15th Judicial Circuit Court, Jo Daviess County, Illinois

The Clerk may not file faxed documents unless a Supreme Court Rule or the Court authorizes it.

The Clerk shall not file documents received by facsimile transmission unless otherwise authorized by Supreme Court Rule or the Court.

Wills and other testamentary documents may not be filed electronically.

Wills and other testamentary documents shall not be accepted for electronic filing.

Electronic filing is required in civil cases except as otherwise provided by the rules.

Except as otherwise set forth in these Rules and the Supreme Court Rules, the Court requires electronic filing in all civil cases.

A user must register with the Clerk and an authorized e-filing vendor before e-filing.

Before E-filing any document, a user must register with the Clerk and the Court’s authorized E-filing Vendor.

Wills and other testamentary documents cannot be accepted for electronic filing.

Wills and other testamentary documents shall not be accepted for electronic filing.

Page 15 | Rule 2.2 Requirement of Electronic Filing

Electronic filing is required in all civil cases unless these Rules or the Supreme Court Rules provide otherwise.

Except as otherwise set forth in these Rules and the Supreme Court Rules, the Court requires electronic filing in all civil cases.

Page 15 | Rule 2.2 Requirement of Electronic Filing

The e-filing program must not prevent conventional filing of any pleading or document required to be filed conventionally.

At no time shall the E-filing program prevent or exclude the ability to file any pleading or document that is required to be filed by Conventional Filing.

Page 16 | Rule 2.5 Method of Filing

All Filers must be registered through their Vendor.

All Filers shall be registered through their Vendor.

Page 16 | Rule 2.4 Registration; Authorized Users

Attorney registration must include the listed firm, attorney, contact, and filing-fee payment information.

Attorneys must register with the Clerk and shall at a minimum provide the following information: firm name; attorney names and ARDC registration numbers; address; phone number; e-mail address for E-service; staff contact information; and an approved method for paying filing fees.

Page 16 | Rule 2.4 Registration; Authorized Users

Users must register with the Clerk and the Court’s authorized E-filing Vendor before electronically filing any document.

Before E-filing any document, a user must register with the Clerk and the Court’s authorized E-filing Vendor.

Page 16 | Rule 2.4 Registration; Authorized Users

The Clerk must not file documents received by fax unless a Supreme Court Rule or the Court authorizes it.

The Clerk shall not file documents received by facsimile transmission unless otherwise authorized by Supreme Court Rule or the Court.

Page 21 | Rule 3.2(e) No Filing by Facsimile

A court-fee waiver application in a civil action must be e-filed unless the Court excuses e-filing.

An Application for Waiver of Court Fees in a civil action shall be in writing, on the form adopted by the Illinois Supreme Court, and signed by the applicant or, in the case of a minor or an incompetent adult, by another person having knowledge of the facts, and shall be e-filed in accordance with the Rules, unless e-filing is excused by the Court.

Page 26 | Rule 4.3 Application for Waiver of Court Fees

Settlement memoranda must not be filed with the Clerk.

Unless the parties agree that the memoranda may be submitted to the Court confidentially, the party preparing a memorandum shall serve the memorandum on all other attorneys or SRLs but shall not file the memorandum with the Clerk.

Page 36 | Rule 5.8 Settlement Conference

Discovery materials listed in the rule generally must not be filed with the Clerk, except requests to admit and their answers or responses.

Pursuant to S. Ct. R. 201(m), and unless otherwise ordered by the Court, depositions, interrogatories, requests to produce or inspect, answers, responses, and other similar discovery documents shall not be filed with the Clerk. This Rule does not apply to requests to admit facts or the genuineness of documents or the answers or responses to those requests.

Discovery exhibits, reports, and other materials submitted in response to court discovery orders must not be filed with the Clerk.

The Clerk shall not accept for filing any exhibits, reports, or other materials in response to discovery orders entered by the Court.

The Clerk may reject an electronically filed case or document type that has not been approved.

Any unapproved case or document type filed electronically by a Filer may be rejected by the Clerk.

The e-filing program must not prevent conventional filing when conventional filing is required.

At no time shall the E-filing program prevent or exclude the ability to file any pleading or document that is required to be filed by Conventional Filing.

The Clerk may reject an electronically filed case or document type that has not been approved.

Any unapproved case or document type filed electronically by a Filer may be rejected by the Clerk.

Page 15 | Rule 2.2 Requirement of Electronic Filing

Attorneys and self-represented litigants in e-filed cases must have access to a free e-filing workstation during normal business hours.

The Clerk shall provide attorneys and SRLs in e-filed cases access to an e-file computer workstation. The E-filing workstation shall be available during normal business hours and without charge.

Page 16 | Rule 2.4 Registration; Authorized Users

The Clerk must accept and approve electronic filings made through a Vendor or the Clerk’s computer workstation.

The Clerk shall accept and approve filings electronically, through a Vendor or through the Clerk’s computer workstation.

Page 16 | Rule 2.5 Method of Filing

When the Court excuses a party from e-filing, the Clerk must scan that party’s conventionally filed documents into the electronic file.

If the Court excuses a party from the obligation to electronically file documents, the Clerk shall scan documents filed by Conventional Filing by that party into the electronic file.

Page 16 | Rule 2.5 Method of Filing

Filing deadlines for motions and pleadings that fall on the listed legal holidays are extended to the Court's next business day.

The time for filing all motions and pleadings is extended to the next business day of the Court.

Court notice

Page 1 | 15th Judicial Circuit Court Holidays

Within 90 days after the order, or later if the Court allows, the recipient must present a compliance report with the distributee’s receipt showing payment and delivery.

