When one of the judgments is delivered to an officer to be enforced, the debtor therein may deliver his or her judgment to the same officer, and the officer shall apply it, as far as it will extend, to the satisfaction of the first judgment, and the balance due on the larger judgment may be collected and paid in the same manner as if there had been no set-off.
12-177.Multiple judgments.
Article XII. Judgments - Enforcement · Part 1. In General · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceSection 12-177 lets a judgment debtor deliver their own judgment against the same creditor to the officer already enforcing the creditor's judgment, who applies it against the first judgment as far as it extends, with any balance collected as usual.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/12-177
Plain-English Summary
This section supplies the procedure Section 12-176 refers to. When one of two judgments between the same parties is delivered to an officer to be enforced, the debtor in that judgment may deliver a separate judgment they hold against the creditor to that same officer.
The officer applies the debtor's judgment, as far as it extends, to satisfy the first judgment. Whatever balance remains due on the larger judgment is then collected and paid in the same manner as if no set-off had occurred, so the set-off mechanism reduces the amount owed rather than replacing normal collection procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a debtor invoke set-off under Section 12-177?
By delivering their own judgment against the creditor to the same officer already holding the creditor's judgment for enforcement.
What does the officer do with the debtor's judgment?
Applies it, as far as it extends, to the satisfaction of the first judgment.
What happens to any remaining balance on the larger judgment?
It's collected and paid in the same manner as if there had been no set-off.
Does Section 12-177 list exceptions to set-off?
No, those exceptions are set out in Section 12-178.
Must both judgments be between the exact same parties?
Yes, Section 12-176 frames the set-off as applying to judgments between the same parties.
Amendment History
(Source: P.A. 82-280.)
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, published by the
Illinois Compiled Statutes, Illinois General Assembly / Legislative Reference Bureau. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: offset judgment debtor creditor illinoisapplying judgment against judgment illinoisdelivering judgment to officer for set off illinois