City of Chicago v. Yellen

In an action for demolition, an owner of the building failed to appear for trial, and the court entered the judgment sought. The owner argues that the record does not show proper service of summons on her. We hold that because the record includes no evidence that the clerk of court ever signed or sealed a summons to the owner, the trial court lacked jurisdiction to enter judgment against the owner who failed to appear.

On September 10, 1999, the City of Chicago (the City) filed a complaint for demolition of a building in Chicago. The complaint listed the property’s owners, Nathan and Marie…