Within 90 days after entry of the order or within further time as the Court allows, the foreign representative, attorney-in-fact, or assignee shall present to the Court a report of compliance, with the receipt of the distributee evidencing payment and delivery of the distributive share.

Unless excused, the petitioner must file receipts for all amounts spent within 30 days after authorization and redeposit any unspent funds as required by statute.

Unless excused from doing so, within 30 days after the Court authorizes the withdrawal, the petitioner shall file receipts for all sums expended. All unexpended funds shall be redeposited in accordance with section 22-21 of the Act.

Executors and administrators must submit the first account within the specified six-month-plus-60-day period, annually thereafter, and at other times required by the Court.

Every executor and administrator shall present the account required by section 24-1 of the Act within 60 days after the date that is six months after the Clerk issued letters of office, annually after the date of the first account, and at other times as the Court requires.

E-filing time is determined by transmission; pleadings received before midnight on an open day are filed that day, while filings on a closed day are filed the next business day.

Except as set forth in Rule 2.13, the transmission date and time of transfer shall determine the date and time of the E-filing. Pleadings received by the Clerk before midnight on a day the Clerk’s office is open shall be deemed filed that day. If filed on a day the Clerk’s office is not open, the document will be deemed filed the next business day.

During business hours, a complaint or petition seeking specified ex parte or emergency relief must be filed with the Clerk before being presented to the Court.

Every complaint or petition requesting an ex parte order appointing a receiver, a temporary restraining order, a preliminary injunction, a domestic violence order, or any other emergency relief shall be filed with the Clerk, if during business hours, before presentation to the Court.

A guardian must submit an account within 30 days after the first year of letters of office and at least annually thereafter unless otherwise ordered.

Each guardian shall present an account of his or her administration within 30 days after the expiration of one year after the issuance of the letters of office and, unless otherwise ordered, at least annually thereafter.

Parties referred to mediation must attend at least three hours within 30 days, while further participation is voluntary and the session may end early in specified circumstances.

If the parties are referred to mediation, they shall be required to attend a minimum of three hours of mediation within 30 days. Further participation shall be voluntary and consistent with the purposes, standards, and principles of mediation. Mediation may be terminated or suspended before the end of three hours if all mediated issues are resolved or pursuant to these Rules.

Inventories and amended or supplemental inventories must be filed unless excused; the first inventory is due within 60 days after letters of office issue.

Unless excused by the Court, each inventory and amended or supplemental inventory shall be filed with the Clerk. The first inventory shall be filed within 60 days after the Clerk issues letters of office.

Dispositive motions must be filed and brought to argument no later than 90 days before trial, subject to the Court’s authority to change the deadline in the interests of justice.

All dispositive motions (e.g., motions to dismiss, motions for judgment on the pleadings, motions for summary judgment) must be filed and brought to argument (pursuant to notice) before the Court no later than 90 days before the assigned trial date. The Court may limit or extend this time in the interests of justice.

A mediated agreement must be presented to the Court within 30 days after mediation concludes.

Each mediated agreement shall be presented to the Court within 30 days following the conclusion of mediation.

A guardian must submit accounts within the specified periods after appointment, annually thereafter, within 30 days after the office ends, and whenever the Court requires.

Every guardian shall present the account required by section 24-11 of the Act within 30 days after the date that is one year after the Clerk issued letters of office, annually after the date of the first account, within 30 days after the termination of the guardian’s office, and at other times as the Court requires.

The 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

Filing deadlines for motions and pleadings that fall on a listed legal holiday are extended to the next business day of the Court.

The time for filing all motions and pleadings is extended to the next business day of the Court.

Court notice

Page 1 | 15th Judicial Circuit Court Holidays

Except as provided in Rule 2.13, the transmission time determines the filing time; pleadings received before midnight on an open day are filed that day, and filings on a closed day are filed the next business day.

(a) Transmission Date. Except as set forth in Rule 2.13, the transmission date and time of transfer shall determine the date and time of the E-filing. Pleadings received by the Clerk before midnight on a day the Clerk’s office is open shall be deemed filed that day. If filed on a day the Clerk’s office is not open, the document will be deemed filed the next business day.

Page 19 | Rule 2.10 Time of Filing; Acceptance by the Clerk and Electronic Filing Stamp

A pleading accompanied by an indigency petition is considered filed when electronically filed or properly presented to the Clerk.

A pleading accompanied by a petition to sue or defend as an indigent person is considered filed when it is electronically filed or properly presented to the Clerk for filing.

Page 21 | Rule 3.2(b) Filing Fee

A filing deadline that falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or designated holiday is extended to the next business day of the Court.

If the deadline for filing a notice, pleading, or action is on a Saturday, Sunday, or designated holiday, the time for filing the notice, pleading, or action is extended to the next business day of the Court.

Page 23 | Rule 3.4 Hours of the Office of the Clerk

A party must object within 30 days after written notice of an intent to unseal or open, or the judge may unseal or open the material.

A judge may unseal and open a case, record, or document if a party fails to object to unsealing or opening within 30 days following written notice of the intent to unseal or open.

Page 23 | Review of Sealed and Impounded Files

A party who appears without service of summons must plead within the time that would apply if summons had been served on the date 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 or she appears.

Page 26 | Rule 4.1(c) Time to Plead

The moving party must call a motion for hearing within 90 days after filing, or the Court may strike it.

The burden of calling a motion for hearing is on the moving party. If a motion is not called for hearing within 90 days from the date it is filed, the Court may enter an order striking the motion.

Page 31 | Failure to Call Motions for Hearing

During business hours, a complaint or petition seeking the listed ex parte or emergency relief must be filed with the Clerk before presentation to the Court.

Every complaint or petition requesting an ex parte order appointing a receiver, a temporary restraining order, a preliminary injunction, a domestic violence order, or any other emergency relief shall be filed with the Clerk, if during business hours, before presentation to the Court.

