The Illinois Small Claims Complaint is the court form a person or business files in the Circuit Court to recover money damages of $10,000 or less, governed by Illinois Supreme Court Rules 281–289 and filed using the standardized Small Claims Complaint form SC-G 1503.1 (rev. 02/24). You file it with the Circuit Clerk in the county where the defendant lives, where the contract was signed, or where the harm happened.
Filing this form opens a civil case, sets a return date, and forces the defendant to respond or risk a default judgment. According to the Annual Report of the Illinois Courts, more than 300,000 small claims cases are filed across Illinois each year, and clerks reject a meaningful share for missing signatures, wrong venue, or amounts above the $10,000 cap.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- 📝 How to complete every box on the SC-G 1503.1 form without missing a field
- 💵 The exact filing fees, payment methods, and fee waiver rules under the Illinois State Treasurer guidance on court fees and county clerks
- 🧾 Three full scenarios with named filers showing what to write line by line
- ⚖️ The statutes of limitation that decide whether your claim is even allowed under 735 ILCS 5/13-205 and 735 ILCS 5/13-206
- 🚨 The most common mistakes that lead to dismissal, and how to avoid them
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
The Illinois Small Claims Complaint (SC-G 1503.1) is a standardized statewide civil complaint approved by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice. It is the official starting document for any small claims lawsuit filed under the Illinois Supreme Court Small Claims Rules 281–289. The form replaced a patchwork of local complaint forms in 2018 and was last revised in February 2024.
You must file this form if you are seeking money damages of $10,000 or less, exclusive of interest and costs, as defined by Illinois Supreme Court Rule 281. If your claim is even one dollar more than $10,000, you cannot use this form — you must file a regular civil complaint and pay higher fees. You also cannot use small claims for evictions, name changes, divorces, or injunctions, because those have their own forms.
Anyone with legal capacity can file. That includes individuals, sole proprietors, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations. Under Supreme Court Rule 282(b), a corporation may appear and defend itself in small claims through any officer, director, manager, department head, or employee — a rare exception to the rule that corporations need lawyers.
Pro se filers (people without an attorney) make up the majority of small claims plaintiffs in Illinois. The form was rewritten at a roughly 8th-grade reading level so non-lawyers could complete it. Still, the Illinois Courts Self-Help Center recommends gathering documents and reading the instructions in full before opening the PDF.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Pull these items together before opening the form. Missing any one of them is a leading cause of clerk rejection or, worse, dismissal at the return date.
- The defendant’s exact legal name — for an individual, the full name as it appears on a driver’s license; for a business, the name registered with the Illinois Secretary of State Business Services. A misspelled or wrong name produces a worthless judgment you cannot collect.
- The defendant’s current street address — required for service under Supreme Court Rule 284. Without a valid address, the sheriff cannot serve the defendant and your case stalls.
- Your own legal name and mailing address — the court mails every notice here, so a P.O. Box that you check monthly is risky.
- The exact dollar amount you are owed — broken down by principal, contract interest, and any costs. Guesswork triggers a request for proof at trial.
- The date the debt arose or the harm occurred — this drives the statute of limitations analysis under 735 ILCS 5/13-205.
- A short factual story of what happened — three to five sentences in plain English. This becomes the body of the complaint.
- Supporting documents — written contract, signed lease, invoices, receipts, photos, repair estimates, text messages, and any demand letter you sent. Attach them as exhibits.
- The correct county for venue — under 735 ILCS 5/2-101, venue lies where the defendant resides or where the transaction or injury occurred. Filing in the wrong county can get the case transferred or dismissed.
- Filing fee or fee waiver paperwork — current fees in Cook County run roughly $98 for claims up to $1,500 and $233 for claims between $1,500.01 and $10,000, per the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court fee schedule. If you cannot pay, complete the Application for Waiver of Court Fees.
- An e-filing account — Illinois requires e-filing for civil cases under Supreme Court Order M.R. 18368 through the eFileIL portal operated by Tyler Technologies’ Odyssey system.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
You can download the current SC-G 1503.1 Small Claims Complaint directly from the Illinois Courts website as a fillable PDF. The form is free, statewide, and accepted in all 102 Illinois counties. Always confirm the revision date in the lower-left corner reads 02/24 before you start typing, because clerks reject older versions.
A second authoritative source is Illinois Legal Aid Online, which offers a guided interview that fills the PDF for you. The interview asks plain-language questions and produces a court-ready packet, including the summons. This is the smoothest option for first-time filers and is free.
