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Small claims by state · checked

Court: Circuit Court (small claims). Claims up to $10,000. Each fact below links to the official source we read. Anything we could not confirm says “Check with your court”.

Limit

$10,000

A small claim is a civil action based on tort or contract for money not over $10,000, exclusive of interest and costs (Ill. S. Ct. R. 281). No separate lower dollar limit for businesses was found, but a corporation can only sue in small claims through a lawyer (Rule 282(b)).

Sources: Ill. S. Ct. Rule 281 - Definition of Small Claim; Ill. S. Ct. Rule 282 - Commencement of Action; Representation of Corporations · checked 25 Oct 2026

Filing fee

Set by each court

Filing fees are set by each county's circuit clerk, so they vary. Example: Cook County charges $287 for small claims up to $2,500, and its schedule lists $379 for cases over $2,500 to $15,000. Clerk certified-mail service costs a $2 fee plus mailing per defendant under Rule 284 unless local rules differ. Fee waivers are available.

Sources: Civil Division Filing Fees (CCG-0603, 05/21/26); Ill. S. Ct. Rule 284 - Service by Certified or Registered Mail; Small Claims FAQ · checked 25 Oct 2026

Lawyers

Lawyers allowed

Individuals may use a lawyer or represent themselves. A corporation cannot appear as claimant without a lawyer, but may defend through an officer, director, manager, department manager or supervisor when the claim is within the small-claims limit (Rule 282(b)).

Sources: Ill. S. Ct. Rule 282 - Commencement of Action; Representation of Corporations; Small Claims FAQ · checked 25 Oct 2026

Serving a corporation

See how

Serve a private corporation by leaving a copy with its registered agent or any officer or agent of the corporation found anywhere in Illinois (735 ILCS 5/2-204). In small claims, the plaintiff can instead ask the clerk to mail the summons and complaint by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, after paying the mailing fee and filing an affidavit of the defendant's last known address; delivery at least 21 days before the appearance date is proof of service (Rule 284). Sheriff and special process server are also options.

Sources: 735 ILCS 5/2-204 - Service on private corporations; Ill. S. Ct. Rule 284 - Service by Certified or Registered Mail; Small Claims FAQ · checked 25 Oct 2026

Demand before suing

Check with your court Not verified

We could not confirm this from an official source. Ask the court clerk before you file.

Official self-help

Court self-help page

www.illinoiscourts.gov/self-help/small-claims

Official page · checked 25 Oct 2026

Suing Meta from Illinois

Meta’s terms point disputes to California courts or arbitration and cap its liability, so a Illinois small-claims case is leverage, not a sure thing. Read the small-claims checklist before you pay a fee, then draft your demand letter in the free kit: pick Illinois and it checks your loss amount against the limit.

Fees and limits change, and local courts can add costs. Confirm with the court clerk before you file.

LockoutCase is a self-help tool, not a law firm, and not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.

Draft the demand letter

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Illinois small claims, answered

What is the small-claims limit in Illinois?
A small claim is a civil action based on tort or contract for money not over $10,000, exclusive of interest and costs (Ill. S. Ct. R. 281). No separate lower dollar limit for businesses was found, but a corporation can only sue in small claims through a lawyer (Rule 282(b)).
How much does it cost to file a small claim in Illinois?
Filing fees are set by each county's circuit clerk, so they vary. Example: Cook County charges $287 for small claims up to $2,500, and its schedule lists $379 for cases over $2,500 to $15,000. Clerk certified-mail service costs a $2 fee plus mailing per defendant under Rule 284 unless local rules differ. Fee waivers are available. Local courts can add costs.
Can I bring a lawyer to small claims in Illinois?
Individuals may use a lawyer or represent themselves. A corporation cannot appear as claimant without a lawyer, but may defend through an officer, director, manager, department manager or supervisor when the claim is within the small-claims limit (Rule 282(b)).
Where do these facts come from?
Each fact on this page links to the official court, statute or government source we read. We last checked Illinois on 25 Oct 2026. Anything we could not confirm says “Check with your court”.
Is this legal advice?
No. LockoutCase is a self-help tool, not a law firm, and not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. It shows general information from official sources; confirm with the court clerk before you file.