Circuit Court of Christian County, Illinois (4th Judicial Circuit) Document Filing Requirements

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion hearing notice

A motion hearing notice must identify the motion judge, action title and number, hearing date and time, and nature of the motion.

The notice of hearing shall designate the motion Judge, shall show the title and number of the action, and the date and time when the motion will be presented. Notice of motion to be made shall state the nature of the motion.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery service certification

Must include

certificate of service

Counsel must file a certification briefly describing the discovery requests and showing service on the directed party.

Proof of service of the request for discovery shall be made by certification of counsel briefly describing the requests made together with proof of service on the party to whom it is directed. The certification shall be filed with the Clerk of the Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery compliance certification

In civil matters, counsel must file a compliance certification that states compliance occurred and describes the documents provided in response to the request.

Proof of compliance with a request for discovery in all civil matters shall be made by filing with the Clerk of the Court the certification of counsel showing that compliance has been made. The certification shall include a description of the documents filed with reference to the request made.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Subpoena

A subpoena seeking specified materials must bear the prescribed legend, and a copy of the subpoena and notice of service must be mailed first class to all appearing parties within 48 hours of issuance.

A subpoena issued under this provision seeking specified documents, objects, or tangible things shall bear the following legend on the face of said subpoena, or conspicuously attached thereto, and a copy of said subpoena and notice of service shall be mailed first class within 48 hours of issuance to all parties having appeared in the action:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Subpoena

All subpoenas issued under this section must be sent with a certification page containing the specified certification.

A certification page containing the following language shall be sent with all subpoenas issued pursuant to this section: I hereby certify, under penalty of perjury and contempt of court, that I have examined the subpoena issued in this cause and that the documents, objects, and tangible things attached hereto represent full and complete compliance with said subpoena.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statement of proposed disposition

When issues are in dispute, each party must file a proposed-disposition statement addressing all issues by the earlier stated deadline, unless the court orders otherwise.

8-4 Statement of Proposed Disposition: In addition to the Financial Affidavit required in Rule 8-3, if there are any issues in dispute, each party shall file a written statement of proposed disposition, addressing all issues (both agreed and contested), within the same time period set forth in 750 ILCS 5/602.10 for submitting proposed parenting plans, or at least five (5) days prior to the hearing on contested issues, whichever is sooner, or as otherwise ordered by the court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statement of proposed disposition

When custody, visitation, or parental-responsibility allocation is disputed, the proposed disposition must include the party’s proposed parenting plan as required by statute.

If issues relating to custody, visitation or allocation of parental responsibilities are in dispute, the proposed disposition shall include a party’s proposed parenting plan as may be required by 750 ILCS 5/602.10.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statement of proposed apportionment

If property apportionment is disputed, the parties must submit a proposed-apportionment statement itemizing claimed marital and non-marital property and estimating each item’s fair cash market value.

If the issue of property apportionment is in dispute, the parties shall submit a statement of proposed apportionment, which shall include an itemization of all property claimed as marital and non-marital together with an estimated fair cash market value of each item.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statement of proposed apportionment

If apportionment of marital indebtedness is disputed, the statement must propose its apportionment and list non-marital indebtedness for which either party is currently liable.

If the issue of apportionment of marital indebtedness is in dispute, the statement shall also include a proposed apportionment of marital indebtedness and shall include a listing of any non-marital indebtedness for which either party is currently liable.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Prove up package

Must include

proposed order

The prove-up package must include the listed judgment, certificates, orders, agreement, and parenting-education certificate when applicable, subject to the stated court flexibility.

It shall be the responsibility of the person seeking either to affect the marital status of the parties or to establish or modify parental responsibilities, or that person’s attorney, to present to the Court for prove-up, in a single package and prior to the commencement of any testimony, the following: (1) Proposed judgment order; (2) Fully completed Certificate of Dissolution, Declaration of Invalidity or Legal Separation, if applicable; (3) Fully completed uniform order for payment of support or maintenance, if applicable; (4) Signed original of any written agreement of the parties that has been, or will be, testified to or that is to be incorporated in the Judgment, Declaration or Order; (5) Obligor order for any fee to Circuit Clerk pursuant to 750 ILCS 5/711, if support or maintenance is ordered; (6) Certificate that the person seeking to affect the marital status of the parties has completed the parenting education program as provided in Supreme Court Rule 924 and amended Administrative Order 06-20, if applicable, unless the Court waives this requirement or grants the parties additional time to complete this requirement.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Small claims complaint

A small-claims complaint must include a statement of claim setting forth the elements provided in Supreme Court Rule 282.

