Lawrence County Small Claims Court, Illinois


How to File a Small Claims Court Case

A small claims court case begins with a party filing a document called the complaint. A blank complaint can be obtained through the court clerk’s office which is located inside of the courthouse. The party filing the complaint is called the plaintiff. The defendant is the term that refers to the party being sued in the complaint.

How to Prepare for a Small Claims Court Trial

The key to preparing a case for trial is to be able to explain your side of the case in a way that is easy for the judge (or jury) to understand. You should gather and bring anything that can support your side of the case including photographs, contracts, receipts, invoices, or other documents. Preparing a short chronology of the events in your case is helpful. Details including dates, times, and values of damages or items purchased will be important for the court to take note of (and should have been included in your initial complaint if you are the plaintiff). Witnesses who support your side of the case should also be invited to court to provide testimony during the trial. You should make sure any witness you need is aware of the location of the court (including courtroom number) and the time and date of the trial. If the witness refuses to come to court, you will need to prepare and serve a subpoena for the witness’s attendance.

Small Claims Court Lawrence County

Lawrence County Small Claims Court
Lawrence County Small Claims Court
In Lawrence County, small claims court allows a plaintiff to bring a case if the amount is $10,000 or less. Small claims court has much simpler rules and procedures and is designed to try cases faster.

Beginning a Lawrence County Small Claims Court Case

Before a party files a case in small claims court, it is recommended to contact the party directly by sending a demand letter. A demand letter is a written summary describing the circumstances of the plaintiff’s claim and explains why the plaintiff should be awarded the money. The demand letter is recommended because resolving a case through small claims court (even though quicker and simpler than a regular civil case) still takes time. Additionally, collection of funds after winning a judgment is not a guarantee. Drafting and sending a demand letter allows for both parties to explore the possibility of a settlement even before a case is filed. Additionally, putting down your case in clear words is something a plaintiff will have to do anyways when a complaint is filed (and certainly done in preparation for the trial).

Can I have an attorney represent me in Small Claims Court?

Both plaintiffs and defendants are allowed to be represented by attorneys in small claims court or you can represent yourself. But, corporate entities that are the plaintiffs are required to be represented by an attorney.

What County Should a Small Claims Court Case be filed in?

In Illinois, a small claims court case must be filed in the county where one of the defendants live or in the county in which the incident or transaction took place. For example, if your case involves a car accident and the car accident occurs in Lawrence County, you can file the case here.

What to Expect at a Lawrence County Small Claims Court Trial

In a court trial, the judge will decide the facts of your case and will listen to the evidence provided by the plaintiff and the defendant. The court will also listen to any witness testimony and exhibits (documents) provided by either side. The plaintiff presents their side first. The defendant presents their case after the plaintiff has concluded their presentation. It is imperative that you speak slowly and clearly for the judge to be able to understand your side of the case. It is normal to be nervous when speaking in front of a judge, which is why we recommend that your practice talking about your case with another person before the actual trial.

Who can Bring a Case in Lawrence County Small Claims Court?

Any individual or corporation doing business in Illinois can both sue and be sued in small claims court. The court may require the appointment of a guardian for those parties under the age of 18. If a corporation sues in small claims court, they will need to be represented by an attorney. If a defendant is a corporate entity, only certain officers or members of the corporation are allowed to represent it.

Serving a Party in Lawrence County Small Claims Court

After a complaint is filed, the next step is for the plaintiff to affect service of the complaint on the defendant(s). Serving an individual is easy (if an address is known). However, it can be more difficult finding a way to serve a corporate entity. Illinois allows for service of a corporate entity on the corporation’s office or registered agent. A plaintiff should visit the Illinois Secretary of State website to obtain the addresses for the corporate entity (and registered agents).

What happens after the Small Claims Court Trial?

If the court rules in favor of the plaintiff, it will issue a judgment of monetary damages. The law in Illinois requires that an appeal from the judgment be filed within thirty days of the date the judgment is entered by the court.

Does a Judge or Jury hear my case in Lawrence County Small Claims Court?

Lawrence County allows for a small claims court case to be either a bench (judge) or jury trial. If you are seriously considering requesting a jury trial, it is recommended that you speak with and seek advice from an attorney before making that request. Jury trials (in front of six or twelve people) are much more complex than a bench trial (trial in front of a judge) and require more preparation. Also, if you are the party making the request for a jury trial, you will incur additional costs associated with the jury trial.

What kind of cases are handled in small claims court?

In Illinois, only certain types of cases are handled in small claims court:

  • breach of contract
  • property damage
  • personal injury cases
  • evictions
  • repossession of personal property leased or purchased on credit
  • garnishment case against a debtor

The most amount of money that a court can award in small claims court is $10,000 (plus court costs and fees).

Lawrence County Small Claims Court Location

In Lawrence County, Small Claims Court cases are heard at:

Lawrence County Courthouse
1100 State Street
Lawrenceville, IL 62439

The court’s website is here. The circuit court clerk takes care of all documents and files for court cases. The circuit clerk’s address is:

1100 State Street
Lawrenceville, Illinois 62439-2390

The clerk’s phone number for the court is: 618-943-2815
The clerk’s fax number for the court is: 618-943-5205