than 2 years from the time the party, or his or her privy, knew or should reasonably have known of an act or omission giving rise to the action for contribution or indemnity, whichever period expires later.

(c) The applicable limitations period contained in subsection (a) or (b) shall apply to all actions for contribution or indemnity and shall preempt, as to contribution and indemnity actions only, all other statutes of limitation or repose, but only to the extent that the claimant in an underlying action could have timely sued the party from whom contribution or indemnity is sought at the time such claimant filed the underlying action, or in instances where no underlying action has been filed, the payment in discharge of the obligation of the party seeking contribution or indemnity is made before any such underlying action would have been barred by lapse of time.

(d) The provisions of this Section, as amended by Public Act 88-538, shall be applied retroactively when substantively applicable, including all pending actions without regard to when the cause of action accrued; provided, however, that this amendatory Act of 1994 shall not operate to affect statutory limitations or repose rights of any party which have fully vested prior to its effective date.

(e) The provisions of this Section shall not apply to any action for damages in which contribution or indemnification is sought from a party who is alleged to have been negligent and whose negligence has been alleged to have resulted in injuries or death by reason of medical or other healing art malpractice.

(Source: P.A. 88-538; 89-626, eff. 8-9-96.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-205) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-205)

Sec. 13-205. Five year limitation. Except as provided in Section 2-725 of the "Uniform Commercial Code", approved July 31, 1961, as amended, and Section 11-13 of "The Illinois Public Aid Code", approved April 11, 1967, as amended, actions on unwritten contracts, expressed or implied, or on awards of arbitration, or to recover damages for an injury done to property, real or personal, or to recover the possession of personal property or damages for the detention or conversion thereof, and all civil actions not otherwise provided for, shall be commenced within 5 years next after the cause of action accrued.

(Source: P.A. 82-280.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-206) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-206)

Sec. 13-206. Ten year limitation. Except as provided in Section 2-725 of the "Uniform Commercial Code", actions on bonds, promissory notes, bills of exchange, written leases, written contracts, or other evidences of indebtedness in writing and actions brought under the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act shall be commenced within 10 years next after the cause of action accrued; but if any payment or new promise to pay has been made, in writing, on any bond, note, bill, lease, contract, or other written evidence of indebtedness, within or after the period of 10 years, then an action may be commenced thereon at any time within 10 years after the time of such payment or promise to pay. For purposes of this Section, with regard to promissory notes dated on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1997, a cause of action on a promissory note payable at a definite date accrues on the due date or date stated in the promissory note or the date upon which the promissory note is accelerated. With respect to a demand promissory note dated on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1997, if a demand for payment is made to the maker of the demand promissory note, an action to enforce the obligation of a party to pay the demand promissory note must be commenced within 10 years after the demand. An action to enforce a demand promissory note is barred if neither principal nor interest on the demand promissory note has been paid for a continuous period of 10 years and no demand for payment has been made to the maker during that period.

(Source: P.A. 95-209, eff. 8-16-07.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-207) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-207)

Sec. 13-207. Counterclaim or set-off. A defendant may plead a set-off or counterclaim barred by the statute of limitation or the statute of repose, while held and owned by him or her, to any action, the cause of which was owned by the plaintiff or person under whom he or she claims, before such set-off or counterclaim was so barred, and not otherwise. This section shall not affect the right of a bona fide assignee of a negotiable instrument assigned before due. The changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly apply to claims initiated on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly and to claims intentionally filed to preclude a defendant a reasonable opportunity to file a counterclaim within the original limitation period.

(Source: P.A. 102-908, eff. 5-27-22.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-208) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-208)

Sec. 13-208. Absence from State. (a) If, when the cause of action accrues against a person, he or she is out of the state, the action may be commenced within the times herein limited, after his or her coming into or return to the state; and if, after the cause of action accrues, he or she departs from and resides out of the state, the time of his or her absence is no part of the time limited for the commencement of the action.

(b) For purposes of subsection (a) of this Section no person shall be considered to be out of the State or to have departed from the State or to reside outside of the State during any period when he or she is subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of this State with respect to that cause of action pursuant to Sections 2-208 and 2-209 of this Act, Section 10-301 of "The Illinois Vehicle Code", Section 5.25 of the "Business Corporation Act of 1983", or any other statute authorizing service of process which would subject that person to the jurisdiction of the courts of this State. If a person files an action in a court of this State and attempts to secure service of process upon a defendant pursuant to a statute referred to in the preceding sentence, but does not obtain service of process upon such defendant, such defendant shall not be considered to be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of this State at the time such action was filed, for purposes of the preceding sentence of this section. This subsection (b) of Section 13-208 of this Act shall apply only to actions commenced after October 1, 1973.

(Source: P.A. 83-1362.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-209) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-209)

Sec. 13-209. Death of party.

(a) If a person entitled to bring an action dies before the expiration of the time limited for the commencement thereof, and the cause of action survives:

(1) an action may be commenced by his or her representative before the expiration of that time, or within one year from his or her death whichever date is the later;

(2) if no petition for letters of office for the decedent's estate has been filed, the court may appoint a special representative for the deceased for the purpose of prosecuting the action. The appointment shall be on verified motion of any party who appears entitled to participate in the deceased's estate, reciting the names and last known addresses of all known heirs and the legatees and executor named in any will that has been filed. The court's determination that a person appears entitled to participate in the deceased's estate shall be solely for purposes of this Section and not determinative of rights in final disposition. Within 90 days after appointment, the special representative shall notify the heirs and legatees of the following information by mail: that an appointment has been made, the court in which the case was filed, the caption of the case, and a description of the nature of the case. The special representative shall publish notice to unknown heirs and legatees as provided in the Probate Act of 1975. If a will is filed within 90 days after the appointment of the special representative, the same notice shall be given to any additional executors and legatees named in the will. At any time that an estate is opened with a representative other than the special representative, the court may upon motion substitute the representative for the special representative. In this case, the court shall allow disbursements and fees of the special representative and his or her attorney as a claim against any proceeds received. The proceeds of any judgment or settlement shall be distributed under the provisions of the Probate Act of 1975.

(b) If a person against whom an action may be brought dies before the expiration of the time limited for the commencement thereof, and the cause of action survives, and is not otherwise barred:

(1) an action may be commenced against his or her personal representative after the expiration of the time limited for the commencement of the action, and within 6 months after the person's death;

(2) if no petition has been filed for letters of office for the deceased's estate, the court, upon the motion of a person entitled to bring an action and after the notice to the party's heirs or legatees as the court directs and without opening an estate, may appoint a special representative for the deceased party for the purposes of defending the action. If a party elects to have a special representative appointed under this paragraph (2), the recovery shall be limited to the proceeds of any liability insurance protecting the estate and shall not bar the estate from enforcing any claims that might have been available to it as counterclaims.

(c) If a party commences an action against a deceased person whose death is unknown to the party before the expiration of the time limited for the commencement thereof, and the cause of action survives, and is not otherwise barred, the action may be commenced against the deceased person's personal representative if all of the following terms and conditions are met:

(1) After learning of the death, the party proceeds with reasonable diligence to move the court for leave to file an amended complaint, substituting the personal representative as defendant.

(2) The party proceeds with reasonable diligence to serve process upon the personal representative.

(3) If process is served more than 6 months after the issuance of letters of office, liability of the estate is limited as to recovery to the extent the estate is protected by liability insurance.

(4) In no event can a party commence an action under this subsection (c) unless a personal representative is appointed and an amended complaint is filed within 2 years of the time limited for the commencement of the original action.

(Source: P.A. 90-111, eff. 7-14-97.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-210) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-210)

Sec. 13-210. Foreign limitation. When a cause of action has arisen in a state or territory out of this State, or in a foreign country, and, by the laws thereof, an action thereon cannot be maintained by reason of the lapse of time, an action thereon shall not be maintained in this State.

