7th Judicial Circuit Court, Jersey County, Illinois
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Motion
Communication
Phone
Document Format Requirements34 rules
Individuals seeking appointment as a family mediators must apply in writing.
Formatting
- •The application must be in writing
Court's wording
WHEREAS, individuals seeking court appointment as a family mediator shall apply in writing and have received training or shall possess such experience to be equivalent to such training as required by the Chief Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit.
An applicant denied inclusion on or removed from the court-approved list may appeal the decision in writing within ten (10) days to the Chief Judge or his/her designee.
The initial case management order must be in a form consistent with Appendix A.
- Initial case management order
Formatting
- •The form must be consistent with Appendix A to these rules
Court's wording
At the conclusion of the initial case management conference, the parties shall submit to the court a completed initial case management order in a form consistent with Appendix A to these rules, which shall provide, at a minimum, the following:
The final pre-trial memorandum must substantially comply with Appendix B1 when there are children and Appendix B2 when there are no children.
Court's wording
Prior to the commencement of trial, the parties shall present to the court a final pre-trial memorandum, which includes, at a minimum, the following, in a form that substantially complies with Appendix B1 (with children) and Appendix B2 (without children).
Equipment to be used in courtrooms during judicial proceedings must be unobtrusive and must not produce distracting sound.
Microphones, wiring and audio recording equipment shall be unobtrusive and shall be of adequate technical quality to prevent interference with the covered judicial proceedings.
Pooling arrangements shall be the sole responsibility of the media coordinator.
Still cameras and lenses must be unobtrusive without distracting light or sound.
It shall be the duty of media personnel to demonstrate to the judge reasonably in advance of the proceeding that the equipment sought to be used meets the criteria set forth in this section.
Other than light sources already existing in the courtroom, no flashbulbs or other artificial light device of any kind shall be employed in the courtroom.
Television cameras, together with any related equipment to be located in the courtroom, must be unobtrusive in both size and appearance, without distracting sound or light.
No light or signal visible or audible to participants in the proceeding shall be used on any equipment during extended coverage to indicate whether it is operating.
Any changes in existing audio systems must be approved by the presiding judge.
Where the limitations on equipment and personnel under these provisions make it necessary, the media shall be required to pool equipment and personnel.
Microphones for use of counsel and judges shall be equipped with power switches to facilitate compliance with subsections 1.2(e) and (f) of this policy.
Formatting
- •Microphones for counsel and judges must be equipped with power switches
No modifications of existing systems shall be made at public expense.
In the absence of agreement or in the event of unresolved disputes relating to pooling arrangements, the kind of extended coverage sought shall be prohibited and excluded from the proceeding.
The list of certified mediators is available from the Office of the Chief Judge by written request.
Formatting
- •The request must be in writing
Court's wording
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, that a list of certified mediators approved to serve as a Family Mediator before courts of the Seventh Judicial Circuit shall be maintained by the Office of the Chief Judge and made available by request in writing.
Media equipment must operate quietly without drawing attention, and the court may require a compliance demonstration and exclude noncompliant equipment.
Court's wording
- (a) Equipment specifications. All equipment used by media personnel in the courtroom during court proceedings must operate quietly and without drawing attention, so as not to disrupt or distract from the proceedings. Media personnel may be required to demonstrate compliance with these requirements. Failure to do so may result in the exclusion of the equipment from the courtroom.
- (c) Lighting. No auxiliary lighting of any kind shall be used in the courtroom. Nor shall any light or other display be detectable to participants to indicate when any equipment is in operation.
Formatting
- •No auxiliary lighting may be used in the courtroom
Audio equipment must be adequate to prevent interference with courtroom systems, and microphones for counsel and judges must have power switches.
Court's wording
- (b) Audio equipment. Microphones, wiring, and audio recording equipment shall be of adequate technical quality to prevent interference with courtroom amplification systems or electronic recording systems. Microphones for use of counsel and judges shall be equipped with power switches.
Authorized court personnel may set equipment setup instructions and timeframes; equipment must remain in a fixed position, and media personnel must not move around or attract undue attention during proceedings.
Court's wording
(f) Equipment setup and operation. The judge, court media liaison, or other authorized court personnel may issue specific instructions and timeframes regarding equipment setup and installation. Equipment shall be operated from a fixed position. News media shall not move about the courtroom while proceedings are in session, nor shall they engage in any movement attracting undue attention.
- 5. Livestreaming. No more than one livestream of court proceedings, with designated personnel to operate it, shall be permitted.
- 1. Photography. No more than two news media representatives may take photos during a court proceeding.
- 2. Audiovisual recording. No more than two news media representatives may perform video recording during a court proceeding.
Media equipment, personnel, and coverage must use an authorized courtroom area; sound equipment should be outside when practicable, and courthouse storage requires permission.
Formatting
- •Equipment must not be stored in the courthouse without permission
Court's wording
(e) Location of equipment and personnel. Equipment and operating personnel shall be in, and coverage of the proceedings shall take place from, an area(s) within the courtroom designated by the judge, court media liaison, or other authorized court personnel. The area(s) designated shall provide reasonable access to the proceedings to be covered. Whenever practicable, sound recording equipment and its operating personnel should be located outside the courtroom. Equipment shall not be stored in the courthouse without permission.
- 4. Sound recording. No more than one audio system, with designated personnel to operate it, shall be permitted.
The Order shall be in substantially the same form as Appendix 1 of this Administrative Order.
Upon compliance with the court's order, the Clerk shall sign and file in the cause a Certificate of Compliance in substantially the same form as Appendix 2 of this Administrative Order.
Failure to obtain advance judicial approval for equipment may preclude its use in the proceeding.
