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Date: 03/15/2026

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Court & Hearings

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The Big Picture

The following information is about civil appeals. For information about criminal appeals see Starting a case to appeal a criminal conviction.

If you lose a case in the circuit court, you can…

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. Someone who represents clients in courts or who gives legal advice Going to court is never easy, but these videos may help prepare you. To view the videos in this series, click the links below:

  • Civil appeals: Overview
  • Civil appeals: Forms and E-filing
  • Civil appeals: Notice of Appeal
  • Civil appeals: Motions

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

Take action

Appealing a circuit court decision
Petitioning the appellate court for a rehearing
Filing a motion in the court of appeals

Learn more

Civil appeals common questions
Court forms used in a civil appeal
How to prepare a brief for appellate court
Resources available for civil appeals
Civil appeals video series

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

Apply Online

The Big Picture

The following information is about civil appeals. For information about criminal appeals see Starting a case to appeal a criminal conviction.

If you lose a case in the circuit court, you can…

More on Civil appeals basics

Take action

Appealing a circuit court decision
Petitioning the appellate court for a rehearing
Filing a motion in the court of appeals

Learn more

Civil appeals common questions
Court forms used in a civil appeal
How to prepare a brief for appellate court
Resources available for civil appeals
Civil appeals video series
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© 2026 Illinois Legal Aid Online. 
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ILAO is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. ILAO's tax identification number is 20-2917133.