Illinois requires all civil cases to be filed electronically unless you've been given an e-filing exemption. Cases can be submitted online using a computer or on one of the public-access e-file workstations at the courthouse.  Unless you have been given an e-file exemption or have a sensitive case, all civil cases must be filed electronically.

Daley Center
50 W. Washington - Suite 1001
Chicago, IL 60602

Help is available in room LL-12 on Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. You can also e-mail the Office of Accessibility and Education's Court Disability Coordinator at [email protected] if you want to request specific accommodations.

Starting the e-filing process

Be sure to get an email address if you don’t have one. You can sign up with one of many free email providers, like Google’s Gmail, Microsoft’s Outlook, Yahoo Mail, or others. Your email address will be used to verify the court received your documents.

If you have an email address, you can e-file your forms using one of the following methods:

1. Gather the documents you need to file your case and fill out the necessary forms. Then bring them to the Cook County Courthouse.
2. Select an Electronic Filing Service Provider, or EFSP, from the state-approved list. Register and e-file your documents. EFSPs are used to send and track your e-file documents.
3. If paper filing is an option for you - If you have an eFiling Exemption Certificate or a sensitive case, bring your completed forms to the clerk’s office. You’ll need to bring in hard copies of the documents you’ll need to file your case and scan them at the bank of e-file workstations in LL-12.  

Payment

The 1st Judicial District Court accepts credit cards, checks, and money orders. If you are using the e-filing system you must use a credit or debit card.

Interpreters available

If you need an interpreter, you can request one by calling (312) 603-6000.

E-filing technical assistance

For technical assistance with the e-filing website, send an email to Tyler Odyssey.

Other important details

You'll receive a confirmation email saying their filing was submitted.

•  You'll get a second email saying if your filing has been accepted or rejected by the clerks.
  • If the filing was rejected, there may be a reason code on the filing. If it's not clear, call the Clerk's office at (312) 603-4357.
  • If the filing was accepted, the email will include copies of the filed documents stamped "filed." 
• The clerk will stamp your forms and provide you with a copy for your records. 
• After filing the forms with the court, you are responsible for making copies and printing out a summons to take it to the sheriff’s office to serve the other party. 
• Learn how to serve a summons here.

This is a step-by-step guide about how to e-file and resources.

Here are Frequently Asked Questions about using Odyssey and the e-filing process.

If you need help figuring out what area of law your case is about this common legal issues chart may help you.

For live help e-filing, please visit Illinois Court Help.