Court & Hearings

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

This video describes how to serve the other party. Service, Service of Process, and Summons are all explained. This video also details the four different ways service can be carried out.

Please check with your local court clerk before filing court papers as the relevant law and court rules may have changed. All court papers in Illinois are now required to be electronically filed with limited exceptions.

Service by special order of the judge

As of April 2023, the Illinois Supreme Court amended its rules regarding service of process to allow electronic service of process. If it is not practical to serve the defendant in the traditional ways, a judge may order an electronic method. The judge must be satisfied that the defendant/respondent can receive and read the summons and documents electronically. If so, the following alternative methods of service may be ordered:

• Direct message on social media where the defendant has an active account,
• Email, or
• Text message.

In these cases, attach a copy of the summons/complaint petition, and any other required documents. You will state: “Important information—You have been sued. Read all of the documents attached to this message. To participate in the case, you must follow the instructions listed in the attached summons. If you do not, the court may decide the case without hearing from you, and you could lose the case.” 

A copy of the summons must be sent by mail to the defendant's last known address. A proof of service must be filed when sending a summons electronically. 

About the law basics video series

These short videos provide basic information on the court process for people who are not used to going to court. These videos are meant to educate the public and offer assistance to people going to court without a lawyer. While going to court is never easy, these videos may help prepare people for some common situations. This series is meant to offer assistance to both plaintiffs and defendants that are going to court without lawyers. Additionally, the series is meant to cover general portions of the court process from beginning to end.

To view other videos in the Law Basics Series, click the titles below:

• Law basics: where to file a civil lawsuit
• 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