Illinois How to File an Appearance is a process that allows a party to a legal case to indicate their involvement in the proceedings without attending court. There are two types of Illinois How to File an Appearance: a voluntary appearance and a mandatory appearance. A voluntary appearance is an indication that the party wishes to be involved in the case and will fully cooperate with the proceedings. To file a voluntary appearance, the party must submit a written notice to the clerk of court. The notice must include the name and address of the party filing the appearance, the case number, the court in which the case is pending, and a statement that the party is voluntarily filing an appearance. A mandatory appearance is an indication that the party is required to appear in court for the proceedings. This type of appearance is usually required when a party is personally served with a summons or when the party is a defendant in a criminal case. To file a mandatory appearance, the party must submit a written notice to the clerk of court. The notice must include the name and address of the party filing the appearance, the case number, the court in which the case is pending, and a statement that the party is filing a mandatory appearance. Once the appearance is filed, the court will notify the other parties in the case that the appearing party has been added to the proceedings.