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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

Case No.:

Parties

Plaintiff:

Respondent/Defendant:

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:

Address for production:

Interrogatory No. 1

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

Answer:

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.

Attach copies: I will attach income tax returns and W-2 forms.

Interrogatory No. 4

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

Answer:

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.

Answer:

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.

Answer:

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.

Answer:

Interrogatory No. 8

Outline in detail your monthly living expenses.

Answer:

Interrogatory No. 9

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

Answer:

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.

Answer:

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.

Answer:

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.

Answer:

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.

Answer:

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.

Answer:

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.

Answer:

Interrogatory No. 16

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

Answer:

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.

Answer:

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.

Answer:

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.

Answer:

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.

Answer:

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.

Answer:

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.

Answer:

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.

Answer:

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.

Answer:

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.

Answer:

Interrogatory No. 26

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

Answer:

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 have read and confirm the answers are true, complete, responsive, and correct.

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 will disclose newly discovered information as required.

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:

Signature of Plaintiff:

Notice of Service of Discovery

TO: All Counsel of Record:

Notice is hereby given that Plaintiff has 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:

Signature of Plaintiff:

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:

Defendant's Name:

Address:

This the day of , 20.

______________________________

Signature

Enter text✕

What the Illinois Plaintiff's First Set of Interrogatories Is

The Illinois Plaintiff's First Set of Interrogatories is a civil discovery document served by a plaintiff to obtain written answers from a defendant about facts, contentions, and documents relevant to a lawsuit. Interrogatories are part of formal discovery in state and federal litigation and are typically numbered questions requiring verified, written responses or timely objections. Responses create a record that can be used at depositions, motions, and trial preparation; they can narrow disputed issues, identify witnesses and documents, and establish or undermine factual theories before trial.

Why a Plaintiff Uses a First Set of Interrogatories

Interrogatories let the plaintiff secure sworn, written answers that preserve evidence, reduce surprise at trial, and shape further discovery. They are an efficient way to demand facts, admissions, and document locations before depositions and motion practice.

Why a Plaintiff Uses a First Set of Interrogatories

Who Prepares and Responds to These Interrogatories

Plaintiffs, litigation counsel, and their paralegals prepare and serve the first set of interrogatories to defendants or their counsel.

  • Plaintiff's counsel: Drafts precise questions to obtain admissions, names of witnesses, and document locations.
  • Paralegals/legal assistants: Serve, track deadlines, and compile exhibits supporting each interrogatory.
  • Defense counsel: Reviews, objects where appropriate, and prepares verified answers or motions to compel.

Coordinated preparation and timely service reduce discovery disputes and support subsequent depositions and motions.

Step-by-Step: Preparing and Serving a First Set of Interrogatories

Follow a clear sequence to draft, serve, and track interrogatories so responses are timely and admissible.

  • 01
    Draft: Craft focused, numbered questions supported by case theory.
  • 02
    Attach Definitions: Include definitions and instructions to reduce ambiguity.
  • 03
    Serve: Serve in accordance with court and rule requirements.
  • 04
    Track: Record service date and monitor the response deadline.

How to Configure a Reusable Interrogatory Workflow

Design a repeatable form and routing workflow to speed service, reuse common definitions, and collect verified responses.

Field Configuration
Definitions Section Standardized definitions used across questions
Question Bank Template questions grouped by issue
Signature Field Attorney verification and date field
Service Record Auto-log service date and method

Typical Process Flow After Service

After serving interrogatories, follow a clear sequence to obtain answers and preserve privilege assertions.

  • Service Method: Deliver via court-allowed service methods and note date.
  • Response Window: Await defendant responses or objections within the applicable timeframe.
  • Meet and Confer: Attempt informal resolution of objections to avoid motions.
  • Motion Practice: File motions to compel if responses are incomplete or evasive.

Technical Considerations for eFiling and eService

Confirm the court’s efiling and eService rules before relying on electronic methods for service or filing.

