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Illinois Plaintiff's First Set of Interrogatories

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PLAINTIFF'S FIRST SET OF INTERROGATORIES PROPOUNDED TO THE DEFENDANT WITH REQUEST FOR PRODUCTION

Name of Petitioner/Plaintiff:

Address of Petitioner/Plaintiff:

City, State, Zip:

Phone:

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR

COUNTY, STATE OF ILLINOIS

YOUR NAME,

,Petitioner/Plaintiff

Vs.

DEFENDANT'S NAME,

,Respondent/Defendant

PLAINTIFF'S FIRST SET OF INTERROGATORIES PROPOUNDED TO THE DEFENDANT WITH REQUEST FOR PRODUCTION

CASE NO.

COMES NOW ("Plaintiff") and propounds the following interrogatories to ("Defendant") pursuant to Illinois Rules, and other applicable provisions of said Rules, and gives notice that each and every interrogatory or section thereof is to be answered separately, in writing, under oath of the aforesaid Defendant within the legal number of days of the date of service hereof, and further gives notice that these interrogatories and request for production of documents and things are deemed to be continuing, and, that if different or additional information is received by Defendant after answers hereto are submitted and filed, same is to be provided to this Plaintiff in writing. Production requests are also made pursuant to the rules of Illinois. Plaintiff requests that Production of documents be made on the same date as the date Answers to Interrogatories are due and shall be made to Plaintiff at the following address:

INTERROGATORY NO. 1

State your full name, social security number, date of birth, residence address, and telephone number.

INTERROGATORY NO. 2

Please attach to your answer to these interrogatories copies of your income tax returns and W-2 forms for the past three years.

INTERROGATORY NO. 4

State your total income to date since , and attach to your answers copies of your last five paycheck stubs.

INTERROGATORY NO. 5

List all assets presently owned by you. Give a complete and detailed listing. For each asset, give its nature, description, location, date of acquisition, present market value, and the name and address of any person that you hold same with jointly.

INTERROGATORY NO. 6

List the name, place of employment and telephone number of any person or persons who are presently residing at the address which you listed as your residence in your answer to Interrogatory No. 1.

INTERROGATORY NO. 7

If you rent the place in which you live, give the name of your landlord, his or her address and telephone number.

INTERROGATORY NO. 8

Outline in detail your monthly living expenses.

INTERROGATORY NO. 9

List all other income received by you other than from your employment, stating the source and the amount.

INTERROGATORY NO. 10

If you claim to have grounds for divorce against the Plaintiff, please state all circumstances, facts, and events, upon which you base such grounds.

INTERROGATORY NO. 11

What safety deposit boxes do you currently maintain whether alone or jointly held? For each box, state the name and address of the bank, the box number, the name in which said box is maintained, the name and address of each and every person having access thereto, the contents of each box, and the date each box was acquired.

INTERROGATORY NO. 12

What bank accounts, if any, do you presently maintain, whether alone or jointly held? For each account, state whether active, inactive or closed, the style of the account, the name of the bank or banks, the name and address of each and every person authorized to make withdrawals therefrom, the account number, and whether checking or savings.

INTERROGATORY NO. 13

Do third parties hold any property in trust for you or for your benefit? If so, give full and complete particulars, including the name and address of said persons and exact descriptions and locations of property.

INTERROGATORY NO. 14

Have you ever been arrested? If so, for each occasion, state the date of the arrest, the county and state in which the arrest occurred, and the reason for such arrest.

INTERROGATORY NO. 15

Have you ever received psychiatric treatment? If so, state the physician administering same, his address and telephone number, and the date or dates of the treatment.

INTERROGATORY NO. 16

Are you taking any drugs, and the amount of money you spend each month for said drugs.

INTERROGATORY NO. 17

Do you use any type of drugs which are not prescribed by a physician (i.e., marijuana, heroin, cocaine)? If so, state the type of drug or drugs which you use, the place in which you exercise such use, when you began using said drug or drugs, and the amount of money you spend each month for said drugs.

