Within 3 days after the return day of summons - if personally served 10 days before the day on which it is returnable, or within 13 days after such return day, if personally served less than 10 days prior thereto, or if not personally served, then within the time prescribed in the published notice - the owner or any person interested adversely to the claims mentioned in the notice, unless on cause shown, further time shall be allowed by the court, shall plead to the complaint as in other civil cases. If an answer is filed, the answer shall respond completely and distinctly to each allegation of the complaint, and shall be supported by affidavit. If no such answer or motion, together with an affidavit is filed within the time above specified, the plaintiff is entitled to an order of default, and the claim may be proved and judgment entered as in other civil cases.
4-220.Answer - Default.
Article IV. Attachment · Part 2. Watercraft · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceSection 4-220 sets the answer deadline in a watercraft case, requires a full, affidavit-supported answer to each allegation, and lets the plaintiff obtain a default and judgment if no timely answer or motion is filed.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/4-220
Plain-English Summary
This section fixes when an owner or other adversely interested person must respond to the complaint. If personally served 10 or more days before the return day named in the summons, the answer is due within 3 days after that return day. If served less than 10 days before, the answer is due within 13 days after the return day. If not personally served at all, the deadline is whatever the published notice states — unless the court, for good cause, allows further time.
An answer must respond completely and distinctly to each allegation of the complaint and be supported by affidavit. If no such answer, or no motion together with an affidavit, is filed within the time allowed, the plaintiff is entitled to an order of default, and the claim may be proved and judgment entered as in other civil cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time does a personally served owner have to answer?
3 days after the return day, if personally served 10 or more days before that return day.
What if the owner was served less than 10 days before the return day?
The answer is due within 13 days after the return day.
What if the owner was never personally served?
The answer is due within the time prescribed in the published notice, unless the court allows further time for cause shown.
What must a filed answer contain?
A complete and distinct response to each allegation of the complaint, supported by affidavit.
What happens if no timely answer or motion-plus-affidavit is filed?
The plaintiff is entitled to an order of default, and the claim may be proved and judgment entered as in other civil cases.
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: answer deadline boat attachment illinoisdefault judgment watercraft lien illinoisverified answer affidavit vessel casereturn day answer illinois attachment