Self-Help Resources in the Daley Center and Around Chicago

Self-Help Resources in the Daley Center and Around Chicago

Last updated: November 2009

General Information and Assistance 
Administrative Hearings
Bankruptcy
Child Support and Paternity
Debt Collection   
Divorce and Other Domestic Relations Matters   
Domestic Violence - Civil        
Evictions and Other Matters in 1st Municipal Division   
Expungement
Foreclosures and Other Chancery Court Matters
Guardianship for Adults  
Guardianships for Minors  
Small Claims Matters for $1500 or less  
Other Resources at the Daley Center

General Information and Assistance

Self-Help Web Center

Location: 6th Floor, Room 602, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Phone: No Phone
Languages: Spanish speaker on site. A Spanish or Polish interpreter can be provided at your request.

The Self-Help Web Center has two Internet computer workstations that give you access to user-friendly web-based tools and legal resources created by Illinois Legal Aid Online.  Illinois Legal Aid Online gives reliable, user-friendly information and resources about legal issues commonly faced by lower-income people at www.illinoislegalaid.org.  These web resources include:

  • Preparation of court forms through an interactive program;
  • Legal information in 25 areas of law, including Step-by-Step Guides, articles, and video trainings; and
  • A search tool for finding free and low-cost legal representation.

Legal advice is not available at the self-help web center, but law students are available to help people utilize the tools and resources.

Federal Court

U.S. District Court Self-Help Assistance Program

Location: 20th floor, Rm. 2056A, The Dirksen Federal Courthouse, 219 S. Dearborn Street
Hours: By appointment only.  Appointments can be made at the Clerk’s Office, or by calling (312) 435-5691.
Languages: Please bring your own interpreter. Limited Spanish translation service can be available if requested in advance.

The Desk gives individuals representing themselves in federal court information and limited legal assistance in cases, such as employment discrimination and civil rights violations. Lawyers at the Desk will not represent you in court, but can help you with court documents, give you information about federal court procedures, and help you access free and low cost sources of legal information. The Self-Help Assistance Program also gives you access to a computer to find online legal information, forms and resources. 

Administrative Hearings

Administrative Hearings Advice Desk

Location: 400 W. Superior Street, Room 121
Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Phone: None

The Desk provides information and legal advice to respondents who are representing themselves in ordinance violation cases issued by the City of Chicago. These types of cases include building code violations and car impoundments. Desk lawyers give information, advice and brief services, which includes the drafting of motions and pleadings. Lawyers at the Desk will not represent you in court or at administrative hearings. The Desk assists visitors on a first come, first served basis. Services at the Desk are free to low-income residents of Cook County.

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy Help Desk

Location: Room 622, The Dirksen Federal Courthouse, 219 S. Dearborn Street
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Phone: (312) 435-6032
Languages: No appointment necessary. No language services available. Please bring your own interpreter.

The Desk provides assistance to individuals representing themselves in a bankruptcy case. The Desk can answer questions about completing schedules and court forms; and make referrals to lawyers, legal aid hotlines, government agencies, or social services that can offer further help. Lawyers at the Desk will not represent you in court or at hearings. The Desk also offers access to a computer to find online legal information, forms and resources.

Child Support and Paternity

Expedited Child Support and Paternity Advice Desk

Location: 14th Floor, 32 W. Randolph
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Phone: No Phone
Languages: Spanish assistance available daily.

The Desk provides assistance to individuals representing themselves in child support and paternity cases.  Staff gives brief information and advice about completing court forms.  Lawyers at the Desk will not represent you in court or at hearings.

Debt Collection

Consumer Collection Self-Help Desk

Location: 14th Floor, Room 1401, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Phone: No phone
Languages: Spanish assistance available daily

The Desk provides information, advice, and referrals to debtors and creditors who are representing themselves in post-judgment collection matters. Desk Lawyers give you advice and assistance in completing court forms. Lawyers at the Desk will not represent you in court or at hearings. Appointments are made on a first come, first served basis. Services at the Desk are free to low-income residents of Cook County.