Paper copies are available at every Circuit Clerk’s office, though most clerks now point you back to the website. Some county law libraries also keep printed copies. Bring two extra copies if you plan to file in person — one for the defendant and one stamped copy for your records.
If you are using assistive technology, the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice publishes accessible versions of standardized forms. Screen-reader users should request the tagged PDF. Translations are available in Spanish, Polish, Korean, and other languages on the Illinois Courts forms page.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the Illinois Small Claims Complaint Line by Line
The SC-G 1503.1 form is a four-page document. Work top to bottom and do not skip any field, even ones marked optional. Below is a field-by-field walkthrough using the exact box names printed on the form.
Caption: County and Judicial Circuit
This top block asks for the judicial circuit number and the county name where you are filing. Write the circuit number on the first line (for example, Sixth Judicial Circuit) and the county on the second line (for example, Champaign County). The Illinois Courts Circuit Map lists which counties belong to which circuit.
How to answer it: type the circuit in words, not numerals, and write the county in standard capitalization. For Cook County, the circuit is the Circuit Court of Cook County — Cook is its own circuit.
Example: Maria Lopez files in DuPage County. She writes “Eighteenth Judicial Circuit” and “DuPage County.”
Nuance: if the defendant lives in one county and the contract was signed in another, you may pick either, but pick the one closest to your witnesses to save travel. Edge case — for online transactions, venue is usually where you received the goods or services.
Common mistake: writing only the county and leaving the circuit blank. The clerk will return the form unfiled, costing you days.
Misconception: many filers think the caption is just decoration. It is not — it sets venue and a wrong entry can get your case transferred under 735 ILCS 5/2-104.
Plaintiff Information Box
This box asks for your full legal name, street address, city, state, ZIP, telephone, and email. You are the plaintiff because you are starting the case. If you are suing on behalf of a business, list the business’s full registered name, then add your name and title in the contact lines.
How to answer it: enter your name exactly as it appears on a government ID. Use a street address where you can receive mail every week. Format the phone as (312) 555-1212 and the date fields as MM/DD/YYYY.
Example: Carlos Rivera writes “Carlos Rivera” on the name line, “742 W. Diversey Pkwy, Apt. 3B, Chicago, IL 60614” on the address lines, and “(773) 555-0142” on the phone line.
Nuance: a P.O. Box is allowed for mailing but you must also list a physical address if the defendant counterclaims and needs to serve you. Edge case — sole proprietors should list both the business name and personal name to avoid identity confusion.
Common mistake: using a nickname like Carlos R. instead of the full legal name. The judgment will read in that nickname and a bank may refuse to honor a citation under that informal name.
Misconception: some filers think they can hide their address for privacy. You cannot — the address is part of the public court record under Supreme Court Rule 138.
Defendant Information Box
This box asks for the defendant’s full legal name, street address, city, state, ZIP, telephone, and email if known. Take the time to verify the defendant’s exact legal status. If suing a corporation or LLC, search the Illinois Secretary of State business database and list the registered agent’s name and address for service.
How to answer it: write the legal name on the top line. For an individual, add Jr., Sr., or III if it is part of their legal name. For a registered business, write the corporate name followed by c/o [Registered Agent].
Example: Janet Park sues a roofing company. She writes “Sunrise Roofing, LLC, c/o James O’Connor, Registered Agent, 123 N. Main St., Naperville, IL 60540.”
Nuance: if you only know a doing-business-as name like Joe’s Diner, sue both the DBA and the legal owner — for example, Joseph Bianchi d/b/a Joe’s Diner. Edge case — if the defendant moved, use a skip-trace service or check voter records before filing.
Common mistake: suing only the trade name without the legal entity. A judgment against Joe’s Diner alone may be uncollectible because Joe’s Diner owns no bank accounts.
Misconception: filers often think the post office will forward a summons. It will not — the sheriff serves at the address listed, and a stale address kills the case.
Number of Defendants and Additional Defendants Page
If you are suing more than one defendant, check the box and attach the Additional Defendants continuation page from the standardized form set. Each defendant gets their own block with name, address, and registered agent if applicable.
How to answer it: number the defendants 1, 2, 3 in the order you want them named in the case caption. Make sure each has a serviceable address.
Example: David Kim sues both his former landlord, Westside Properties LLC, and the property manager, Greg Stein, individually for retaining his security deposit.