(Source: P.A. 83-707.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-211) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-211)

Sec. 13-211. Minors and persons under legal disability.

(a) If the person entitled to bring an action, specified in Sections 13-201 through 13-210 of this Code, at the time the cause of action accrued, is under the age of 18 years or is under a legal disability, then he or she may bring the action within 2 years after the person attains the age of 18 years, or the disability is removed.

(b) If the person entitled to bring an action specified under Sections 13-201 through 13-210 of this Code is not under a legal disability at the time the cause of action accrues, but becomes under a legal disability before the period of limitations otherwise runs, the period of limitations is stayed until the disability is removed. This subsection (b) does not invalidate any statute of repose provisions contained in Sections 13-201, 13-202, 13-202.1, 13-202.2, 13-202.3, 13-203, 13-203.1, 13-204, 13-207, 13-208, 13-209, and 13-210 of this Code. In no event shall the period of limitations for a cause of action under Section 13-205 or 13-206 of this Code be stayed in excess of 10 years from the date of the adjudication of legal disability. This subsection (b) applies to actions commenced or pending on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly.

(Source: P.A. 98-1077, eff. 1-1-15.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-212) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-212)

Sec. 13-212. Physician or hospital.

(a) Except as provided in Section 13-215 or 13-215.1 of this Act, no action for damages for injury or death against any physician, dentist, registered nurse or hospital duly licensed under the laws of this State, whether based upon tort, or breach of contract, or otherwise, arising out of patient care shall be brought more than 2 years after the date on which the claimant knew, or through the use of reasonable diligence should have known, or received notice in writing of the existence of the injury or death for which damages are sought in the action, whichever of such date occurs first, but in no event shall such action be brought more than 4 years after the date on which occurred the act or omission or occurrence alleged in such action to have been the cause of such injury or death.

(b) Except as provided in Section 13-215 or 13-215.1 of this Act, no action for damages for injury or death against any physician, dentist, registered nurse or hospital duly licensed under the laws of this State, whether based upon tort, or breach of contract, or otherwise, arising out of patient care shall be brought more than 8 years after the date on which occurred the act or omission or occurrence alleged in such action to have been the cause of such injury or death where the person entitled to bring the action was, at the time the cause of action accrued, under the age of 18 years; provided, however, that in no event may the cause of action be brought after the person's 22nd birthday. If the person was under the age of 18 years when the cause of action accrued and, as a result of this amendatory Act of 1987, the action is either barred or there remains less than 3 years to bring such action, then he or she may bring the action within 3 years of July 20, 1987.

(c) If the person entitled to bring an action described in this Section is, at the time the cause of action accrued, under a legal disability other than being under the age of 18 years, then the period of limitations does not begin to run until the disability is removed.

(d) If the person entitled to bring an action described in this Section is not under a legal disability at the time the cause of action accrues, but becomes under a legal disability before the period of limitations otherwise runs, the period of limitations is stayed until the disability is removed. This subsection (d) does not invalidate any statute of repose provisions contained in this Section. This subsection (d) applies to actions commenced or pending on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly.

(Source: P.A. 103-478, eff. 1-1-24.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-213) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-213)

(Text of Section WITH the changes made by P.A. 89-7, which has been held unconstitutional)

Sec. 13-213. Product liability; statute of repose.

(a) As used in this Section, the term:

(1) "Alteration, modification or change" or "altered, modified, or changed" means an alteration, modification or change that was made in the original makeup characteristics, function or design of a product or in the original recommendations, instructions and warnings given with respect to a product including the failure properly to maintain and care for a product.

(2) "Product" means any tangible object or goods distributed in commerce, including any service provided in connection with the product. Where the term "product unit" is used, it refers to a single item or unit of a product.

(3) "Product liability action" means any action based on any theory or doctrine brought against the seller of a product on account of personal injury, (including illness, disease, disability and death) or property, economic or other damage allegedly caused by or resulting from the manufacture, construction, preparation, assembly, installation, testing, makeup, characteristics, functions, design, formula, plan, recommendation, specification, prescription, advertising, sale, marketing, packaging, labeling, repair, maintenance or disposal of, or warning or instruction regarding any product. This definition excludes actions brought by State or federal regulatory agencies pursuant to statute.

(4) "Seller" means one who, in the course of a business conducted for the purpose, sells, distributes, leases, assembles, installs, produces, manufactures, fabricates, prepares, constructs, packages, labels, markets, repairs, maintains, or otherwise is involved in placing a product in the stream of commerce.

(b) Subject to the provisions of subsections (c) and (d) no product liability action based on any theory or doctrine shall be commenced except within the applicable limitations period and, in any event, within 12 years from the date of first sale, lease or delivery of possession by a seller or 10 years from the date of first sale, lease or delivery of possession to its initial user, consumer, or other non-seller, whichever period expires earlier, of any product unit that is claimed to have injured or damaged the plaintiff, unless the defendant expressly has warranted or promised the product for a longer period and the action is brought within that period.

(c) No product liability action based on any theory or doctrine to recover for injury or damage claimed to have resulted from an alteration, modification or change of the product unit subsequent to the date of first sale, lease or delivery of possession of the product unit to its initial user, consumer or other non-seller shall be limited or barred by subsection (b) hereof if:

(1) the action is brought against a seller making, authorizing, or furnishing materials for the accomplishment of such alteration, modification or change (or against a seller furnishing specifications or instructions for the accomplishment of such alteration, modification or change when the injury is claimed to have resulted from failure to provide adequate specifications or instructions), and

(2) the action commenced within the applicable limitation period and, in any event, within 10 years from the date such alteration, modification or change was made, unless defendant expressly has warranted or promised the product for a longer period and the action is brought within that period, and

(3) when the injury or damage is claimed to have resulted from an alteration, modification or change of a product unit, there is proof that such alteration, modification or change had the effect of introducing into the use of the product unit, by reason of defective materials or workmanship, a hazard not existing prior to such alteration, modification or change.

(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b) and paragraph (2) of subsection (c) if the injury complained of occurs within any of the periods provided by subsection (b) and paragraph (2) of subsection (c), the plaintiff may bring an action within 2 years after the date on which the claimant knew, or through the use of reasonable diligence should have known, of the existence of the personal injury, death or property damage, but in no event shall such action be brought more than 8 years after the date on which such personal injury, death or property damage occurred. In any such case, if the person entitled to bring the action was, at the time the personal injury, death or property damage occurred, under the age of 18 years, or under a legal disability, then the period of limitations does not begin to run until the person attains the age of 18 years, or the disability is removed.

(e) Replacement of a component part of a product unit with a substitute part having the same formula or design as the original part shall not be deemed a sale, lease or delivery of possession or an alteration, modification or change for the purpose of permitting commencement of a product liability action based on any theory or doctrine to recover for injury or damage claimed to have resulted from the formula or design of such product unit or of the substitute part when such action would otherwise be barred according to the provisions of subsection (b) of this Section.

(f) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to create a cause of action or to affect the right of any person to seek and obtain indemnity or contribution.

(g) The provisions of this Section 13-213 of this Act apply to any cause of action accruing on or after January 1, 1979, involving any product which was in or entered the stream of commerce prior to, on, or after January 1, 1979.

(h) This amendatory Act of 1995 applies to causes of action accruing on or after its effective date.

(Source: P.A. 89-7, eff. 3-9-95.)

(Text of Section WITHOUT the changes made by P.A. 89-7, which has been held unconstitutional)

Sec. 13-213. Product liability.

(a) As used in this Section, the term:

(1) "Alteration, modification or change" or "altered, modified, or changed" means an alteration, modification or change that was made in the original makeup characteristics, function or design of a product or in the original recommendations, instructions and warnings given with respect to a product including the failure properly to maintain and care for a product.

