The person claiming to have a lien under the provisions of Part 2 of Article IV of this Act may file in the circuit court, in the county where any such water craft may be found, a complaint, setting forth the nature of his or her claim, the amount due after allowing all payments and just offsets, the name of the water craft, and the name and residence of each owner known to the plaintiff; and when any owner or his or her place of residence is not known to the plaintiff, he or she shall so state, and that he or she has made inquiry and is unable to ascertain the same, which complaint shall be verified by the affidavit of the plaintiff or his or her agent or attorney. If the claim is upon an account or instrument in writing, a copy of the same shall be attached to the complaint.
4-204.Complaint.
Article IV. Attachment · Part 2. Watercraft · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceSection 4-204 requires a lien claimant to file a verified complaint in the circuit court where the craft is found, stating the claim, the amount due, the craft's name, and each known owner's name and residence.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/4-204
Plain-English Summary
To start an action under Part 2, the person claiming a lien files a complaint in the circuit court of the county where the water craft can be found. The complaint must set out the nature of the claim, the amount due after crediting payments and just offsets, the craft's name, and the name and residence of every owner known to the plaintiff.
If an owner or that owner's residence is unknown, the complaint must say so and state that the plaintiff made inquiry and could not find the information. The plaintiff or an agent or attorney must verify the whole complaint by affidavit, and if the claim rests on an account or a written instrument, a copy must be attached.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where must a Part 2 lien complaint be filed?
In the circuit court of the county where the water craft may be found.
What must the complaint state about the debt?
The nature of the claim and the amount due after allowing all payments and just offsets.
What if the plaintiff does not know an owner's name or address?
The complaint must say so and state that the plaintiff made inquiry and was unable to ascertain it.
Does the complaint need to be verified?
Yes, by the affidavit of the plaintiff or the plaintiff's agent or attorney.
What if the claim is based on a written account or instrument?
A copy of that account or instrument must be attached to the complaint.
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: watercraft attachment complaint illinoisfiling a boat lien complaintillinois vessel attachment venueverified complaint boat lien