The complaint to be used in small claims actions shall provide for a statement of claim setting forth the elements provided in Supreme Court Rule 282.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Small claims complaint

If a small-claims claim is based on a written instrument or assignment, a copy must be attached to the original and every copy of the complaint.

If the claim is based upon a written instrument or assignment, a copy of such instrument or assignment must be attached to the original and all copies of the complaint.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pleading or affidavit

Verification of any pleading or affidavit must comply with 735 ILCS 5/2-605 and Supreme Court Rule 137.

Verification of any pleading or affidavit shall be compliant with 735 ILCS 5/2-605 and Supreme Court Rule 137.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Damages affidavit

An affidavit used to prove or challenge damages must comply with the Illinois Rules of Evidence.

In all cases where a Party seeks to prove or challenge damages by affidavit, such affidavits shall be in compliance with the Illinois Rules of Evidence.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Cost affidavit

A prevailing plaintiff seeking costs other than filing or summons-service fees must file a detailed cost affidavit before judgment entry.

A prevailing Plaintiff seeking to recover costs other than a filing fee or service of summons fee shall file an affidavit prior to entry of judgment setting forth, with specifications, each separate cost sought to be recovered showing the purpose of each cost, the specific amount of each cost actually expended, and the date such cost was paid.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Written notice to contest

The defendant’s written notice to contest must identify the case and provide contact information for the defendant, plaintiff, and plaintiff’s attorney, if any.

setting forth the title and number of the case, his or her name, address, telephone number and the name and address of the plaintiff and his or her attorney, if any

CRITICAL

Applies to

Submission email

Submission emails must include the case number and at least one party’s last name in the subject line.

The subject line for a submission email shall include the case number and the last name of at least one party;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed exhibit

Each proposed exhibit must be a separate file named to identify the offering party and exhibit number.

Each proposed exhibit shall be submitted as a separate file with a file name that reflects the party offering it and the exhibit number (e.g., PlaintiffExhibit1, PetitionerExhibit2, DefendantExhibit3, RespondentExhibit4, etc.);

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibit submission

If exhibits are submitted, include an index stating the number of pages in each exhibit.

An index of exhibits, if any, shall be included that states the number of pages for each exhibit; and

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

A motion to rule that a case is ineligible for mediation must include an affidavit stating specific facts explaining why mediation would be inappropriate.

Any such motion must be supported by affidavit setting forth specific facts as to why mediation would be inappropriate.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Mediation summary

Each party must provide the mediator a written case summary at least 10 days before the conference, including a list of issues and participant contact information.

At least ten (10) days before the conference, each party shall present to the mediator a brief, written summary of the case containing a list of issues as to each party. The summary shall include the facts pertaining to the issue being mediated and may include the facts of the occurrence, opinions on liability, all damages and injury information, and any offers or demands regarding settlement. The names, addresses and email addresses of all participants in the mediation shall be disclosed to the mediator in the summary prior to the session.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to defer mediation

A party may move to defer mediation within 14 days after referral, must set the motion for hearing before mediation, state supporting facts and circumstances in detail, and mediation is tolled pending disposition.

Within fourteen (14) days of the Order of Referral, any party may file a motion with the court to defer the mediation. The movant shall set the motion to defer the mediation proceeding prior to the scheduled date for mediation. Notice of the hearing shall be provided to all interested parties, including any mediator who has been appointed. The motion shall set forth in detail, the facts and circumstances supporting the motion. Mediation shall be tolled until disposition of the motion.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Mediator report

The mediator must file a signed report within 14 days after mediation ends, stating whether the parties reached an agreement and designating it as full, partial, or no agreement.

