Small Claims
How are hearings scheduled?
All first return hearings are scheduled through the circuit clerk’s office (a “first return hearing” is the first hearing you will have after filing your case, sometime also called a “pre-trial”). You will be given your first hearing date when the Summons is issued. No contested matters will be heard at the first return hearing. The purpose of the return hearing is to see whether the Defendant has been served and, if so, appears to contest or dispute the case. If both parties appear and cannot agree to resolve or settle the case, the matter will be set for a trial or a hearing on any pending Motions filed in the case.
All contested hearings (i.e., hearings on motions and trials) are scheduled through Court Administration on the Small Claims calendar. The Judge will schedule these hearings and trials from the bench and inform the parties/attorneys of the new trial or hearing date.
When are hearings scheduled?
Cases filed by attorneys:
All first returns and status hearings are scheduled on Friday at 8:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 1:00 p.m.
Cases filed by self-represented litigants (without an attorney):
All first return and status hearings are scheduled on Friday at 1:00 p.m.
Can I appear by Zoom?
First return and status hearings:
Parties may appear by Zoom without prior court approval for any return hearing or status hearing. Parties can attend remotely by clicking the Zoom link. NOTE: you are joining a courtroom proceeding. Please dress appropriately while attending by Zoom, just as you would when attending court in person. Failure to do so will result in you being removed from the Zoom and the judge proceeding in your absence. You must have your video connected (no telephone calls into Zoom) and your full name (first and last) listed when you join. If you do not have video or your full name listed, you will not be allowed to enter and the court will proceed in your absence.
Helpful Zoom Information and Videos:
How to join Zoom on an iPhone: Zoom on Your Phone: Joining with Zoom iPhone App (2021) (youtube.com)
How to join Zoom on a PC, Mac, or Chromebook: How Do I Join a Zoom Meeting? Tutorial Video 614 (youtube.com) or (4147) Join a Zoom Meeting - YouTube
How to change your name when joining Zoom: How to CHANGE Your Name in Zoom! (youtube.com)
Zoom appearances are allowed for Friday first return & status hearings only. Trials are held in-person.
NOTE: In-person appearances are required for all Eviction cases, unless approved by a judge. Courtroom 302
Attached below is the zoom link for Small Claims Cases:
Contested hearings and trials:
Zoom appearances are not allowed for contested hearings or trials without prior court approval. Unless a judge grants you special permission, you and your witnesses must appear in person for a contested hearing. If you want to appear by Zoom, or want a witness to appear by Zoom, you must submit a Motion to Appear by Zoom fourteen (14) days before your court date. See Administrative Order for more information. You must provide the other party or attorney with a copy of your Motion and schedule a hearing on your Motion. These Motion hearings may be scheduled during the Friday first return court call (see above: When are hearings scheduled?). At the hearing, the judge will decide whether you (or a witness) may appear by Zoom at the contested hearing.
Forms to file a Motion can be found on the Illinois Supreme Court website: Approved Standardized Statewide Forms | Illinois Courts
For more information on virtual hearings, see also: Amended Administrative Order on Remote Appearances and Procedures