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The Big Picture

Understand the basics of small claims courts.
More on Small claims basics
Small claims court
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Acknowledgements

Scripted by
Kane County Circuit Court & Clerk's Office; Halle Cox, Kane County Law Library; Prairie State Legal Services, Inc.; and Illinois Legal Aid Online
Funded by
Illinois Equal Justice Foundation

 

Note: This video is only available in English.

This video describes a specific small claims court process. Small claims cases are available in every county in Illinois. Ask the circuit court clerk's office in the county where your case is located or contact Illinois Court Help at (833) 411-1121 to confirm the details that apply to your situation.

Last full review by a subject matter expert
July 13, 2026
Last revised by staff
July 13, 2026

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Starting a small claims caseHow-To
Steps to sue a person or business in small claims court for up to $10,000.
Responding to a small claims caseHow-To
Explore options available to people who are sued for $10,000 or less in small claims court.
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Forms

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Small claims complaint Easy Form
This Easy Form helps you make the forms to sue someone for up to $10,000. It can be used to sue a landlord for a security deposit.
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Learn more

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

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How small claims court works FAQ
Find out more about the legal moves available to plaintiffs and defendants in small claims cases.
Small claims complaints FAQ
Details about filling out small claims complaint forms, including filing supporting papers, verifications, affidavits, and jury demands.
Small claims default judgments FAQ
Grasp how default judgment works in small claims cases.
Finding legal help for a small claims case FAQ
Dive into the reasons why finding a lawyer for a small claims case can be challenging and learn tips for effective self-representation.
Small claims court rules FAQ
Discover how court rules, general or administrative orders, and standing orders apply to small claims cases in different counties.
Local requirements for small claims cases in Northern Illinois FAQ
Locate Northern Illinois county court requirements for small claims cases.
Local requirements for small claims cases in Central and Southern Illinois FAQ
Locate Central and Southern Illinois county court requirements for small claims cases.
Small claims court Video
Watch this video to explore one county's small claims court process. Only available in English.

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

Apply Online

The Big Picture

Understand the basics of small claims courts.
More on Small claims basics

What’s next?

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

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Take action

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

arrow
Starting a small claims caseHow-To
Steps to sue a person or business in small claims court for up to $10,000.
Responding to a small claims caseHow-To
Explore options available to people who are sued for $10,000 or less in small claims court.
icon

Forms

Create forms to help resolve your legal issue.

arrow
Small claims complaint Easy Form
This Easy Form helps you make the forms to sue someone for up to $10,000. It can be used to sue a landlord for a security deposit.
icon

Learn more

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

arrow
How small claims court works FAQ
Find out more about the legal moves available to plaintiffs and defendants in small claims cases.
Small claims complaints FAQ
Details about filling out small claims complaint forms, including filing supporting papers, verifications, affidavits, and jury demands.
Small claims default judgments FAQ
Grasp how default judgment works in small claims cases.
Finding legal help for a small claims case FAQ
Dive into the reasons why finding a lawyer for a small claims case can be challenging and learn tips for effective self-representation.
Small claims court rules FAQ
Discover how court rules, general or administrative orders, and standing orders apply to small claims cases in different counties.
Local requirements for small claims cases in Northern Illinois FAQ
Locate Northern Illinois county court requirements for small claims cases.
Local requirements for small claims cases in Central and Southern Illinois FAQ
Locate Central and Southern Illinois county court requirements for small claims cases.
Small claims court Video
Watch this video to explore one county's small claims court process. Only available in English.