Page 31 | Rule 5.2 Specific Motions — Ex Parte and Emergency Motions

At least 10 days before presenting the petition, the party must send hearing notice, the petition, and its exhibits to persons entitled to notice, subject to written waiver or a good-cause excuse.

Before a party may present a petition to the Court, the party must send a notice of hearing, a copy of the petition, and any exhibits to the petition to those persons entitled to notice under the Act at least 10 days before the date of the hearing. A party entitled to notice may waive notice by written consent. The Court may excuse notice on a showing of good cause.

Pretrial documents required by the Court must be filed and served at least 10 days before the final pretrial conference.

When a final pretrial conference is scheduled, the attorneys for each of the parties and each SRL shall file and serve pretrial documents as required by the Court at least 10 days before the final pretrial conference.

Before presenting a petition for payment of court-deposited funds, notice must be given to the State’s Attorney, former representative and counsel, and other persons entitled to notice.

Before a petition is presented for an order directing the country treasurer to pay money deposited by order of the Court, notice shall be given to the state’s attorney, the former representative and his or her attorney, and all other persons entitled to notice under any order entered in the proceeding.

E-service must follow Supreme Court Rules 11 and 12 and is complete at the vendor’s posted transmission time for parties registered to receive it.

E-service shall be made in accordance with Supreme Court Rules 11 and 12 and shall be deemed complete at the posted date and time of transmission listed by the Vendor. The E-service of a pleading or other document shall be considered valid and effective service on all parties that are registered to receive E-service and shall have the same legal effect as personal service of an original paper document.

Documents requiring personal service to confer jurisdiction must be served conventionally, not electronically.

Electronic Service does not confer jurisdiction. Therefore, documents that require personal service to confer jurisdiction may not be served electronically and must be served in the conventional manner.

Before presenting the petition, the party must send the hearing notice, petition, and exhibits to the listed relatives or guardian, or the minor’s or ward’s resident or facility, subject to written waiver or a good-cause excuse.

Before a party may present a petition to the Court, the party must send a notice of hearing, a copy of the petition, and any exhibits to the petition to the minor’s or ward’s spouse, parents, adult siblings, appointed guardian, or, if none, person with or facility in which the minor or ward resides. A party entitled to notice may waive notice by written consent. The Court may excuse notice on a showing of good cause.

After an unnotified hearing, the party obtaining the order must serve a notice with specified information on the described parties and file proof of service within 48 hours.

If a motion is heard without prior notice under this Rule, written notice of the motion, showing the title and number of the action, the name of the judge who heard the motion, the date of the hearing, and the ruling of the Court, shall be served by the attorney or SRL obtaining the order on all parties who have appeared or have not been found by the Court to be in default and on all parties whose time to appear had not expired on the date of the hearing. Proof of service shall be filed with the Clerk within 48 hours after the hearing.

A copy of the subpoena and proof of service must be served on all parties within 48 hours after issuance.

A copy of the subpoena and proof of service shall be served on all parties within 48 hours of issuance.

Without a good-faith scheduling effort, notice must be served at least 10 days before the hearing, or mailed at least 14 days before it, unless the Court allows otherwise.

Unless otherwise allowed by the Court, if an attorney or SRL has not made this good-faith effort, notice of the hearing may not be served less than 10 days before the hearing; provided, however, that if the notice is served on any party by regular mail, the notice of hearing must be mailed at least 14 days before the hearing.

Unless waived, heirs and legatees identified in the petition must receive at least 14 days’ notice before the hearing; interested persons may propose written cross-interrogatories before the hearing.

Unless notice is waived, notice of the petition shall be given not less than 14 days before the hearing on the petition for admission of the will or codicil to probate to each heir or legatee whose name and address is stated in the petition. Before the hearing, any interested person may propose written cross-interrogatories.

A subpoena’s return date must be at least 10 days after service.

No subpoena may be returnable less than 10 days following its date of service.

Fee petitions, reports, or accounts must be served on the listed interested persons with notice of the hearing’s time, date, and place under Rule 5.1(b).

Written petitions, reports, or accounts requesting the allowance of fees shall be served on all interested heirs, legatees, devisees, incompetents, minors, and creditors whose claims remain unsatisfied, along with a notice of the time, date, and place of hearing on the request. Notice shall be in accordance with Rule 5.1(b).

Unless the parties agree to confidential submission, the memorandum must be served on other counsel and SRLs but not filed with the Clerk.

Unless the parties agree that the memoranda may be submitted to the Court confidentially, the party preparing a memorandum shall serve the memorandum on all other attorneys or SRLs but shall not file the memorandum with the Clerk.

Documents must be served on nonregistered parties by the method provided by an applicable order, rule, or statute.

Service of documents on parties not registered as an E-filing or E-service participant shall be made as otherwise provided by order, rule, or statute.

For an objected-to claim, the claimant must receive at least 10 days’ hearing notice by regular mail from the designated sender.

If an objection to a claim has been filed, the Court on the return date set under Rule 9.9(c) will schedule the claim for hearing and order the legal representative, the attorney for the estate, or the Clerk to give the claimant at least 10 days’ notice of the hearing by regular mail.

A claimant must mail or deliver the claim to the estate’s legal representative and any attorney of record unless the required written waiver or consent applies.

The claimant shall mail or deliver a claim to the legal representative of the estate and to the attorney of record, if any, unless the legal representative or attorney in writing waives the mailing or delivery of the claim or consents to the allowance of the claim.

Within 10 days after filing a claim, the claimant must file proof of mailing or delivery, or the waiver, with the Clerk.

