Illinois Small Claims Court Complete Guide. Illinois small claims handles up to $10,000. Pro se help desks available. Cook County has special procedures. Filing a small claims case in Illinois is straightforward with PettyLawsuit. We help you prepare all required court forms, find the correct courthouse, calculate filing fees, and properly serve the defendant. Most Illinois small claims cases are resolved within 30-60 days. You can sue individuals or businesses for breach of contract, property damage, unpaid debts, security deposit disputes, and more. No attorney required - in fact, many Illinois courts don't allow lawyers in small claims proceedings. PettyLawsuit provides step-by-step guidance through the entire process, from demand letter to judgment collection. Start your Illinois small claims case in 5 minutes for just $29. Understanding the Illinois Small Claims Process: The first step is always sending a formal demand letter to the defendant. This shows you attempted to resolve the dispute before going to court. PettyLawsuit generates professional demand letters with applicable Illinois laws cited. If the defendant doesn't respond within 30 days, you file your claim with the appropriate Illinois court. You'll need to serve the defendant with court papers via certified mail, process server, or sheriff. The court will schedule a hearing, typically 30-60 days from filing. At the hearing, you present your evidence and the judge makes a decision, usually the same day. If you win, you can collect through wage garnishment, bank levy, or property lien. PettyLawsuit guides you through every step with Illinois-specific forms and procedures. Common small claims cases in Illinois: Security deposit disputes with landlords, unpaid wages or final paychecks, contractor and home repair disputes, vehicle accidents and property damage, consumer complaints against businesses, and breach of contract claims. Illinois courts are designed to be accessible without legal training. Get started today with PettyLawsuit and take control of your legal situation.