Defendants may appear pro se (represent themselves) or hire a lawyer. Monetary damages are limited to $3,000 or less. All cases are referred to mediation so the parties can attempt to resolve the issues before a judge hears the case. For more information on pro se cases in Cook County, call (312) 603-5145 or visit the Pro Se Help Desk webpage.
Full Answer
How do I file a motion in Cook County?
All motions/petitions and notices of motion must be filed with the Clerk of Court either in Room 802 of the Daley Center or at any of the offices located at the suburban municipal district courthouses. If your motion/petition is not filed before you come to court, the judge may not hear your motion.
Do I need a lawyer for small claims court?
You do not need a lawyer for small claims court, and some states don't even allow you to have one. Read an overview of your state's small claims court laws first. There are many advantages to seeking legal help from an attorney, but you would likely have to pay attorney's fees.Apr 30, 2020
How do I file a pro se appearance in Illinois?
Step 1 – File the form with the Circuit Clerk.
o Bring the original Appearance and the copies to the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse. Appearance, and return these copies to you. Step 2 – Send a copy of your Appearance to the other parties in the case. Appearance, either by hand delivery, by mail, or by email.
o Bring the original Appearance and the copies to the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse. Appearance, and return these copies to you. Step 2 – Send a copy of your Appearance to the other parties in the case. Appearance, either by hand delivery, by mail, or by email.
How do I file a pro se in Cook County?
Go to room 802 on the 8th Floor of the Daley Center and then to the Domestic Relations Cashier's station. Tell the clerk that you would like to file your Appearance. They will take your documents and your fee, then time stamp your forms and give you two copies back.Feb 8, 2013
How much does it cost to file in small claims court in Illinois?
Filing fees generally are not more than $250. You may also need to pay a small fee for serving the defendant . If you win your case, you can usually have the defendants pay for your court costs . If you pay the filing fee , you can apply to have your fee waived.
What kind of damages can you sue for in small claims court?
What Kinds of Cases Go to Small Claims Court?
- Breach of contract disputes.
- Personal injury claims (such as dog bites)
- Collection on debts or loan repayments.
- Professional negligence claims (like bad car repairs)
- Claims regarding the return of a renter's security deposit or personal property.
What happens if I don't file an appearance in Illinois?
A Summons will usually tell you when you need to come to court. It will be called an "appearance filing date" or " return date ." If you do not appear in court on time, you will lose the case, and a default judgment may be entered against you.
Do I have to file an appearance in Cook County?
The Appearance form is required in most civil court cases. For example, you must file an Appearance when: o Someone sues you and you want to participate in the court case. If you do not file an Appearance and go to court as needed, the court case might go ahead without you and the court might rule against you.
How do you fire a lawyer and represent yourself?
The best way to do this is by sending a certified or registered letter to your attorney. This letter should only let your lawyer know to cease any work on your case. Do not go into the specifics of why you want to break ties with them or any issues you have had with their work or with them personally.Mar 5, 2019
How much can you sue for in small claims court in Illinois?
$10,000.00
The maximum judgment allowed in small claims court is $10,000.00 plus costs; therefore, your claim may not exceed $10,000.00.
How do you represent yourself in court?
Do not talk about issues that do not support your case. Be realistic about what the judge can and cannot do. Make sure you understand what legal relief you can get in your case and focus on that. Show respect for the judge, the court clerks, and other people in the courtroom.
Can I represent myself in court in Illinois?
You have the right to represent yourself in court. However, you will be expected to follow the court's rules and procedures when representing yourself. The judge and the court staff are not allowed to give you advice or help you with your case.Jan 31, 2022
What is the Pro Se Small Claims Court?
The Pro Se Small Claims Court of the Circuit Court of Cook County is a section within the First Municipal District.
What is the Pro Se branch of the First Municipal District?
The Pro Se Branch of the First Municipal District’s Small Claims Court was established to give people without lawyers the opportunity to pursue their claims for small amounts of monetary damages in a quicker and less expensive way than traditional litigation.
Can an attorney file a complaint on behalf of a client?
The person filing the complaint (the plaintiff) must be pro se; attorneys are not allowed to file complaints on behalf of clients in this branch.
