If you are filing a civil case in Illinois, you are almost certainly filing it electronically. Since 2018, e-filing has been mandatory for civil cases in Illinois courts through the statewide eFileIL system. Here is a plain-English look at how it works, who has to use it, and where filings go wrong.
What eFileIL is
eFileIL is the Illinois courts’ statewide electronic filing system. Rather than handing paper to a clerk, you submit documents through an approved Electronic Filing Service Provider, or EFSP, which transmits them to the correct court. Several EFSPs exist. Odyssey eFileIL, run by Tyler Technologies, is the most widely used and does not charge its own service fee.
Who has to e-file
E-filing is mandatory for civil cases in Illinois state courts, and attorneys must e-file. A few matters sit outside the requirement, such as certain quasi-criminal and housing cases, and original wills, which cannot be e-filed at all. Self-represented litigants are generally required to e-file as well, but may request an exemption.
When an exemption applies
A self-represented person can ask to be excused from e-filing for a limited set of reasons, including:
- No internet or computer access at home, where traveling to file would be a hardship
- A disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that prevents e-filing
- A language barrier or difficulty reading or writing in English
- A sensitive matter, such as a petition for an order of protection
The exemption is requested with a standardized certification form, and judges retain discretion over whether good cause exists. Attorneys do not receive this exemption.
Fees and payment
Court filing fees still apply and vary by case type and county. Odyssey eFileIL does not add a separate e-filing fee, though some other providers do. Payments are typically made by credit card, debit card, or eCheck, and card payments add a processing percentage on top of the court’s fee. If you cannot afford the fees, you may qualify for a fee waiver.
Where filings go wrong
Common problems include selecting the wrong filing code or case type, missing a required field, marking a document confidential without the supporting order, and waiting until the deadline when a technical issue can leave you scrambling. A rejected filing can cost days, which matters when a deadline or statute of limitations is close.
How The VBS Consultants helps
We handle court filing across Illinois so your documents reach the right court, in the right format, on time. Pair that with our process serving and you have one team moving the matter from filing to served. Learn more about our legal support services, or contact us to get started.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Court rules, fees, and exemptions change, so confirm the current requirements with the court where you are filing.