These resources may help in answering questions about a civil appeal. This page includes links to rules, forms, guides, videos, and other materials that may help in understanding what is required to file and complete an appeal.
General Case Information
There are five appellate districts in Illinois. Use this map to locate the district in which an appeal should be filed.
Questions concerning a pending appeal, deadlines for an appeal, issues or concerns about e-filing, and specific local appellate district rules can be directed to the Appellate Clerk’s office in which your appeal has or will be filed. Contact information is available here: Appellate Court Clerk’s Office.
Legal Information
Information about Illinois laws and legal procedure can be found at the Illinois Compiled Statutes and the Illinois Supreme Court Rules. Civil appeals are governed by Illinois Supreme Court Rules 301-384.
Each appellate district has local rules that must be followed. You can find rules for each appellate district under the “Local Rules” section on the Illinois Courts’ website.
Legal Assistance
If you are representing yourself and have a question about your civil appeal, you can now submit your question to the Illinois Free Legal Answers for Civil Appeals website and have it answered by a pro bono lawyer. You must meet income qualifications to use the program. More information about how to use the program can be found in this postcard or flyer. Here are some tips on using the program:
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1. If available, please attach a copy of the order or judgment you are appealing along with the question you submit via the website. This will help in getting an answer more quickly.
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2. Questions are answered as received and you can typically expect an answer within 5-7 days of submitting it. If you have an immediate deadline, you will have the option to enter that deadline along with your question, so that it is flagged for a quicker response.
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3. You should regularly check the email address you provided to register for the program. All communication will be done via email (no in-person meetings or telephone calls) and if you do not respond to the pro bono lawyer within 10 days, your question will be marked as “closed” and no further communication can occur between you and the pro bono lawyer.
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4. DISCLAIMER: This program does not provide legal representation for litigants. A pro bono lawyer cannot represent you in court, make calls on your behalf, or conduct legal research for you. The program also cannot assist you in a federal or criminal appeal.
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For help finding a lawyer who specializes in appeals and who can represent you for a fee, please contact the Chicago Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service (in Chicago) or the Illinois State Bar Association LawyerFinder (outside Chicago). If you are looking for a lawyer outside of Illinois, please visit the American Bar Association’s Find Legal Help.
If you are a self-represented litigant seeking help with a federal case, please see the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois’ Information for People without Lawyers (Pro Se) page. Appeals from the Northern District of Illinois are filed with the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. The Seventh Circuit Bar Association publishes videos that provide an overview of the steps involved in the federal appellate process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Civil Appeals
| Section 1: | The Basics of an Appeal |
| Section 2: | Overview of Steps and Forms |
| Section 3: | Information for the Appellee |
| Section 4: | Notice of Appeal |
| Section 5: | Request for Preparation of Record on Appeal |
| Section 6: | Request for Report of Proceedings, Bystander’s Report, or Agreed Statement of Facts |
| Section 7: | Docketing Statement |
| Section 8: | Appellate Briefs |
| Section 9: | Oral Argument |
| Section 10: | The Appellate Court’s Decision |
| Section 11: | Other Resources |
Guides and General Overviews
The AOIC’s Guide for Appeals to the Illinois Appellate Court for Self-Represented Litigants provides detailed information about civil appeals. The guide provides a detailed overview of the civil appeals process, including rules, deadlines, frequently asked questions, and a checklist for filing in the appellate courts.
The AOIC publishes a one-page overview of a civil appeal from a final order or judgment.
The AOIC publishes an overview explaining how to file common Motions to request more time for your civil appeal.
The Illinois Fourth District Appellate Court publishes a Guide to Bringing an Appeal, which highlights the steps necessary to file an appeal.
The Appellate Lawyers Association publishes A Guide to Illinois Civil Appellate Procedure, which provides a comprehensive overview of civil appeals. The guide includes timelines, tips on conducting research to write briefs, and sample forms, which includes a sample appellant’s brief, appellee’s brief, and appellant’s reply brief (all with citations) for your review.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Civil Appeals Division’s website has an FAQ section and forms available for use (for appeals within the First Appellate District only).
ILAO publishes an article on the civil appellate process
Resources for Conducting Legal Research to Write an Appellate Brief
The Illinois Supreme Court Library publishes research guides that provide a starting point for conducting research in certain areas of law for civil appeals. The guides provide general definitions of terms you may encounter and references specific books and websites that a self-represented litigant may wish to consult when writing an appellate brief.
The University of Illinois Law Library publishes a Self-Representation Guide intended to assist self-represented litigants with conducting basic legal research. It provides an overview of available legal resources and materials for conducting legal research in federal and state courts.
The Chicago Association of Law Libraries publishes Finding Illinois Law: A Librarian’s Guide for Non-Lawyers, which is a guide aimed at assisting non-lawyers with understanding the legal system, conducting legal research, and locating resources.
E-filing Information
If you have questions about e-filing, please contact your local Appellate Clerk’s Office for further assistance. The AOIC also offers some guides on how to e-file. Please note, all appeals must be e-filed. There are a few exceptions per below:
You must electronically file (e-file) all court documents in civil cases in Illinois unless:
| (1) | you are an inmate in a prison or jail and you do not have a lawyer; |
| (2) | you are filing a will; |
| (3) | you are filing into a juvenile court case; |
| (4) | you have a disability that prevents you from e-filing; or |
| (5) | for good cause. The first four exemptions are automatic and you do not need to submit additional paperwork. |
| (a) | I am representing myself and do not have the Internet or a computer in my home. My only access is through a public terminal at a courthouse, library, or other location. This poses a financial or other hardship. |
| (b) | I am representing myself and have trouble reading, writing, or speaking in English. |
| (c) | I am filing a document in a sensitive case, such as a petition for an order of protection or a civil no contact/stalking order. |