Divorce and Other Domestic Relations Matters

Domestic Relations Self-Help Desk

Location: 30th floor, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Phone: No phone
Languages: Spanish assistance available Monday through Thursday.

The Desk provides individuals representing themselves advice and assistance with court forms in simple family matters and to resolve issues after the entry of a divorce order.  Lawyers at the Desk will not represent you in court or in hearings. You should bring any court documents with you to the Desk. Appointments are made on a first come, first served basis.  Services at the Desk are free to low-income residents of Cook County.

Domestic Violence - Civil

Pro Se Assistance Area - Domestic Violence - District 1
Independent Civil Order of Protection Courtroom

Location: 555 W. Harrison St., Suite 1900
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Phone: No phone
Languages: Spanish speakers on staff.

District 1 (Chicago) Civil Order of Protection Courtroom hears civil cases related to domestic violence. The Office of the Circuit Court Clerk of Cook County manages the Pro Se Assistance Area (PSAA.) The PSAA helps victims of domestic violence ask for an order of protection. Staff is trained in domestic violence issues and can give referrals and help in filling out court forms. A bi-lingual Spanish-speaking clerk is available. Staff is not allowed to give legal advice.

Domestic violence advocates from several domestic violence agencies are available to offer assistance, help in completing the forms, support in court, referrals, and information on safety issues. Domestic violence advocates are not lawyers.

The Domestic Violence Legal Clinic, located at 555 W. Harrison, Suite 1900, is available for victims of domestic violence who need legal assistance. Lawyers staff the Domestic Violence Legal Clinic (DVLC). Victims of domestic abuse may qualify for assistance from DVLC - based on income qualifications. Intake hours are 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Evictions and Other Matters in Municipal Division

Municipal Court Advice Desk

Location: 6th Floor, Room 602, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Phone: None
Languages: A Spanish or Polish interpreter can be provided at your request.

The Desk assists pro se litigants in the areas of eviction, consumer/contract, and tort matters. Desk staff will help with the drafting of court papers and give advice. The Desk lawyers will not represent you in court or hearings. Appointments are made on a first come, first served basis. Services at the Desk are free to low-income residents of Cook County. 

Expungement

Expungement Help Desk

Location: 10th Floor, Room 1006, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. 
Phone: No Phone

Cabrini Green Legal Aid’s Expungement Help Desk gives advice and assistance in filing for an expungement or sealing of criminal records. The Help Desk staff will review your records to determine whether you are eligible for relief, give legal advice, and assist applicants with filling out the necessary court forms.  No appointment is necessary. The Desk will give assistance on a first-come, first served basis.  Individuals must have their rap sheets to receive legal assistance.  (Rap sheets are available from the Chicago Police Department’s Access and Review Division, located at 3510 S. Michigan Ave.  Access and Review is open from 8:00-12:00, Monday through Friday.  The cost is $16.00.)

Foreclosures and Other Chancery Court Matters

Chancery Division Advice Desk

Location: 13th Floor, Room 1303, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Phone: No Phone
Languages: Spanish assistance available daily.

The Desk provides assistance in cases involving mortgage foreclosure, petitions for name change, or requesting an administrative review.

Guardianship for Adults

Adult Guardianship Help Desk

Location: 12th Floor next to the Forms Desk, Probate Division of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Richard J. Daley Center 50 W. Washington
Hours: 8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday
Phone: No Phone

The Desk provides assistance with petitioning for guardianship of a disabled adult and understanding the court procedure.  The staff will help you fill out forms, but the desk does not offer legal advice. Assistance is for filing a petition for guardianship of the person only, not of the estate. Appointments are made on a first come, first served basis.

Guardianship for Minors

Guardianship Assistance Desk for Minors

Location: 69 W. Washington, Room 1020
Hours: Appointments 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Receptionist available 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Assistance by appointment only.
Phone: (312) 603-0135
Languages: Spanish speakers on staff.  A Polish interpreter can be arranged at your request.