INTERROGATORY NO. 18

Do you consume alcoholic beverages on a regular basis? If so, state the type of alcoholic beverage which you consume, and the amount of money you spend each month on said alcoholic beverages.

INTERROGATORY NO. 19

Are you addicted to alcohol or drugs of any kind? If so, specify what it is you are addicted to and when you became addicted to same.

INTERROGATORY NO. 20

Have you ever had sexual relations with anyone other spouse during the course of your marriage? If so, name and address of each individual, and the time of each sexual encounter.

INTERROGATORY NO. 21

State whether or not you have provided any banks or other lending institutions with financial statements during the past 24 months. For each such occurrence, state the names and addresses of the banks or lending institutions, and the date said financial statement was provided.

INTERROGATORY NO. 22

For each person you shall call as a witness at the trial of this case, please state: the witness's name and address, whether employed by you, and the subject matter to which the witness shall testify. Prior to trial, please supplement your answer to this interrogatory.

INTERROGATORY NO. 23

For each person you allege to be an occurrence witness of any of the things and matters sought to be proved by you at the trial of this case, please state: the witness's name and address, whether employed by you, and the subject matter to which the witness shall testify. Prior to trial, please supplement your answers to this interrogatory.

INTERROGATORY NO. 24

For each person whom you expect to call as an expert witness at the trial, providing his name, address and telephone number, please state:

a. The subject matter in which identified is expected to testify.

b. The substance of the facts and which each expert is expected to testify.

c. Give a summary of the grounds for each person set out above.

d. State the educational background, educational training, and experience of each person above which qualifies him as an expert, and identify the field of such expertise.

INTERROGATORY NO. 25

For each document or other item you shall offer as an exhibit at the trial of this case, please state: the title or name of the document, date of the document and purpose for which it will be used as an exhibit.

INTERROGATORY NO. 26

State the names and addresses of all persons involved in the answering of these interrogatories.

INTERROGATORY NO. 27

Have you, as the Defendant in this case, read the answers to each and every one of the above interrogatories and requests for production of documents and things, and do you state that the answers thereto are true, complete, responsive and correct?

Yes, I affirm

INTERROGATORY NO. 28

If, at any time between this date and the date of the trial of this cause, you come into possession of information which, if such information were known to you, would properly have to be disclosed in the answers to these interrogatories or requests for production of documents and things, or any of them, will you disclose such newly discovered information, if any, to Plaintiff within fifteen days after such information comes into your possession or prior to the trial, whichever is first?

Yes, I agree

Respectfully submitted,

Signature of Plaintiff

NAME:

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I, the undersigned, , Plaintiff, do hereby certify that I have this day mailed, by United States mail, postage prepaid, a true and correct copy of the above and foregoing Plaintiff's First Set of Interrogatories to Defendant at:

Name of Defendant:

Address:

DATED, this the day of , .

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF DISCOVERY

Name of Petitioner/Plaintiff:

Address of Petitioner/Plaintiff:

City, State, Zip:

Phone:

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR

COUNTY, STATE OF ILLINOIS

YOUR NAME,

,Petitioner/Plaintiff

Vs.

DEFENDANT'S NAME,

,Respondent/Defendant

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF DISCOVERY

CASE NO.

TO: All Counsel of Record:

Notice is hereby given that Plaintiffs have this date served in the above entitled action:

PLAINTIFF'S FIRST SET OF INTERROGATORIES PROPOUNDED TO THE DEFENDANT WITH REQUEST FOR PRODUCTION

The undersigned retains the originals of the above papers as custodian thereof pursuant to Court Rules.

DATED:

Respectfully Submitted,

By:

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I, , Plaintiff in the above referenced civil action, do hereby certify that I have this day caused to be delivered, via United States Postal Service, first class postage prepaid, a true and correct copy of the above and foregoing document to:

Defendants Name:

Address:

THIS the day of , .

