Circuit Court of Cook County Document Filing Requirements

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Routine motion

Must include

proposed order

All routine motions must include a proposed order.

Routine Motions must be e-filed and must be scheduled for ruling no sooner than 5 days after notice is served upon parties entitled to notice. All routine motions must include a proposed order.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Order

Orders may not include Supreme Court Rule 304(a) language without prior written court approval.

Supreme Court Rule 304(a) language may not be included in an order without prior approval of the Court. All requests for 304(a) must be made in writing.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Agreed order

Agreed orders must contain signatures of all parties in the case.

All agreed orders must contain the signatures of all parties in the case.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Settlement memorandum

Settlement memoranda must be submitted 5 business days prior to conference and contain required content.

A Settlement Memorandum must be submitted five business days prior to the Conference by each party and must contain: 1. Date and amount of last offer/demand by each party; 2. Primary reason or the main points why the case has failed to settle; 3. A summary of plaintiffs’ and defendants’ evidence and primary legal issues;

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Default motion

Must include

proposed order

Default motions must include all required documents listed, including notice, motion, summons, affidavits, and proposed judgment order.

Required Documents a) Notice. Movant must provide notice to all parties who have been served, even if they have not filed an appearance. (See: Motion Judges Rule 2.1). b) Original notice of motion and motion; c) Face of summons; d) Return of summons; e) Order appointing a special process server (if appropriate) or allowing service under 735 ILCS 5/2-203.1; f) Attorney certificate that counsel examined the court file and the clerk’s computer within 10 business days prior to the hearing date and determined defendant’s appearance or answer was not on file; g) Affidavit of military service (if an individual is in default); h) Copy of the verified complaint and/or Movant’s affidavit verifying the judgment amount; i) Affidavit detailing costs requested; j) Affidavit detailing attorneys’ fees, if authorized by statute or contract; k) Proposed Judgment Order.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition to approve settlement

Settlements involving minors, disabled persons, wrongful death, or survival actions require a written Petition to Approve Settlement.

Any attorney seeking approval of a settlement in an action involving: (1) a minor’s or disabled person’s personal injury case; (2) an action brought under the Wrongful Death Act; and (3) an action which survives a plaintiff's death shall, in a written form, submit a Petition to Approve Settlement.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Default motion

Must include

proposed order

Default motions must include original notice of motion, original motion, summons copy, return of summons copy, attorney's certificate, military affidavit (if individual), and proposed draft order.

The moving attorney must provide notice of motion and present the following: Original Notice of Motion, Original Motion, Copy of Summons, Copy of Return of a Summons, Attorney's Certificate, Military Affidavit (if defaulting an individual), and a proposed draft order.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Settlement petition

Settlement petitions must include an itemized cost list, all lien claim descriptions, and required probate language.

Petitions must include: (1) an itemized list of costs; (2) a description of all lien claims, even if the lien does not attach to the proceeds; and (3) appropriate language where further probate proceedings are required.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Agreed dismissal order

Agreed Dismissal Orders, pursuant to settlement or 1-1009, may be emailed to the Court or placed in the courtesy copy bin outside of Courtroom 2203. If the dismissal is pursuant to settlement, please identify in the Order whether minors or Wrongful Death claims are involved.

Agreed Dismissal Orders, pursuant to settlement or 1-1009, may be emailed to the Court or placed in the courtesy copy bin outside of Courtroom 2203. If the dismissal is pursuant to settlement, please identify in the Order whether minors or Wrongful Death claims are involved.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Substitution of attorney order

Substitution of attorney orders must include the Cook County Attorney Number for both withdrawing and substituting firms.

For substitution of attorneys, the order must include the Cook County Attorney Number for the withdrawing and the substituting firms.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition to approve settlement

Petitions to Approve Settlement must include an itemized cost list, all lien claim descriptions, and required probate language if applicable.

Petitions shall include: (1) an itemized list of costs; (2) a description of all lien claims, even if the lien does not attach to the proceeds; and (3) appropriate language where further probate proceedings are required, a sample of which is: IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the settlement is approved, provided that the settlement amount approved herein shall be paid only to a Guardian appointed by the Probate Division or Circuit Court where the minor or disabled person resides, and this Order shall be effective only after entry in the appropriate Probate Division of an Order approving the bond or other security required to administer the settlement and distribution provided for in this Order.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Administrative record

Administrative records must include a table of contents.