This Desk provides assistance with petitioning for guardianship of a minor. The staff will help you fill out court forms. Assistance is for filing a petition for guardianship of the person only, not of the estate.  Referrals are given for more complex cases. The Guardianship Assistance Desk also offers self-help packets if you wish to prepare your own forms. The packets have forms with instructions on how you should be prepared and explanations of guardianship requirements. 

Small Claims $1500 or less

Pro Se Help Desk

Location: 6th Floor, Room 602, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Phone: (312) 603-5626
Languages: Spanish speaker on staff daily from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Pro Se Court is for people to settle disputes for $1500 or less without a lawyer.  The Pro Se Help Desk provides assistance throughout your case by explaining and helping fill out court-required documents. Trained staff members will also advise you of any court fees and explain how to follow the judge's orders. The staff of the Pro Se Help Desk does not give legal advice.

Typical cases filed in Pro Se Court are auto damage, clothing loss or damage, debt collection and tenant/landlord claims. Foreign language interpreters are available upon request. To request an interpreter for a language other than Spanish or Polish, please notify the Pro Se Help Desk at the phone number above prior to your arrival.

Other Resources at the Daley Center

Cook County Law Library

Location: 29th Floor, Richard J. Daley Center (and other Cook County court locations), 50 West Washington
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Cook County Law Library offers many legal resources for people who are representing themselves in court and for lawyers.

Notary Public at the Bond Desk

Location: 12th Floor, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington 
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

You can get court forms notarized here.  Notarization costs $1.00 and requires a driver’s license or state ID.

Child Advocacy Room: The Rhoda Bresler Children’s Room

Location: 13th Floor, Room 1309, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington 
Hours: 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday
Phone: (312) 603-6252

The Circuit Court of Cook County's Children's Advocacy Rooms are safe environments where children may stay while you attend court proceedings. Designed as friendly, child-centered places, the Children's Advocacy Rooms keep children from experiencing the stressful, emotionally charged atmosphere of a courtroom. In the Children's Advocacy Rooms, children are supervised in decorated areas by trained, professional staff with help from volunteers and interns. Games, books, toys, arts and crafts and other materials are offered. Nutritional snacks are offered through donations from The Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Other Self-Help Resources in Cook County

Markham General Help Desk

Location: Adjacent to Courtroom 204, Markham Courthouse, 16501 S. Kedzie Parkway, Markham, IL 60428.
Hours: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Thursdays
Phone: No phone

Lawyers from the Legal Aid Bureau meet with you to give advice on a range of civil law matters. 

Skokie Expungement Help Desk

Location: Room 136, Second Municipal District Courthouse, 5600 Old Orchard Rd., Skokie, IL 60077
Hours: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays
Phone: No phone

The Skokie Expungement Help Desk provides assistance with filing for expungement or sealing of criminal records. Staff will review your criminal record and figure out whether you are eligible for relief, give legal advice, and help applicants with filling out necessary court forms. No appointment is necessary. The Desk will give assistance on a first come, first served basis. Individuals must have their rap sheets to receive legal assistance.

Rap sheets are available from the Chicago Police Department's Access and Review Division, located at 3510 S. Michigan Ave. Access and Review is open from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The cost is $16.00.

Juvenile Expungement Help Desk

Location: Next to the Clerk's Office (with sign by the door), Juvenile Court, 1100 S. Hamilton Chicago, IL 60612
Hours: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Mondays and Fridays, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Wednesdays
Phone: No phone

The Juvenile Expungement Help Desk will help you clear your juvenile records. At the Juvenile Expungement Help Desk, you can meet with an lawyer who will review your juvenile arrest record, help with the necessary paperwork and give you additional legal assistance.

If you are interested in receiving assistance at the Help Desk, you must bring a copy of their arrest record. Chicago Police Department arrest records may be requested at 3510 S. Michigan, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 12:30 pm.  There is a $16 fee.

Helpful Organizations
The following organizations may be able to help you with Consumer Law

For a list of organizations in your area that may be able to help you, enter your zip code.

       

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