The claimant shall file with the Clerk proof of mailing or delivery of the claim, or a waiver thereof, within 10 days after filing the claim.

Notice with a copy of the account must be delivered personally or mailed at least 10 days before the hearing, or 14 days if the address is outside the United States or Canada.

notice, accompanied by a copy of the account, shall be given in person or sent by regular mail to the last known address not less than 10 days before the hearing, except if the address of the person is outside the United States or Canada, in which case the notice shall be sent not less than 14 days before the hearing;

Discovery documents must be served under Supreme Court Rule 11, and filed proof must identify the document, case, service date, and sending and receiving parties.

Discovery documents shall be served in accordance with S. Ct. R. 11. Proof of serving or answering discovery documents shall be filed with the Clerk and shall identify the discovery document being served or answered and contain the case title and number, date served, and the sending and receiving parties.

Proper notice 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

The required fee for a supplemental probate petition is due when the petition is filed.

The required fee shall be paid when the petition is filed.

A petitioner or claimant must demand a jury and pay the fee when filing the petition or claim; an opposing party must do so with its answer or other responsive pleading.

A petitioner or claimant desirous of a jury trial under the Act must file a jury demand with the Clerk and pay the required fee when the petition or claim is filed. A representative or other party in interest opposing the petition or claim that desires a jury trial must file a jury demand and pay the fee when filing the answer or other responsive pleading.

The appearance fee is due when the appearance is filed.

The appearance fee shall be paid when the appearance is filed.

Statutory filing fees must be paid through an EFM-authorized method unless waived.

The payment of statutory filing fees to the Clerk in order to achieve valid filing status, unless otherwise waived, shall be as authorized through the EFM.

A pleading must be accompanied by the required fee or an indigency application to be accepted for filing.

The Clerk shall not accept a pleading for filing or electronic filing unless the pleading is accompanied by any required filing fee or an application to sue or defend as an indigent person pursuant to S. Ct. R. 298 and 735 ILCS 5/5-105.

Statutory filing fees must be paid to the Clerk as authorized through the EFM to achieve valid filing status, unless waived.

(a) Payment. The payment of statutory filing fees to the Clerk in order to achieve valid filing status, unless otherwise waived, shall be as authorized through the EFM.

Page 20 | Rule 2.12 Collection of Fees

A pleading must be accompanied by any required filing fee or an application to sue or defend as an indigent person for the Clerk to accept it for filing.

The Clerk shall not accept a pleading for filing or electronic filing unless the pleading is accompanied by any required filing fee or an application to sue or defend as an indigent person pursuant to S. Ct. R. 298 and 735 ILCS 5/5-105.

Page 21 | Rule 3.2(b) Filing Fee

Separate appearances for several parties require separate appearance fees, whether filed by the same or different attorneys.

If separate appearances are entered for several parties, either by the same or different attorneys, separate appearance fees shall be paid.

Page 26 | Rule 4.2(a) Number of Fees

A single appearance filed for several parties requires one appearance fee.

If a single appearance is filed for several parties, a single appearance fee shall be paid.

Page 26 | Rule 4.2(a) Number of Fees

The appearance fee must be paid when the appearance is filed.

The appearance fee shall be paid when the appearance is filed.

Page 26 | Rule 4.2(c) Time of Payment

The required fee must be paid when the petition is filed.

The required fee shall be paid when the petition is filed.

Page 60 | PART 9. PROBATE PROCEEDINGS

A petitioner or claimant seeking a jury trial must pay the required jury fee when filing the jury demand.

A petitioner or claimant desirous of a jury trial under the Act must file a jury demand with the Clerk and pay the required fee when the petition or claim is filed.

Page 65 | Rule 9.13 Jury Demand

A representative or other interested party opposing a petition or claim must pay the jury fee when filing the jury demand with the answer or other responsive pleading.

A representative or other party in interest opposing the petition or claim that desires a jury trial must file a jury demand and pay the fee when filing the answer or other responsive pleading.

Page 65 | Rule 9.13 Jury Demand

An opposing party seeking a jury trial after the petitioner or claimant waives one must pay the required fee with its demand.

If the petitioner or claimant files a jury demand and later waives a jury trial, the opposing party will be granted a jury trial on demand made within 30 days of being advised of the waiver and payment of the fee.

Page 66 | Rule 9.13 Jury Demand

Payment of fees is stayed while the Court considers an e-filed fee-waiver request under Supreme Court Rule 298.

When the E-filing includes a request for waiver of fees pursuant to S. Ct. R. 298, payment of the fees shall be stayed until the Court rules on the request.

When an E-filing requests a fee waiver under Supreme Court Rule 298, payment is stayed until the Court rules on the request.

(b) Waiver. When the E-filing includes a request for waiver of fees pursuant to S. Ct. R. 298, payment of the fees shall be stayed until the Court rules on the request.

Page 20 | Rule 2.12 Collection of Fees

A person or entity seeking access to a sealed or impounded case, record, or document, regardless of whether they were a party in the original case and regardless of whether the case is pending or closed, may, on the proper filing of an appearance and if required, paying the appropriate filing fee, file a motion requesting the order sealing or impounding the case, records, or document be vacated.

A person or entity seeking access to a sealed or impounded case, record, or document, regardless of whether they were a party in the original case and regardless of whether the case is pending or closed, may, on the proper filing of an appearance and if required, paying the appropriate filing fee, file a motion requesting the order sealing or impounding the case, records, or document be vacated.

Page 23 | Motion to Rescind Sealing or Impounding Order

A person cited in supplementary proceedings under 735 ILCS 5/2-1401 is not required to pay an appearance fee.

No appearance fee shall be required of a person cited in supplementary proceedings under the provisions of 735 ILCS 5/2-1401.