Priority consideration shall be extended to one of the two television cameras to televise an entire proceeding from beginning to end.
With the approval of the judge, however, modifications may be made in light sources existing in the courtroom (e.g., higher wattage light bulbs), provided modifications are installed and maintained without public expense.
The forms are ADA accessible, and you can handwrite or type into the PDF form.
- File type
The media are encouraged to pool equipment and personnel.
Document Filing Requirements93 rules
Judges of this Circuit shall enter a fully completed Uniform Order of Support, in each case in which a child support or spousal obligation is created or modified, and
The hearing notice must state the hearing’s date, time, and subject matter; indicate it is remote; provide platform login information and technical-contact information; and attach any order allowing remote appearances.
Court's wording
In addition to the date, time, and subject matter of the hearing, said Notice shall also specify: - a. that the hearing is to be conducted remotely; - b. the specific zoom/platform log-in information (ID and passcode); - c. contact information, including e-mails and telephone numbers, should the other participants have technical difficulties; - d. if an Order has been entered allowing the parties to appear remotely, then said Order shall also be attached to the Notice; and
The Court may consider allowing an otherwise presumed ineligible case to proceed to a remote hearing if all parties agree and present the Court with a proposed Agreed Order.
- e. when applicable, the individual judge's set of instructions/expectations for remote hearings must be attached to the Notice.
In the stated circumstances, the Notice must explain the opposing party’s in-person and remote participation options and how to request remote participation.
Court's wording
If an opposing party has not appeared and/or the party providing Notice does not have an opposing party's e-mail address or telephone number, the Notice shall also inform the opposing party that the party may participate in the hearing personally at the designated time and place, and alternatively, that if the party prefers to participate in the hearing remotely, the party should inform the Clerk of the Court at least three (3) full business day before the hearing of the party's desire to participate remotely and provide the Clerk the party's e-mail address or, if none, a telephone number.
If the Court agrees to hear the matter remotely, notice of the remote hearing shall be provided as set forth in subparagraph B above.
An objection to a remote hearing or its designated platform must be filed in writing and noticed for hearing.
Court's wording
If any party objects to conducting the noticed hearing remotely or to the platform designated, that party, as soon as practicable, shall file the party's objection in writing and notice the objection for hearing before the noticed remote hearing.
At least three (3) days prior to a hearing, the parties shall file a list containing names and e-mail addresses of the attorneys, parties, and witnesses (if any) who will attend the hearing.
In every summons or petition, the State's Attorney shall provide notice of whether the appearance is in-person or on Zoom and shall provide the appropriate Notice of Rights.
In every change of date notice, the Circuit Clerk shall provide notice of whether the appearance is in-person or remotely on Zoom along with the appropriate Notice of Rights.
A notice of motion must state whether the appearance is in person or by Zoom; if it is noticed for Zoom, it must include the specified Zoom-attendance language and available meeting information.
Court's wording
Notices of Motions. Notices of motions shall contain language indicating whether the appearance is in-person or over Zoom pursuant to the court's standing orders or adopted remote hearing instructions. If noticed for Zoom, the notice shall contain language "Parties shall attend the presentment of this motion remotely on Zoom" and shall provide the Meeting ID, Password, call in information or link to the meeting, if the Zoom link information is known.
The attached Judgment – Sentence to the Illinois Department of Corrections order must be entered in cases where the defendant is sentenced to IDOC confinement for specified terms.
Court's wording
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, that the attached Judgment – Sentence to the Illinois Department of Corrections orders shall be entered in all cases that involve a defendant who has been sentenced to confinement in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the term of years and months specified for each offense.
Approved mediators must provide evidence of continuing-education completion to the Chief/Presiding Judge.
Court's wording
III. Continuing Education: Approved mediators are required to complete ten (10) hours of circuit approved continuing education every two (2) years of which two (2) hours must cover domestic violence issues and provide evidence of completion to the Chief/Presiding Judge every two (2) years.
When news media is present during any portion of a civil or criminal trial, the judge must give the specified jury instruction.
Court's wording
(b) Jury Instruction. The judge shall give the following instruction to the jury when news media is present at any portion of a criminal or civil trial: In this case, the news media was permitted to [video] [record] [photograph] [livestream] [blog] the proceedings pursuant to the Illinois Supreme Court Policy for Extended Media Coverage in the Circuit Courts of Illinois. In your deliberations, you should not draw any inferences or conclusions from the fact there was extended media coverage at this trial or proceeding. Nor should you concern yourself with why certain witnesses were filmed or photographed and others were not. Whether a particular witness was filmed or photographed is not any indication as to the value of, or weight to be given to, that witness's testimony.
Attorneys must submit verification of continuing-education attendance to the designated office at attendance or upon request.
Court's wording
Each attorney shall attend continuing legal education courses consisting of at least ten (10) hours every two (2) years and submit verification of attendance to the Office of the Chief Judge, or, for Sangamon County, the Chief of the Family Division at the time of attendance or upon request.
Attorneys seeking appointment as a guardian ad litem must apply in writing to the designated judge.
Court's wording
Attorneys seeking appointment as a guardian ad litem in matters involving allocation of parental responsibilities shall apply in writing to the Presiding Judge of each county or, for Sangamon County, Chief of the Family Division.
A removed attorney may appeal the removal decision in writing to the Chief Judge.
Court's wording
A removed guardian ad litem, child representative, or attorney for children may appeal the decision in writing within ten (10) days to the Chief Judge who shall decide the appeal after allowing the individual an opportunity to be heard.
If appointed as such, the Guardian ad Litem shall tender a written report to the Court, if so ordered.
The specific facts and circumstances in support of the allegation are described as follows:
A self-represented litigant shall file an entry of appearance which may be obtained by clicking the following Entry of Appearance.
