Prepare your documents for Civil No Contact Order Illinois
This website helps prepare the required forms for Civil No Contact Order.
HOW IT WORKS
1. Take Screening
Start with an online screening tool to help you decide which civil protection order fits your situation the best.
2. Prepare Documents
Instead of looking at the forms themselves, our system will help you complete your filing documents by having you answer all of the necessary information by topic. We will ask you questions in plain and non-legal language. To make this process as simple as possible, our system will then generate your response anywhere it is needed on the forms.
3. Consult Advocate (Optional)
You can consult an advocate for guidance when filing an Illinois Civil No Contact Order. Advocates can help review your case, explain your legal options, and assist with safety planning. While not required, their support can make the process clearer and less overwhelming.
4. File with the Clerk
To begin the process of obtaining an Illinois Civil No Contact Order, you must file a petition with the Clerk of Court in the county where you or the respondent lives. Filing is free of charge and can usually be done in person at the courthouse or online, depending on the county’s system.
Process
Step 1
You: Gathering Evidence for an Illinois Civil No Contact Order
our personal testimony is evidence. However, the more supporting material you provide, the stronger your request will be. Courts in Illinois consider the following types of evidence in Civil No Contact Order cases:
Evidence Type 1: Pending Criminal Case
If there is an ongoing criminal case related to sexual assault or non-consensual sexual conduct, mention it in your petition. Judges often view this as strong support that the abuse occurred.
Evidence Type 2: Medical or Counseling Records
Include medical records, hospital reports, or therapy notes documenting injuries, trauma, or treatment after the incident. These records help confirm that the abuse had a real impact on your health and safety.
Evidence Type 3: Written or Digital Communications
Provide copies of threatening or incriminating text messages, emails, social media messages, or letters. Screenshots or printouts showing admissions, threats, or harassment are often accepted.
Evidence Type 4: Witness Testimony or Affidavits
If friends, family members, or others observed the abuse or its aftermath (such as physical injuries, emotional distress, or immediate disclosures), they can provide written statements or testify in court.
Evidence Type 5: 911 Calls or Hotline Records
List any emergency or hotline calls made in response to the sexual assault. Include:
The number called (e.g., 911, rape crisis hotline)
The date and time of the call
Who made the call
What was reported
Step 2
You: Take Online Screening
Determine if your situation is suitable for applying for an Illinois Civil No Contact Order by taking a short screening. You can begin by entering your ZIP code in the top right corner.
Step 3
You: Create Case Documents - "Packet"
After the screening, this website will guide you through the rest of the steps to creating your case documents.
Just for your knowledge: In order to apply for an Illinois Civil No Contact Order (CNCO), you need to fill out and submit official Illinois court forms. These forms include questions about your situation and the people involved.
The most important form is the Petition for Civil No Contact Order, which explains to the court why protection is needed.
Step 4
You: File with the Court: How to File an Illinois Civil No Contact Order
Illinois allows you to file a Petition for a Civil No Contact Order in person at the courthouse. Some counties may provide online access to forms, but the official filing must be submitted to the Clerk of the Court in the county where you or the respondent (the person you’re seeking protection from) currently resides, or where the incident took place.
To formally request court protection after sexual assault or non-consensual sexual conduct, you must complete and submit the Petition for Civil No Contact Order to the Clerk of Court. This process is known as filing.
Filing options in Illinois:
In person: File your petition directly with the Clerk of Court at the courthouse in your county.
Electronically (E-Filing): Illinois uses an electronic filing system (eFileIL). In some counties, you may be required to use it unless you qualify for an exemption. If you file electronically after business hours, your petition is considered filed on the next business day.
Civil No Contact Order cases are filed in the Circuit Court of your county. Once your petition is accepted, the court will assign a case number, which is used to track and manage your case.
Step 5
Judge Issues a Temporary Order
Based on the information and evidence you provide, a judge in Illinois may issue a Temporary Civil No Contact Order (CNCO) the same day you file your petition. This is also called an ex parte order, and it is meant to provide immediate protection until a full court hearing is held.
In cases that appear less urgent or have limited supporting evidence, the judge may take additional time to review your petition before deciding whether to issue a temporary order.
A judge may deny your request for a temporary order if:
There are no legal grounds for a Civil No Contact Order,
The petition is incomplete, or
The court lacks jurisdiction (for example, the respondent does not reside in Illinois).
Even if a temporary order is denied, the judge may still schedule a hearing so that both you and the respondent have the opportunity to appear in court and present your sides of the case.
Step 6
Law Enforcement: Delivers Temporary Order to the Respondent
Once a judge issues a Temporary Civil No Contact Order (CNCO), it must be officially delivered (served) to the respondent before it becomes legally enforceable. Until the respondent is served, law enforcement cannot enforce the order.
After the order is served, any violation—such as contacting you, approaching you, or making threats—may result in the respondent’s arrest and potential criminal charges.
Step 7
You, Respondent: Attend Court Hearing
After the Temporary Civil No Contact Order (CNCO) is issued and served, the court schedules a full hearing, usually within 14 to 21 days. At this hearing, both you (the petitioner) and the respondent may attend, present evidence, and give testimony.
The judge will review:
Evidence from both sides
Witness testimony
Any new incidents since the temporary order was issued
If the judge finds enough proof of non-consensual sexual conduct or penetration and an ongoing need for protection, a Final Civil No Contact Order will be issued.
This final order may:
Be valid for a set period (such as two years), or
Remain in effect indefinitely, depending on the case
If you (the petitioner) don’t attend the hearing, your case may be dismissed. If the respondent doesn’t attend, the judge may still issue the final order without their input.
Step 8
You: Collect the Final Civil No Contact Order
If the judge issues a Final Civil No Contact Order (CNCO) after the hearing, you will be provided with an official, signed copy of the order. Make sure to collect a paper copy from the Clerk’s Office before leaving the courthouse.
The order will detail:
The specific protections granted to you
Any restrictions placed on the respondent
The duration of the order (set time period or indefinite)
Keep this copy in a safe but accessible place, as you may need to show it to law enforcement, your workplace, your school, or other institutions as part of your safety plan.
FAQs
Court Forms Created This website guides you through all the topics required to complete your Civil No Contact Order documents and file your case.
Core Forms
- Petition For Civil No Contact Order
- Order
- Summons
- Motion To Extend Or Modify
- Order For Extension Or Modification