  • Supported Formats: PDF and DOCX are widely accepted
  • Authentication: Court portals may require login credentials
  • Audit Trail: Maintain timestamps and delivery receipts

Preserve digital audit records, maintain original signed copies, and confirm that service via email or platform satisfies local rules before relying on electronic delivery.

Key Elements to Include in a Professional First Set of Interrogatories

A thorough first set balances breadth with specificity to gather facts, admissions, and document locations while minimizing objections.

Definitions and Instructions

Clear definitions (e.g., define 'document' and time periods) and uniform instructions reduce ambiguity and make objections harder to sustain.

Background Questions

Include concise background items on identity, employment, and involvement to establish context for later fact-based questions.

Fact-Specific Interrogatories

Ask focused, single-issue questions about events, dates, and actors rather than compound or multi-part queries that invite objection.

Contention Interrogatories

Request the defendant’s contentions and supporting facts for affirmative defenses and key issues to frame expert witness scope and deposition focus.

Document Identification

Require identification of documents by Bates range, custodian, and location to streamline document production and reduce meet-and-confer disputes.

Signature and Verification

Include a verification clause where required by rule so answers are sworn or signed under penalty of perjury when appropriate.

Required Administrative and Security Details

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3
Data at Rest: AES-256 encryption
Audit Trail: Comprehensive timestamps
HIPAA: BAA available
Standards: SOC 2 Type II
Accessibility: WCAG 2.0 AA

Penalties and Risks of Inadequate or Untimely Responses

Default Risk: Motion for sanctions
1099/Tax Risk: Related filing penalties
I-9 Sanctions: Paperwork fines possible
Discovery Sanctions: Court-ordered fines
Evidentiary Loss: Adverse inference
Perjury Exposure: Verification liability

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Interrogatories

  • Asking overbroad compound questions that invite objections and slow responses; use single-issue interrogatories instead.
  • Failing to include precise definitions and time frames, which leads to evasive answers and disputes over scope.
  • Neglecting to track service dates and deadlines, increasing the risk of waiver or motion practice for late responses.
  • Skipping verification or signature blocks where required, which can render answers unverified and less persuasive.

Typical Timelines and Response Deadlines

Timelines depend on the governing rules: federal courts follow FRCP 33; state courts follow local or state rules that may differ.

Service Date:

Document the exact date of service in MM/DD/YYYY format.

Federal Response:

Usually 30 days after service per FRCP 33.

State Response:

Varies by state and local rule; check local practice.

Motion Deadlines:

File motions to compel promptly after meet-and-confer efforts.

Supplementation:

Supplement answers as required if new, responsive information arises.

Key Litigation Milestones After Serving Interrogatories

Follow these sequential milestones to preserve rights and manage discovery efficiently.

01

Draft and Serve

Prepare definitions, interrogatories, and serve according to court rules.

02

Response Window

Await the defendant’s answers or objections within the applicable timeframe.

03

Meet-and-Confer

Attempt informal resolution of scope or sufficiency disputes.

04

Motion to Compel

File to enforce responses if meet-and-confer fails.

eSignature Vendor Comparison for Serving and Signing Interrogatories

Signatures and secure document delivery can be completed with multiple eSignature vendors; the table compares common criteria with signNow shown first.

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 7-day free trial Free trial Free trial Free trial Free trial
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Practical Examples from Organizations That Use Digital Signing Workflows

Real-world cases illustrate how digital workflows support discovery, signatures, and verified records in litigation contexts.

Optica Ventures LLC

The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers.

  • The tool streamlined signature collection for client agreements.
  • Resulting efficiency reduced turnaround time and improved traceability across contract and discovery processes for both internal and external stakeholders.

Fertility Centers of Illinois

The team reported strong responsiveness and API flexibility supporting integrations.

  • Integration with case management systems improved document flow.
  • This enabled the legal team to produce verified documents quickly during discovery and maintain reliable audit trails for patient-consent records when required.

FAQs and Troubleshooting for Completing Interrogatories

Answers to common questions about form completion, service, objections, e-signature legality, and what to do if responses are deficient.


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