How to File a Small Claims Case in Cook County

Claim limit

$10,000

Filing fee

$287–$379

File online

Yes

First court date

Trial

Filing in Cook County, step by step

Every step below happens at Circuit Court of Cook County, Municipal Department — Civil Division (Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County) or through the system it uses.

1. 1. Check the amount is within the limit. Cook County small claims handles claims up to $10,000 (exclusive of interest and costs). Above that, the case belongs in a different division and the clerk will refuse it.
2. 2. Name the defendant exactly. A judgment against a misspelled name or a trade name that is not the legal entity is difficult to collect. For a business, use the registered legal name.
3. 3. Fill out the claim form. Cook County uses Small Claims Complaint (Illinois statewide standardized, approved 06/2024), Small Claims Summons (Illinois statewide standardized, approved 06/2024), How to File & Serve a Small Claims Complaint & Summons (SC-I 1802.4). The blank forms are free. What you write in the statement of what happened is what gets the case accepted or sent back.
4. 4. File it and pay. Cook County accepts filings electronic filing via efileil (mandatory for attorneys under ill. s. ct. rule 9; available to self-represented filers); in person at the civil division counter, richard j. daley center room 601, or a suburban district courthouse — paper filing requires an approved e-filing exemption; by mail with an approved e-filing exemption. The fee is $287–$379.
5. 5. Serve the defendant. Filing does not notify the defendant — service does, and the case cannot proceed without it. 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.

If your claim is based on a written agreement, a copy must be attached to the claim form when you file.

Where to file in Cook County

• Electronic filing via eFileIL (mandatory for attorneys under Ill. S. Ct. Rule 9; available to self-represented filers)
• In person at the Civil Division counter, Richard J. Daley Center Room 601, or a suburban district courthouse — paper filing requires an approved e-filing exemption
• By mail with an approved e-filing exemption

Walk-in filing is available at 6 locations: District 1 (First Municipal District) — Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602, District 2 — 5600 Old Orchard Rd., Skokie, IL 60077 (847-470-7250), District 3 — 2121 Euclid Ave., Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 (847-818-3000), District 4 — 1500 Maybrook Dr., Maywood, IL 60153 (708-865-6040), District 5 — 10220 S. 76th Ave., Bridgeview, IL 60455 (708-974-6500), District 6 — 16501 S. Kedzie Pkwy., Markham, IL 60428 (708-232-4551).

What happens after you file

Cook County sets your court date when you file, so you leave the counter knowing it. The first appearance is trial. If the defendant loses, they have 30 days to move for a new trial and 30 days to appeal.

Why not just do it yourself?

The forms are free. Why pay anything?

The forms are free. Knowing what to write in them is not. Most rejected filings are rejected on the claim narrative, not the paperwork.

What happens if I get it wrong?

You refile and pay $287–$379 again. That is the actual cost of guessing.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. Small claims is designed for people representing themselves, and most attorneys will not take a case this size.

Common questions

Where do I file a small claims case in Cook County?

Circuit Court of Cook County, Municipal Department — Civil Division (Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County), Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St., Room 601, Chicago, IL 60602. Open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Can I file small claims online in Cook County?

Yes. Cook County accepts filings through eFileIL (Odyssey eFileIL / Tyler Technologies), and filers representing themselves may register.

How long does a small claims case take in Cook County?

It depends on the court's calendar and on how quickly the defendant is served. Your first date is set at filing.

How much can I sue for in Cook County?

Up to $10,000, exclusive of interest and costs.