(2) "Product" means any tangible object or goods distributed in commerce, including any service provided in connection with the product. Where the term "product unit" is used, it refers to a single item or unit of a product.

(3) "Product liability action" means any action based on the doctrine of strict liability in tort brought against the seller of a product on account of personal injury, (including illness, disease, disability and death) or property, economic or other damage allegedly caused by or resulting from the manufacture, construction, preparation, assembly, installation, testing, makeup, characteristics, functions, design, formula, plan, recommendation, specification, prescription, advertising, sale, marketing, packaging, labeling, repair, maintenance or disposal of, or warning or instruction regarding any product. This definition excludes actions brought by State or federal regulatory agencies pursuant to statute.

(4) "Seller" means one who, in the course of a business conducted for the purpose, sells, distributes, leases, assembles, installs, produces, manufactures, fabricates, prepares, constructs, packages, labels, markets, repairs, maintains, or otherwise is involved in placing a product in the stream of commerce.

(b) Subject to the provisions of subsections (c) and (d) no product liability action based on the doctrine of strict liability in tort shall be commenced except within the applicable limitations period and, in any event, within 12 years from the date of first sale, lease or delivery of possession by a seller or 10 years from the date of first sale, lease or delivery of possession to its initial user, consumer, or other non-seller, whichever period expires earlier, of any product unit that is claimed to have injured or damaged the plaintiff, unless the defendant expressly has warranted or promised the product for a longer period and the action is brought within that period.

(c) No product liability action based on the doctrine of strict liability in tort to recover for injury or damage claimed to have resulted from an alteration, modification or change of the product unit subsequent to the date of first sale, lease or delivery of possession of the product unit to its initial user, consumer or other non-seller shall be limited or barred by subsection (b) hereof if:

(1) the action is brought against a seller making, authorizing, or furnishing materials for the accomplishment of such alteration, modification or change (or against a seller furnishing specifications or instructions for the accomplishment of such alteration, modification or change when the injury is claimed to have resulted from failure to provide adequate specifications or instructions), and

(2) the action commenced within the applicable limitation period and, in any event, within 10 years from the date such alteration, modification or change was made, unless defendant expressly has warranted or promised the product for a longer period and the action is brought within that period, and

(3) when the injury or damage is claimed to have resulted from an alteration, modification or change of a product unit, there is proof that such alteration, modification or change had the effect of introducing into the use of the product unit, by reason of defective materials or workmanship, a hazard not existing prior to such alteration, modification or change.

(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b) and paragraph (2) of subsection (c) if the injury complained of occurs within any of the periods provided by subsection (b) and paragraph (2) of subsection (c), the plaintiff may bring an action within 2 years after the date on which the claimant knew, or through the use of reasonable diligence should have known, of the existence of the personal injury, death or property damage, but in no event shall such action be brought more than 8 years after the date on which such personal injury, death or property damage occurred. In any such case, if the person entitled to bring the action was, at the time the personal injury, death or property damage occurred, under the age of 18 years, or under a legal disability, then the period of limitations does not begin to run until the person attains the age of 18 years, or the disability is removed.

(e) Replacement of a component part of a product unit with a substitute part having the same formula or design as the original part shall not be deemed a sale, lease or delivery of possession or an alteration, modification or change for the purpose of permitting commencement of a product liability action based on the doctrine of strict liability in tort to recover for injury or damage claimed to have resulted from the formula or design of such product unit or of the substitute part when such action would otherwise be barred according to the provisions of subsection (b) of this Section.

(f) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to create a cause of action or to affect the right of any person to seek and obtain indemnity or contribution.

(g) The provisions of this Section 13-213 of this Act apply to any cause of action accruing on or after January 1, 1979, involving any product which was in or entered the stream of commerce prior to, on, or after January 1, 1979.

(Source: P.A. 85-907; 86-1329.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-214) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-214)

Sec. 13-214. Construction; design management and supervision. As used in this Section, "person" means any individual, any business or legal entity, or any body politic.

(a) Actions based upon tort, contract or otherwise against any person for an act or omission of such person in the design, planning, supervision, observation or management of construction, or construction of an improvement to real property shall be commenced within 4 years from the time the person bringing an action, or his or her privity, knew or should reasonably have known of such act or omission. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, contract actions against a surety on a payment or performance bond shall be commenced, if at all, within the same time limitation applicable to the bond principal.

(b) No action based upon tort, contract or otherwise may be brought against any person for an act or omission of such person in the design, planning, supervision, observation or management of construction, or construction of an improvement to real property after 10 years have elapsed from the time of such act or omission. However, any person who discovers such act or omission prior to expiration of 10 years from the time of such act or omission shall in no event have less than 4 years to bring an action as provided in subsection (a) of this Section. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, contract actions against a surety on a payment or performance bond shall be commenced, if at all, within the same time limitation applicable to the bond principal.

(c) If a person otherwise entitled to bring an action could not have brought such action within the limitation periods herein solely because such person was under the age of 18 years, or a person with a developmental disability or a person with mental illness, then the limitation periods herein shall not begin to run until the person attains the age of 18 years, or the disability is removed.

(d) Subsection (b) shall not prohibit any action against a defendant who has expressly warranted or promised the improvement to real property for a longer period from being brought within that period.

(e) The limitations of this Section shall not apply to causes of action arising out of fraudulent misrepresentations or to fraudulent concealment of causes of action.

(f) Subsection (b) does not apply to an action that is based on personal injury, disability, disease, or death resulting from the discharge into the environment of asbestos.

(Source: P.A. 100-201, eff. 8-18-17.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-214.1) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-214.1)

Sec. 13-214.1. Action for damages involving criminal acts.

(a) Actions for damages for an injury described in Section 13-202 or Section 13-203 arising out of first degree murder or the commission of a Class X felony by the person against whom the action is brought may be commenced no later than 10 years after the person who inflicted such injury has completed his or her sentence therefor.

(b) For an action for damages arising out of: theft of property exceeding $100,000 in value under Section 16-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012; identity theft under subsection (a) of Section 16-30 of the Criminal Code of 2012; aggravated identity theft under subsection (b) of Section 16-30 of the Criminal Code of 2012; financial exploitation of an elderly person or a person with a disability under Section 17-56 of the Criminal Code of 2012; or any offense set forth in Article 16H or Section 17-10.6 of the Criminal Code of 2012, the action may be commenced within 10 years of the last act committed in furtherance of the crime. However, if any other provision of law provides for a longer limitation period, then the longer limitation period applies.

(Source: P.A. 101-136, eff. 7-26-19.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-214.2) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-214.2)

Sec. 13-214.2. (a) Actions based upon tort, contract or otherwise against any person, partnership or corporation registered pursuant to the Illinois Public Accounting Act, as amended, or any of its employees, partners, members, officers or shareholders, for an act or omission in the performance of professional services shall be commenced within 2 years from the time the person bringing an action knew or should reasonably have known of such act or omission.

(b) In no event shall such action be brought more than 5 years after the date on which occurred the act or omission alleged in such action to have been the cause of the injury to the person bringing such action against a public accountant. Provided, however, that in the event that an income tax assessment is made or criminal prosecution is brought against a person, that person may bring an action against the public accountant who prepared the tax return within two years from the date of the assessment or conclusion of the prosecution.

(c) If a person entitled to bring the action is, at the time the cause of action accrues, under the age of 18, or under a legal disability, the period of limitations shall not begin to run until the disability is removed.

(d) This Section shall apply to all causes of action which accrue on or after its effective date.

(Source: P.A. 85-655; 86-1329.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-214.3) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-214.3)

Sec. 13-214.3. Attorneys.

(a) In this Section: "attorney" includes (i) an individual attorney, together with his or her employees who are attorneys, (ii) a professional partnership of attorneys, together with its employees, partners, and members who are attorneys, and (iii) a professional service corporation of attorneys, together with its employees, officers, and shareholders who are attorneys; and "non-attorney employee" means a person who is not an attorney but is employed by an attorney.