At the time of the filing of any action that may result in the payment of child support, the party filing the action is required to file a child support data sheet with the Clerk, in a form as provided by the Clerk.
When neither party resides in the county where the initial pleading is filed, petitioner's counsel must file a venue-waiver motion with the pleading, and the motion must be heard and decided before any other issue.
Court's wording
In any case brought pursuant to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act where neither petitioner nor respondent resides in the county; where the initial pleading is filed, counsel for the petitioner shall file with said pleading a written motion, which shall be set for hearing and ruled upon before any other issue is taken up, advising that the forum selected is not one of proper venue and seeking an appropriate order from the court allowing a waiver of the venue requirements of the Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 750 ILCS 5/104.
An inmate seeking leave to sue or defend as a poor person must attach a trust fund ledger showing all deposits and withdrawals for the six months immediately before submitting the petition.
Court's wording
In all family cases in this circuit in which leave is sought by an inmate of a correctional institution to sue or defend as a poor person, the petition for leave to sue or defend as a poor person shall be accompanied by a copy of the inmate's trust fund ledger indicating all deposits and withdrawals made to the inmate's trust fund account for the six months immediately preceding the submission of the petition.
An attorney shall file their written appearance or other pleading before they address the court unless they are presenting a motion for leave to appear by intervention or otherwise.
When a motion is heard without prior notice, the resulting hearing notice must identify the action, judge, hearing date, and whether the order was granted or denied.
Court's wording
If a motion is heard without prior notice under this rule, written notice of the hearing of the motion showing the title and number of the action, the name of the judge who heard the motion, date of the hearing, and the order of the court thereof, whether granted or denied, shall be served by the party obtaining the order upon all parties not theretofore found by the court to be in default for failure to plead and proof of service thereof shall be filed with the clerk within two (2) days after the hearing.
A hearing notice must identify the motion judge, action, hearing date and time, and the nature of the motion.
Court's wording
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.
Before filing a discovery objection or motion to enforce compliance, the filing party must submit a certificate describing the unsuccessful consultation efforts or opposing counsel's unavailability or unreasonable conduct.
Court's wording
Prior to filing any objection to any requests or filing a motion to enforce compliance with any request, the party so filing is required to file with the objection or motion a certificate that states that counsel have been unable to resolve discovery differences after personal consultation and reasonable attempts to resolve differences have been unable to reach an accord or that opposing counsel has made himself or herself unavailable for personal consultation or was unreasonable in attempts to resolve differences, as required by Supreme Court Rule 201 (k).
Counsel must file a compliance certification with the Circuit Clerk describing the documents provided by reference to the discovery request.
Court's wording
Proof of compliance with requests for discovery in all family matters (including interrogatories and requests for production) shall be made by filing with the Circuit Clerk the certification of counsel showing that compliance has been accomplished. The certification shall include a description of the documents filed with reference to the request made.
A party objecting to discovery, seeking to enforce compliance, or challenging the sufficiency of a response must attach and file all relevant discovery with the motion.
Court's wording
Whenever any party has objection to any requests, or seeks to enforce compliance with any request or otherwise addresses a motion to the sufficiency of a response, they shall attach to their motion and file with the Circuit Clerk, a copy of all relevant discovery in order that the court may properly consider the motion.
Proof of service of any request for discovery shall be made by certification of counsel briefly describing the request made, together with proof of service on the party to whom they were directed.
- Document
- Discovery service certification
Must include
- •Certificate of service
Certification shall be filed with the clerk of the circuit court.
In the specified proceedings, the parties must file an affidavit showing at least current income, debts, assets, and liabilities by the initial case management conference, unless good cause is shown.
Court's wording
In all proceedings involving petitions for attorney's fees, court costs, maintenance, support and/or children and modification of any previous orders relating thereto, an affidavit of the parties showing, at a minimum, current income and debts, assets and liabilities shall be filed with the clerk at or before the initial case management conference, except for good cause shown.
A discovery request to a mental health services provider requires leave of court, an attached written order, and return in open court for in camera review.
Court's wording
Any discovery request served upon a provider of mental health services may be made only with leave of court, upon written order to be attached to the discovery request, and returnable in open court for in camera review by the court for a determination of whether the documents may be produced.
The parents shall provide the court with an agreed order regarding parental responsibilities and an agreed parenting plan, if there is an agreement.
Each application shall be accompanied by a financial affidavit, in a form consistent with the financial affidavit set forth in section 3 hereinabove.
The parents shall show proof of completion of an approved parenting education program as required by Supreme Court Rule 924, provide a fixed schedule for compliance, or show cause to excuse compliance.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Summonses, notices, motions, and other documents may not be filed by fax, email, or other electronic transmission methods.
Filing of any summons, notice, motion or other document via facsimile, electronic mail or other electronic transmission methods is not allowed.
Page 1 | RULE 301. FILING AND APPEARANCE REQUIREMENTS, 1(d). Form of Summons
A copy of the request shall not be filed with the Circuit Clerk.
A copy of the request shall not be filed with the Circuit Clerk.
Page 4 | RULE 303. DISCOVERY – INTERROGATORIES, REQUESTS FOR PRODUCTION AND DEPOSITIONS
Documents supplied in response to discovery requests must not be filed with the clerk of the circuit court.
The documents supplied in the response to discovery requests shall not be filed with the clerk of the circuit court.
Page 4 | RULE 303. DISCOVERY – INTERROGATORIES, REQUESTS FOR PRODUCTION AND DEPOSITIONS
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The objection must be filed with the Clerk before the witness’s testimony begins.