Nuance: under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act, 765 ILCS 710, a landlord and manager can both be liable. Edge case — if defendants live in different counties, venue is proper in any county where one of them resides.
Common mistake: leaving out a deep-pocket defendant because the form looks crowded. You may lose your only collectible source.
Misconception: that adding defendants raises your filing fee a lot. In small claims, the fee is set by claim amount, not by the number of defendants.
Statement of Claim (Section 1: What Happened)
This is the heart of the complaint. The form asks you to describe the facts in plain English. Write three to seven short sentences explaining who, what, when, where, and how much.
How to answer it: start with the date and the agreement or event. Then describe what the defendant did wrong. End with the dollar amount you want and how you calculated it.
Example: Aisha Brown writes: “On 03/15/2025, I paid Sunrise Roofing $4,800 to replace the roof on my home at 18 Oak Lane, Peoria. The work was never completed. I demanded a refund on 06/01/2025. The defendant refused. I am owed $4,800.”
Nuance: avoid legal jargon like tortious interference. Plain facts win small claims trials. Edge case — if your claim has multiple parts (unpaid invoice plus damaged property), separate them into numbered paragraphs.
Common mistake: writing emotional accusations like “the defendant is a liar.” Judges discount that language and it can hurt credibility.
Misconception: that you must cite statutes here. You do not. The judge knows the law — your job is to give the facts that fit it.
Amount Claimed (Section 2)
This box asks for the total dollar amount you are seeking, excluding interest and court costs. Under Supreme Court Rule 281, the cap is $10,000.00.
How to answer it: write the number using digits and two decimals — $4,800.00. If you are also asking for statutory interest under 815 ILCS 205/2 at 5% per year, check the interest box and let the court calculate it.
Example: Marcus Johnson is owed $7,250 on a written contract. He writes “$7,250.00” in the amount box and checks the interest box.
Nuance: court costs (filing fee, service fee) are added automatically by the clerk if you win. Edge case — if your true damages exceed $10,000, you may waive the excess to stay within the small claims cap, but you cannot later sue for the rest.
Common mistake: padding the number to “leave room to negotiate.” Judges award only what you prove, and overstated demands hurt credibility.
Misconception: that $10,000 and $10,000.00 are the same. The form requires cents to avoid clerk rejection.
Basis of the Claim (Section 3 Checkboxes)
The form lists checkboxes for Oral Contract, Written Contract, Consumer Transaction, Personal Injury, Property Damage, and Other. Check the box that best fits.
How to answer it: pick one main category. If you check Other, write a short label like “Unreturned security deposit.”
Example: Janet Park checks “Written Contract” because she signed a roofing agreement.
Nuance: the basis affects the statute of limitations. Oral contracts have a 5-year deadline under 735 ILCS 5/13-205. Written contracts have a 10-year deadline under 735 ILCS 5/13-206.
Common mistake: checking both Oral and Written when there was one written agreement. The defendant may move to dismiss for ambiguity.
Misconception: that a text-message exchange is “oral.” Courts treat texts and emails as written for the 10-year limitation.
Verification and Signature Block
Just above the signature line, the form contains a verification statement under penalty of perjury, as required by 735 ILCS 5/1-109. Sign your full legal name, write the date, and add your printed name below.
How to answer it: sign in blue or black ink if filing on paper, or use a /s/ electronic signature like “/s/ Maria Lopez” if e-filing.
Example: Carlos Rivera signs “/s/ Carlos Rivera” with date “10/14/2026” and prints “Carlos Rivera” below.
Nuance: corporate plaintiffs must have an authorized officer or employee sign per Supreme Court Rule 282(b). Edge case — co-plaintiffs both must sign.
Common mistake: forgetting the date. Clerks treat an undated verification as defective and may reject the filing.
Misconception: that signing is a formality. It is a sworn statement, and a knowingly false fact in the complaint can lead to perjury exposure.
Demand for Trial and Hearing Date
The bottom of the form has a return date / hearing date line. In most counties the clerk fills this in when you file, scheduling the date roughly 14 to 40 days out as required by Supreme Court Rule 286.
How to answer it: leave the line blank if your county assigns dates. If your local rule asks you to pick from a calendar, choose a date at least 21 days out to allow service.
Example: Aisha Brown’s clerk in Peoria County stamps a return date of “11/12/2026 at 9:00 a.m. in Courtroom 4A.”
