Upon the filing of the complaint, the clerk of court shall issue a summons, in like form, as near as may be, as summons in other civil cases. The summons shall be made returnable within a time designated by the plaintiff not less than 5 nor more than 30 days after the service of the summons. Every defendant who is served with summons shall answer or otherwise appear on or before the return day of the summons, unless the time for doing so is extended by the court. If the defendant fails to do so, judgment may be entered against the defendant. Reply to or motion directed against the answer may be filed by the plaintiff within 5 days after the last day allowed for the filing of the answer, unless the time for doing so is extended by the court.
735 ILCS 5/18-106