Article II. Rules on Civil Proceedings in the Trial Court · Part C. Appearances and Times for Answers, Replies, and Motions · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceRule 183 lets a court extend any pleading or filing deadline for good cause, whether the request comes before or after the original deadline passes.
Full Text of Ill. S. Ct. R. 183
Text size
The court, for good cause shown on motion after notice to the opposite party, may extend the
time for filing any pleading or the doing of any act which is required by the rules to be done within a limited period, either before or after the expiration of the time.
Corrected February 16, 2011, effective immediately.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 183 gives courts flexibility on deadlines. On a motion, with notice to the other side, and for good cause, a court can extend the time to file a pleading or complete any other act that the rules require within a set period.
That extension can be granted whether the original deadline has already passed or has not yet arrived, so a missed deadline does not automatically end a party’s chance to act, as long as the court agrees good cause exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ask a court to extend a filing deadline after it has already passed?
Yes, Rule 183 lets a court grant an extension either before or after the original time has expired, as long as good cause is shown.
Do I need to notify the other side before asking for an extension?
Yes, the rule requires the motion to be made after notice to the opposing party.
What counts as "good cause" for an extension under Rule 183?
The rule does not list specific grounds; it leaves that determination to the court based on the circumstances presented in the motion.
Does Rule 183 apply only to filing pleadings, or other deadlines too?
It applies broadly to any act required by the rules to be done within a limited period, not just to filing a pleading.
Is an extension under this rule automatic once I file a motion?
No, the court has to find good cause and grant the extension; filing the motion alone does not extend the deadline.
Committee Comments
This is paragraph (5) of former Rule 8 without change in substance.
Source & verification. Rule text, official Committee Comments, and
amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Supreme Court Rules,
promulgated by the Supreme Court of Illinois. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as:extension of time to file illinoismotion for extension of timegood cause deadline extensionlate filing motion courtextending filing deadline after it passes