Nuance: if the defendant lives out of state, ask for at least a 30-day cushion to allow service under 735 ILCS 5/2-208.
Common mistake: setting a return date too close to filing. If service is not completed in time, you must reschedule and re-serve, doubling fees.
Misconception: that the return date is the trial date. In many counties it is just the first appearance — the trial is set later if the defendant contests.
Attachments and Exhibits
The form includes a check-the-box list for Exhibit A, Exhibit B, Exhibit C. Check each box that matches what you are attaching, like a copy of the contract, invoices, photos, or your demand letter.
How to answer it: label each attachment clearly at the top — Exhibit A — Lease Agreement dated 06/01/2024. Attach copies, never originals.
Example: Marcus attaches Exhibit A (the signed contract), Exhibit B (the unpaid invoice), and Exhibit C (the certified-mail demand letter).
Nuance: under Supreme Court Rule 287, you generally do not need to attach exhibits to the complaint, but doing so strengthens your claim and helps the judge see liability quickly. Edge case — for HIPAA-protected records, redact medical record numbers.
Common mistake: attaching unredacted Social Security numbers. Supreme Court Rule 138 requires redaction, and clerks may reject the filing.
Misconception: that you need a notary. Small claims complaints in Illinois are not notarized — they are verified under 735 ILCS 5/1-109.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Scenario 1: Maria Lopez — Unreturned Security Deposit
Maria rented an apartment in DuPage County for two years and moved out in clean condition. Her landlord, Westside Properties LLC, refused to return her $1,800 security deposit within the 30/45-day window required by the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act.
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| Judicial Circuit / County | Eighteenth Judicial Circuit / DuPage County |
| Plaintiff | Maria Lopez, 410 Forest Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187, (630) 555-0190 |
| Defendant | Westside Properties LLC, c/o Linda Pham, Registered Agent, 22 Main St., Lombard, IL 60148 |
| Statement of Claim | On 08/01/2024 I paid an $1,800 security deposit. I moved out 07/31/2026 with no damage. Defendant has not returned the deposit. |
| Amount Claimed | $1,800.00 plus statutory damages of two times the deposit under 765 ILCS 710 |
| Basis of Claim | Written Contract (Lease) |
| Exhibits | Exhibit A — Lease; Exhibit B — Move-out photos; Exhibit C — Demand letter dated 09/05/2026 |
| Signature | /s/ Maria Lopez, 10/01/2026 |
Scenario 2: Marcus Johnson — Unpaid Business Invoice
Marcus owns a small graphic-design firm in Cook County and is owed $7,250 by a client who signed a written services agreement and never paid the final invoice.
| Form Section | What Marcus Enters |
|---|---|
| Judicial Circuit / County | Circuit Court of Cook County |
| Plaintiff | Marcus Johnson d/b/a Inkwell Studios, 1500 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60642 |
| Defendant | Pinnacle Marketing Inc., c/o David Stern, Registered Agent, 200 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60606 |
| Statement of Claim | Defendant signed a written contract on 02/12/2026 for $9,250 in design work. Plaintiff delivered all work on 04/30/2026. Defendant paid $2,000 and refused to pay the $7,250 balance. |
| Amount Claimed | $7,250.00, plus 5% statutory interest from 05/30/2026 |
| Basis of Claim | Written Contract |
| Exhibits | Exhibit A — Signed contract; Exhibit B — Final invoice; Exhibit C — Email demand |
| Signature | /s/ Marcus Johnson, 10/05/2026 |
Scenario 3: Aisha Brown — Property Damage from a Car Accident
Aisha was rear-ended in a parking lot in Peoria County. The other driver had insurance that covered most of the repair, leaving Aisha with $3,400 in unreimbursed damages and a deductible.
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| Judicial Circuit / County | Tenth Judicial Circuit / Peoria County |
| Plaintiff | Aisha Brown, 18 Oak Lane, Peoria, IL 61602 |
| Defendant | Robert Henderson, 502 Sycamore Dr., Peoria, IL 61603 |
| Statement of Claim | On 06/14/2026 Defendant rear-ended Plaintiff’s vehicle in the Walmart lot at 5001 N. Big Hollow Rd. Defendant was cited for failure to reduce speed. Plaintiff’s repairs cost $5,400; insurance paid $2,000 leaving $3,400 owed. |
| Amount Claimed | $3,400.00 |
| Basis of Claim | Property Damage |
| Exhibits | Exhibit A — Police crash report; Exhibit B — Repair invoice; Exhibit C — Insurance payout statement |
| Signature | /s/ Aisha Brown, 09/20/2026 |
How to File the Completed Form
Illinois requires mandatory e-filing for civil cases, including small claims, under Supreme Court Order M.R. 18368. The exception is self-represented litigants, who may e-file but are not required to. Below is each channel.
