Get Cook County Guardianship Forms 2016-2024

Cases can be submitted online using a computer or on one of the public-access e-file workstations at the courthouse. Unless you have been given an e-file exemption or have a sensitive case, all civil cases must be filed electronically. Help is available in room LL-12 on Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.

Feel free to call the Guardianship Assistance Desk for Minors at (312) 603-0135 or Chicago Volunteer Legal Services at (312) 332-1624.

All motions/petitions and notices of motion must be filed with the Clerk of Court either in Room 802 of the Daley Center or at any of the offices located at the suburban municipal district courthouses. If your motion/petition is not filed before you come to court, the judge may not hear your motion.

In Cook County, appearance fees start at $207. Often, that fee must be paid by a deadline. If you don't pay, you can lose by default. You do not default because you didn't show up - the usual way someone loses by default.

Any individual attempting to obtain guardianship of a minor is required to file a petition and a birth certificate of the minor. He or she must also consent to have a background check completed.

Step 1 – File the form with the Circuit Clerk. o Bring the original Appearance and the copies to the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse. Appearance, and return these copies to you. Step 2 – Send a copy of your Appearance to the other parties in the case. Appearance, either by hand delivery, by mail, or by email.

If your case is in a suburban district within Cook County, you should file your appearance there. Go to room 802 on the 8th Floor of the Daley Center and then to the Domestic Relations Cashier's station. Tell the clerk that you would like to file your Appearance.