All administrative records, regardless of exhibit length, must be submitted electronically with a table of contents.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion for appointment of special process server

Motions for appointment of a special process server must include the server’s license number, service address, and statement of prior Sheriff service attempt.

Special Process Server: Motions for the Appointment of a Special Process Server must include the license number of the process server to be appointed, the address where service is sought, and a statement that service was attempted through the Sheriff’s Office.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion

Every motion must be accompanied by a notice of filing and a notice of motion.

All motions require a notice of filing and notice of motion.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Pleading

Pleadings that include exhibits must contain a table of contents, and all exhibits must be clearly marked.

Pleadings that attach exhibits must include a table of contents, and the exhibits must be clearly marked.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

Proposed agreed dismissal orders for voluntary dismissals must strike all future court dates.

Voluntary Dismissals: Litigants are required to strike any future court dates in a proposed agreed dismissal order.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion for default

Motions for default must be accompanied by an affidavit of service from the Sheriff or special process server; website printouts are insufficient.

Motions for default must be accompanied by the actual affidavit of service from the Cook County Sheriff or the special process server. A printout of the status of service from the Cook County Sheriff’s website is not an affidavit of service and is not sufficient to prove service.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Agreed dismissal order

Must include

signature blocks

Agreed dismissal orders require original signatures of all parties/counsel and must strike all future scheduled dates.

Agreed dismissal orders must contain the original signature of all parties and/or their counsel. Please be sure to strike all future scheduled dates.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Default motion

Must include

proof of service, military affidavit

Default motions must include proof of notice, proof of service, and military affidavit.

Motions for default are no longer special routines. These motions must be put on the Regular Motion Call. If the judge continues said motion to a specific date, the proper paperwork must be sent with the date given by the judge. Proof of notice, proof of service, and military affidavit are required.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Order

Dates in orders must be written out (e.g., December 5, 2006) not as a number of days.

Dates must be put in the order (ex. December 5, 2006, not 14 days).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion

Motions granting leave to amend complaints must state the specifics of the amendment.

ALL motions and orders giving leave to amend complaints and file counterclaims or third-party complaints MUST state what is being amended in the complaint (names of parties to be added, amending counts, etc.).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Hipaa order

HIPAA authorization orders must state “Order pursuant to HIPAA” in the title and use the Presiding Judge’s approved form; only HIPAA protective orders are routine.

Routine orders for “HIPAA” authorizations must state in the title “Order pursuant to HIPAA.” HIPAA protective orders are the ONLY protective orders that are routine. The HIPAA Order must be the form approved by the Presiding Judge of the Law Division or it will not be entered.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Order

Failure to provide clerk with orders on the call results in motion stricken or DWP; no order needed if case withdrawn/stricken.

Failure to provide the clerk with orders on the call WILL result in the motion being stricken or the case being Dismissed for Want of Prosecution (DWP). **You DO NOT have to enter an order if the judge indicates a case is withdrawn or stricken.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition to approve settlement

Must include

proposed order

Petitions to approve settlement must include a proposed order.

The Petition shall include a proposed order.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Transfer order

After the date is confirmed, the parties shall obtain an order from Room 2005 transferring the case to Room 2501 for Pre-Trial purposes only.

After the date is confirmed, the parties shall obtain an order from Room 2005 transferring the case to Room 2501 for Pre-Trial purposes only.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition to settle

Settlement petitions must include itemized costs, fee agreement, lien claims, and probate language if needed.

Petitions shall include: (1) an itemized descriptive list of costs; (2) a copy of the fee agreement or counsel’s representation as to the contingency percentage; (3) a description of all lien claims, even if the lien does not attach to the proceeds; and (4) appropriate language where further probate proceedings are required.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Order

ISCR 304(a) language is prohibited in any order without advance judicial authorization.

No ISCR 304(a) language may be included in any order without direct express advance judicial authorization.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Emergency motion

Must include

proposed order

Emergency motions must include a proposed order and an introductory paragraph stating the emergency grounds.

Emergency Motions with a proposed Order must be submitted by 10:00 AM via email and include an introductory paragraph stating the grounds for the emergency.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Movant must include a proposed order with their motion or it will not be ruled on.