Enter text✕

What the Illinois Plaintiff's First Set of Interrogatories Is

The Illinois Plaintiff's First Set of Interrogatories is a formal discovery document used in civil litigation to request written answers from an opposing party. It consists of a numbered list of questions meant to establish facts, identify witnesses, and obtain documents or admissions early in a case. Typically served with other discovery requests, interrogatories require the responding party to provide written answers or objections, usually under oath, and become part of the case record. Properly prepared interrogatories focus scope, preserve issues, and reduce surprise at deposition or trial.

Why Serving a First Set of Interrogatories Matters

Using a first set of interrogatories helps the plaintiff narrow disputed facts, lock in positions, and identify documents and witnesses without an immediate deposition. Well-crafted interrogatories can economize discovery and reveal strengths or weaknesses early in the case.

Why Serving a First Set of Interrogatories Matters

Who Typically Prepares and Responds

Ensure the drafter coordinates with counsel to align interrogatories with case strategy and any pending motions or scheduling orders.

  • Plaintiff's attorney prepares targeted questions to support claims and narrow disputed facts.
  • Defense attorney reviews and prepares objections, answers, and any required verifications or documents.
  • Litigation support or paralegals handle formatting, exhibits, and service compliance.

Representative Users and Roles

Plaintiff's Counsel

Lead lawyer responsible for drafting factual and contention interrogatories, selecting exhibits, and ensuring questions are proportional to the needs of the case. Coordinates service and may use answers to plan depositions or motions to compel.

Defense Counsel

Attorney who prepares objections and responses, determines what information must be withheld or produced, and certifies answers. May seek protective orders or raise privilege claims where appropriate.

Essential Data Elements to Include

Caption Block: Court name, case number, party names
Serving Party: Plaintiff or counsel contact details
Definitions: Defined terms used in questions
Interrogatory Text: Numbered clear questions
Signature Block: Attorney signature and bar number
Verification: Oath or certification language

Step-by-Step: Preparing and Serving the First Set

Follow a repeatable sequence to draft, review, serve, and track interrogatories to meet court rules and preserve responses for trial.

  • 01
    Draft Questions: Write clear, focused interrogatories tied to claims and defenses
  • 02
    Include Definitions: Define terms and scope to avoid ambiguity
  • 03
    Add Verification: Attach required signature or verification language
  • 04
    Serve Properly: Follow service rules and record the service date

Typical Discovery Flow After Service

After serving interrogatories, the case proceeds through response, supplementation, and then use of answers in depositions or motions.

  • Service: Plaintiff serves interrogatories and records service date
  • Response: Defendant serves written answers or objections
  • Supplementation: Parties supplement responses as new information arises
  • Use at Deposition: Answers used to prepare questioning and impeachment

Setting Up an Efficient eDiscovery Workflow

Configure a digital workflow that ensures delivery, tracking, and secure storage of served interrogatories and received answers.

Field Configuration
Document Format PDF/A for long-term preservation
Service Method E-service and certified mail tracking
Metadata Capture Capture service date, recipient, and signer details
Storage Encrypted cloud repository with access logs

Digital Delivery and eSubmission Considerations

Ensure the chosen platform preserves an audit trail and supports export of signed, tamper-evident records for court presentation.

