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Date: 02/07/2026

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Law basics video series
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Acknowledgements

Funded by
The Chicago Bar Foundation Young Professionals Board

 

Find the full playlist of videos here, or click on an individual video below.

Note: This video and the others in the series are only available in English.

About the law basics video series 

These short videos explain the basics of the court process for people who are not familiar with going to court. They are designed to educate the public and help people who are going to court without a lawyer Someone who represents clients in courts or who gives legal advice understand what to expect.

Going to court can be stressful and confusing. While these videos cannot make the process easy, they may help viewers prepare for common court situations. The series is intended for both plaintiffs and defendants and covers general stages of the court process from beginning to end.

Important: Court procedures and rules may have changed since these videos were published. Although the videos provide a helpful overview of general concepts, you should refer to our written content for the most up-to-date information. If you need advice about how the law applies to your specific situation, talk to a lawyer.

To watch other videos in the law basics series, click the titles below or find the full playlist here.

  • Law basics: starting a lawsuit
  • Law basics: where to file a civil lawsuit
  • Law basics: Filing for free
  • Law basics: filing an appearance and answer
  • Law basics: asking the court to do something
  • Law basics: service of process
  • Law basics: missing a court date
  • Law basics: court orders
Last full review by a subject matter expert
February 13, 2023
Last revised by staff
February 05, 2026

About our legal information

Forms

Fee waiver Easy Form
This Easy Form helps you ask the court to waive or reduce filing fees.
Small claims complaint Easy Form
A program to help you make the forms to sue someone for up to $10,000. It can be used to sue a landlord for a security deposit.
Proof of delivery Easy Form
This Easy Form helps you prove that you sent a copy of a court document to the other parties in a court case. It's called a Proof of Delivery or Proof of Service.

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

Apply Online

Forms

Fee waiver Easy Form
This Easy Form helps you ask the court to waive or reduce filing fees.
Small claims complaint Easy Form
A program to help you make the forms to sue someone for up to $10,000. It can be used to sue a landlord for a security deposit.
Proof of delivery Easy Form
This Easy Form helps you prove that you sent a copy of a court document to the other parties in a court case. It's called a Proof of Delivery or Proof of Service.
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© 2026 Illinois Legal Aid Online. 
All rights reserved.
 
ILAO is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. ILAO's tax identification number is 20-2917133.