Electronic filing (or e-filing) is now required when filing documents with the court.  Instead of bringing paper forms to the courthouse, you will need to send your paperwork from a computer. You can use any computer to e-file and may not need to go to court. To e-file from home visit eFileIL. To learn more about e-filing or to access training videos and other information, visit the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s eFiling Information Portal.

You can find more resources to help you with e-filing on the Illinois Supreme Court Resources for Self-Represented Litigants  or on Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO).

E-Filing Exemptions

If you do not have a lawyer, you may qualify for an exemption from e-filing if you:

• Have a disability that makes e-filing difficult
• Do not speak English
• Cannot read or write in English
• Are filing a sensitive document (like an Order of Protection)
• Cannot easily access a computer with Internet
• Have tried to e-file but cannot because equipment or assistance needed is unavailable

You can learn more about e-filing exemptions online or by asking in the Circuit Clerk’s office. To request an exemption, you will need to complete an E-Filing Exemption Certificate and submit it in-person at the courthouse along with your other court papers.

E-Filing and Court Fees

If there is a cost to filing your court papers, you will need to pay online using a credit or debit card of electronic bank transfer. You can find court filing fees online or by asking in the Circuit Clerk’s office.

If you are low-income or receive public benefits, you may be able to ask the Court for a waiver or reduction of your court fees. You can learn more about applying for a court fee waiver online or by asking in the Circuit Clerk’s office. To apply for a fee waiver, you will need to complete an Application for Waiver of Court Fees (also called a “298 Petition”) and e-file it with your other court papers.