4. This objection is filed with the Clerk of the Court prior to the commencement of my testimony.
Page 1 | Objection of Witness to Request for Extended Media Coverage of Testimony
The objection must be filed as soon as practicable and noticed for hearing before the noticed remote hearing.
If any party objects to conducting the noticed hearing remotely or to the platform designated, that party, as soon as practicable, shall file the party's objection in writing and notice the objection for hearing before the noticed remote hearing.
Page 3 | IV. SCHEDULING a Remote Hearing
The attending-person list must be filed at least three days before the hearing.
At least three (3) days prior to a hearing, the parties shall file a list containing names and e-mail addresses of the attorneys, parties, and witnesses (if any) who will attend the hearing.
Page 4 | V. PROCEDURE for Remote Hearings
If the attorneys do not agree to a witness appearing by video, the party calling the witness must file a motion at least 14 days before the hearing or trial.
If there is no agreement among the attorneys for a witness to appear by video, it is the responsibility of the litigant or attorney calling the witness to file a motion to allow the video appearance of a witness(es) at least 14 days in advance of the hearing/trial.
Page 5 | VI. FAMILY DIVISION
Evidence of continuing-education completion must be provided to the Chief/Presiding Judge every two years.
III. Continuing Education: Approved mediators are required to complete ten (10) hours of circuit approved continuing education every two (2) years of which two (2) hours must cover domestic violence issues and provide evidence of completion to the Chief/Presiding Judge every two (2) years.
Civil cases
Page 1 | III. Continuing Education
An applicant may appeal a denial or removal within ten days.
An applicant denied inclusion on or removed from the court-approved list may appeal the decision in writing within ten (10) days to the Chief Judge or his/her designee.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Denial/Removal from List
A party should file a written objection stating its reasons within 3 days after receiving notice, unless the court prescribes otherwise or allows an oral objection.
Any party that objects to extended media coverage should file a written objection, stating the reasons, within 3 days of receiving notice of the request. Objections may be made outside the 3-day window as the court prescribes. The court may also allow oral objections.
Page 3 | 4.0 Procedural
Requests for extended media coverage must be filed as soon as practicable and at least 7 days before the proceeding, subject to stated shorter-notice exceptions.
(b) Requests. All requests for extended media coverage shall be filed with the circuit clerk as soon as practicable, but not less than 7 days in advance of the time the proceeding sought to be covered is scheduled to begin. Requests may be made on shorter notice as the court may prescribe or when a proceeding is not scheduled at least 7 days in advance (for example, an initial appearance in a criminal proceeding or a temporary restraining order in a civil proceeding).
Page 3 | 4.0 Procedural
An appeal of removal must be made within ten days.
A removed guardian ad litem, child representative, or attorney for children may appeal the decision in writing within ten (10) days to the Chief Judge who shall decide the appeal after allowing the individual an opportunity to be heard.
Civil cases
Page 2 | III. Establishment of List
An objection must be filed within three days after receiving notice of the request for extended media coverage.
3. This objection is filed within three (3) days of receiving notice of the request for extended media coverage.
Page 1 | Objection of Party to Request for Extended Media Coverage
The court uses a summons requiring appearance within 30 days after service.
A summons requiring appearance within 30 days after service as set forth in Supreme Court Rule 101(d) will be utilized by this court.
Page 1 | RULE 301. FILING AND APPEARANCE REQUIREMENTS, 1(a). Form of Summons
A party who appears without service of summons must plead within the time that would apply if summons had been served on the day of appearance.
A party who appears without having been served with summons is required to plead within the same time as if served with summons on the day he appears.
Page 2 | RULE 301. FILING AND APPEARANCE REQUIREMENTS, 4. Time to Plead
A motion must be filed with the Circuit Clerk, if the office is open, before applying to a judge for an order.
Every motion shall be filed in the office of the Circuit Clerk, if that office is open, before application to a judge for an order.
Page 2 | RULE 302. MOTIONS, 1(a). Motions and Notice Requirements
A motion generally cannot be scheduled for hearing less than two court days after effective service, unless the Court allows it in its discretion.
No motion, unless allowed within the discretion of the Court, may be scheduled for hearing less than two (2) court days after the effective date of service as described in Supreme Court Rule 12.
Page 3 | RULE 302. MOTIONS
Proof of service of the hearing notice must be filed with the clerk within two days after the hearing.
If a motion is heard without prior notice under this rule, written notice of the hearing of the motion showing the title and number of the action, the name of the judge who heard the motion, date of the hearing, and the order of the court thereof, whether granted or denied, shall be served by the party obtaining the order upon all parties not theretofore found by the court to be in default for failure to plead and proof of service thereof shall be filed with the clerk within two (2) days after the hearing.
Page 3 | RULE 302. MOTIONS
The required affidavit must be filed no later than the initial case management conference, except for good cause shown.
In all proceedings involving petitions for attorney's fees, court costs, maintenance, support and/or children and modification of any previous orders relating thereto, an affidavit of the parties showing, at a minimum, current income and debts, assets and liabilities shall be filed with the clerk at or before the initial case management conference, except for good cause shown.
Page 5 | RULE 304. CASE MANAGEMENT
An affidavit may not be filed with the court or counsel if it was executed more than 14 days before the hearing at which it will be tendered.
No affidavit may be filed with the court or counsel if executed more than 14 days prior to the date of any hearing in which said affidavit is tendered.
Page 6 | RULE 304. CASE MANAGEMENT
The parties must submit the completed initial case management order at the conclusion of the initial case management conference.
At the conclusion of the initial case management conference, the parties shall submit to the court a completed initial case management order in a form consistent with Appendix A to these rules, which shall provide, at a minimum, the following:
Page 7 | Initial Case Management Order
Mediation status reports must be submitted no less than 30 days after the initial case management conference.