How to contact Cook County legal aid?
Self-represented litigants in Cook County can also access free legal information, advice, and referrals by calling the Coordinated Advice and Referral Program for Legal Services (CARPLS) Legal Aid Hotline at (312) 738-9200.
How to find a lawyer?
If you believe you need the professional legal assistance of an attorney and want to hire an attorney, there are services to help you find legal representation. The following is a selected list of lawyer referral services and directories. The bar association referral services will match the caller with an attorney working in caller’s particular area of interest. Generally, the initial meeting involves a minimal cost to cover the administrative costs of the referral service. Before the meeting, check with the lawyer if there is any fee for their time/service. During or after your initial consultation, the lawyer will discuss the legal fees required to handle your matter. With these services there is generally no obligation on your part or the lawyer's to go beyond the first initial telephone contact or meeting.
What is legal self help center?
Legal Self Help Centers - Legal self-help center staff can help you find useful information on your legal problem, but cannot provide legal advice. Links to agencies in counties outside of Cook.
What is legal research toolkit?
Legal Research Toolkits: - State-specific information on how to conduct legal research. Provided by the Legal Information Service to the Public Special Interest Section, American Association of Law Libraries (AALL)
What is Illinois legal aid?
Illinois Legal Aid - A web-based resource for information about your legal rights and responsibilities. Search for articles and forms for all types of frequently encountered legal issues in over 25 areas of law. Includes resources organized by practice area and a comprehensive collection of legal forms . Online assistance is available. Also includes resources for legal aid providers.
What is lawhelp.org?
LawHelp.org - Lists nonprofit legal aid providers in other states to help find information related to housing, work, family, bankruptcy, disability, immigration and other topics.
What is free legal answer?
IL Free Legal Answers is a free, online legal advice clinic where qualifying low-income Illinois residents can ask a volunteer lawyer a question about a civil (non-criminal) legal problem.# N#Visit https://il.freelegalanswers.org/ for more information and to see if you qualify to use the service.
What is pro se court in Chicago?
Chicago's pro se court when the lawsuit is for $3,000 or less. In Chicago, there is a special court for people who do not have lawyers and are suing for $3,000 or less. It is called pro se court. Pro se means going to court without a lawyer .
What is pro se court?
Pro se means going to court without a lawyer . There is also a pro se help desk where people can get help using the pro se court. Both the court and the help desk are located at the Daley Center, 50 W. Washington, Chicago, IL. The help desk is in room 602, and the hours are 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, except court holidays.
What time does the court help desk open?
The help desk is in room 602, and the hours are 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, except court holidays. The defendant has the right to hire a lawyer if they choose. If the defendant decides to hire a lawyer, the plaintiff can choose to hire a lawyer too.
How to get free legal advice in Chicago?
If you are looking for free legal help in Chicago or Cook County, in most cases, the best place to start is by calling the CARPLS Legal Aid Hotline at (312) 738-9200. The hotline is staffed by lawyers who can give you free legal advice by phone. If there is a free legal aid or pro bono organization that may be able to offer more help, the CARPLS lawyers will tell you who else to call. You can also apply for free legal help online at Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO).
What is Illinois Legal Aid?
ILAO is a free website that offer information, court forms, and videos on over 30 areas of civil and criminal law. You can also use ILAO to apply for free legal services at local legal aid and pro bono organization. Online navigators can help you find the information and forms you need.
What is the Chicago Bar Association?
The Chicago Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service is the largest lawyer referral service serving Chicago and Cook County. You can learn more online or by phone at (312) 554-2001.
What does it mean to represent yourself in court?
If you do decide to represent yourself, you may hear yourself referred to as a “pro se” or “self-represented” litigant. That means you are representing yourself in court without an attorney.
What is the Office of Interpreter Services?
The Office of Interpreter Services provides foreign language court interpreters to litigants who do not speak English or have limited English proficiency.
Is e-filing mandatory in Illinois?
E-filing is now mandatory in Illinois for most people. You can e-file from any computer or you can use the free computers available for e-filing at the courthouse. You can learn more about e-filing here or by asking in the Circuit Clerk’s office.
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