How do you file a civil lawsuit in Illinois?

To file a civil lawsuit in Illinois, you begin by drafting a complaint that outlines your case, including the parties involved, the facts, and the legal claims. Next, you file the complaint with the appropriate circuit court and pay the required filing fee. After filing, you must serve the defendant(s) with a copy of the complaint and a summons to notify them of the lawsuit. Finally, you must comply with any court rules or deadlines throughout the legal process.