COOK COUNTY COURT DIVISIONS (EXPLAINED IN SIMPLE TERMS)

Cook County Circuit Court has several divisions, each handling different types of cases. Understanding these can help you identify which forms you may need.

FORMS USED MOST OFTEN BY PRO SE PLAINTIFFS

Below are the official Cook County links for forms commonly used in civil, discrimination, or housing-related filings.

Odyssey eFileIL (Cook County Court Filing System)

Odyssey eFileIL (Electronic Filing System)

Odyssey eFileIL is Illinois’ statewide electronic filing platform used for submitting court documents online. Cook County requires most civil filings—including complaints, appearances, motions, and other court documents—to be filed through this system.

What Odyssey Does:

• Lets you file court documents online 24/7
  
  

• Lets you upload PDFs for civil cases
  
  

• Provides stamped copies of filed documents
  
  

• Allows you to pay filing fees (or submit fee-waiver documents)
  
  

• Helps you track case filings
  
  

Odyssey Login / Access:

🔗 https://illinois.tylerhost.net/ofsweb

Important Notes:

• You must create an account before filing.
  
  

• Documents must be in PDF format.
  
  

• You must know the correct division (Municipal, Law, Chancery, etc.).
  
  

• Fee waivers (Application to Sue or Defend as an Indigent Person) can also be filed through Odyssey.
  
  

Pro Se Assistant does not file documents on your behalf.
You must complete and submit all filings independently.

Legal Aid Chicago (Free Legal Help for Those Who Qualify)

Legal Aid Chicago

Legal Aid Chicago provides free civil legal services to individuals and families who meet income requirements. They handle issues such as housing discrimination, denials of reasonable accommodation, landlord-tenant disputes, public benefits, family law, and more.

Website:
🔗 https://legalaidchicago.org/

Phone Intake Line:
📞 (312) 341-1070
Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

What Legal Aid Chicago Provides:

• Legal representation (depending on eligibility)
  
  

• Advice for various civil issues
  
  

• Help with housing discrimination and voucher denial
  
  

• Tenant rights education
  
  

What They Do NOT Provide:

• Criminal defense
  
  

• Assistance for landlords filing against tenants
  
  

Pro Se Assistant can help renters organize documents and understand the process before contacting Legal Aid Chicago, but we do not give legal advice or represent clients.

Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO)

Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO)

ILAO is a statewide self-help legal resource that provides guides, forms, instructions, and educational information for people handling legal issues without a lawyer.

Website:
🔗 https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/

What ILAO Provides:

• Step-by-step instructions for civil legal problems
  
  

• Interactive forms (fee waivers, answers, motions, etc.)
  
  

• Legal information written in plain English
  
  

• Court location and process guides
  
  

• Housing discrimination resources
  
  

Why It’s Useful for Pro Se Filers:

• Offers official statewide forms
  
  

• Helps explain each step in the court process
  
  

• Helps identify where to file certain cases
  
  

Pro Se Assistant may direct clients to ILAO for public instructions and forms but does not interpret legal requirements or advise which forms to use.

DISCLAIMER 

Pro Se Assistant is not a law firm.
We are not attorneys.
We do not provide legal advice, represent clients, or prepare legal documents.
All information here is for educational and self-help purposes only.
Always verify forms with the Cook County Clerk of Court before filing.