The court shall monitor each party’s participation in mediation through the use of status reports to certify participation, which status reports are to be submitted to the court no less than 30 days after the initial case management conference.
Page 7 | Monitoring of Mediation
The parties must present the final pre-trial memorandum before trial begins.
Prior to the commencement of trial, the parties shall present to the court a final pre-trial memorandum, which includes, at a minimum, the following, in a form that substantially complies with Appendix B1 (with children) and Appendix B2 (without children).
Page 8 | RULE 305. TRIAL AND POST TRIAL MATTERS — Final Pre-trial Conference
An applicant denied inclusion on or removed from the mediator list may appeal in writing to the Chief Judge or designee within ten days.
An applicant denied inclusion on or removed from the court-approved list may appeal the decision in writing within ten (10) days to the Chief Judge or his/her designee.
Page 13 | Denial/Removal from List
The mediation referral form must be sent to the mediator within three days after entry of the Mediation Order.
A mediation referral form shall be sent to the mediator within three (3) days of the entry of the Mediation Order, and shall be completed by counsel for the minor or such other party as the court directs.
Page 18 | Mediation of parental responsibility allocation and parenting time issues in matters other than dissolution and paternity cases
When the stated conditions for a provisional order are met, the mediating judge must enter and file it within 21 days after mediation concludes.
the mediating judge shall, within 21 days after conclusion of a mediation, enter and file in the pending case a provisional order
Page 25
A mediating party seeking to vacate a provisional order must file a motion and affidavit within 21 days after the Clerk transmits the order.
upon the basis of motion and affidavit filed by a mediating party within 21 days after the Clerk’s transmittal of such provisional order
Page 26
Counsel proposing to introduce a witness’s testimony must advise the witness of the right to object, and a witness’s objection must be filed before the proceeding begins.
All witnesses shall be advised by counsel proposing to introduce their testimony of their right to object to extended media coverage, and all objections by witnesses shall be filed prior to the commencement of the proceeding.
Page 3 | 1.3 Procedural — (c) Objections
A party’s objection to expanded media coverage must be filed at least three days before the proceeding begins.
A party objecting to expanded media coverage shall file a written objection, stating the reasons, at least three (3) days before commencement of the proceeding.
Page 3 | 1.3 Procedural — (c) Objections
The media coordinator must notify the judge at least 14 days before the proceeding, unless the court orders a different notice period.
The media coordinator shall inform the judge at least 14 days in advance of the time the proceeding is scheduled to begin, but these times may be extended or reduced by court order.
Page 3 | 1.3 Procedural — (b) Advance Notice of Coverage
If the proceeding is scheduled less than 14 days in advance, the media coordinator must give notice as soon as practicable after it is scheduled.
When the proceeding is not scheduled at least 14 days in advance, however, the media coordinator shall give notice of the request as soon as practicable after the proceeding is scheduled.
Page 3 | 1.3 Procedural — (b) Advance Notice of Coverage
All media equipment and personnel must be in place at least 15 minutes before the proceeding begins.
All media equipment and personnel shall be in place at least fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled time of commencement of the proceeding.
Page 4 | 1.4 Technical — (a) Equipment specifications
A party's objection must be filed at least three days before the proceedings commence.
The objection is filed at least three (3) days prior to commencement of the proceedings for which extended media coverage has been requested.
Page 7 | Objection of Party to Extended Media Coverage of Testimony
A witness's objection must be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court before the matter begins.
I understand that this objection must be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court prior to the beginning of the matter.
Page 8 | Objection of Witness to Extended Media Coverage of Testimony
A witness may object in writing or orally before testifying and as soon as practicable.
Witnesses may file a written objection or make an oral objection to extended media coverage prior to testifying and as soon as practicable.
Page 3 | 4.0 Procedural
Verification of attendance must be submitted at the time of attendance or upon request.
Each attorney shall attend continuing legal education courses consisting of at least ten (10) hours every two (2) years and submit verification of attendance to the Office of the Chief Judge, or, for Sangamon County, the Chief of the Family Division at the time of attendance or upon request.
Civil cases
Page 1 | II. Continuing Education
If no appeal is filed, the Clerk must send notice about release of admitted exhibits 60 days after final judgment.
Sixty (60) days after entry of final judgment, if no appeal has been filed, the Clerk of the Court shall send notice to all attorneys of record or to the party pro se stating that all exhibits received into evidence shall be released to the party offering said exhibits.
Page 1 | Disposal of Exhibits
Exhibits must be claimed within 30 days of the Clerk's notice to avoid an order disposing of them.
The notice shall advise the attorneys or parties that if the exhibits are not claimed within 30 days of the Clerk's notice, an order disposing of all exhibits shall be signed by the trial judge or, if unavailable, the Presiding Judge of the County.
Page 1 | Disposal of Exhibits
The Sheriff and Clerk must certify to the court within 14 days that destruction is complete.
Within 14 days the Sheriff and Clerk shall certify to the court that the destruction has been completed.
Page 1 | Disposal of Exhibits
The moving party bears responsibility for calling a filed motion for hearing; if it is not called within 90 days of filing, the Court may strike it without notice.
The burden of calling for hearing any motion previously filed is on the party making the motion. The court may at any time on its own motion set any such motion for hearing. If any such motion is not called for hearing within ninety (90) days from the date it is filed, the court may strike the motion without notice.
Page 3 | RULE 302. MOTIONS
Motions seeking the specified child-interest evaluation or parental-responsibility investigation and report must be made at the earliest practical opportunity.
Motions that seek an evaluation of a child’s interests pursuant to 750 ILCS 5/604.10 or an investigation and report concerning parental responsibility pursuant to 750 ILCS 5/604.10 shall be made at the earliest practical opportunity.
