Illinois Small Claims Forms - Small Claims Court
Illinois Small Claims Court FAQ Small Claims Court Illinois
Who hears the claims in small claims court?
In small claims court, the trial is an informal hearing before a judge. There is no jury and the plaintiff presents his or her evidence and witnesses. The defendant is also responsible for presenting his or her witnesses. After hearing both sides of the dispute, the judge will render a verdict based on the law and the facts presented.
Who may file a claim in small claims court? An individual, partnership or corporation (or LLC) may file a claim against another individual(s), partnership or corporation (LLC) in small claims court, if jurisdiction exists to hear the claim, if the amount of the claim does not exceed the statutory limits.
What must I do before I file a claim? Before you file a claim, get the facts straight so you can complete the forms correctly and answer any questions court personnel may need to know. Be sure to obtain the correct legal name of the defendant, correct address and place/address of employment. If the defendant is a corporation or LLC you would use the legal corporate or LLC name as the defendant.Â
How do I file a claim? The plaintiff or the plaintiff's attorney should go to the small claims division of the district court in the particular county where the person or business to be sued has an office or is domiciled and file a Statement of Claim Form. The plaintiff is responsible for furnishing the court with the correct and complete address of the defendant. The clerk will assign the plaintiff a case number and this number must be used whenever contacting the court concerning the particular case. A filing fee is required at the time the claim is filed. If the plaintiff cannot afford to prepay the fee at the time of the filing, he or she can submit an Affidavit of Substantial Hardship and request that the judge delay the payment.Â
Who serves the defendant with summons or process and how is the defendant served? The clerk of the court will issue a summons ordering the defendant to appear in court. The summons and the complaint must be served on the defendant. The summons and the complaint may be served by certified or registered mail. If the court provides this service, there may be an additional fee. If the defendant cannot be served using these methods, the precinct constable or any registered private process server will serve the summons and complaint for a fee.Â
How are hearings scheduled? The clerk of the court will provide you with the procedure to set the case for trial or hearing at the time you file your claim.Â
May I subpoena witnesses? If witnesses are required, but unwilling to attend the hearing unless they are subpoenaed, you may obtain a subpoena issued by the court clerk for service on the witness. The subpoena is an order for the witness to appear at the hearing to testify. Some employer may require that an employee be subpoenaed in order to be excused from work.Â
What are the trial procedures? The trial procedure is generally more informal than other courts. The case will usually be called in open court and you will respond that you are present and ready to proceed. You will then be advised when to present your claim. Be prepared to present your claim in your own words. Be prepared to question witnesses if witnesses are needed.Â
What happens if the defendant does not appear at trial? If the defendant does not appear at trial, a default judgment will be entered in the plaintiff's favor for the amount of the claim or other relief. After judgment is obtained and the appeal time has expired, the plaintiff may seek to collect the judgment by acceptable means of collection.Â
What are the common forms used in small claims court? Common forms used in small claims court are:
- Claim Statement/Complaint
- Summons
- Return of Summons
- Answer
- Subpoena
- Abstract of Judgment
Easy Order
What Is a Small Claims Court?
A small claims court is a legal forum where individuals can resolve disputes involving relatively small amounts of money. In Illinois, a small claims court is also known as the "Justice of the Peace" or "Magistrate Court." It is designed to provide a simplified and informal process for individuals to handle disputes without the need for hiring expensive lawyers or going through a lengthy trial. Small claims courts in Illinois can handle cases involving up to $10,000 in damages, and the goal is to provide fair and efficient justice for all parties involved.
Why File a Small Claims Case?
Filing a small claims case can be an option to resolve disputes easily and quickly, without the need for hiring expensive lawyers or enduring long court procedures. In Illinois, it may be a good idea to file a small claims case if you believe someone owes you money or has caused damage to your property that needs to be fixed. For example, if your landlord wrongfully keeps your security deposit or a neighbor damages your car and doesn't pay for the repairs, you can file a small claims case to seek compensation. It's a straightforward and affordable way to seek justice and resolve small conflicts in Illinois.
Small Claims Court Limits for Each State
In every state, there are special courts called Small Claims Courts that handle disputes involving small amounts of money. These courts have limits on the amount of money that can be claimed by individuals. It's like saying, "Hey, if your dispute involves more than this much money, you can't go to Small Claims Court." In Illinois, the limit for Small Claims Court is $10,000. This means that if your problem involves money or damages of $10,000 or less, you can take it to court and seek a resolution. But if it's more than that, you might have to go to a different court. So, these limits are basically about deciding which court can hear your case based on the amount of money involved — not too much, not too little.
Small Claims Demand Letter Example
A small claims demand letter is a formal written notice that someone sends to another individual or business in an attempt to resolve a dispute without going to court. In Illinois, this letter will typically include specific details about the claim, such as the amount owed, the reason for the claim, and any supporting evidence. The letter should be clear and concise, using simple language to explain the issue and requesting a resolution within a certain timeframe. It is important to use state-specific phrases and follow the rules and regulations outlined by the Illinois courts when writing a small claims demand letter for a case in Illinois.
Filing a Small Claims Case in 5 Steps
If you need to file a small claims case in Illinois, don't worry! Here are five simple steps to guide you through the process. First, gather all necessary documents and evidence related to your claim. Then, identify the proper court where you should file your case based on jurisdiction. Next, complete the required forms with accurate information about the parties involved and the amount you are claiming. After that, file the forms and pay the filing fee to the court clerk. Finally, deliver a copy of the forms to the defendant by certified mail or personal service. And that's it — you have successfully filed your small claims case in Illinois!