Page 26 | Rule 4.2(b) Supplementary Proceedings

A jury fee that has been paid will not be reimbursed if the jury trial is later waived.

The jury fee, once paid, shall not be reimbursed on a subsequent waiver of jury.

Page 66 | Rule 9.13 Jury Demand

The Court provides an application procedure for requesting a waiver of court fees in a civil action.

An Application for Waiver of Court Fees in a civil action shall be in writing, on the form adopted by the Illinois Supreme Court, and signed by the applicant or, in the case of a minor or an incompetent adult, by another person having knowledge of the facts, and shall be e-filed in accordance with the Rules, unless e-filing is excused by the Court.

Page 26 | Rule 4.3 Application for Waiver of Court Fees

Parties must provide the Court with courtesy copies when requested.

If requested by the Court, parties shall provide courtesy copies of documents to the Court.

Parties must provide courtesy copies of documents to the Court if the Court requests them.

(d) Courtesy Copies. If requested by the Court, parties shall provide courtesy copies of documents to the Court.

Page 19 | Rule 2.11 Electronic Service and Filing Proof of Service

A sealing or impoundment order must state whether party names are removed from public access and how long the restriction lasts.

The order shall further designate whether it includes removing the parties’ names from public access and the duration the file is to be sealed or impounded.

A motion to seal or impound must be written, presented after appropriate notice, and state its basis and proposed duration.

All motions to seal or impound a file, record, or document must be made in writing and presented to the Court after appropriate notice to all parties. The motion must explain the basis for sealing or impounding the file, record, or document and specify the proposed duration of the sealing or impounding order.

Financial affidavits and documents described in Rule 8.1(c) must be impounded as provided in that rule.

Financial affidavits and other documents described in Rule 8.1(c) shall be impounded as described in the Rule.

Filers must ensure e-filed documents and exhibits do not disclose sealed, impounded, or specified private information.

It is the responsibility of the Filer to ensure documents or exhibits filed electronically do not disclose information previously or statutorily impounded or sealed under these Rules or private information as defined in Supreme Court Rules 15 and 138.

The Clerk must automatically impound filed financial affidavits, documents with social security or account numbers, and specified reports, limiting access and copying to parties and counsel of record.

In accordance with Rule 3.3, if any party files a financial affidavit, other documents containing a social security or account number, or a medical, psychiatric, psychological, mediator’s, or guardian ad litem’s report, the Clerk shall without further order impound the document so that only the parties and attorneys of record in the action may have access to them and the right to copy them.

The Filer must ensure electronically filed documents and exhibits do not disclose impounded, sealed, or defined private information.

It is the responsibility of the Filer to ensure documents or exhibits filed electronically do not disclose information previously or statutorily impounded or sealed under these Rules or private information as defined in Supreme Court Rules 15 and 138.

Page 17 | Rule 2.6 Privacy

Court files and records are presumed open to the public, and that presumption may be overcome only by a compelling showing that protection interests outweigh the public’s right of access.

A strong statutory presumption of public access to the Court’s files and records exists that may be overcome only on a compelling showing that the public’s right of access is outweighed by the interests of the public and the parties in protecting files, records, or documents from public view.

Page 21 | Rule 3.3(a) Presumption of Openness

Juvenile files must be impounded subject to the cited statutory provisions.

Juvenile files shall be impounded subject to the terms of 705 ILCS 405/1-8 and 705 ILCS 405/5-901.

Page 22 | Rule 3.3(c)(1) Specific Exceptions

Reports concerning adjudication of disability and appointment of a guardian must be impounded subject to the cited statutory provision.

Reports filed with respect to adjudication of disability and appointment of guardian shall be impounded subject to the terms of 755 ILCS 5/11a-9.

Page 22 | Rule 3.3(c)(7) Specific Exceptions

Mental health records must be impounded subject to the cited statutory provisions.

Mental health records shall be impounded subject to the terms of 740 ILCS 110/1 et seq.

Page 22 | Rule 3.3(c)(6) Specific Exceptions

Fitness reports and psychological or psychiatric evaluations must be impounded subject to the cited statutory provision.

Fitness reports and psychological and/or psychiatric evaluations shall be impounded subject to the terms of 725 ILCS 5/104-19.

Page 22 | Rule 3.3(c)(4) Specific Exceptions

Except for the listed exceptions concerning juvenile, adoption, and Parental Notice of Abortion Act proceedings, an impoundment must be limited to the identified record or document.

Except as set forth in exceptions (1), (2), and (3), impoundments shall be limited to the identified record or document:

Page 22 | Rule 3.3(c) Specific Exceptions

Pre-trial bond reports and substance abuse evaluations must be impounded unless the Court directs otherwise.

Pre-trial bond reports and substance abuse evaluations shall be impounded unless otherwise directed by the Court.

Page 22 | Rule 3.3(c)(10) Specific Exceptions

Presentence investigation reports must be impounded subject to the cited statutory provisions.

Presentence investigation reports shall be impounded subject to the terms of 730 ILCS 5/5-3-4 (a) and (b).

Page 22 | Rule 3.3(c)(5) Specific Exceptions

Proceedings under the Parental Notice of Abortion Act must be sealed pursuant to the cited statutory provision.

Proceedings under the Parental Notice of Abortion Act shall be sealed pursuant to the terms of 750 ILCS 70/25.

Page 22 | Rule 3.3(c)(3) Specific Exceptions

Financial affidavits and the other documents described in Rule 8.1(c) must be impounded as provided in that rule.

Financial affidavits and other documents described in Rule 8.1(c) shall be impounded as described in the Rule.

Page 22 | Rule 3.3(c)(8) Specific Exceptions

A motion to seal or impound must be written, presented to the Court after appropriate notice to all parties, explain its basis, and specify the proposed duration.