  • File Types: PDF, DOCX accepted
  • Integrations: Works with case management and cloud storage
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or stronger signer verification

Security and Compliance Practicalities

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit
Data At Rest: AES-256 encryption
Audit Trail: Timestamped IP and action logs
HIPAA Support: BAA available where needed
Authentication: Email, SMS, or advanced options
Certifications: SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001

Consequences of Incomplete or Late Responses

Motion to Compel: Court may order compelled answers
Sanctions: Monetary or evidentiary sanctions possible
Adverse Inference: Court may permit adverse inferences
Privilege Claims: Improper withholding risks waiver
Preservation Duty: Spoliation consequences for lost evidence
Costs Shift: Loser may pay discovery costs

Common Drafting and Service Mistakes

  • Vague or compound questions that invite evasive answers; break multi-part requests into separately numbered interrogatories.
  • Failing to attach or clearly label exhibits referenced in questions, which creates grounds for objections or confusion.
  • Serving interrogatories without complying with the court's electronic service rules or the local rules for discovery timing.
  • Neglecting to coordinate definitions and time periods, resulting in inconsistent or overbroad responses and motion practice.

Key Components of a Professional First Set

A well-constructed first set balances thorough fact-finding with proportionality and clear drafting to avoid unnecessary objections.

Scope Definitions

Targeted definitions limit scope and reduce overbreadth objections; define timeframes and subject matter precisely.

Fact Questions

Factual interrogatories request dates, actions, and identities of witnesses and documents tied to each claim.

Contention Questions

Contention interrogatories ask the opposing party to state the factual basis for key defenses or claims.

Document Requests Link

Reference document requests where documents are necessary to answer an interrogatory fully.

Verification Clause

Include the required verification or oath language and specify the signatory's representation.

Limits and Instructions

Include instructions on confidentiality, privilege, and how to indicate withheld responsive information.

How Different Practices Use a First Set in Real Cases

Short examples show how interrogatories support case strategy across practice areas.

Personal Injury Example

Plaintiff asks for names of medical providers and prior complaints

  • Seeks damages-related facts
  • Answers narrowed the claim and guided focused depositions, reducing fee exposure and discovery disputes.

Breach of Contract Example

Plaintiff requests communications and performance timelines

  • Requests admission on contract terms
  • Responses produced documents that proved the breach timeline and limited contested issues at trial.

Typical Timelines and What to Expect

Timelines vary by jurisdiction and any scheduling orders; plan for prompt service, tracking, and follow-up to avoid late answers.

Service Date:

Record the service date carefully for response calculation

Response Timeframe:

Typically 28–30 days to answer unless court order states otherwise

Supplementation:

Supplement timely when new responsive information arises

Motions Timeline:

Allow time for meet-and-confer before filing motions to compel

Trial Preparation:

Use interrogatory answers to plan depositions and exhibit lists

How Electronic Signing Fits into Discovery

Electronic signing and secure e-submission streamline verification and service while preserving admissibility and audit trails.

  • Prepare PDF: Convert interrogatories to secured PDF with numbered questions and exhibits
  • Place Verification: Add signature and verification fields for sworn answers
  • Authenticate Signer: Use email or stronger authentication for the verifier
  • Preserve Audit Trail: Keep timestamp, IP, and certificate evidence for court

Practical Tips for Clear, Effective Interrogatories

Adopt drafting habits that reduce objections and improve the usefulness of responses in motion practice and trial preparation.

Be Specific
Target questions narrowly to the disputed elements and reference documents or timeframes explicitly.
Avoid Compound Questions
Separate multiple facts into individually numbered interrogatories to prevent evasive answers.
Limit Number
Use a proportional number of interrogatories consistent with local rules and the case posture.
Coordinate with Doc Requests
Link document requests and identify where responsive material should be produced.

Comparing Written Interrogatories with Other Discovery Tools

Interrogatories complement depositions and requests for production; use this comparison to choose efficient discovery tools.

Criteria Written Interrogatories Depositions
Formal Record
Live Testimony
Cost lower higher
Use for Admissions

eSignature Pricing Comparison for Discovery Documents

Typical vendor pricing and feature availability for electronic signature and document workflows used to prepare and serve interrogatories.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial Yes, 7-day free trial No No Yes, limited Yes, limited
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Plaintiff's First Set of Interrogatories

Answers to common procedural and drafting questions to reduce objections and avoid delays in discovery.


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