Page 7 | Parental Responsibility Evaluations
The judge may extend or reduce the objection-filing period and may extend objection rights to other persons in appropriate circumstances.
Time for filing of objections may be extended or reduced at the discretion of the judge, who also, in appropriate circumstances, may extend the right of objection to persons not specifically provided for in this policy.
Page 4 | 1.3 Procedural — (c) Objections
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Notice of the objection must be given to the requestor, court media liaison, counsel of record, and parties appearing without counsel.
5. Proper notice of this objection has been given to the requestor, the court media liaison, all counsel of record, and parties appearing without counsel.
Page 1 | Objection of Witness to Request for Extended Media Coverage of Testimony
Once the hearing time, date, and platform are determined, the scheduling party must notify all other parties.
After the time, date, and platform have been determined, the party shall provide notice of the hearing to all other parties.
Page 2 | IV. SCHEDULING a Remote Hearing
A pre-marked exhibit may be used at a remote hearing only if copies were provided to all other parties and the Court at least three full business days beforehand.
No exhibit may be used during a remote hearing unless a copy of the pre-marked exhibit was provided to all other parties and the Court at least three (3) full business day before the hearing;
Page 4 | V. PROCEDURE for Remote Hearings
The Clerk of the Court must deliver a certified copy of the order to the sheriff.
The Clerk of the Court shall deliver a certified copy of this order to the sheriff.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | JUDGMENT – SENTENCE TO ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Counsel or a self-represented party seeking to introduce a witness’s testimony must notify the witness of the media-coverage request or its approval.
Any counsel or self-represented party, who seeks to introduce the testimony of a witness, shall notify the witness of the request for, or the granting of, extended media coverage.
Page 3 | 4.0 Procedural
When filing a written objection, the objector must provide notice to the requestor, the court media liaison, counsel of record, and unrepresented parties at the same time.
(e) Notice of Objections. At the same time a written objection is filed, the objector shall provide notice of the objection to the requestor, the court media liaison, all counsel of record, and parties appearing without counsel.
Page 3 | 4.0 Procedural
When filing a media-coverage request, the requestor must provide notice to the court media liaison, counsel of record, and unrepresented parties at the same time.
(c) Notice of Request. At the same time as the request is filed, the media requestor shall provide notice of the request to the court media liaison, all counsel of record, and parties appearing without counsel.
Page 3 | 4.0 Procedural
Notice of the objection must be given to the requestor, the court media liaison, all counsel of record, and parties appearing without counsel.
4. Proper notice has been given to the requestor, the court media liaison, all counsel of record, and parties appearing without counsel.
Page 1 | Objection of Party to Request for Extended Media Coverage
Copies of a filed general or special written appearance must be served in the manner required for service of copies of pleadings.
If a written appearance, general or special, is filed, copies of the appearance shall be served in the manner required for the service of copies of pleading.
Page 1 | RULE 301. FILING AND APPEARANCE REQUIREMENTS, 3. Written Appearance
The party obtaining an order after a motion heard without prior notice must serve written hearing notice on parties not in default, following Supreme Court Rule 11.
If a motion is heard without prior notice under this rule, written notice of the hearing of the motion showing the title and number of the action, the name of the judge who heard the motion, date of the hearing, and the order of the court thereof, whether granted or denied, shall be served by the party obtaining the order upon all parties not theretofore found by the court to be in default for failure to plead and proof of service thereof shall be filed with the clerk within two (2) days after the hearing. Notice shall be given in the manner and to the persons described in Supreme Court Rule 11.
Page 3 | RULE 302. MOTIONS
The moving party must give all other parties written hearing notice; notice for a motion made within a court day of trial is given as directed by the Court, and other notice follows Supreme Court Rule 11.
Written notice of the hearing of all motions shall be given by the party requesting hearing to all other parties. Notice of motion made within a court day of trial shall be given as directed by the Court. Notice for all other motions shall be given in the manner described in Supreme Court Rule 11.
Page 3 | RULE 302. MOTIONS
The hearing notice must be served with copies of the written motion and papers presented, or with a statement that they were previously served.
A copy of any written motion and of all papers presented or a statement that they previously have been served shall be served with the notice.
Page 3 | RULE 302. MOTIONS
An order presented for entry must demonstrate proof of service on all opposing parties in compliance with Supreme Court Rule 11.
All orders presented to the court for entry shall demonstrate proof of service upon all opposing parties in compliance with Supreme Court Rule 11.
Page 4 | RULE 302. MOTIONS
An original discovery request in a family matter must be served on the party or parties to whom it is directed.
In all family matters an original request for discovery (including interrogatories and requests for production) shall be made by serving such request upon the party or parties upon whom they are directed.
Page 4 | RULE 303. DISCOVERY – INTERROGATORIES, REQUESTS FOR PRODUCTION AND DEPOSITIONS
A copy of any discovery request served on a non-party, including a documents-only deposition subpoena, must be filed with the clerk and served on the opposing party under Supreme Court Rule 104(b).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a copy of any discovery request served upon a non-party, including subpoenas for deposition for documents only, shall be filed with the clerk and served upon the opposing party in accord with Supreme Court Rule 104 (b).
Page 5 | RULE 303. DISCOVERY – INTERROGATORIES, REQUESTS FOR PRODUCTION AND DEPOSITIONS.
The Clerk must immediately mail the assignment notice to counsel and all parties.
Immediately mail copies of such notice to counsel and all self-represented and represented parties in the case;
Page 24
The mediating judge must notify counsel, unrepresented parties, and the Clerk of the mediation setting at least 10 days in advance by mail or fax.