All motions to seal or impound a file, record, or document must be made in writing and presented to the Court after appropriate notice to all parties. The motion must explain the basis for sealing or impounding the file, record, or document and specify the proposed duration of the sealing

Page 22 | Rule 3.3(d) Procedure for Sealing or Impounding

Judge’s notes described in Rule 3.8 must be impounded as provided in that rule.

Judge’s notes as described in Rule 3.8 shall be impounded as described in the Rule.

Page 22 | Rule 3.3(c)(9) Specific Exceptions

Adoption files must be impounded subject to the cited statutory provision.

Adoption files shall be impounded subject to the terms of 750 ILCS 50/18.

Page 22 | Rule 3.3(c)(2) Specific Exceptions

Unless an applicable statute, the Manual on Recordkeeping, or these Rules provide otherwise, a court order is required to impound or seal files, records, or documents.

Except as otherwise provided by statute, the Manual on Recordkeeping, or these Rules, files, records, or documents may be impounded or sealed only on order of the Court.

Page 22 | Rule 3.3(b) Written Order Required

Bulk combined PDFs and multi-case transactions are prohibited, with a stated citation exception; individual documents in one case may be submitted in one transaction if uploaded and titled separately.

Bulk filings of multiple cases or multiple documents combined into one PDF document shall not be accepted by the Clerk; however, multiple citations being electronically filed may be transmitted to the Clerk as a single transaction directly from a law enforcement agency. Documents with different case numbers must be filed individually in separate transactions. Filing of individual documents within a case shall be accepted in a single Electronic Filing transaction; however, each individual document must be uploaded and titled individually.

A brief supporting a dispositive motion must be filed with the motion.

Briefs in support of dispositive motions shall be filed with the motion.

Page 32 | Rule 5.2 Specific Motions — Dispositive Motions

Exhibits should be filed with the motion, but parties are discouraged from attaching previously filed pleadings.

All exhibits to a motion should be filed with the motion; provided, however, that parties are discouraged from attaching previously filed pleadings as exhibits to motions.

Page 31 | Exhibits to Motions

Exhibits should be filed with the motion, but parties are discouraged from attaching pleadings already filed.

All exhibits to a motion should be filed with the motion; provided, however, that parties are discouraged from attaching previously filed pleadings as exhibits to motions.

Support briefs must accompany dispositive motions; opposition briefs are due within 28 days unless otherwise ordered, and replies are discretionary and due as the Court directs.

Briefs in support of dispositive motions shall be filed with the motion. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, responsive briefs in opposition to dispositive motions shall be filed no later than 28 days after the dispositive motion is filed. Replies to responsive briefs may be allowed in the discretion of the Court and, if allowed, shall be filed within the time allowed by the Court.

Whenever reasonably possible, an attorney or SRL setting a matter for hearing shall make a good-faith effort to work with the Court and all opposing attorneys or SRLs to set the hearing at a time and date that is mutually convenient and consistent with the Court’s docket. If an attorney or SRL has made this good-faith effort and obtained a mutually convenient time and date acceptable to the Court, the hearing may be set at that time, and notice shall be served accordingly.

Whenever reasonably possible, an attorney or SRL setting a matter for hearing shall make a good-faith effort to work with the Court and all opposing attorneys or SRLs to set the hearing at a time and date that is mutually convenient and consistent with the Court’s docket. If an attorney or SRL has made this good-faith effort and obtained a mutually convenient time and date acceptable to the Court, the hearing may be set at that time, and notice shall be served accordingly.

The rule recommends holding a settlement conference within 30 days after discovery is complete in a civil case.

Within 30 days of discovery being completed in a civil case, it is recommended that a settlement conference be conducted with the Court to explore the possibility of settlement and to determine if the issues can be narrowed.

The Court may decide a motion on submitted briefs without oral argument or a hearing.

At the discretion of the Court, a motion may be taken by the Court by submission only, with each party submitting briefs and the Court ruling without oral argument or hearing.

Page 31 | Oral Argument

A representative seeking a definite extension or less frequent accountings must file a verified petition stating the reasons; any granted extension must set a definite next-accounting date.

If a representative seeks an extension of time to a definite date or an order allowing accountings less frequently than required by these Rules, the representative shall file a verified petition specifying the reasons for the request. If the Court grants a petition for extension, it shall set a definite date for the representative to file the next accounting.

An agreed or uncontested jury-trial continuance may be granted only when justice otherwise would be denied.

Even if a motion to continue a jury trial is agreed or uncontested, a continuance will be allowed only when justice otherwise would be denied.

A continued case-management conference must be reset to a definite date by written order or docket entry.

All continuances of a case management conference shall be to a date certain for a subsequent case management conference and made pursuant to a written order or docket entry.

A continuance requires good cause; counsel’s agreement does not bind the Court, which may require affidavits.

No motion to continue shall be allowed for other than good cause. Agreements of counsel as to a motion to continue shall not be binding on the Court. The Court may require affidavits of the parties and attorneys.

A trial-continuance motion must be filed and noticed at least seven days before trial and set for hearing at least four days before trial.

The motion shall be filed, and written notice given to all attorneys and SRLs of record, at least seven days before the trial date and set for hearing at least four days before the trial date.

Only the Court may grant a trial continuance.

Only the Court can grant a motion to continue a trial.

An agreed or stipulated bench-trial continuance requires good cause and, when practicable, must be heard at least four days before trial.

An agreed or stipulated motion to continue a bench trial will only be allowed on good cause shown and, whenever practicable, an agreed or stipulated motion to continue a bench trial must be heard at least four days before the trial is to begin.

A motion to continue is allowed only for good cause, and counsel’s agreement does not bind the Court.

