Illinois Rule To Show Cause is a court order requiring a party to explain why a certain action should or should not be taken. It is commonly used in child support and custody cases to require a party to appear in court and explain why they have failed to comply with an existing court order or why a certain action should be taken. There are three types of Illinois Rule To Show Cause: Contempt Rule to Show Cause, Order to Show Cause, and Motion to Show Cause. A Contempt Rule to Show Cause is used when a party has failed to comply with a court order and must explain why they have not done so. An Order to Show Cause is used when a party requests certain action be taken by the court. A Motion to Show Cause is used when a party wishes to modify or terminate an existing order.