(b) An action for damages based on tort, contract, or otherwise (i) against an attorney arising out of an act or omission in the performance of professional services or (ii) against a non-attorney employee arising out of an act or omission in the course of his or her employment by an attorney to assist the attorney in performing professional services must be commenced within 2 years from the time the person bringing the action knew or reasonably should have known of the injury for which damages are sought.

(c) Except as provided in subsection (d), an action described in subsection (b) may not be commenced in any event more than 6 years after the date on which the act or omission occurred.

(d) When the injury caused by the act or omission does not occur until the death of the person for whom the professional services were rendered, the action may be commenced within 2 years after the date of the person's death unless letters of office are issued or the person's will is admitted to probate within that 2 year period, in which case the action must be commenced within the time for filing claims against the estate or a petition contesting the validity of the will of the deceased person, whichever is later, as provided in the Probate Act of 1975. An action may not be commenced in any event more than 6 years after the date the professional services were performed.

(e) If the person entitled to bring the action is under the age of majority or under other legal disability at the time the cause of action accrues, the period of limitations shall not begin to run until majority is attained or the disability is removed.

(f) If the person entitled to bring an action described in this Section is not under a legal disability at the time the cause of action accrues, but becomes under a legal disability before the period of limitations otherwise runs, the period of limitations is stayed until the disability is removed. This subsection (f) does not invalidate any statute of repose provisions contained in this Section. This subsection (f) applies to actions commenced or pending on or after January 1, 2015 (the effective date of Public Act 98-1077).

(g) This Section applies to any cause of action, regardless of the date the cause of action arises. This Section, however, does not bar the filing of an action based on the performance of professional services before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly if the action is timely filed under the version of this Section in effect on January 1, 2021, and is filed within a reasonable period, not to exceed 6 years, after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly.

(Source: P.A. 102-377, eff. 1-1-22.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-214.4)

Sec. 13-214.4. Actions against insurance producers, limited insurance representatives, and registered firms. All causes of action brought by any person or entity under any statute or any legal or equitable theory against an insurance producer, registered firm, or limited insurance representative concerning the sale, placement, procurement, renewal, cancellation of, or failure to procure any policy of insurance shall be brought within 2 years of the date the cause of action accrues.

(Source: P.A. 89-152, eff. 1-1-96.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-215) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-215)

Sec. 13-215. Fraudulent concealment. If a person liable to an action fraudulently conceals the cause of such action from the knowledge of the person entitled thereto, the action may be commenced at any time within 5 years after the person entitled to bring the same discovers that he or she has such cause of action, and not afterwards.

(Source: P.A. 82-280.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-215.1)

Sec. 13-215.1. Fertility fraud limitation. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, an action for fertility fraud under the Illinois Fertility Fraud Act must be commenced within the later of 20 years, if brought under Section 15 of the Illinois Fertility Fraud Act, or 8 years, if brought under Section 20 of the Illinois Fertility Fraud Act, after:

(1) the procedure was performed;

(2) the 18th birthday of the child;

(3) the person first discovers evidence sufficient to bring an action against the defendant through DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) analysis;

(4) the person first becomes aware of the existence of a record that provides evidence sufficient to bring an action against the defendant; or

(5) the defendant confesses to the offense.

(Source: P.A. 103-478, eff. 1-1-24.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-216) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-216)

Sec. 13-216. Stay of action. When the commencement of an action is stayed by injunction, order of a court, or statutory prohibition, the time of the continuance of the injunction or prohibition is not part of the time limited for the commencement of the action.

(Source: P.A. 82-280.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-217) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-217)

(Text of Section WITH the changes made by P.A. 89-7, which has been held unconstitutional)

Sec. 13-217. Reversal or dismissal. In the actions specified in Article XIII of this Act or any other act or contract where the time for commencing an action is limited, if judgment is entered for the plaintiff but reversed on appeal, or if there is a verdict in favor of the plaintiff and, upon a motion in arrest of judgment, the judgment is entered against the plaintiff, or the action is dismissed by a United States District Court for lack of jurisdiction, or the action is dismissed by a United States District Court for improper venue, then, whether or not the time limitation for bringing such action expires during the pendency of such action, the plaintiff, his or her heirs, executors or administrators may commence a new action within one year or within the remaining period of limitation, whichever is greater, after such judgment is reversed or entered against the plaintiff, or the action is dismissed by a United States District Court for lack of jurisdiction, or the action is dismissed by a United States District Court for improper venue. No action which is voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiff or dismissed for want of prosecution by the court may be filed where the time for commencing the action has expired.

This amendatory Act of 1995 applies to causes of action accruing on or after its effective date.

(Source: P.A. 89-7, eff. 3-9-95.)

(Text of Section WITHOUT the changes made by P.A. 89-7, which has been held unconstitutional)

Sec. 13-217. Reversal or dismissal. In the actions specified in Article XIII of this Act or any other act or contract where the time for commencing an action is limited, if judgment is entered for the plaintiff but reversed on appeal, or if there is a verdict in favor of the plaintiff and, upon a motion in arrest of judgment, the judgment is entered against the plaintiff, or the action is voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiff, or the action is dismissed for want of prosecution, or the action is dismissed by a United States District Court for lack of jurisdiction, or the action is dismissed by a United States District Court for improper venue, then, whether or not the time limitation for bringing such action expires during the pendency of such action, the plaintiff, his or her heirs, executors or administrators may commence a new action within one year or within the remaining period of limitation, whichever is greater, after such judgment is reversed or entered against the plaintiff, or after the action is voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiff, or the action is dismissed for want of prosecution, or the action is dismissed by a United States District Court for lack of jurisdiction, or the action is dismissed by a United States District Court for improper venue.

(Source: P.A. 87-1252.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-218) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-218)

Sec. 13-218. Revival of judgment. A petition to revive a judgment, as provided by Section 2-1601 of this Code, may be filed no later than 20 years next after the date of entry of such judgment. The provisions of this amendatory Act of the 96th General Assembly are declarative of existing law.

(Source: P.A. 96-305, eff. 8-11-09.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-219) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-219)

Sec. 13-219. Railroads and carriers. (a) All actions by railroads, motor carriers, common carriers by water, common carriers by air, the Railway Express Agency or freight forwarders for the recovery of their charges, or any part thereof, for the transportation of property moving wholly within the State of Illinois shall be filed within 3 years from the time the cause of action accrues, and not after.

(b) All actions against railroads, motor carriers, common carriers by water, common carriers by air, the Railway Express Agency or freight forwarders for the recovery of any part of transportation charges paid to such carrier for the transportation of property moving wholly within the State of Illinois shall be filed within 3 years from the time the cause of action accrues, and not after.

(c) If on or before the expiration of the 3 year period of limitation in subsection (b) a railroad, motor carrier, common carrier by water, common carrier by air, the Railway Express Agency or a freight forwarder files an action under subsection (a) for recovery of charges in respect of the same transportation service, or, without filing an action, collects charges in respect of that service, the period of limitation shall be extended to include 90 days from the time such action is filed or such charges are collected.

(d) The cause of action in respect of a shipment of property shall, for the purposes of this section, be deemed to accrue upon delivery or tender of delivery thereof by a railroad, motor carrier, common carrier by water, common carrier by air, the Railway Express Agency, or a freight forwarder, and not after.

(Source: P.A. 82-280.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-220) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-220)

Sec. 13-220. Fraud by decedents. Actions under Sections 10 to 14, both inclusive, of "An Act to revise the law in relation to frauds and perjuries", approved February 16, 1874, as amended, shall be commenced within 2 years after the death of the person who makes a fraudulent legacy as provided in that Act, or who dies intestate and leaves real estate to his or her heirs to descend according to the laws of this State, unless letters of office are applied for on his or her estate within 2 years after his or her death and the representative has complied with the provisions of Section 18-3 of the Probate Act of 1975, as amended, in regard to the giving of notice to creditors, in which case the action shall be commenced within and not after the time for presenting claims against estates of deceased persons as provided in the Probate Act of 1975, as amended.