Notice of such setting for mediation shall be given by the mediating judge at least 10 days in advance of the judicial mediation setting by mailed or faxed notice to counsel, unrepresented parties and the Clerk of the court in which the case is pending.
Page 24
Upon entry of a Judicial Mediation Order, the Clerk must immediately send copies to the Chief Judge, counsel for represented parties, and all parties.
Upon entry of a Judicial Mediation Order, the Clerk of the court in which the case is pending shall immediately send copies of said order to the Chief Judge and to counsel for represented parties and to all parties whether self-represented or represented.
Page 24
When a provisional order is filed, the Clerk must send copies to counsel and all parties, whether represented or unrepresented, and bring it to the trial judge's attention.
Upon filing of a provisional order, the Clerk of the Court shall send copies of same to counsel and to all parties whether represented or unrepresented, and shall bring such order to the attention of the trial judge.
Page 26
The media coordinator must provide the filed notice to counsel, unrepresented parties, and the listed court officials.
A copy of the filed notice shall be provided by the media coordinator to all counsel of record, parties appearing without counsel, the appropriate court media liaison, the trial court administrator and the judge expected to preside.
Page 3 | 1.3 Procedural — (b) Advance Notice of Coverage
Proof of service must show that a copy of the objection was served on the listed recipients.
I have attached a proof of service showing a copy of this objection upon the Chief Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, the Presiding Judge, Trial Court Administrator, all counsel of record, parties appearing without counsel and the media coordinator.
Page 7 | Objection of Party to Extended Media Coverage of Testimony
A request for extended media coverage may be denied if notice is not provided to all counsel and unrepresented parties.
Failure to provide notice to all counsel of record and to parties appearing without counsel may result in denial of the request for extended media coverage.
Page 3 | 1.3 Procedural — (b) Advance Notice of Coverage
A witness may ask the Clerk for assistance in providing copies of the objection to the listed recipients.
I hereby ask the Clerk of the Circuit Clerk for assistance in providing copies of this objection to the Chief Judge of the Seventh Circuit, the Presiding Judge, Trial Court Administrator, all counsel of record, parties appearing without counsel and the media coordinator.
Page 8 | Objection of Witness to Extended Media Coverage of Testimony
Witnesses are entitled to assistance from the circuit court clerk in providing copies of their objection to the listed recipients.
Witnesses shall be entitled to the assistance of the clerk of the circuit court in providing copies of this objection to all counsel of record, parties appearing without counsel, the media coordinator and the judge.
Page 3 | 1.3 Procedural — (c) Objections
Filing Fees and Waivers
The Clerk must collect a $10 fee for each marriage solemnization and civil union certification performed.
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, that the Clerk of the Court shall collect a fee of $10 for each marriage solemnization and civil union certification performed.
Page 1 | Marriage Solemnization and Civil Union Fees
The defendant must pay an additional $10 operations fee for probation and court services upon a guilty judgment or grant of supervision, except in qualifying Rule 529 cases with bail of $120 or less.
WHEREAS, pursuant to 705 ILCS 105/27.3a(1.1), the Chief Judge of the circuit has ordered that the clerk of the circuit court shall impose a fee pursuant to subsection 1 and shall charge and collect an additional $10.00 operations fee for probation and court services department operations; and WHEREAS, this additional fee shall be paid by the defendant in any felony, traffic, misdemeanor, local ordinance, or conservation case upon a judgment of guilty or grant of supervision, except such $10.00 operations fee shall not be charged and collected in cases governed by Supreme Court Rule 529 in which the bail amount is $120.00 or less;
Criminal cases
Page 1 | Probation Fee Supplemental To Operations
An inmate's petition must include a remittance payable to the Clerk, capped at 50% of the inmate's average monthly income for the prior six months and no more than the full statutory fee; payment of the balance is postponed until final judgment.
The petition shall be accompanied by a remittance payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court in an amount not to exceed fifty percent of the inmate's average monthly income for six months immediately preceding the filing of the petition, but in no event to exceed the full statutory fee required of all other parties in civil cases. Payment of the balance of the statutory fee shall be postponed pending the entry of a final judgment in such causes as provided by law.
Page 2 | RULE 301. FILING AND APPEARANCE REQUIREMENTS, 6(b). Filing Requirements for Inmates
An inmate unable to make the partial payment for good cause may petition for review of the complaint, and the court may excuse all prepayment upon good cause and exigent circumstances.
If an inmate shows good cause why he or she cannot make the partial payment required by this rule, he or she may petition the court to review his or her complaint for the existence of a colorable question of law or fact and the court may for good cause shown, and the establishment of exigent circumstances, excuse pre-payment of fees in their entirety.
Page 2 | RULE 301. FILING AND APPEARANCE REQUIREMENTS, 6(c). Filing Requirements for Inmates
No filing fee is charged for a request or objection concerning extended media coverage.
(i) There shall be no filing fees associated with filing a request for extended media coverage or an objection to extended media coverage.
Page 2 | 3.0 General
Judicial mediation is provided free of charge.
ix. Judicial mediation is free of charge.
Page 23
Courtesy Copy Requirements
For a motion seeking permission for a witness to appear by video without agreement among the attorneys, courtesy copies must be provided to the presiding judge and opposing counsel.
If there is no agreement among the attorneys for a witness to appear by video, it is the responsibility of the litigant or attorney calling the witness to file a motion to allow the video appearance of a witness(es) at least 14 days in advance of the hearing/trial. Courtesy copies of the motion shall be provided to the presiding judge, as well as the opponent/opposing counsel.
Page 5 | VI. FAMILY DIVISION
Counsel may provide a courtesy copy to the assigned judge before any hearing.
a. Counsel may provide a courtesy copy to the judge assigned to the case prior to any hearing.