No motion to continue shall be allowed for other than good cause. Agreements of counsel as to a motion to continue shall not be binding on the Court.

Page 32 | Rule 5.2 Specific Motions — Motions to Continue

A continuance of a case management conference must set a date certain for a subsequent conference and be made by written order or docket entry.

All continuances of a case management conference shall be to a date certain for a subsequent case management conference and made pursuant to a written order or docket entry.

Page 33

A trial-continuance motion must be filed and notice given at least seven days before trial, set for hearing at least four days before trial, and, if based on a conflicting setting, accompanied by an attorney affidavit identifying the specified details.

All motions to continue a trial shall fully comply with this Rule and 735 ILCS 5/2-1007, S. Ct. R. 231, and 725 ILCS 5/114-4, as applicable. The motion shall be filed, and written notice given to all attorneys and SRLs of record, at least seven days before the trial date and set for hearing at least four days before the trial date. If the motion is based on a conflicting setting, the motion shall be accompanied by an affidavit of the attorney setting forth the name of the other case, the name of the judge before whom the case in pending, the time and place of the conflicting setting, and the date the conflicting setting was set.

Page 37 | Rule 5.10(a) Requests for Continuances

An agreed or uncontested jury-trial continuance is allowed only when justice otherwise would be denied; an agreed or stipulated bench-trial continuance requires good cause and, whenever practicable, must be heard at least four days before trial.

Even if a motion to continue a jury trial is agreed or uncontested, a continuance will be allowed only when justice otherwise would be denied. An agreed or stipulated motion to continue a bench trial will only be allowed on good cause shown and, whenever practicable, an agreed or stipulated motion to continue a bench trial must be heard at least four days before the trial is to begin.

Page 37 | Rule 5.10(a) Requests for Continuances

Only the Court may grant a motion to continue a trial.

Only the Court can grant a motion to continue a trial.

Page 37 | Rule 5.10(a) Requests for Continuances

Mediation must be completed within seven weeks of the first conference unless the Court extends the period by order or the parties extend it by stipulation.

Mediation shall be completed with seven weeks of the first mediation conference unless extended by order of the Court or by stipulation of the parties.

Page 42 | Rule 6.4(i)(1) Expected Date of Completion

A representative seeking an extension or less frequent accountings must file a verified petition stating the reasons, and any granted extension must set a definite date for the next accounting.

If a representative seeks an extension of time to a definite date or an order allowing accountings less frequently than required by these Rules, the representative shall file a verified petition specifying the reasons for the request. If the Court grants a petition for extension, it shall set a definite date for the representative to file the next accounting.

Page 65 | Rule 9.12 Periodic Accounts

Matters returnable on the listed legal holidays are continued to the Court's next business day.

All matters returnable on said legal holidays will be continued to the next business day of the Court.

Court notice

Page 1 | 15th Judicial Circuit Court Holidays

Matters scheduled for a listed legal holiday are continued to the next business day of the Court.

All matters returnable on said legal holidays will be continued to the next business day of the Court.

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Page 1 | 15th Judicial Circuit Court Holidays

Absent extraordinary circumstances, anyone prejudiced by a filing being treated as filed on its first attempted filing date is entitled to an order extending the affected response date or other period for action.

(c) Filing Errors. In the case of a filing error, absent extraordinary circumstances, anyone prejudiced by the requirement in these Rules to accept a subsequent filing effective as of the date filing was first attempted shall be entitled to an order extending the date for any response or period within which any right, duty, or other act must be performed.

Page 20 | Rule 2.13 System or User Errors

The Court may condition a continuance on the moving party paying specified expenses and may sanction a non-moving party whose conduct makes a continuance necessary in the interests of justice.

The Court, on its motion or on motion of the party not seeking the continuance, may condition a continuance on the moving party’s payment of juror fees, witness fees, attorneys’ fees, lost wages, and/or other reasonable expenses associated with continuing the trial. If justice requires that a trial be continued because of the conduct of the non-moving party, the Court may assess sanctions against the non- moving party under S. Ct. R. 137 and/or S. Ct. R. 219.

Page 37 | Rule 5.10(b) Conditions; Sanctions

Mediation continues while an emergency motion is pending unless the Court orders otherwise or the mediator decides to adjourn it pending disposition of the motion.

Mediation shall continue while an emergency motion is pending absent a contrary order of the Court or a decision of the mediator to adjourn pending a disposition of the motion.

Page 42 | Rule 6.4(d) Interim or Emergency Relief

Failure to file a financial affidavit when due may provide good cause for the Court to continue the hearing or impose other appropriate sanctions.

The failure of a party to file a financial affidavit when it is due may constitute good cause for the Court to continue the hearing and/or order such other sanctions as the Court deems appropriate.

Page 50 | Rule 8.1 Disclosures Required in Dissolution of Marriage and Family Law Cases

Filers must immediately notify the other parties, the Clerk, and the EFM of any change to their name or listed contact information.

(c) Change of Address. All Filers must immediately notify other parties, the Clerk, and the EFM of any change of name, mailing address, phone or fax number, or e- mail address.

Page 19 | Rule 2.11 Electronic Service and Filing Proof of Service

The Court office does not schedule court cases or file court papers.

*This office does not schedule court cases or file court papers.

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Page 1 | 15th Judicial Circuit Court Office Staff

If a case settles before the final pretrial conference or trial, the parties’ attorneys and each SRL must notify the Court as soon as reasonably possible.

If a case settles before a scheduled final pretrial conference or before trial, the attorneys for the parties and each SRL shall notify the Court of the settlement as soon as reasonably possible.

The parties must promptly contact the mediator to schedule mediation appointments.

The parties shall promptly contact the mediator to schedule appointments.