(Source: P.A. 86-815.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-221) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-221)

Sec. 13-221. Contract to make will. An action against the representative, heirs and legatees of a deceased person to enforce a contract to make a will, shall be commenced within 2 years after the death of the deceased person unless letters of office are applied for on his or her estate within 2 years after his or her death and the representative has complied with the provisions of Section 18-3 of the Probate Act of 1975, as amended, in regard to the giving of notice to creditors, in which case the action shall be commenced within and not after the time for presenting a claim against the estate of a deceased person as provided in the Probate Act of 1975, as amended.

(Source: P.A. 86-815.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-222) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-222)

Sec. 13-222. Action against land surveyor.

(a) Registered land surveyor. No action may be brought against a registered land surveyor to recover damages for negligence, errors or omissions in the making of any survey nor for contribution or indemnity related to such negligence, errors or omissions more than 4 years after the person claiming such damages actually knows or should have known of such negligence, errors or omissions. This Section applies to surveys completed after July 26, 1967. This subsection (a) applies only to causes of action accruing before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 92nd General Assembly.

(b) Professional land surveyor. No action may be brought against a professional land surveyor to recover damages for negligence, errors, omissions, torts, breaches of contract, or otherwise in the making of any survey, nor contribution or indemnity, more than 4 years after the person claiming the damages actually knows or should have known of the negligence, errors, omissions, torts, breaches of contract, or other action.

In no event may such an action be brought if 10 years have elapsed from the time of the act or omission. Any person who discovers the act or omission before expiration of the 10-year period, however, may in no event have less than 4 years to bring an action. Contract actions against a surety on a payment or performance bond must be commenced within the same time limitation applicable to the bond principal.

If the person entitled to bring the action is under the age of 18 or under a legal disability, the period of limitation does not begin to run until the person reaches 18 years of age or the disability is removed.

This subsection (b) applies to causes of action accruing on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 92nd General Assembly.

(Source: P.A. 92-265, eff. 1-1-02.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-223) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-223)

Sec. 13-223. Inter vivos trusts. An action to set aside or contest the validity of a revocable inter vivos trust agreement or declaration of trust to which a legacy is provided by the settlor's will which is admitted to probate, shall be commenced within and not after the time to contest the validity of a will as provided in the Probate Act of 1975 as amended.

(Source: P.A. 83-707.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-224) (from Ch. 110, par. 13-224)

Sec. 13-224. Recovery in Tax Actions. In any action against the State to recover taxes imposed pursuant to Section 2 of the Messages Tax Act, Section 2 of the Gas Revenue Tax Act, Section 2 of the Public Utilities Revenue Act or Section 2-202 of The Public Utilities Act, that were illegally or unconstitutionally collected, or in any action against a municipality to recover taxes imposed pursuant to Section 8-11-2 of the Illinois Municipal Code that were illegally or unconstitutionally collected or in any action against a taxpayer to recover charges imposed pursuant to Sections 9-201 or 9-202 of The Public Utilities Act that were illegally or unconstitutionally collected, the prevailing party shall not be entitled to recover an amount exceeding such taxes or charges paid, plus interest, where applicable, during a period beginning 3 years prior to the date of filing an administrative claim as authorized by statute or ordinance or court complaint, whichever occurs earlier. This provision shall be applicable to all actions filed on or after September 21, 1985.

(Source: P.A. 85-1209.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-225)

Sec. 13-225. Trafficking victims protection.

(a) In this Section, "human trafficking", "involuntary servitude", "sex trade", and "victim of the sex trade" have the meanings ascribed to them in Section 10 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.

(b) Subject to both subsections (e) and (f) and notwithstanding any other provision of law, an action under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act must be commenced within 25 years of the date the limitation period begins to run under subsection (d) or within 25 years of the date the plaintiff discovers or through the use of reasonable diligence should discover both (i) that the sex trade, involuntary servitude, or human trafficking act occurred, and (ii) that the defendant caused, was responsible for, or profited from the sex trade, involuntary servitude, or human trafficking act. The fact that the plaintiff discovers or through the use of reasonable diligence should discover that the sex trade, involuntary servitude, or human trafficking act occurred is not, by itself, sufficient to start the discovery period under this subsection (b).

(c) If the injury is caused by 2 or more acts that are part of a continuing series of sex trade, involuntary servitude, or human trafficking acts by the same defendant, then the discovery period under subsection (b) shall be computed from the date the person abused discovers or through the use of reasonable diligence should discover (i) that the last sex trade, involuntary servitude, or human trafficking act in the continuing series occurred, and (ii) that the defendant caused, was responsible for, or profited from the series of sex trade, involuntary servitude, or human trafficking acts. The fact that the plaintiff discovers or through the use of reasonable diligence should discover that the last sex trade, involuntary servitude, or human trafficking act in the continuing series occurred is not, by itself, sufficient to start the discovery period under subsection (b).

(d) The limitation periods in subsection (b) do not begin to run before the plaintiff attains the age of 18 years; and, if at the time the plaintiff attains the age of 18 years he or she is under other legal disability, the limitation periods under subsection (b) do not begin to run until the removal of the disability.

(e) The limitation periods in subsection (b) do not run during a time period when the plaintiff is subject to threats, intimidation, manipulation, or fraud perpetrated by the defendant or by any person acting in the interest of the defendant.

(f) The limitation periods in subsection (b) do not commence running until the expiration of all limitations periods applicable to the criminal prosecution of the plaintiff for any acts which form the basis of a cause of action under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-939, eff. 1-1-19; 101-18, eff. 1-1-20.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-226)

Sec. 13-226. Opioid litigation.

(a) Definitions. In this Section:

"National multistate opioid settlement" means any agreement (i) to which the State and at least two other states are parties and (ii) in which the State agrees to release claims that it has brought or could have brought in an action against an opioid defendant or has the claims released in a final order entered by a court. "National multistate opioid settlement" includes (i) any form of resolution reached in a bankruptcy proceeding, provided that the Attorney General both agrees to the specific terms of such resolution or agreement in a bankruptcy proceeding and announces his or her agreement in the record of such bankruptcy proceeding, or (ii) a final order entered by the bankruptcy court.

"Opioid defendant" means (i) a defendant in opioid litigation brought by the Attorney General, or (ii) a person or entity engaged in the manufacturing, marketing, distribution, prescription, dispensing, or other use of opioid medications.

"Opioid litigation" means any civil litigation, demand, or settlement in lieu of litigation, alleging unlawful conduct in the manufacturing, marketing, distribution, prescription, dispensing, or other use of opioid medications.

"Unit of local government" has the meaning provided in Article VII, Section 1 of the Illinois Constitution of 1970.

(b) Release of claims.

(1) On and after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly, no unit of local government or school district may file or become a party to opioid litigation against an opioid defendant that is subject to a national multistate opioid settlement unless approved by the Attorney General.

(2) If counties representing 60% of the population of the State, including all counties with a population of at least 250,000, have agreed to an intrastate allocation agreement with the Attorney General, then the Attorney General has the authority to appear or intervene in any opioid litigation, and release with prejudice any claims brought by a unit of local government or school district against an opioid defendant that are subject to a national multistate opioid settlement and are pending on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly.

(c) Nothing in this Section affects the Attorney General's authority to appear, intervene, or control litigation brought in the name of the State of Illinois or on behalf of the People of the State of Illinois.

