Illinois

Overview In Illinois, the cost to file a Civil No Contact Order (CNCO) is $0. State law explicitly prohibits the clerk from charging a filing fee and prohibits the sheriff from charging for service of CNCO papers. Many circuits also publish local fee schedules confirming a $0 filing and $0 appearance fee for CNCOs. That…

Overview In Illinois, a Civil No Contact Order (CNCO) has two common durations depending on the stage: an Emergency CNCO is short-term and generally lasts not less than 14 nor more than 21 days; a Plenary CNCO is a final order issued after notice and hearing and typically lasts for a fixed period up to…

Overview In Illinois, the Civil No Contact Order (CNCO) is a civil remedy for survivors of nonconsensual sexual conduct or nonconsensual sexual penetration. There are two primary stages: the Emergency CNCO and the Plenary CNCO. An Emergency CNCO can be issued quickly—sometimes the same day—without prior notice to the respondent when immediate protection is necessary.…

Overview In Illinois, a Civil No Contact Order (CNCO) is a civil court order designed to protect a person who has experienced nonconsensual sexual conduct or nonconsensual sexual penetration. The governing law is the Civil No Contact Order Act, 740 ILCS 22. In plain terms, if the court finds that the petitioner was a victim…

Overview Illinois provides a standardized, statewide set of Civil No Contact Order (CNCO) forms for survivors of nonconsensual sexual conduct or nonconsensual sexual penetration to request court protection. These forms—approved for use in every circuit court—cover the petition, summons, emergency and plenary orders, and later motions to extend or modify. Centralizing the forms improves clarity,…

Overview A Civil No Contact Order (CNCO) is a court order that protects survivors of nonconsensual sexual conduct or nonconsensual sexual penetration by prohibiting the offender from contacting, harassing, or approaching the survivor. Unlike a domestic violence Order of Protection, a CNCO does not require a specific family or household relationship between the survivor and…

Overview A Stalking No Contact Order (SNCO) under the 740 ILCS 21 Act is a crucial civil-court tool that enables victims of stalking to secure legal protection without needing a familial or domestic relationship with the offender. It prohibits direct, indirect, or electronic contact, restricts proximity to homes, workplaces, or schools, and criminalizes any violation…

Overview A Stalking No Contact Order (SNCO) under Illinois law (740 ILCS 21) provides a civil court mechanism for victims of stalking to prohibit contact, impose stay-away zones, and restrict electronic or third-party communications. However, SNCOs have inherent limitations they are legal instruments with boundaries in enforcement, scope, duration, and practical real-world impact. Understanding those…

Overview While a Stalking No Contact Order (SNCO) is designed to be financially accessible, understanding the true range of costs and fees associated with the process helps petitioners and respondents prepare. The Illinois General Assembly intentionally waived filing and service fees to ensure no stalking victim is denied access due to financial hardship. Section 90…

Overview A Stalking No Contact Order (SNCO) is a civil court remedy created by the 740 ILCS 21 — Stalking No Contact Order Act. It protects individuals who are the targets of stalking behavior but who do not share a family or household relationship with the offender. Unlike domestic-violence orders, an SNCO is available to…