A Motion to Dismiss pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/2-615 alleges that there are defects on the face of the pleading. This typically means that the pleading does not state a claim for which the relief being requested can be granted.
A “motion to dismiss” is typically filed in response to a complaint and is made in lieu of filing an “answer.” Technically, a plaintiff can move to “strike” a defense that a defendant has pled, given that defenses are subject to the same pleading requirements as are the plaintiff's claims.
The court may grant a motion to dismiss if the plaintiff's complaint fails to allege all the elements of a claim adequately. Or the court may grant it if the complaint fails to allege a measurable injury.
To defend against a motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction, you should be prepared to show the judge that the other party has had “contact” with the state where you have filed the case, s/he was served in the state, or there is some other reason why the court has jurisdiction.
The legal arguments in a motion to dismiss must be extremely persuasive and supported by relevant facts. If the court has any doubts about an individual's entitlement to dismissal, those doubts will be resolved in the plaintiff's favor and the motion will be denied.
These include dismissals for: (b)(1) a lack of subject-matter jurisdiction. (b)(2) a lack of personal jurisdiction. (b)(3) improper venue.
To defend against a motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction, you should be prepared to show the judge that the other party has had “contact” with the state where you have filed the case, s/he was served in the state, or there is some other reason why the court has jurisdiction.
The first lines of your motion should state your name and role in the case, and what you are asking the judge to do. Traditionally, the first line begins "Comes now the defendant," followed by your name. Then you state that you're asking the court to dismiss the plaintiff's complaint.
If you see a potential for a motion to dismiss, this is an opportunity to inform the client how much legal expertise is necessary for such a filing. In other words, they will be facing a daunting challenge trying to represent themselves and will likely need an attorney more than ever.