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The Big Picture

Learn about the civil appeals process in Illinois, including how to get started, the forms you need, and resources to guide you.
More on Civil appeals basics
Civil appeals video series
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Provided by: Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts

This overview video is the first in a series by the AOIC designed to help self-represented litigants navigate civil appeals. These videos provide clear, step-by-step information to help people going to court without a lawyer. Going to court is never easy, but these videos may help prepare you. To view the videos in this series, click the links below:

For additional information, read our Civil Appeals Basics Guide.

Last full review by a subject matter expert
February 09, 2023
Last revised by staff
January 09, 2025

About our legal information

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Filing a motion in the court of appealsHow-To
If you have an appeal filed with the Illinois Court of Appeals, and you want to ask the court to do something in the case, you need to file a motion. This article explains how.
Petitioning the appellate court for a rehearingHow-To
Steps to fill out and file a petition for rehearing, including what the petition is, when it must be filed, and how to file it.
Appealing a circuit court decision How-To
Explains how to file an appeal. Includes filing requirements, fees, and deadlines.
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Forms

Create forms to help resolve your legal issue.

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Notice of appeal Easy Form
This Easy Form helps you tell the court and other parties that you are appealing an order or judgment in your trial court case.
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Learn more

Find detailed explanations, frequently asked questions, videos, and related topics.

arrow
Civil appeals common questions FAQ
Find answers to common questions about civil appeals in Illinois, including the appeal process, filing requirements, and what happens in appellate court.
Court forms used in a civil appeal Text article
List of forms needed during a civil appeal to the Illinois Appellate Court. It includes information about each form and links to where you can find and fill them out.
How to prepare a brief for appellate court Text article
Explains how to format an appellate brief with the necessary sections and citations.
Resources available for civil appeals Text article
Resources for self-represented litigants in civil appeals, including guides, forms, legal research tools, and free legal advice through the Illinois Free Legal Answers Program.
Civil appeals video series Video
Learn about civil appeals with this video series for self-represented litigants. Explore key steps, deadlines, and resources to help you navigate the process.

Worried about doing this on your own?  You may be able to get free legal help.

Apply Online

The Big Picture

Learn about the civil appeals process in Illinois, including how to get started, the forms you need, and resources to guide you.
More on Civil appeals basics

What’s next?

You have learned the basics. Choose what you would like to do next.

icon

Take action

Follow step-by-step instructions for handling your legal issue.

arrow
Filing a motion in the court of appealsHow-To
If you have an appeal filed with the Illinois Court of Appeals, and you want to ask the court to do something in the case, you need to file a motion. This article explains how.
Petitioning the appellate court for a rehearingHow-To
Steps to fill out and file a petition for rehearing, including what the petition is, when it must be filed, and how to file it.
Appealing a circuit court decision How-To
Explains how to file an appeal. Includes filing requirements, fees, and deadlines.
icon

Forms

Create forms to help resolve your legal issue.

arrow
Notice of appeal Easy Form
This Easy Form helps you tell the court and other parties that you are appealing an order or judgment in your trial court case.
icon

Learn more

Find detailed explanations, frequently asked questions, videos, and related topics.

arrow
Civil appeals common questions FAQ
Find answers to common questions about civil appeals in Illinois, including the appeal process, filing requirements, and what happens in appellate court.
Court forms used in a civil appeal Text article
List of forms needed during a civil appeal to the Illinois Appellate Court. It includes information about each form and links to where you can find and fill them out.
How to prepare a brief for appellate court Text article
Explains how to format an appellate brief with the necessary sections and citations.
Resources available for civil appeals Text article
Resources for self-represented litigants in civil appeals, including guides, forms, legal research tools, and free legal advice through the Illinois Free Legal Answers Program.
Civil appeals video series Video
Learn about civil appeals with this video series for self-represented litigants. Explore key steps, deadlines, and resources to help you navigate the process.