Hancock County Appeals Process

If you disagree with the outcome of your case, you may have the right to appeal the court's decision. Review the appeal process for cases originating in the Hancock County Circuit Court, including filing requirements, deadlines, fees, and resources for self-represented litigants. Appeals originating from Hancock County are reviewed by the Fourth District Appellate Court.

Approved Statewide Appeal Forms

Timeline & Step-by-Step Process

Important Notice: The appeals process is subject to strict legal deadlines. Missing a deadline can result in the immediate dismissal of your appeal. By law, the Circuit Clerk’s Office cannot help you fill out appeal forms or provide legal advice.

Step One File Your Notice of Appeal (within 30 days)

To start your appeal, you must file a formal Notice of Appeal with the Hancock County Circuit Clerk within 30 days of the date your final judgment or order was entered. There is no fee to file a Notice of Appeal.

Step Two File a Docketing Statement & Fee (within 14 days of step one)

Within 14 days after you file your Notice of Appeal, you must submit a Docketing Statement directly to the Appellate Court Clerk in Springfield, along with their required $50 filing fee.

Office of the Clerk
4th District Appellate Court
201 West Monroe Street
Springfield, IL 62704

Step Three Request the Record on Appeal & Preparation Fees (within 30 days of step one)

You must submit a written Request for Preparation of the Record on Appeal to the Hancock County Circuit Clerk within 30 days of filing your Notice of Appeal. This formally instructs the Clerk to compile your case files. If you do not submit this written request, your record will not be prepared.

Record Length Total Preparation Fee
100 pages or less$50
101 - 200 pages$100
more than 200 pages$100 plus $0.25 for each page over 200
How to Request a Fee Waiver

If you cannot afford the court fees associated with your appeal, financial assistance options are available:

  • Circuit Court Fees: To ask to waive the costs for preparing the record on appeal, file an Application for Waiver of Court Fees with the Hancock County Circuit Clerk. A judge will review your income to determine if you qualify for a full or partial waiver.

  • Appellate Court Fees: To waive the $50 appellate filing fee or transcript costs, you must submit a separate Appellate Court Fee Waiver Application directly to the Fourth District Appellate Court.

Requesting Transcripts

If your appeal requires official transcripts from your court hearings, you must order them directly from the 9th Judicial Circuit Court Reporters. Transcripts are only created upon direct request. A financial deposit is required before the court reporter will begin typing your transcripts, and the remaining balance must be paid in full upon completion. For pricing and ordering instructions, contact Court Administration at 217-357-2616.

Free Legal Resources for Civil Appeals

If you are navigating a civil appeal without an attorney, you can access free remote legal guidance. Submit your questions online to Illinois Free Legal Answers. Volunteer lawyers review submissions online to provide self-represented litigants with legal definitions, instructions, and appellate guidance.

Free Legal Answers