How do I file a small claims suit in Illinois?

How do I file a small claims suit in Illinois?

Eight Step Process

1. Go to the courthouse.
2. List your name as the plaintiff.
3. The party you are suing is called the defendant.
4. List the amount of money you request as damages.
5. Include a brief explanation about why you are suing the defendant.
6. The clerk will assign a number to each small claim case.

Can you sue someone in Small Claims Court in Illinois?

If you want to sue someone in Illinois for less than $10,000 in monetary damages, you may be able to file your lawsuit in small claims court. These courts of limited jurisdiction have simple procedures and less formality, allowing people to handle their cases without the expense of an attorney in most situations.

How much can you sue in Cook County pro se court?

The claim limit for pro se court is $3,000 in Cook County, but may be higher in other counties. The amount of your claim does not include any interest or court costs. For example, if you loaned your neighbor $10,000 and he has not paid you back, you may sue him in small claims court for $10,000 plus interest on the loan, plus court costs.

Where to file a claim in Small Claims Court?

Generally you must file your claim in the court located either where the defendant lives or does business, or where the events that led to the dispute took place. Sometimes you may have a choice of courts to file your claim.

Where can I file a claim in Illinois?

Blank forms are available on the Illinois Courts website. The Complaint describes your claim against the defendant. If you have any documents to support your claim, attach copies to your Complaint. Make sure that you make copies of all documents you attach to your Complaint so you have them for your records after filing.

If you want to sue someone in Illinois for less than $10,000 in monetary damages, you may be able to file your lawsuit in small claims court. These courts of limited jurisdiction have simple procedures and less formality, allowing people to handle their cases without the expense of an attorney in most situations.

The claim limit for pro se court is $3,000 in Cook County, but may be higher in other counties. The amount of your claim does not include any interest or court costs. For example, if you loaned your neighbor $10,000 and he has not paid you back, you may sue him in small claims court for $10,000 plus interest on the loan, plus court costs.

Generally you must file your claim in the court located either where the defendant lives or does business, or where the events that led to the dispute took place. Sometimes you may have a choice of courts to file your claim.

Blank forms are available on the Illinois Courts website. The Complaint describes your claim against the defendant. If you have any documents to support your claim, attach copies to your Complaint. Make sure that you make copies of all documents you attach to your Complaint so you have them for your records after filing.