Movant must include a proposed order with their motion or it will not be ruled on.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

Proposed orders must be hand delivered to courtroom 2405 or emailed as Word documents by noon, with case number in the email subject line.

Proposed Orders: Parties shall hand deliver a proposed order to the clerk in courtroom 2405 or email a proposed order in Word document format to ccc.chancerycalendar7@cookcountyil.gov by NOON. All emails shall include the case number in the subject line.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Prove up

Must include

proposed order

Draft judgment order must be submitted with all prove up materials.

A draft judgment order, specifying the precise relief sought, must also be submitted in all cases.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Pretrial memorandum

The memorandum should include the following sections: (I) Procedural History; (II) Summary of Position; (III) Objectives/Desired Outcome; and (IV) Summary of Past Settlement Attempts (if applicable).

The memorandum should include the following sections: (I) Procedural History; (II) Summary of Position; (III) Objectives/Desired Outcome; and (IV) Summary of Past Settlement Attempts (if applicable).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion to default

Must include

proposed order, local rule certificate

Motions to default require notice of motion, substantive motion, summons face, return of summons, certificate of recent file check, military affidavit (if individual), and proposed order in Word format.

The following materials are required to support a motion to default a party: 1. a copy of the notice of motion; 2. the substantive motion; 3. the face of summons; 4. a copy of return of summons; 5. an attorney or litigant certificate certifying that both the court file and the computer register have been checked for the defendant’s appearance or answer no more than 10 days before presentment of the motion. The certificate must be dated no more than ten (10) days before presentment of the motion; 6. a military affidavit if defaulting an individual (as required by federal law–Form CCG 004); and 7. a proposed order in Word document format.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Discovery motion

Contested discovery motions must show compliance with Ill. Sup. Ct. R. 201(k).

Any contested discovery motion must show compliance with Ill. Sup. Ct. R. 201(k). Failure to include Rule 201k efforts in any discovery motion may result in the motion being stricken or denied.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Privilege claim

Privilege claims require privilege log and supporting affidavits/proof.

Privilege claims will not be entertained unless the claimant supplies a privilege log and any affidavits or other proof necessary to lay a factual basis for the privilege claimed. See Ill. Sup. Ct. R. 201(n).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Routine motion

Must include

proposed order

Any routine motion should be emailed to the Court at law.calZcc@cookcountyil.gov, or dropped off in 2204, on the date set for presentment, with a proposed Order.

Any routine motion should be emailed to the Court at law.calZcc@cookcountyil.gov, or dropped off in 2204, on the date set for presentment, with a proposed Order.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Case management order

Case Management Orders must use the official form available on the Circuit Court Clerk website.

Litigants must use the Form Case Management Orders which can be located on the Circuit Court Clerk website.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Agreed order

Must include

proposed order

Agreed Motions and Orders must include a proposed order with the word 'Agreed' in the title.

Please include a proposed Order with the word “Agreed” in the title.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition to approve settlement

Settlement petitions must include an itemized cost list, all lien descriptions, and required probate language if applicable.

Petitions shall include: (1) an itemized list of costs; (2) a description of all lien claims, even if the lien does not attach to the proceeds; and (3) appropriate language where further probate proceedings are required, a sample of which is: IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the settlement is approved, provided that the settlement amount approved herein shall be paid only to a Guardian appointed by the Probate Division or Circuit Court where the minor or disabled person resides, and this Order shall be effective only after entry in the appropriate Probate Division of an Order approving the bond or other security required to administer the settlement and distribution provided for in this Order.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Emergency motion

Must include

proposed order

Emergency Motions must include a proposed order and the grounds for the emergency.

Emergency Motions, with a proposed Order, must be submitted to law.calZcc@cookcountyil.gov AND dropped off in 2204 and include the grounds for the emergency.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Agreed dismissal order

Must include

signature blocks

Agreed dismissal orders must include original signatures of all parties/counsel and strike all future scheduled dates.

Agreed dismissal orders must contain the original signature of all parties and/or their counsel. Please be sure to strike all future scheduled dates.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion to amend

Motions to file amended pleadings must include a black-lined version of the proposed pleading.

