Commencement of action; procedure

Commencement of action; procedure. (a) An action for a firearms restraining order is commenced by filing a verified petition for a firearms restraining order in any circuit court. (b) A petition for a firearms restraining order may be filed in: (1) any county where the respondent resides or (2) any county where an incident occurred that involved the respondent posing an immediate and present danger of causing personal injury to the respondent or another by having in his or her custody or control, or purchasing, possessing, or receiving, a firearm, ammunition, or firearm parts that could be assembled to make an operable firearm. (c) No fee shall be charged by the clerk for filing, amending, vacating, certifying, printing, or photocopying petitions or orders; or for issuing alias summons; or for any related filing service. No fee shall be charged by the sheriff or other law enforcement for service by the sheriff or other law enforcement of a petition, rule, motion, or order in an action commenced under this Section. (d) The court shall provide, through the office of the clerk of the court, simplified forms and clerical assistance to help with the writing and filing of a petition under this Section by any person not represented by counsel. In addition, that assistance may be provided by the State's Attorney. (Source: P.A. 101-81, eff. 7-12-19; 102-345, eff. 6-1-22.)