(j) Report of Mediator: Within fourteen (14) days after the termination of mediation for any reason, the mediator shall file with the court a report in a form prescribed by the Chief Judge as to whether or not an agreement was reached by the parties. The report shall be signed by the mediator and shall designate, “full agreement,” “partial agreement” or “no agreement”.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition to probate

For a handwritten will, the petitioner must file a typewritten copy with the probate petition and an affidavit confirming the copy is true and correct to the best of the affiant’s knowledge.

(a) Holographic Will: When a will is handwritten, the petitioner shall file a typewritten copy of the will along with the petition to probate and an affidavit of the petitioner or his or her attorney that the typewritten copy is true and correct to the best of his or her knowledge.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition to probate

For a will in a language other than English, the petitioner must file an English typewritten copy with the probate petition and a qualified translator’s certification that the translation is true and correct.

(b) Will in Language Other Than English: When a will is in a language other than English, the petitioner shall file a typewritten copy of the will in English along with the petition to probate and a certification by a qualified translator that the translation of the will is true and correct.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for admission of will to probate

A petition to admit a will to probate must attach a copy of the will the petitioner believes is the testator’s valid last will, in addition to statutory requirements.

(c) All Other Wills: In addition to all requirements of 755 ILCS 5/6-2, a petition for the admission of a will to probate shall have attached thereto a copy of the will believed by the petitioner to be the valid last will of the testator.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proof of heirship

When a petition for admission of a will to probate or for letters of administration is filed, heirship must be proved by qualifying open-court testimony documented and filed with the clerk, or by an affidavit under Section 5-3 of the Probate Act.

(a) Manner of Proving Heirship: When a petition for admission of a will to probate or for letters of administration is filed, proof of heirship shall be made by: (1) The testimony of a witness examined in open court, reduced to writing by the official court reporter, certified by the court and filed with the clerk; or (2) Affidavit as provided in Section 5-3 of the Probate Act.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Affidavit of heirship

(c) Affidavit Regarding Heirship: An affidavit of heirship shall include the following: (1) The date and place of death of the decedent; (2) Whether the decedent left a surviving spouse. The affidavit should also address prior marriages ending in death or divorce and the children born to or adopted by the decedent from each marriage;

(c) Affidavit Regarding Heirship: An affidavit of heirship shall include the following: (1) The date and place of death of the decedent; (2) Whether the decedent left a surviving spouse. The affidavit should also address prior marriages ending in death or divorce and the children born to or adopted by the decedent from each marriage;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Heirship affidavit

The heirship affidavit must identify all children born or adopted by the decedent and state that there are no others.

(3) The names of all children, if any, born or adopted by the decedent. The affidavit shall specifically state that there are no other children, born or adopted.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Heirship affidavit

The heirship affidavit must state the date of death and identify any descendants of a deceased child, and state that there are no other descendants.

(4) The date of death and the descendants, born or adopted, if any, of any deceased child. The affidavit shall specifically state that there are no other descendants, born or adopted.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Heirship affidavit

If the decedent had no spouse or descendants, the affidavit must identify the specified relatives and state that there are no others in those categories.

(5) If there is no spouse or descendants, born or adopted, the parents, brothers and sisters and the descendants of any deceased brother or sister, born or adopted. The affidavit shall specifically state that there are no other brothers, sisters or the descendants of any deceased brother or sister, born or adopted.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Heirship affidavit

The affidavit must explain the affiant’s relationship to the decedent or, if unrelated, establish the basis of the affiant’s knowledge of the heirship.

(6) The manner in which the affiant is related to the decedent. If the affiant is not related to the decedent, the affidavit shall adequately establish the basis of the affiant's knowledge of the decedent's heirship.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Heirship affidavit

The affidavit must identify any unknown heirs or addresses and specifically describe the diligent efforts made to ascertain them.

(7) An assertion of any unknown heirs or addresses which shall specifically state what diligent efforts have been made to ascertain the same.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Heirship affidavit

The affidavit’s concluding section must trace each heir’s per stirpes relationship to the decedent.

(8) The concluding section shall trace the per stirpes relationship of each heir to the decedent; for example, "A, grandson of decedent, being a son of B, predeceased daughter of decedent," or, "A, nephew of decedent, being a son of B, predeceased sister of the decedent."

CRITICAL

Applies to

Heirship affidavit

The affidavit must state whether the decedent was ever a party to a civil union or substantially similar legal relationship recognized by another state.

