Cook County has released a eFiling Quick Reference Guide to help with the filing process. Please see below for some general information, and check back frequently for updates.
INITIATE A NEW CASE
In the “Location” drop-down menu, select Cook County, the Division, and the District (1-6) the for the case (Example: Cook County – Domestic Relations-District 3 – Rolling Meadows). In the “Category” field, re-select the Division for the case. Then in the “Case Type” field, choose the specific case type needed (Example: “Legal Separation”).
This step by step help article walks filers through the process of initiating a new case in Cook County. Learn more…
FILING NEW CASES and SUBSEQUENT FILINGS
This step by step help article walks filers through the process of filing on an existing case in Cook County. Learn more…
COOK COUNTY ATTORNEYS
Cook County attorneys must input a Cook County Attorney Code number in the “Case Cross Reference Number” field in Section 1. Select “Cook County Attorney Code” in the drop down menu, and then add your number in the Code/Value box to the right.
SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS
Self-represented litigants must type the number: 99500 in the “Case Cross Reference Number” field in Section 1. Select “Cook County Attorney Code” in the drop down menu, and then add your number in the Code/Value box to the right.
FILING MULTIPLE DOCUMENTS
When filers have multiple documents with the same case number, they may file them in the same transaction. However, the court wants each document as a separate PDF, and filers will individually upload them. Select your specific type of filing from the options found in the “Filing Code” field; upload your document; click “Save Changes.” To add an additional document, click “Add Another Filing” and repeat the previous steps.
FILING A NEW CASE – CIVIL DIVISION
When the case requires a Return Date, a filers must select one from the pop-up calendar. Filers not sure if the court requires a return date will want to click “Validate”. If the court requires one, the system provides filers with the first available return date. If the court does not require a return date, filers will want to check the “Return Date Not Applicable” box.
FILING INTO AN EXISTING CASE and/or FILING AN APPEARANCE
ENTERING THE CASE NUMBER
To add a Cook County case to your account you need to make sure you select the correct court and format your case number correctly. This article will ensure you find your case the first time.
SCHEDULING MOTIONS IN DOMESTIC RELATIONS, PROBATE, CHANCERY and LAW DIVISION (Calendar 4 and M1 only)
Use the “Case Cross Reference Number” field to schedule Motions in Domestic Relations, Probate, Chancery and Law (Calendar 4 and M1 only) divisions. To schedule a motion, select the type of motion you are filing from the drop-down menu, and then type the word “Motion” in the “Code / Value field.
FILING INTO AN EXISTING CASE in CIVIL and LAW DIVISIONS
In the Civil and Law divisions, the Hearing box may display dates when filing into an existing case. DO NOT choose a Hearing date unless the filing requires it. If you need to know whether a Hearing date is required, call the division or suburban district where the case is being heard or check the Clerk’s Office’s website: www.cookcountyclerkofcourt.org
SCHEDULING MOTIONS FOR POST JUDGMENT CASES – CIVIL DISTRICTS 1-6
To get a court date for post judgment cases in Civil Municipal Districts 1-6 you must select “Return Date” from the drop-down menu.