(d) When an intrastate allocation agreement between counties representing 60% of the population of the State, including all counties with a population of at least 250,000, and the Attorney General is reached, becoming a party to or filing opioid litigation against an opioid defendant that is subject to a national multistate opioid settlement are exclusive powers and functions of the State and a home rule unit may not file or become a party to opioid litigation against an opioid defendant that is subject to a national multistate opioid settlement unless approved by the Attorney General. This Section is a denial and limitation of home rule powers and functions under subsection (h) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution.

(Source: P.A. 102-85, eff. 7-9-21.)

(735 ILCS 5/13-227)

Sec. 13-227. Collection of debt arising from a municipal violation. An action to collect a debt arising from a violation of a municipal ordinance may not be filed more than 7 years after the date of adjudication.

(Source: P.A. 102-192, eff. 7-30-21.)

(735 ILCS 5/Art. XIV heading) ARTICLE XIV MANDAMUS

(735 ILCS 5/14-101) (from Ch. 110, par. 14-101)

Sec. 14-101. Action commenced by plaintiff. In all proceedings commenced under Article XIV of this Act the name of the person seeking the relief afforded by this Article shall be set out as plaintiff without the use of the phrase "People ex rel." or "People on the relation of".

(Source: P.A. 83-707.)

(735 ILCS 5/14-102) (from Ch. 110, par. 14-102)

Sec. 14-102. Summons to issue. Upon the filing of a complaint for mandamus the clerk of the court shall issue a summons, in like form, as near as may be as summons in other civil cases. The summons shall be made returnable within a time designated by the plaintiff not less than 5 nor more than 30 days after the service of the summons.

(Source: P.A. 83-357.)

(735 ILCS 5/14-103) (from Ch. 110, par. 14-103)

Sec. 14-103. Defendant to plead. Every defendant who is served with summons shall answer or otherwise plead on or before the return day of the summons, unless the time for doing so is extended by the court. If the defendant defaults, judgment by default may be entered by the court. No matters not germane to the distinctive purpose of the proceeding shall be introduced by joinder, counterclaim or otherwise.

(Source: P.A. 90-655, eff. 7-30-98.)

(735 ILCS 5/14-104) (from Ch. 110, par. 14-104)

Sec. 14-104. Reply by plaintiff. The plaintiff may reply or otherwise plead to the answer, within 5 days after the last day allowed for the filing of the answer, unless the time for doing so is extended and further pleadings may be had as in other civil cases.

(Source: P.A. 82-280.)

(735 ILCS 5/14-105) (from Ch. 110, par. 14-105)

Sec. 14-105. Judgment - Costs. If judgment is entered in favor of the plaintiff, the plaintiff shall recover damages and costs. If judgment is entered in favor of the defendant, the defendant shall recover costs.

(Source: P.A. 82-280.)

(735 ILCS 5/14-106) (from Ch. 110, par. 14-106)

Sec. 14-106. False return. If damages are recovered against the defendant, the defendant shall not be liable to be sued in any other action or proceeding for making a false return.

(Source: P.A. 82-280.)

(735 ILCS 5/14-107) (from Ch. 110, par. 14-107)

Sec. 14-107. Successor in office. The death, resignation or removal from office, by lapse of time or otherwise, of any defendant, shall not have the effect to abate the proceeding, and upon a proper showing, the officer's successor may be made a party thereto, and any relief may be directed against the successor officer.

(Source: P.A. 82-280.)

(735 ILCS 5/14-108) (from Ch. 110, par. 14-108)

Sec. 14-108. Other remedy - Amendments. The proceedings for mandamus shall not be dismissed nor the relief denied because the plaintiff may have another judicial remedy, even where such other remedy will afford proper and sufficient relief; and amendments may be allowed as in other civil cases.

(Source: P.A. 82-280.)

(735 ILCS 5/14-109) (from Ch. 110, par. 14-109)

Sec. 14-109. Seeking wrong remedy not fatal. Where relief is sought under Article XIV of this Act and the court determines, on motion directed to the pleadings, or on motion for summary judgment or upon trial, that the plaintiff has pleaded or established facts which entitle the plaintiff to relief but that the plaintiff has sought the wrong remedy, the court shall permit the pleadings to be amended, on just and reasonable terms, and the court shall grant the relief to which the plaintiff is entitled on the amended pleadings or upon the evidence. In considering whether a proposed amendment is just and reasonable, the court shall consider the right of the defendant to assert additional defenses, to demand a trial by jury, to plead a counterclaim or third party complaint, and to order the plaintiff to take additional steps which were not required under the pleadings as previously filed.

(Source: P.A. 82-280.)

(735 ILCS 5/Art. XV heading) ARTICLE XV MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE

(735 ILCS 5/Art. XV Pt. 11 heading) Part 11. General Provisions

(735 ILCS 5/15-1101) (from Ch. 110, par. 15-1101)

Sec. 15-1101. Title. This Article shall be known, and may be cited, as the Illinois Mortgage Foreclosure Law.

(Source: P.A. 84-1462.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1102) (from Ch. 110, par. 15-1102)

Sec. 15-1102. Enforcement. The Court has full power to enforce any order entered pursuant to this Article by contempt process or by such other order as may be appropriate.

(Source: P.A. 84-1462.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1103) (from Ch. 110, par. 15-1103)

Sec. 15-1103. Jurisdiction. The authority of the court continues during the entire pendency of the foreclosure and until disposition of all matters arising out of the foreclosure.

(Source: P.A. 85-907.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1104) (from Ch. 110, par. 15-1104)

Sec. 15-1104. Wrongful Inducement of Abandonment. Any person who willfully misrepresents to the Court any fact resulting in a finding of abandonment of mortgaged real estate in connection with subsection (b) of Section 15-1603 or subsection (d) of Section 15-1706 of this Article or who threatens to injure the person or property of occupants of mortgaged real estate, or who knowingly gives such occupants false and misleading information, or who harasses or intimidates such occupants, with the intent of inducing such occupants to abandon the mortgaged premises, in order to obtain a finding of abandonment under subsection (b) of Section 15-1603 or subsection (d) of Section 15-1706 of this Article, shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.

(Source: P.A. 84-1462.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1105) (from Ch. 110, par. 15-1105)

Sec. 15-1105. Interpretation. (a) "May." The word "may" as used in this Article means permissive and not mandatory.

(b) "Shall." The word "shall" as used in this Article means mandatory and not permissive.

(Source: P.A. 84-1462.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1106) (from Ch. 110, par. 15-1106)

Sec. 15-1106. Applicability of Article.

(a) Exclusive Procedure. From and after July 1, 1987 (the effective date of Public Act 84-1462), the following shall be foreclosed in a foreclosure pursuant to this Article:

(1) any mortgage created prior to, on or after July 1, 1987 (the effective date of Public Act 84-1462);

(2) any real estate installment contract for residential real estate entered into on or after July 1, 1987 (the effective date of Public Act 84-1462) and under which the amount unpaid under the terms of the contract at the time of the filing of the foreclosure complaint, including principal and due and unpaid interest, at the rate prior to default, is less than 80% of the original purchase price of the real estate as stated in the contract;

(3) any collateral assignment of beneficial interest made on or after July 1, 1987 (the effective date of Public Act 84-1462) (i) which is made with respect to a land trust which was created contemporaneously with the collateral assignment of beneficial interest, (ii) which is made pursuant to a requirement of the holder of the obligation to secure the payment of money or performance of other obligations and (iii) as to which the security agreement or other writing creating the collateral assignment permits the real estate which is the subject of the land trust to be sold to satisfy the obligations.

(b) Uniform Commercial Code. A secured party, as defined in Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code, may at its election enforce its security interest in a foreclosure under this Article if its security interest was created on or after July 1, 1987 (the effective date of Public Act 84-1462) and is created by (i) a collateral assignment of beneficial interest in a land trust or (ii) an assignment for security of a buyer's interest in a real estate installment contract. Such election shall be made by filing a complaint stating that it is brought under this Article, in which event the provisions of this Article shall be exclusive in such foreclosure.

