Add a Date Legal Illinois Small Claims Forms For Free

If the judge grants your motion, your court date will be postponed to a later time. For most requests for continuances, you must provide the judge with a suitable reason (“good cause”) for postponing your court date.

If you need to ask the court to continue (reschedule) a court date that has already been scheduled or if you need more time to do something – like file an Answer or respond to a Motion another party has filed–you can file a Motion to Continue (Reschedule) or Extend Time.

If you need more time or can't attend your court date (hearing), you can ask to reschedule it. Unless you and the other side agree, you may need to give the court a good reason why you need to change the court date.

The request MUST BE SUPPORTED by a declaration signed under penalty of perjury that clearly explains the reasons for requesting a continuance and why the the timeline for a continuance is appropriate under the circumstances. The Court does not offer a form to request a continuance.

Begin with a formal salutation, such as "Dear Judge Last Name," and introduce yourself and your case. Clearly state your reasons for requesting a continuance and provide supporting evidence. Conclude your letter by expressing your gratitude and willingness to cooperate with the court's decision.

If your claim has not been served, go to the small claims clerk's office and ask to have an amendment added to the claim. Be sure to bring your original claim forms with you.

Here's a look at the time limits for small claims cases in Illinois: For cases involving injuries you received from another party, you have two years from the date of the incident to file the claim. For cases involving personal damage to property, you have five years from the date of the incident to file the claim.

After a car accident in Illinois, you typically have 2 years to file a lawsuit. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations, and if it expires, you might lose your ability to sue for the accident. However, there are situations where plaintiffs can toll the statute and buy themselves more time.

To change a court date, you must get a judge's permission. You ask the judge's permission by filing a motion. This motion asks the judge to reschedule a court date. If you are asking for a new court date, it is called a continuance.