Everybody has the right to represent themselves in court. However, please be aware filing any legal action can be a complicated procedure for those not trained in doing so. The Circuit Clerk’s office recommends all litigants seek legal advice before filing any documents with the court. Staff of the Circuit Clerk’s office are not attorneys and are strictly prohibited from providing legal advice under Title 28 U.S.C. Section 955.

Access to Justice

The ATJ Commission focuses on improvements, resources, and programs within the judicial system that help self-represented litigants and limited English proficient litigants access our courts, assist legal aid and pro bono attorneys in representing their clients, and support the judiciary and other court staff in ensuring justice for all.

Are you representing yourself in court and need help? Find legal information, court forms, and referrals to free or low-cost legal help here. This website does not give legal advice and is not a substitute for having a lawyer.

 

Illinois Legal Aid

Illinois Legal Aid is a resource for self-represented persons to understand their legal options, make informed decisions, and when necessary represent themselves in court. The site also provides a free form library that offers easy form programs to fill out the forms or download a blank form and use a pen.

 

Legal Answers

Need legal answers? Legal Answers is a secure website where low-income people can get free advice about their civil legal problems. Answer a few questions to see if you qualify here.

 

Statewide Forms

On June 13, 2012, the Illinois Supreme Court created Article X of the Illinois Supreme Court Rules and adopted Rule 10-100, which established the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice. The Commission’s purpose is to promote, facilitate, and enhance equal access to justice with an emphasis on access to the Illinois Civil Courts and administrative agencies for all people, particularly the poor and vulnerable. On November 28, 2012, the Illinois Supreme Court adopted Supreme Court Rule 10-101, Standardized Forms, and entered an Administrative Order to set out a formal process for the development, review and approval of standardized forms for use in the Illinois courts by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice.

 

Illinois Court Help connects you to the information you need to go to court. It’s a free service from the Illinois Courts. Call or text 833.411.1121 Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Our court guides help you understand and go through the court process, wherever you are in Illinois.

 

Below are interactive forms that can be completed, printed for scanning or saved, and electronically filed, by attorneys or self-represented litigants to streamline the judicial process. Please note that while we provide a number of forms for our filers, some documents are not standardized and must be created by the filer.

Civil

Divorce/Family/Child Support

Probate

General

Criminal/Traffic