(c) Real Estate Installment Contracts. A contract seller may at its election enforce in a foreclosure under this Article any real estate installment contract entered into on or after July 1, 1987 (the effective date of Public Act 84-1462) and not required to be foreclosed under this Article. Such election shall be made by filing a complaint stating that it is brought under this Article, in which event the provisions of this Article shall be exclusive in such foreclosure. A contract seller must enforce its contract under this Article if the real estate installment contract is one described in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of this Section.

(d) Effect of Election. An election made pursuant to subsection (b) or (c) of this Section shall be binding only in the foreclosure and shall be void if the foreclosure is terminated prior to entry of judgment.

(e) Supplementary General Principles of Law. General principles of law and equity, such as those relating to capacity to contract, principal and agent, marshalling of assets, priority, subrogation, estoppel, fraud, misrepresentations, duress, collusion, mistake, bankruptcy or other validating or invalidating cause, supplement this Article unless displaced by a particular provision of it. Section 9-110 of this Code shall not be applicable to any real estate installment contract which is foreclosed under this Article.

(f) Pending Actions. A complaint to foreclose a mortgage filed before July 1, 1987, and all proceedings and third party actions in connection therewith, shall be adjudicated pursuant to the Illinois statutes and applicable law in effect immediately prior to July 1, 1987. Such statutes shall remain in effect with respect to such complaint, proceedings and third party actions notwithstanding the amendment or repeal of such statutes on or after July 1, 1987.

(g) The changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act of the 100th General Assembly apply to real estate installment contracts for residential real estate executed on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 100th General Assembly.

(Source: P.A. 100-416, eff. 1-1-18.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1107) (from Ch. 110, par. 15-1107)

Sec. 15-1107. Mode of Procedure.

(a) Other Statutes. Except as otherwise provided in this Article, the mode of procedure, including the manner of service of pleadings and other papers and service by publication, shall be in accordance with the provisions of Article II of the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure and any other statutes of this State which are from time to time applicable, and with Illinois Supreme Court Rules applicable to actions generally or otherwise applicable. If a mortgage lien is being foreclosed under this Article and one or more non-mortgage liens or encumbrances is being foreclosed or enforced in the same proceedings, then, regardless of the respective priorities of the various liens or encumbrances, the procedures and all other provisions of this Article shall govern such proceedings, and any inconsistent statutory provisions shall not be applicable. Without limiting the foregoing, any provision of Article XII or any other Article of the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply unless inconsistent with this Article and, in case of such inconsistency, shall not be applicable to actions under this Article.

(b) Mechanics' Liens. Mechanics' liens shall be enforced as provided in the Mechanics Lien Act; provided, however, that any mechanics' lien claimant may assert such lien in a foreclosure under this Article, may intervene in such foreclosure in accordance with this Article and may be made a party in such foreclosure.

(c) Instruments Deemed a Mortgage. For the purpose of proceeding under this Article, any instrument described in paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (a) of Section 15-1106, or in subsection (b) or (c) of Section 15-1106 which is foreclosed under this Article shall be deemed a mortgage. For such purpose, the real estate installment contract purchaser, the assignor of the beneficial interest in the land trust and the debtor, as appropriate, shall be deemed the mortgagor, and the real estate installment contract seller, the assignee of the beneficial interest in the land trust and the secured party, as appropriate, shall be deemed the mortgagee.

(Source: P.A. 96-328, eff. 8-11-09.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1108)

Sec. 15-1108. Declaration of policy relating to abandoned residential property. The following findings directly relate to the changes made by this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly. The General Assembly finds that residential mortgage foreclosures and the abandoned properties that sometimes follow create enormous challenges for Illinois residents, local governments, and the courts, reducing neighboring property values, reducing the tax base, increasing crime, placing neighbors at greater risk of foreclosure, imposing additional costs on local governments, and increasing the burden on the courts of this State; conversely, maintaining and securing abandoned properties stabilizes property values and the tax base, decreases crime, reduces the risk of foreclosure for nearby properties, thus reducing costs for local governments and making a substantial contribution to the operation and maintenance of the courts of this State by reducing the volume of matters which burden the court system in this State. The General Assembly further finds that the average foreclosure case for residential property takes close to 2 years in Illinois; when a property is abandoned, the lengthy foreclosure process harms lien-holders, neighbors, and local governments, and imposes significant and unnecessary burdens on the courts of this State; and an expedited foreclosure process for abandoned residential property can also help the courts of this State by decreasing the volume of foreclosure cases and allowing these cases to proceed more efficiently through the court system. The General Assembly further finds that housing counseling has proven to be an effective way to help many homeowners find alternatives to foreclosure; and that housing counseling therefore also reduces the volume of matters which burden the court system in this State and allows the courts to more efficiently handle the burden of foreclosure cases.

(Source: P.A. 97-1164, eff. 6-1-13.)

(735 ILCS 5/Art. XV Pt. 12 heading) Part 12. Definitions

(735 ILCS 5/15-1200.5)

Sec. 15-1200.5. Abandoned residential property. "Abandoned residential property" means residential real estate that:

(a) either:

(1) is not occupied by any mortgagor or lawful occupant as a principal residence; or

(2) contains an incomplete structure if the real estate is zoned for residential development, where the structure is empty or otherwise uninhabited and is in need of maintenance, repair, or securing; and

(b) with respect to which either:

(1) two or more of the following conditions are shown to exist:

(A) construction was initiated on the property and was discontinued prior to completion, leaving a building unsuitable for occupancy, and no construction has taken place for at least 6 months;

(B) multiple windows on the property are boarded up or closed off or are smashed through, broken off, or unhinged, or multiple window panes are broken and unrepaired;

(C) doors on the property are smashed through, broken off, unhinged, or continuously unlocked;

(D) the property has been stripped of copper or other materials, or interior fixtures to the property have been removed;

(E) gas, electrical, or water services to the entire property have been terminated;

(F) there exist one or more written statements of the mortgagor or the mortgagor's personal representative or assigns, including documents of conveyance, which indicate a clear intent to abandon the property;

(G) law enforcement officials have received at least one report of trespassing or vandalism or other illegal acts being committed at the property in the last 6 months;

(H) the property has been declared unfit for occupancy and ordered to remain vacant and unoccupied under an order issued by a municipal or county authority or a court of competent jurisdiction;

(I) the local police, fire, or code enforcement authority has requested the owner or other interested or authorized party to secure or winterize the property due to the local authority declaring the property to be an imminent danger to the health, safety, and welfare of the public;

(J) the property is open and unprotected and in reasonable danger of significant damage due to exposure to the elements, vandalism, or freezing; or

(K) there exists other evidence indicating a clear intent to abandon the property; or

(2) the real estate is zoned for residential development and is a vacant lot that is in need of maintenance, repair, or securing.

(Source: P.A. 97-1164, eff. 6-1-13.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1200.7)

Sec. 15-1200.7. Abandoned residential property; exceptions. A property shall not be considered abandoned residential property if: (i) there is an unoccupied building which is undergoing construction, renovation, or rehabilitation that is proceeding diligently to completion, and the building is in substantial compliance with all applicable ordinances, codes, regulations, and laws; (ii) there is a building occupied on a seasonal basis, but otherwise secure; (iii) there is a secure building on which there are bona fide rental or sale signs; (iv) there is a building that is secure, but is the subject of a probate action, action to quiet title, or other ownership dispute; or (v) there is a building that is otherwise secure and in substantial compliance with all applicable ordinances, codes, regulations, and laws.

(Source: P.A. 97-1164, eff. 6-1-13.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1201) (from Ch. 110, par. 15-1201)

Sec. 15-1201. Agricultural Real Estate. "Agricultural real estate" means real estate which is used primarily (i) for the growing and harvesting of crops, (ii) for the feeding, breeding and management of livestock, (iii) for dairying, or (iv) for any other agricultural or horticultural use or combination thereof, including without limitation, aquaculture, silviculture, and any other activities customarily engaged in by persons engaged in the business of farming.