(9) The affidavit shall state whether the decedent was ever a party to a civil union pursuant to the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act, or any substantially similar legal relationship recognized by any other state.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Heirship affidavit

Must include

proposed order

When filing a Section 5-3 heirship affidavit, the representative must submit a separate proposed order to the Circuit Clerk that reflects the affidavit’s concluding section.

(d) Order Declaring Heirship: At the time of filing of an affidavit pursuant to Section 5-3 of the Probate Act, the representative shall submit to the Circuit Clerk a separate proposed Order Declaring Heirship which shall reflect the language contained in the concluding section of the affidavit.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Bond

An individual surety must state a residence address below the signature and, if requested, provide a verified affidavit and a written agreement to notify the court before conveying or encumbering described real estate until discharged.

(a) Individuals: When an individual is offered as security on a bond of a legal representative, the surety shall state his or her residence address below their signature, and when requested by the court, shall furnish a verified affidavit and shall agree in writing that they will notify the court before conveying or encumbering any real estate described in said affidavit, until the surety is discharged by order of the court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Bond

The representative’s bond must be in writing and signed by the representative, even if security is excused.

(b) Written Bond: Regardless of whether security is excused by the will or as provided in subsection (b) of Section 12-4 of the Illinois Probate Act, the bond of the representative in the amount from time to time required under the Illinois Probate Act shall be in writing and signed by the representative.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Guardian petition for expenditure

A guardian’s petition to use estate funds must state the estate’s present value, the ward’s available annual income, the proposed expenditure’s purpose, and all payments received by the ward or petitioner in the listed capacities.

13-5 Expenditures from Ward's Estate: A petition of a guardian to apply any part of the ward's estate for the support, comfort, or education of the ward or other person entitled to support from his or her estate shall state the present value of the estate, the annual income available to the ward, and the purpose of the proposed expenditure. It further shall list all payments being received by the ward or by petitioner either individually or as guardian on behalf of the ward, including Social Security payments, disability or benefit payments from the Veteran's Administration or other governmental agency or department, or other assistance from a charitable or relief organization, payment from a trust, or from one having an obligation to support the ward.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

A hearing notice must state the hearing’s time, date, place, and nature and include the specified binding-effect statement or a substantially similar statement.

The notice of hearing shall contain the time, date, place and nature of the hearing and shall include the following or a substantially similar statement: “If the account is approved by the judge upon hearing, in the absence of fraud, accident or mistake, the account as approved is binding upon all persons to whom this notice is given.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Verified petition

A verified petition to settle a covered claim involving a minor or ward must be filed by the legal representative and include the specified facts, medical information, settlement terms, and attorney recommendation.

To settle a cause of action for personal injuries sustained by a minor, or ward, or any other action in which a minor or ward will receive any or all of the settlement proceeds, a verified petition shall be filed executed by the legal representative of the minor, ward, or the decedent’s estate, and shall recite: (1) A description of the occurrence giving rise to the cause of action. (2) The name and address of the person or entity against whom the cause of action has accrued. (3) The name and address of the liability insurance carrier, if any, affording coverage to the person or entity against whom the cause of action has accrued, and the monetary limits of the liability insurance policy issued by said insurance carrier in effect at the time of the occurrence. (4) A brief description of the injuries sustained by the minor and a list of hospital and medical expenses incurred on behalf of said minor as a result of the occurrence, and a current medical report or letter executed by the attending physician stating the nature and extent of the injuries sustained and giving the prognosis. (5) The terms of any settlement offer and a statement by the attorney for the petitioner of his or her opinion as to the fairness of the proposed settlement and a recommendation as to whether the offer should be approved.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Settlement approval order

An order approving settlement must provide for distribution and require signed recipient vouchers within the court-prescribed time that account for the full settlement sum.

The order entered approving settlement shall provide for the distribution of the settlement funds and the filing of vouchers signed by recipients of any portion of the settlement proceeds within a time prescribed by the court. The receipts or vouchers shall account for the total sum approved and obtained in settlement.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Financial institution voucher

The court must continue the case to a specific date for filing a financial institution voucher containing the required acknowledgments and no-withdrawal language.

