Illinois Small Claims Court

Claim limit

$10,000

Court

Circuit Court

File online

Yes (statewide)

Appeal window

30 days

Small Claims Courts in Illinois

Small Claims Desk currently supports 1 court in Illinois. Tap a pin or a court below for its filing details, fees, and forms.

• Circuit Court of Cook County, Municipal Department — Civil Division (Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County) — Cook County
  Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St., Room 601, Chicago, IL 60602

Serving the defendant

The plaintiff chooses the method. At the plaintiff's request the circuit clerk will serve the summons and complaint by certified or registered mail in lieu of personal service (Rule 284); otherwise the plaintiff arranges service by the county sheriff or a court-appointed special process server.

• County sheriff — personal service
• Court-appointed special process server — personal service
• Clerk-sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, restricted delivery to a natural person (Rule 284) — $2 per defendant plus the cost of mailing, paid to the clerk

Certified- or registered-mail service is not proved unless the return receipt shows delivery at least 21 days before the appearance date and restricted-delivery requirements are met; if it fails, the plaintiff must re-serve by sheriff or special process server.

Common questions

How much can I sue for in small claims court in Illinois?

Up to $10,000, exclusive of interest and costs. If your claim is larger, you can sue for the limit and waive the rest.

What court hears small claims in Illinois?

Circuit Court. Cases are filed in the county where the defendant lives or where the dispute happened.

Who can file a small claims case in Illinois?

Any individual 18 years or older (a person under 18 must be represented by a lawyer); A corporation as claimant, assignee, subrogee, or counterclaimant ONLY if represented by counsel (Ill. S. Ct. Rule 282(b)); A corporation defending as defendant may appear through an officer, director, manager, department manager, or supervisor without an attorney (Rule 282(b)).

Can I file small claims online in Illinois?

Illinois offers statewide e-filing through eFileIL (Odyssey eFileIL / Tyler Technologies). Some counties also accept in-person or mail filing.

How long do I have to appeal in Illinois?

Generally 30 days from the judgment. Confirm the exact window for your court.

Not sure this fits your situation? Ask us about it — we answer by email, and it costs nothing.