E-Filing Through eFileIL
Create a free account at the eFileIL portal, which is powered by Tyler Technologies’ Odyssey File & Serve. Upload the completed SC-G 1503.1 PDF along with your exhibits as a single bookmarked PDF.
The portal accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and ACH e-checks. Filing fees vary by county — Cook County charges roughly $98 for claims up to $1,500 and $233 for claims $1,500.01–$10,000, per the Cook County Clerk fee schedule. Expect a clerk-acceptance email within 1–3 business days. Save the Notice of Electronic Filing as your proof of filing.
Filing in Person
Self-represented filers may walk into the Circuit Clerk’s office for the county where venue lies. Bring the original signed complaint, two copies, and payment by cash, check, money order, or in many counties a credit card with a small surcharge. The clerk file-stamps your copy on the spot — that is your proof of filing.
Filing by Mail
A few counties still accept mailed filings from pro se filers. Send the original plus two copies, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check made out to Clerk of the Circuit Court. Use certified mail with return receipt so you have a delivery date if anything is lost. Processing takes 5–10 business days.
Fee Waiver
If you cannot afford the fee, file the Application for Waiver of Court Fees along with the complaint. Approval is automatic if your household income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty level, and partial waivers exist up to 200%.
What Happens After You File
After the clerk accepts your complaint, the court issues a Small Claims Summons that names the return date. Under Supreme Court Rule 286, the return date is the defendant’s first appearance, set 14 to 40 days out for in-county service.
Service of the summons must be completed at least 3 days before the return date, per the same rule. The Sheriff serves for a fee usually around $60, or you may use a special process server appointed by the court under 735 ILCS 5/2-202. Keep the returned Affidavit of Service in your file.
If the defendant fails to appear, you may move for a default judgment at the return date. The judge will usually enter judgment for the amount you proved, plus court costs. If the defendant appears and contests, the court will set a trial date — usually 21 to 60 days later.
After judgment, you have a separate task: collection. Under 735 ILCS 5/12-101 et seq., you can use wage garnishment, citation to discover assets, and bank levies. A money judgment is enforceable for 7 years and renewable for another 7.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Misspelling the defendant’s legal name. A misspelled name produces a judgment you cannot collect against the real entity.
- Suing only a DBA. A trade name has no assets, so the judgment is uncollectible.
- Listing the wrong county. Wrong venue leads to transfer or dismissal under 735 ILCS 5/2-104.
- Claiming more than $10,000. The case will be kicked out of small claims and you must refile under regular civil procedure with higher fees.
- Failing to sign the verification. An unsigned complaint is treated as void and the clerk will reject it.
- Using a stale defendant address. Without good service, your case stalls and may be dismissed for want of prosecution.
- Forgetting to attach exhibits. While not always required, missing key proof at the return date can cost you the case.
- Including unredacted Social Security numbers. This violates Supreme Court Rule 138 and may trigger sanctions.
- Filing past the statute of limitations. Oral contracts must be filed within 5 years, written within 10 years, and personal injury within 2 years.
- Choosing the wrong basis of claim. Marking Oral when the agreement was written shortens your deadline by half.
- Ignoring the return date. Missing it leads to dismissal with prejudice in some counties.
- Not keeping a stamped copy. Without proof of filing, you cannot show the case is pending if a dispute arises.
Dos and Don’ts
- Do verify the defendant’s legal name on the Illinois Secretary of State business search before filing, because a correct name is the only path to collection.
- Do keep originals of every contract, invoice, and photo in a safe folder, because you will need them at trial.
- Do send a written demand letter before filing, because many defendants pay once they see you are serious.
- Do use the current 02/24 revision of SC-G 1503.1, because outdated forms get rejected.
- Do redact private identifiers under Supreme Court Rule 138, because exposing them can lead to sanctions.
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Do show up early on the return date, because courtrooms call the docket promptly.
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Don’t inflate damages to “leave negotiating room,” because judges award only what you prove.
- Don’t sue the wrong entity, because you cannot fix the name after judgment without a new case.
- Don’t skip the verification block, because an unsigned complaint is legally void.
