Illinois Affidavit for Service by Publication is a form used in the state of Illinois when the defendant in a legal action cannot be found or served with the legal documents. This form is used when other attempts to serve the defendant have been unsuccessful. The affidavit is filed with the court and is then used to provide notice to the defendant. There are two types of Illinois Affidavit for Service by Publication: one for civil cases and one for divorce cases. The civil affidavit includes the name of the plaintiff and defendant, the title of the case, the date the complaint was filed, and a statement of the plaintiff's attempts to serve the defendant. The divorce affidavit includes the same as the civil affidavit, as well as the date the divorce petition was filed and a statement of any prior attempts to serve the defendant. Both affidavits require a statement that service by publication is necessary and will provide notice to the defendant of the pending court action.