Page 5 | RULE 304. CASE MANAGEMENT
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
The mediating judge may record portions of mediation stating or affirming an agreement, must seal and exclusively retain any such recording after mediation, and may destroy it.
The mediating judge may electronically record those portions of a mediation in which any agreement of the parties is being stated or affirmed, but shall seal and exclusively retain any such recordings upon conclusion of mediation in any assigned case and may destroy any such recordings.
Page 22 | Judicial Mediation Program
Financial documents, bank records, and income-and-expense affidavits admitted as exhibits are considered impounded unless the court orders otherwise.
Any financial document, bank record or affidavit of income and expenses offered and received as an exhibit shall be considered impounded, unless the court orders otherwise.
Page 6 | RULE 304. CASE MANAGEMENT
Filing Bundling Requirements
Identical discovery requests made to multiple parties may be included in one certification.
If identical requests are made of multiple parties, they may be included in one certification.
Page 4 | RULE 303. DISCOVERY – INTERROGATORIES, REQUESTS FOR PRODUCTION AND DEPOSITIONS
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
The Court may hear emergency and legally ex parte motions without calling them for hearing, and emergency motions should receive precedence so far as possible.
Emergency motions and motions which by law may be made ex parte may, in the discretion of the court, be heard without calling the motion for hearing. Emergency motions shall, so far as possible, be given precedence.
Page 3 | RULE 302. MOTIONS
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
The trial judge has discretion to continue a hearing when technical difficulties arise for a party calling a witness remotely.
Any technical difficulty that may be encountered at the hearing bears on the party calling the witness remotely. The trial judge has the discretion of whether or not to continue the hearing due to technical difficulties.
Page 5 | VI. FAMILY DIVISION
All law enforcement agencies in the 7th Judicial Circuit receive a 90-day extension to implement the form changes, expiring March 31, 2025.
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, that all law enforcement agencies in the 7th Judicial Circuit are granted a 90-day extension to implement the changes to the Illinois Citation and Complaint forms that became effective on January 1, 2025. The extension expires on March 31, 2025.
Page 1 | Law Enforcement Agencies requesting extension to comply with updates
Chambers Communication Rules
For an eligible or court-approved remote hearing, the scheduling party must obtain the hearing date and time from the Court or its assistant.
If a matter is presumed to be eligible for remote hearing or the parties have agreed to a remote hearing which has been approved by the Court, the party scheduling the matter shall obtain a time and date for the hearing from the Court or Court's assistant.
Page 2 | IV. SCHEDULING a Remote Hearing
A scheduling party seeking a platform other than Zoom must inform the Court and determine whether it accepts the alternative.
If the party scheduling the matter desires a platform other than Zoom, the party shall inform the Court and determine whether the alternative platform is acceptable to the Court.
Page 2 | IV. SCHEDULING a Remote Hearing
In the stated circumstances, a party seeking remote participation must notify the Clerk and provide contact information at least three full business days before the hearing.
If an opposing party has not appeared and/or the party providing Notice does not have an opposing party's e-mail address or telephone number, the Notice shall also inform the opposing party that the party may participate in the hearing personally at the designated time and place, and alternatively, that if the party prefers to participate in the hearing remotely, the party should inform the Clerk of the Court at least three (3) full business day before the hearing of the party's desire to participate remotely and provide the Clerk the party's e-mail address or, if none, a telephone number.
Page 3 | IV. SCHEDULING a Remote Hearing
If all parties agree to a remote hearing for a matter presumed ineligible, one party must contact the Court to determine whether it will hear the matter remotely.
If a matter is presumed to be ineligible for remote hearing, but all parties have agreed to a remote hearing, one of the parties shall contact the Court to determine whether the Court will hear the matter remotely.
Page 3 | IV. SCHEDULING a Remote Hearing
A party whose participation or witness requires an interpreter must coordinate with the 7th Circuit Court Administrator about obtaining and involving the interpreter.
If a party or a party's witness requires the use of an interpreter, that party shall be responsible for coordinating with the 7th Circuit Court Administrator how the interpreter will be obtained and involved in the hearing;
Page 4 | V. PROCEDURE for Remote Hearings
Requests for extended media coverage must be made through the media coordinator.
All requests for extended media coverage shall be made through the media coordinator.
Page 3 | 1.3 Procedural — (b) Advance Notice of Coverage
Judicial officers and court personnel may not mediate pooling disputes.
No judicial officer or court personnel shall mediate disputes.
Page 4 | 1.4 Technical — (c) Pooling and Equipment
A party requesting a telephonic appearance must provide the judge’s scheduling personnel with a valid, working phone number so the Court can initiate the call.
For counties utilizing telephonic hearings, the Court may initiate the telephone contact of the party requesting the remote telephonic appearance. It is the responsibility of the party requesting the telephonic appearance to provide the Judge's scheduling personnel a valid, working telephone number for the Court to initiate the call;
Page 5 | VI. FAMILY DIVISION
Members of the public or media seeking to observe a hearing should contact Court Administration for directions on attending.
Members of the public and/or media who desire to observe a hearing should contact Court Administration for directions on how to attend.
Page 7 | IX. PUBLIC ACCESS
An approved list of mediators can be obtained through the Court Administration Office at the listed phone number.
An approved list of mediators can be obtained through the Court Administration Office at 217- 753-6360
Page 31 | Family Court Rules, Seventh Judicial Circuit
The judge, court media liaison, and interested media members should work through an appropriate media coordinator on extended-coverage arrangements whenever possible.
The judge, or the court's media liaison, and all interested members of the media shall work, whenever possible, with and through an appropriate media coordinator on all arrangements for extended media coverage.
Page 3 | 1.3 Procedural — (a) Media Coordinator and Court Media Liaison