Information for Judges about Resources* for Self Represented Litigants 

Illinois Court Help
Illinois Court Help can connect Court users with information they need for their case
Users can call or text (833) 411-8311
https://www.ilcourthelp.gov/hc/en-us

Approved Statewide Forms
All Illinois Courts must accept these forms
https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/documents-and-forms/approved-forms/

E-File Court Documents
Link to Odyssey Court e-file system + a step by step Guide that walks the Court user through the e-file processing system.
https://atjil.org/resources-for-self-represented-litigants/

Find Your Court
Interactive map for Court users to find their Courthouse
https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/courts-directory/interactive-map

Attend Court Remotely
Links to assist Court users to access Court remotely
Written instructions
https://atjil.org/attending-court-by-phone-or-video-questions-and-tips-for-court-users/
https://atjil.org/going-to-court-using-zoom-on-your-phone-or-computer/
Video demonstration
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLhswXNIm68

Get Legal Help
Links to resources, lawyer referral services, Court staff, Legal Self Help Centers Live Chats and Cook County Court information Helplines
https://atjil.org/want-an-attorney/

Other Questions -Resources provided by ACCESS to JUSTICE for 
persons representing themselves, do not speak English well or have a disability.
https://atjil.org/resources/

Appeal a Case
https://atjil.org/resources/?fwp_case_status=appeal-a-case

Watch the below videos on the ethical responsibilities of judges and important resources available to self-represented litigants. 

Judges can only communicate in open court with all sides present

Judge cannot give legal advice

Judge cannot comment on cases

Check with your court's website to see if you can appear remotely

All judicial circuits have self-help legal centers for people without lawyers

Get important forms at ilcourthelp.gov 

The Illinois Judges Association (IJA) launched a series of two-minute educational videos designed to inform the public about the roles and responsibilities of judges. These videos can also be found on IJA's YouTube page 

The Illinois Judges Association (IJA) is excited to share its latest series of informational videos designed to educate the public about the highly-publicized and much-anticipated changes brought about by the implementation of the Pretrial Fairness Act (also known as the SAFE-T Act) and the elimination of cash bond in Illinois. Click on the below links to view the videos.

Illinois Judges Can No Longer Require Any Cash Bond

Permissible Pretrial Release Conditions Other Than Cash Bond

An Arrestee’s Rights in First Appearance Court


*Court can copy the links listed and paste them into Zoom Chat or a Court order entered on the case.