- Don’t rely on email service of the summons, because Illinois requires personal or substitute service for the summons under Supreme Court Rule 284.
- Don’t miss the statute of limitations, because the court will dismiss the case no matter how strong your facts are.
- Don’t assume the clerk gives legal advice, because Illinois clerks are barred from doing so under court policy.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
| Filing Pro Se | Filing With an Attorney |
|---|---|
| Saves attorney fees, often $200–$400 per hour | Brings expertise on evidence and procedure |
| You control strategy and pace | Attorney handles deadlines and filings for you |
| Forms are designed for non-lawyers | Better leverage in negotiation with insurers or businesses |
| Lower stress for simple unpaid-invoice cases | Useful when the defendant has counsel |
| Requires personal time off work for hearings | Fee may exceed the recovery for small claims |
Pros of going pro se include lower cost, full control, faster filing, easier scheduling, and a court system designed for self-represented people under Supreme Court Rule 282.
Cons of going pro se include lack of legal training, risk of procedural errors, weaker negotiation leverage, exposure to counterclaims, and emotional fatigue from running your own case.
Pros of hiring counsel include experience with local judges, faster discovery, professional drafting, settlement skill, and stress relief.
Cons of hiring counsel include cost that can swallow your recovery, slower decision-making, less personal control, possible referral to collection agencies, and the reality that many lawyers will not take cases under $10,000.
Key Agencies, Statutes, and Related Forms
The Illinois Supreme Court writes the small claims rules. The Circuit Court Clerks accept filings. The Illinois Secretary of State tracks business entities. Related forms include the Application for Waiver of Court Fees, the Small Claims Summons, and the Citation to Discover Assets for collection.
Key statutes include the Code of Civil Procedure, 735 ILCS 5, the Interest Act, 815 ILCS 205, and the Security Deposit Return Act, 765 ILCS 710.
FAQs
Do I need a lawyer to file an Illinois small claims complaint?
No. Individuals may represent themselves, and corporations may appear through any officer or employee under Supreme Court Rule 282(b).
Is the maximum I can sue for $10,000?
Yes. The cap is $10,000 exclusive of interest and costs under Supreme Court Rule 281, and even one extra dollar disqualifies the small claims track.
Can I file the complaint on paper if I am pro se?
Yes. Self-represented litigants are exempt from mandatory e-filing and may walk in to the Circuit Clerk’s office or mail filings.
Do I write my full legal name or my nickname in the Plaintiff box?
No nicknames. Use your full legal name as it appears on a government ID so the judgment is enforceable in your real name.
Should I check both Oral Contract and Written Contract on the form?
No. Pick the single basis that matches your agreement, because mixing them creates ambiguity and risks a motion to dismiss.
Do I have to attach my contract as Exhibit A?
No, exhibits are not strictly required at filing under Supreme Court Rule 287, but attaching them strengthens the case and speeds default judgments.
Is the return date the same as the trial date?
No. The return date is the defendant’s first appearance, and the trial is set later if the defendant contests the claim.
Can I sue someone who lives in another state?
Yes, if Illinois has long-arm jurisdiction under 735 ILCS 5/2-209 and the events happened here, but service will cost more time and money.
Do I have to notarize the complaint?
No. Illinois uses verification under penalty of perjury per 735 ILCS 5/1-109, which replaces notarization on this form.
Can I add interest to my Amount Claimed box?
No above the cap. List principal in the box and check the interest option, letting the judge calculate statutory interest under 815 ILCS 205/2.
Is the filing fee refundable if I lose?
No. Filing fees are non-refundable, but if you win, the court typically taxes the fee as a recoverable cost against the defendant.
Can I file in any county I want?
No. Venue is limited to where the defendant lives or where the transaction or injury happened, per 735 ILCS 5/2-101.
Do I need to redact the defendant’s Social Security number?
Yes. Supreme Court Rule 138 requires redaction of personal identifiers from any court filing.
Can I dismiss the case after filing if the defendant pays?
Yes. File a one-page voluntary dismissal under 735 ILCS 5/2-1009 once payment clears, and keep proof of payment in your file.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Illinois Civil Complaint (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Illinois Civil Summons (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Illinois Petition to Vacate / Set Aside Judgment + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Illinois Summons – Small Claims (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Ohio Small Claims Complaint (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Washington Small Claims Notice of Claim + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Washington Form LT 01 (w/Examples) + FAQs