(Source: P.A. 95-331, eff. 8-21-07.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1202) (from Ch. 110, par. 15-1202)

Sec. 15-1202. Collateral Assignment of Beneficial Interest. "Collateral assignment of beneficial interest" means any pledge or assignment of the beneficial interest in a land trust to any person to secure a debt or other obligation.

(Source: P.A. 84-1462.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1202.5)

Sec. 15-1202.5. Dwelling unit. For the purposes of Sections 9-207.5, 15-1224, 15-1225, 15-1506, 15-1508, 15-1508.5, 15-1701, 15-1703, and 15-1704 only, "dwelling unit" means a room or suite of rooms providing complete, independent living facilities for at least one person, including permanent provisions for sanitation, cooking, eating, sleeping, and other activities routinely associated with daily life.

(Source: P.A. 97-575, eff. 8-26-11; 98-514, eff. 11-19-13.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1203) (from Ch. 110, par. 15-1203)

Sec. 15-1203. Foreclosure. "Foreclosure" means an action commenced under this Article and "to foreclose" means to terminate legal and equitable interests in real estate pursuant to a foreclosure.

(Source: P.A. 84-1462.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1204) (from Ch. 110, par. 15-1204)

Sec. 15-1204. Guarantor. "Guarantor" means any person who has undertaken to pay any indebtedness or perform any obligation of a mortgagor under a mortgage or of any other person who owes payment or the performance of other obligations secured by the mortgage, which undertaking is made by a guaranty or surety agreement of any kind.

(Source: P.A. 84-1462.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1205) (from Ch. 110, par. 15-1205)

Sec. 15-1205. Land Trust. "Land trust" means any trust arrangement under which the legal and equitable title to real estate is held by a trustee, the interest of the beneficiary of the trust is personal property and the beneficiary or any person designated in writing by the beneficiary has (i) the exclusive power to direct or control the trustee in dealing with the title to the trust property, (ii) the exclusive control of the management, operation, renting and selling of the trust property and (iii) the exclusive right to the earnings, avails and proceeds of the trust property.

(Source: P.A. 84-1462.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1206) (from Ch. 110, par. 15-1206)

Sec. 15-1206. Mechanics' Lien. "Mechanics' lien" or "mechanics' lien claim" means a lien or claim arising under the Mechanics Lien Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-328, eff. 8-11-09.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1207) (from Ch. 110, par. 15-1207)

Sec. 15-1207. Mortgage. "Mortgage" means any consensual lien created by a written instrument which grants or retains an interest in real estate to secure a debt or other obligation. The term "mortgage" includes, without limitation:

(a) mortgages securing "reverse mortgage" loans as authorized by subsection (a) of Section 5 of the Illinois Banking Act;

(b) mortgages securing "revolving credit" loans as authorized by subsection (c) of Section 5 of the Illinois Banking Act, Section 1-6b of the Illinois Savings and Loan Act and Section 46 of the Illinois Credit Union Act;

(c) every deed conveying real estate, although an absolute conveyance in its terms, which shall have been intended only as a security in the nature of a mortgage;

(d) equitable mortgages; and

(e) instruments which would have been deemed instruments in the nature of a mortgage prior to the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1987.

(Source: P.A. 85-907.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1208) (from Ch. 110, par. 15-1208)

Sec. 15-1208. Mortgagee. "Mortgagee" means (i) the holder of an indebtedness or obligee of a non-monetary obligation secured by a mortgage or any person designated or authorized to act on behalf of such holder and (ii) any person claiming through a mortgagee as successor.

(Source: P.A. 84-1462.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1209) (from Ch. 110, par. 15-1209)

Sec. 15-1209. Mortgagor. "Mortgagor" means (i) the person whose interest in the real estate is the subject of the mortgage and (ii) any person claiming through a mortgagor as successor. Where a mortgage is executed by a trustee of a land trust, the mortgagor is the trustee and not the beneficiary or beneficiaries.

(Source: P.A. 85-907.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1210) (from Ch. 110, par. 15-1210)

Sec. 15-1210. Nonrecord Claimant. "Nonrecord claimant" means any person (i) who has or claims to have an interest in mortgaged real estate, (ii) whose name or interest, at the time a notice of foreclosure is recorded in accordance with Section 15-1503, is not disclosed of record either (1) by means of a recorded notice or (2) by means of a proceeding which under the law as in effect at the time the foreclosure is commenced would afford constructive notice of the existence of such interest and (iii) whose interest falls in any of the following categories: (1) right of homestead, (2) judgment creditor, (3) beneficial interest under any trust other than the beneficial interest of a beneficiary of a trust in actual possession of all or part of the real estate or (4) mechanics' lien claim. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the purpose of this Article no proceeding shall be deemed to constitute constructive notice of the interest of any nonrecord claimant in the mortgaged real estate unless in the proceeding there is a legal description of the real estate sufficient to identify it with reasonable certainty. The classification of any person as a nonrecord claimant under the foregoing definition shall not be affected by any actual notice or knowledge of or attributable to the mortgagee.

(Source: P.A. 84-1462.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1211) (from Ch. 110, par. 15-1211)

Sec. 15-1211. Notice of Foreclosure. "Notice of foreclosure" means the notice of a foreclosure which is made and recorded in accordance with Section 15-1503 of this Article.

(Source: P.A. 84-1462.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1212) (from Ch. 110, par. 15-1212)

Sec. 15-1212. Owner of Redemption. "Owner of redemption" means a mortgagor, or other owner or co-owner of the mortgaged real estate.

(Source: P.A. 84-1462.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1213) (from Ch. 110, par. 15-1213)

Sec. 15-1213. Real Estate. "Real estate" means land or any estate or interest in, over or under land (including minerals, air rights, structures, fixtures and other things which by custom, usage or law pass with a conveyance of land though not described or mentioned in the contract of sale or instrument of conveyance). "Mortgaged real estate" means the real estate which is the subject of a mortgage. "Real estate" includes a manufactured home as defined in subdivision (53) of Section 9-102 of the Uniform Commercial Code that is real property as defined in the Conveyance and Encumbrance of Manufactured Homes as Real Property and Severance Act.

(Source: P.A. 98-749, eff. 7-16-14.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1214) (from Ch. 110, par. 15-1214)

Sec. 15-1214. Real Estate Installment Contract. "Real estate installment contract" means any agreement or contract for a deed under which the purchase price is to be paid in installments with title to the real estate to be conveyed to the buyer upon payment of the purchase price or a specified portion thereof. For the purpose of this definition, an earnest money deposit shall not be considered an installment.

(Source: P.A. 84-1462.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1215) (from Ch. 110, par. 15-1215)

Sec. 15-1215. Receiver. "Receiver" means a receiver appointed pursuant to Section 15-1704 of this Article.

(Source: P.A. 84-1462.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1216) (from Ch. 110, par. 15-1216)

Sec. 15-1216. Recorder. "Recorder" means (i) the Recorder of the county in which the mortgaged real estate is located or (ii) if the mortgaged real estate is registered under the Torrens Act, the Registrar of Titles of the county in which the mortgaged real estate is located. "Recorder" includes any authorized assistant or employee of the Recorder.

(Source: P.A. 84-1462.)

(735 ILCS 5/15-1217) (from Ch. 110, par. 15-1217)

Sec. 15-1217. Recording of Instruments. "Recording of instruments" or "to record" means to present to the Recorder a document, in recordable form, which is to be recorded in accordance with Section 3-5024 of the Counties Code, together with the required recording fee. The Registrar of Titles shall accept the filing of notices or affidavits required or permitted by this Article without the necessity of the production of evidence of title.

(Source: P.A. 96-328, eff. 8-11-09.)