Before the first session, counsel or an SRL may send the mediator a case-information letter but must copy the opposing side; the letter is nonconfidential and further mediation communications are restricted to those allowed by the Rules.

Before the first mediation session, each attorney or SRL may submit a letter to the mediator providing information with regard to the case, including temporary or permanent orders that have been entered and a statement of the unresolved issues. The attorney or SRL shall provide a copy of any letter to the opposing counsel or SRL. The letter to the mediator shall not be confidential and may be disclosed by the mediator to both participants. The attorneys, SRLs, and mediator shall not have further communication with regard to the mediation process except as allowed by these Rules.

Attorneys and SRLs should not email judges ex parte about pending matters unless a judge or court personnel specifically requests it.

Unless specifically requested to do so by a judge or court personnel, attorneys and SRLs should not send ex parte e-mails to judges regarding pending matters.

Page 12 | Rule 1.16 E-Mail Communication with Judges

Unless otherwise requested by the judge or court personnel, e-mails regarding scheduling or other procedural matters should be sent to the judge’s court reporter, specialist, or assistant.

Unless otherwise requested by the judge or court personnel, e-mails regarding scheduling or other procedural matters should be sent to the judge’s court reporter, specialist, or assistant.

Page 12 | Rule 1.16 E-Mail Communication with Judges

A copy of any permitted e-mail sent to a judge or other e-mail sent to a judge’s court reporter, specialist, or assistant should at the same time be sent to all opposing counsel and SRLs who have appeared in the case.

A copy of any permitted e-mail sent to a judge or other e-mail sent to a judge’s court reporter, specialist, or assistant should at the same time be sent to all opposing counsel and SRLs who have appeared in the case.

Page 12 | Rule 1.16 E-Mail Communication with Judges

Whenever reasonably possible, an attorney or self-represented litigant setting a hearing must work in good faith with the Court and opposing parties to find a mutually convenient date consistent with the Court's docket; if an acceptable date is obtained, the hearing may be set then.

Whenever reasonably possible, an attorney or SRL setting a matter for hearing shall make a good-faith effort to work with the Court and all opposing attorneys or SRLs to set the hearing at a time and date that is mutually convenient and consistent with the Court’s docket. If an attorney or SRL has made this good-faith effort and obtained a mutually convenient time and date acceptable to the Court, the hearing may be set at that time, and notice shall be served accordingly.

Page 30 | Rule 5.1 Motion Practice

If you have questions or need information regarding a specific court case (court dates, filing information, court orders, etc.), please contact the individual county for information. The County Circuit Clerk offices phone numbers are listed below. Lee County 815-284-5234

If you have questions or need information regarding a specific court case (court dates, filing information, court orders, etc.), please contact the individual county for information. The County Circuit Clerk offices phone numbers are listed below. Lee County 815-284-5234

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Page 1 | Contact

If you have questions or need information regarding a specific court case (court dates, filing information, court orders, etc.), please contact the individual county for information. The County Circuit Clerk offices phone numbers are listed below. Stephenson County 815-235-8266

If you have questions or need information regarding a specific court case (court dates, filing information, court orders, etc.), please contact the individual county for information. The County Circuit Clerk offices phone numbers are listed below. Stephenson County 815-235-8266

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Page 1 | Contact

If you have questions or need information regarding a specific court case (court dates, filing information, court orders, etc.), please contact the individual county for information. The County Circuit Clerk offices phone numbers are listed below. Ogle County 815-732-1130

If you have questions or need information regarding a specific court case (court dates, filing information, court orders, etc.), please contact the individual county for information. The County Circuit Clerk offices phone numbers are listed below. Ogle County 815-732-1130

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Page 1 | Contact

If you have questions or need information regarding a specific court case (court dates, filing information, court orders, etc.), please contact the individual county for information. The County Circuit Clerk offices phone numbers are listed below. Carroll County 815-244-0230

If you have questions or need information regarding a specific court case (court dates, filing information, court orders, etc.), please contact the individual county for information. The County Circuit Clerk offices phone numbers are listed below. Carroll County 815-244-0230

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Page 1 | Contact

If you have questions or need information regarding a specific court case (court dates, filing information, court orders, etc.), please contact the individual county for information. The County Circuit Clerk offices phone numbers are listed below. Jo Daviess County 815-777-0037

If you have questions or need information regarding a specific court case (court dates, filing information, court orders, etc.), please contact the individual county for information. The County Circuit Clerk offices phone numbers are listed below. Jo Daviess County 815-777-0037

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Page 1 | Contact

If an applicant must appear personally, the Clerk must provide the time and place when the application is filed.

If an applicant must personally appear to present the application and any supporting evidence to the Court, the Clerk shall inform the applicant of the time and place of the appearance when the applicant files the application.

For information about a specific court case, contact the relevant County Circuit Clerk office by phone.

If you have questions or need information regarding a specific court case (court dates, filing information, court orders, etc.), please contact the individual county for information. The County Circuit Clerk offices phone numbers are listed below.

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Page 1 | Contact

Any person may report a violation of the 60-day decision rule to the Presiding Judge or Chief Judge.

Any person may report a violation of this Rule to the Presiding Judge or the Chief Judge.

Page 9 | Rule 1.14 Decisions Within 60 Days

Information and assistance about remote appearances may be obtained from the listed county Circuit Clerks by phone.

(3) Other information and assistance regarding remote appearances can be obtained from the websites identified above and from the Circuit Clerks: Carroll County: (815) 244-0230 JoDaviess County: (815) 777-2295 Lee County: (815) 284-5234 Ogle County: (815) 732-1130 Stephenson County: (815) 235-8266

Page 27 | Rule 4.4 Remote Appearances