Going to court isn’t just stressful—it can also be expensive. If you’re considering a civil lawsuit in Illinois, it’s smart to understand what you might spend from start to finish. Our Illinois Civil Litigation Cost Estimator is here to help you get a clearer picture of the potential costs.
Below, we explain how the calculator works, what each part means, and what you should know about the typical costs of civil litigation in Illinois.
Our calculator looks at many of the most common costs you’ll face in a civil case. Here's a breakdown of each field you'll see when using it:
This is the amount your lawyer charges per hour. In Illinois, most civil litigation attorneys charge between $250 and $500 per hour, depending on experience and location. If you’re hiring a seasoned attorney in Cook County, you might be at the higher end of that range.
This is the total number of hours your attorney is expected to work on your case. This includes everything from emails and court filings to meetings, research, and time spent in the courtroom. A simple contract dispute may take 30–50 hours, while a more complex case could exceed 100 hours.
These are the costs to file a case and have it heard in court. Each county in Illinois has its own fee schedule. For example, filing a complaint in Cook County can cost between $388 and $655, depending on the amount you're suing for.
Some cases require expert testimony—for example, a doctor in a medical malpractice case or an engineer in a construction dispute. These experts often charge $1,000 or more to prepare reports and testify.
Discovery is the process of gathering evidence from both sides. This can include collecting emails, hiring a court reporter, printing documents, and reviewing files. These costs can vary, but for many cases, $1,000 to $2,000 is a reasonable estimate.
Mediation is a way to resolve disputes outside of court. Some Illinois judges may even require it before trial. A private mediator usually charges by the hour, and both parties typically split the cost. This helps avoid trial, which is usually more expensive.
If your case goes to trial, how long will it take? One to three days is common for straightforward civil cases. More complex lawsuits may take longer.
Every day in court can bring extra costs—such as court reporters, paralegals, trial technicians, and equipment. These are often billed separately and can total hundreds or even thousands of dollars per day.
After entering your numbers, the calculator gives you an Estimated Total Illinois Litigation Cost. This includes:
This number isn’t a guarantee of what you’ll pay, but it gives you a realistic starting point for planning your budget.
Every lawsuit is different. Your total cost will depend on:
Some people settle before ever stepping foot in a courtroom. Others end up in multi-day trials. Illinois court rules give both parties a chance to present evidence, respond to motions, and request discovery—all of which add to the cost.
Litigation can be a powerful tool to resolve disputes, but it also comes with real costs. Use this calculator to estimate your expenses and decide whether a lawsuit is worth pursuing.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider reaching out to an Illinois civil litigation attorney who can help you evaluate your case and discuss your options.
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