Illinois

Overview In Illinois, every party in a small claims case—plaintiff or defendant—has the right to appeal a judgment entered by a circuit-court judge. Although the small claims division is designed for speed and informality, its decisions are legally binding. If you believe the judge misapplied the law, ignored important evidence, or reached a conclusion unsupported…

Overview The Illinois Small Claims Court is designed for speed, simplicity, and self-representation. It handles civil disputes involving $10,000 or less, excluding interest and court costs. The process is structured to be accessible to citizens without lawyers—what Illinois courts call “pro se” litigants. By providing standardized forms, plain-language instructions, and flexible scheduling, the small-claims system…

Overview The Illinois Small Claims Court provides an efficient and affordable way for individuals and small businesses to resolve monetary disputes of $10,000 or less. Designed for self-represented litigants (pro se), the system simplifies traditional civil procedures through standardized forms, limited motion practice, and straightforward evidence rules. Every county follows uniform requirements based on Illinois…

Overview The Illinois Small Claims Court exists to resolve civil disputes involving money claims of $10,000 or less. It provides a simple, fast, and affordable way for people to pursue justice without needing an attorney. The rules are governed by Illinois Supreme Court Rules 281–289, which simplify filing requirements, remove most formal discovery, and encourage…

Overview The Illinois Small Claims Court allows individuals and small businesses to resolve monetary disputes up to $10,000 quickly and affordably. This forum exists within the Circuit Court of Illinois and is governed by Illinois Supreme Court Rules 281–289, which simplify pleadings, eliminate most discovery, and let ordinary citizens represent themselves without legal counsel. The…

Overview Illinois small claims are civil money cases for $10,000 or less (exclusive of interest and court costs) handled in the Circuit Court under streamlined procedures set by Illinois Supreme Court Rules 281–289. Filing is typically completed via the statewide eFileIL portal, with narrow exemptions for litigants who obtain an e-filing waiver. After you file…

Overview In Illinois, you may file a Civil No Contact Order (CNCO) in any county where you live, where the respondent lives, or where the alleged nonconsensual sexual conduct or penetration occurred. This venue rule is written into the Civil No Contact Order Act and gives survivors practical flexibility to optimize for safety, speed of…

Overview In Illinois, violating a Civil No Contact Order (CNCO) is a crime. A knowing violation of a CNCO is a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense; a second or subsequent violation is a Class 4 felony. Police may arrest without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe a violation occurred. Courts…

Overview In Illinois, you can extend a Civil No Contact Order (CNCO) before it expires or modify it at any time to address new risks (for example, adding a newly relevant building entrance or strengthening online no-contact clauses). The Civil No Contact Order Act allows courts to set a plenary CNCO for a fixed period…

Overview Yes. In Illinois, you can file a Civil No Contact Order (CNCO) without a lawyer (“pro se”). The CNCO exists to protect survivors of nonconsensual sexual conduct or nonconsensual sexual penetration, and the process is designed to be accessible: statewide standardized forms, clerk assistance with procedural questions, $0 filing fee, and $0 sheriff service…