The court shall continue the case to a specific date for the purpose of having a voucher from the financial institution filed. The voucher from the depository shall acknowledge receipt of the funds and a copy of the order of the court approving settlement, and shall include the express language that: “No withdrawals shall be made from this account, unless authorized by order of court, at any time prior to {date upon which the minor will reach the age of majority}.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Court order

Settlement funds received on behalf of a minor must be deposited or invested for the minor’s benefit by court order and cannot be withdrawn or used without court-order approval.

Any settlement funds that are to be received by a legal representative on behalf of a minor shall be required by court order to be deposited or invested for the benefit of the minor in accordance with the provisions of Section 24-21 of the Illinois Probate Act. These funds shall not be withdrawn or used without approval by court order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Settlement approval order

If annuity payments or income are payable before the beneficiary reaches majority, the settlement order must direct payment only to the minor’s estate, restrict use or transfer absent court leave, and require the guardian to file proof of payment.

Where annuity payments or income are payable prior to the beneficiary reaching majority age, the order approving settlement shall provide that such payments be made only to the estate of the minor; that they not be expended, transferred or withdrawn from the estate without leave of court; and the order shall require the filing of proof of payment of such periodic or partial distributions by the guardian of the minor.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Citation petition

Must include

proposed order

A citation petition must be accompanied by the proposed citation with a return date coordinated with the Clerk and a proposed order granting the petition and directing issuance.

Any petition for a citation as contemplated by Section 16-1 of the Illinois Probate Act that is presented to the Clerk for filing shall first be accompanied by the proposed citation as requested in the petition, with a return date that has been coordinated with the Clerk, and by a proposed order granting the petition and directing the issuance of the citation.

WARNING

Applies to

Subpoena response

A subpoena recipient with possession or control may comply without appearing by submitting complete, legible copies and a certificate of complete and accurate compliance to the Circuit Clerk by the return date.

The person or entity to whom the subpoena is directed who has constructive or actual possession or control of the specified documents, objects, or tangible things may comply with said subpoena, without personal appearance, by providing complete and legible copies to the Circuit Clerk together with a certificate that compliance is complete and accurate on or before the return date listed on the subpoena.

WARNING

Applies to

Return envelope

A party requesting return of discoverable material by mail must provide an appropriately sized envelope addressed to the Circuit Clerk with the specified case details and endorsement.

A party seeking to have discoverable material returned by mail from the person or entity to whom it is directed shall provide an envelope of appropriate size for return mailing addressed to the Circuit Clerk with (1) the name of the case; (2) the case number; (3) the date for hearing; and (4) "Subpoena Duces Tecum" endorsed in the lower left-hand corner of said envelope.

WARNING

Applies to

Mediator report

The Mediator Report must state whether the parties reached an agreement.

Whether an agreement has been reached by the parties;

WARNING

Applies to

Proof of heirship

Proof of heirship may be made by any person with sufficient knowledge of the facts needed to determine heirship.

(b) Proof of Heirship: The proof of heirship shall be made by any person with sufficient knowledge of facts from which heirship can be determined.

WARNING

Applies to

Order declaring heirship

If an heirship order is incomplete or erroneous, an amended proof of heirship must be made and an amended order entered as appropriate.

(e) Amended Order Declaring Heirship: If the order declaring heirship is incomplete or erroneous, an amended proof of heirship shall be made as provided in this Rule and an amended order declaring heirship shall be entered, as appropriate.

WARNING

Applies to

Petition to withdraw ward funds

The court may require the petitioner to provide evidence that the requested funds are necessary for the ward’s or the ward’s dependents’ benefit.

The petitioner may be required to furnish evidence that the sums to be withdrawn or proceeds of sale or redemption are necessary for the ward's support, comfort, education, or other benefit to the ward or his dependents.

INFO

Applies to

Discovery service certification

Identical discovery requests directed to multiple parties may be covered in one certification.

If identical requests are made of multiple parties, they may be included in one certification.

INFO

Applies to

Mediation summary

A party wishing to keep its mediation summary confidential should notify the mediator in writing when filing the summary.

If the party filing the summary wishes its contents to remain confidential, the party should advise the mediator in writing at the same time this summary is filed.