Prepare your documents for Stalking No Contact Order Illinois

This website helps prepare the forms required for Stalking No Contact Order.

 

Start

HOW IT WORKS

Take-Screening

1. Take Screening

Start with an online screening tool to help you decide which civil protection order fits your situation the best.

Prepare-Documents

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.

questionAndAnswer

3. Consult Advocate (Optional)

You can consult an advocate for guidance when filing an Illinois Stalking 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

Submit-to-Court

4. File with the Clerk

To begin the process of obtaining an Illinois Stalking 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: Gather Evidence. What do you need to get an Illinois Stalking No Contact Order?

Gathering Evidence for an Illinois Stalking No Contact Order

Your 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 stalking cases:

Evidence Type 1: Pending Criminal Case
If there is an ongoing criminal case related to stalking or harassment, mention it in your petition. Judges often see this as strong support that stalking occurred.

Evidence Type 2: Photos or Videos
Include photos or videos of property damage, the respondent following or watching you, or items left behind that caused fear (e.g., threatening notes, unwanted gifts, or tracking devices). Pair images with descriptions of the incidents.

Evidence Type 3: Written or Digital Communications
Print copies of harassing text messages, emails, letters, or transcripts of voicemails. Screenshots saved as PDFs or printed images are often accepted.

Evidence Type 4: 911 Calls or Hotline Records
List any emergency or hotline calls related to stalking. Include:

  • The number called (e.g., 911 or a crisis hotline)

  • The date and time of the call

  • Who made the call

  • What was reported

Evidence Type 5: Medical or Counseling Records
If stalking caused physical or emotional harm, include medical records, therapy notes, or hospital visit records showing treatment related to the incidents.

Evidence Type 6: Police Reports
Submit copies of any police reports filed about stalking, harassment, or threats. These show a documented history of incidents.

Evidence Type 7: Witness Testimony
Statements from neighbors, friends, co-workers, or other witnesses can strengthen your case. Written accounts should include specific details such as dates, times, and behaviors they observed.

Step 2

You: Take Online Screening

Determine if your situation is suitable for applying for an Illinois Stalking 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 Stalking No Contact Order (SNCO), 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 Stalking No Contact Order, which explains to the court why protection is needed.

Step 4

You: File with the Court. How to File an Illinois Stalking No Contact Order

Illinois allows you to file a Petition for a Stalking 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.

To formally request court protection from stalking, you must complete and submit the Petition for Stalking 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.

Stalking 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 Stalking No Contact Order (SNCO) 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 Stalking 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 Stalking No Contact Order, 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, following or watching 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 Injunction for Protection Against Stalking is issued and served, the court schedules a final hearing, usually within 15 days. At this hearing, both you (the petitioner) and the respondent can attend, present evidence, and offer testimony.

The judge will review:

  • Evidence from both sides

  • Witness testimony

  • Any new incidents since the temporary order

If the judge finds enough proof of stalking or an ongoing threat, a Final Injunction for Protection Against Stalking will be issued.

This final order may:

  • Be valid for a set time (such as one year), or

  • Remain in effect indefinitely

    If you 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 Injunction Order

If the judge issues a Final Injunction for Protection Against Stalking 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 injunction (fixed 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 others as part of your safety plan.

FAQs

Court Forms Created This website guides you through all the topics required to complete your Stalking No Contact Order documents and file your case.

Core Forms

  • Petition For Stalking No Contact Order
  • Order
  • Summons
  • Motion To Extend Or Modify
  • Order For Extension Or Modification