A motion to file an amended pleading must be accompanied by a black-lined version of the proposed pleading.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Discovery motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Discovery motions must include a statement certifying personal consultation and reasonable attempts to resolve discovery disputes per Illinois Supreme Court Rule 201(k).

Prior to bringing a motion related to discovery, the parties shall adhere to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 201(k), which provides: The parties shall facilitate discovery under these rules and shall make reasonable attempts to resolve differences over discovery. Every motion with respect to discovery shall incorporate a statement that counsel responsible for trial of the case after personal consultation and reasonable attempts to resolve differences have been unable to reach an accord or that opposing counsel made himself or herself unavailable for personal consultation or was unreasonable in attempts to resolve differences.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Settlement memorandum

Settlement memoranda must be submitted two business days prior via email (text-searchable PDF with bookmarks) and hard copy, containing last offer/demand and reason case failed to settle.

A Settlement Memorandum must be submitted at least two business days prior to the Conference by each party before via email in text-searchable PDF format with bookmarks and hard copies delivered to the bin outside Courtroom 2004 and must contain: a. Date and amount of last offer/demand by each party; b. Primary reason or the main points why the case has failed to settle;

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Cover letter

Must include

case number

Cover letter accompanying Clerk Status documents must include case number, date and time of hearing.

At the Clerk’s Status, movant is obligated to deliver copies of all the briefs, pleadings, relevant documents and the most recent complaint and answer, if any, with an accompanying cover letter containing the case number, date and time of the hearing.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Amended complaint

Amended Complaints and Amended Counterclaims, Cross-Claims and the like should be submitted with a redline or other comparison document attached as an exhibit showing the amendments made to the previous version of the complaint, counterclaim, or cross-claim.

Amended Complaints and Amended Counterclaims, Cross-Claims and the like should be submitted with a redline or other comparison document attached as an exhibit showing the amendments made to the previous version of the complaint, counterclaim, or cross-claim.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to seal or protective order

Motions to file under seal or for protective orders must include specific content: cannot apply to all documents, must state order does not authorize filing under seal, must state protective order does not apply to court orders, must recite privacy interest and be supported by affidavit.

Parties must seek leave of Court to file documents or other materials under seal. Please note the following when filing a motion to file under seal or a motion seeking a protective order: • The motion(s) cannot apply to all documents and/or pleadings. • The motion(s) must state in the text of the order that the order does not, by itself, authorize the filing of any document under seal, and that any party wishing to file a document designated as ‘Confidential,’ or ‘Attorney’s Eyes Only Information’ in connection to a motion, brief, or other submission to the Court must comply with court rules pertaining to filings under seal. • The motion(s) must state in the text of the order that the protective order will not apply to Court orders. • The motion(s) must recite the privacy interest involved, and why a protective order is necessary. This should be supported by affidavit. Failure to comply may lead to the motion being struck from the call and the Movant will need to re-spindle the motion to be presented on another day, denied, or other sanction.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Emergency motion

Emergency motions must include a separate paragraph on the first page detailing the emergency nature.

Emergency motions, including emergency motions for TRO, MUST contain a separate paragraph on the first page of the motion detailing the emergency nature of the motion.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for default

Motions for default must include specific documents: file-stamped notice, face of summons, return of summons, certificate of service, attorney/pro se certificate, and military affidavit if applicable.

A Motion for Default MUST contain the following: • File-Stamped Copy of the Notice and Motion from the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office, • Face of the Summons, • Copy of the Return of Summons, • The Certificate of the Officer or Affidavit of the Person who served the Summons, • Attorney or Pro Se litigant certificate, certifying that both the court file and docket have been checked for any appearance or answer filed by the defendant, AND • A military affidavit if defaulting and individual. Failure to provide this information may lead to the motion being struck from the call and the Movant will need to re-spindle the motion to be presented on another day, denied, or other sanction.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Settlement conference memorandum

Parties must submit a settlement conference memorandum containing nature of claims/defenses and most recent settlement demand/offer.

At least fourteen (14) days prior to the settlement conference, each party MUST submit to the Court via email to the chambers email of ccc.chancerycalendar3@cookcountyil.gov and exchange with opposing counsel(s) a brief memorandum advising the Court of the nature of the claims and defenses, as well as the most recent settlement demand and offer.