A Citation to Discover Assets and what it does
Oct. 10, 2025
A Citation to Discover Assets is a legal tool used in Illinois to help a judgment creditor (you) collect money owed by a judgment debtor (the defendant). Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 277 and 735 ILCS 5/2-1402, a defendant is required to:
Immediately freeze any accounts or assets held by the judgment debtor in their possession, up to the total amount of the judgment plus any accrued interest and court costs.
Not release or transfer any funds or property of the debtor until further order of this Court.
Complete and return the attached Answer to Citation within 14 days of service, indicating whether the judgment debtor has any accounts or property at their institution.
Deliver a copy of this Citation to the judgment debtor, along with the required exemptions notice under Illinois law.
Failure to comply with this Citation may subject their institution to contempt of court proceedings and liability for the full judgment amount.
Why do creditors like it?
Direct and effective: If the debtor has cash in the bank, this is the fastest way to collect.
Automatic freeze: The debtor can’t withdraw the funds once the bank is served.
No waiting for property sale: Unlike liens, you don’t have to wait for a triggering event.