Money & Debt
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Small claims basics Guide
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Small claims courts handle civil legal issues involving amounts of money up to $10,000. Every county circuit court in Illinois offers small claims cases. Chicago also has a special “pro se” small claims court for self-represented people suing for $3,000 or less.
Compared with many other kinds of civil cases, small claims offers:
- Simpler rules,
- A faster timeline,
- Lower costs, and
- A more welcoming experience for self-represented people.
Small claims cases can only decide whether the defendant owes money to the plaintiff. Other kinds of cases are needed for:
- Divorce,
- Making a person move out (eviction),
- Getting an order requiring a person to do or not do something,
- Changing an agency's decision, and
- Getting property back.
Last full review by a subject matter expert
July 10, 2026
Last revised by staff
July 10, 2026
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