When a consumer debt judgment, as defined in paragraph (b)(1) of Section 2-1303, has been entered against a judgment debtor, the debtor is entitled to a $1,000 automatic exemption, as defined in Section 12- 1001.1. A citation respondent's written answer shall set forth all the judgment debtor's personal property in its possession, even if it is not in excess of $1,000.
2-1402.1.Automatic exemption.
Article II. Civil Practice · Part 14. Post-Judgment · Last amended 2026 · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceSection 2-1402.1 automatically shields $1,000 of a consumer-debt judgment debtor's personal property from collection, while still requiring full disclosure of everything held for that debtor.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/2-1402.1
Plain-English Summary
Once a consumer debt judgment, as defined in Section 2-1303(b)(1), has been entered, the debtor receives a $1,000 automatic exemption as defined in Section 12-1001.1, without having to ask for it.
The protection doesn't excuse disclosure. A citation respondent's written answer still has to list all of the judgment debtor's personal property in its possession, even amounts that don't exceed $1,000, so the exemption applies against the right property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a debtor have to request the $1,000 exemption under this section?
No, it applies automatically to consumer debt judgments.
What counts as a "consumer debt judgment" for this exemption?
The definition in Section 2-1303(b)(1) -- generally a judgment against a natural person arising from personal, family, or household debt.
Does a bank or other respondent still have to disclose small account balances?
Yes, the citation respondent's answer must list all the debtor's property in its possession, even if it doesn't exceed $1,000.
Does this exemption apply to every kind of judgment?
No, it applies specifically to consumer debt judgments as defined by cross-reference to Section 2-1303.
How does this exemption interact with a citation to discover assets?
It operates alongside the citation process in Section 2-1402, automatically shielding the first $1,000 of the debtor's listed property.
Amendment History
(Source: P.A. 104-120, eff. 1-1-26.)
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: automatic exemption illinois judgment$1000 exemption illinois consumer debtconsumer debt judgment exemption illinois