Circuit Court of Johnson County, Illinois (1st Judicial Circuit)
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Adjournments
- Matters returnable on a legal holiday are continued to the Court’s next business day.
- Motions to continue must comply with Local Rule 2.4 and may be denied for noncompliance.
- Matters scheduled for a legal holiday are continued to the Court’s next business day.
- +18 more
Request must include
Communication
Phone
Chambers
Document Format Requirements3 rules
Exhibits for evidentiary hearings shall be marked as follows: Petitioners: Numbers with the case number. Example: Ex. 1 25-DC-1 Respondents: Letters with the case number. Example: Ex. A 25-DC-1
The proponent, of any exhibit requested to go to the jury during deliberations, shall provide the Court a paper copy of the same.
Exhibits shall be marked and not use duplicative numbering.
Document Filing Requirements30 rules
All proposed orders submitted by an attorney shall include on the bottom left side of the last page of the order the name of the attorney/law firm, address, phone number and attorney registration number of the attorney who submitted the order.
In criminal proceedings, the defendant has a constitutional right to be present in court at every stage in the proceedings. The judge should make a record at the beginning of the proceeding and inquire whether he defendant is aware of his or her right to be physically present in court and whether he or she is waiving that right.
All summonses, notices, and court orders setting court dates where case participants have the option to appear remotely shall include the following: (1) the Zoom Meeting ID and Password and (2) the courthouse address and courtroom number.
Each such motion shall contain or be accompanied by a short, concise statement containing the citation of any legal authority the movant may wish the court to consider.
Each such motion shall specifically set forth its factual and legal basis.
Every such motion shall be accompanied by a proposed order.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
In any case which has been pending for more than 24 months, and in any case in which trial is set to commence within 48 hours, any motion for continuance shall be personally signed by the party whose attorney is requesting the continuance, unless the judge is satisfied that good cause for the absence of the party’s signature has been shown.
The clerk shall refuse to file any pleading which is not signed
Every pre-trial and post-trial motion shall be in writing
In small claim cases, the "Notice to Defendants" required on the summons by Supreme Court Rule 101(b)(1) shall set out the text of Rule 3.1.
A petition initiating indirect civil contempt must be verified and specifically identify the violated order provision, the violation, and the acts required to purge contempt.
Court's wording
A proceeding for indirect civil contempt may be initiated by the filing of a petition for order to show cause why the respondent should not be held in contempt. The petition shall be verified and set forth with particularity that portion of the order that is alleged to have been violated, the nature of the violation, and the acts required of the respondent to purge the contempt.
Upon an adjudication of civil contempt, a written judgment shall be promptly prepared and filed which specifies the contumacious conduct, the sanctions imposed, and the means by which the contemnor may purge himself.
Before imposing sanctions against a pro se litigant in the specified cases, the court must determine willfulness and provide a contempt notice and an opportunity to complete a Chief Judge-approved financial affidavit.
Court's wording
In civil contempt proceedings involving the non-payment of child support, or in any other type of cases as required in the discretion of the court, prior to the imposition of sanctions against a pro se litigant, the court shall determine whether the non-payment of was willful. The court shall provide the pro se litigant with a notice regarding contempt and an opportunity to complete a financial affidavit. The notice and affidavit will be on forms approved by the Chief Judge.
Counsel shall file a certificate of compliance with discovery orders.
Before approving attorney’s fees in a personal-injury case involving a minor or disabled person, the court requires a sworn petition covering the employment terms, services, customary charges, and relevant special circumstances.
Court's wording
Prior to approval of attorney’s fees in a case based upon personal injuries to a minor or a disabled person the Court shall require the submission of a sworn petition setting forth: A. the terms of employment; B. the services rendered; C. the customary and usual charges for such services; and D. any special circumstances which might bear on the question of fees.
Unless mediation has sooner terminated, the mediator shall before the continued case management conference, file with the Circuit Clerk a report describing the progress of mediation in general terms.
If the mediator has the stated concerns about a minor, the final report must recommend appointing a child representative or guardian ad litem.
Court's wording
If the mediator has concerns for the welfare or safety of the minor child(ren) or feels that it is in the best interest of the minor, the mediator shall recommend in the final report that a child representative or guardian ad litem be appointed.
Attorneys seeking appointment in the specified matters must apply in writing to the Chief Judge and state all qualifications required by the rule.
Court's wording
Attorneys seeking appointment in child custody, allocation of parental responsibilities, visitation, and parenting time shall apply in writing to the Chief Judge of the circuit. The application shall set forth all qualifications as set forth herein.
The mediation report must state which issues were resolved or that mediation concluded unsuccessfully, and must not state why the parties could not reach agreement.
Court's wording
Promptly upon conclusion of mediation, the mediator shall file with the Circuit Clerk a report, on a form provided by the Chief Judge, specifying any issues on which agreement was reached or whether the matter has concluded unsuccessfully. The report shall not specify the reasons for the inability of the parties to reach agreement.
The mediator shall report to the court in writing whether or not an agreement was reached by the parties. The report shall designate, "full agreement", "partial agreement" or "no agreement". The report shall be signed by the mediator
If a full agreement is reached, the report of the mediator shall so state and shall identify those individuals designated to complete and submit all documents necessary to the conclusion of the agreement.
If an agreement is reached, it shall be reduced to writing and signed by the parties or their agents before termination of mediation. Each party shall receive a copy of such agreement.
If the parties reach a partial agreement, the mediator’s report must identify resolved and unresolved claims and who will complete and submit documents for the resolved claims.
Court's wording
If a partial agreement is reached, the report of the mediator shall state which claims have been resolved and which claims have not been resolved. The report shall also identify those individuals designated to complete and submit all documents necessary to the conclusion of those claims resolved by agreement.
If no agreement is reached, the mediator shall so report without comment or recommendation.
A Certification for Exemption From E-filing shall be filed with the court-in person or by mail-and include a certification under section 1-109 of the Code of Civil Procedure. The court shall provide, and parties shall be required to use, a standardized form expressly titled "Certification for Exemption From E-filing" adopted by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice.
The filed document shall be endorsed with the clerk's electronic file mark setting forth, at a minimum, the identification of the court, the clerk, the date, and the time of filing.
A record of all pretrial detention hearings or hearings regarding pretrial release shall be made as provided under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 46.
All pleadings shall accurately reflect that the sale shall be conducted by the Williamson County Circuit Clerk.
any party that desires to present testimony or other evidence to support or oppose a motion (where authorized by law) should so indicate in the motion or answering memorandum.
Judges decide whether good cause is shown; a denial must state specific reasons and order the litigant to e-file thereafter.
Court's wording
Judges retain discretion to determine whether good cause is shown. If the court determines that good cause is not shown, the court shall enter an order to that effect stating the specific reasons for the determination and ordering the litigant to e-file thereafter.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Pleadings, exhibits, and proposed orders must be submitted electronically through the Circuit Clerk's office, except when the requirement has been waived for a self-represented litigant.
All pleadings, exhibits and proposed orders are to be submitted electronically through the Circuit Clerk's office; unless as a self represented litigant said requirement has been waived.
Page 2 | 17
Pleadings, motions, and other papers may be filed in person or by mail; fax filing is unauthorized, and electronic filing is authorized only as adopted by a county and approved by the Chief Judge.
All pleadings, motions, and other papers shall be filed in person or via mail. Facsimile filing is not authorized. Electronic filing shall be authorized as adopted by the various counties and approved by the Chief Judge.
Page 8 | RULE 1.14 NO FACSIMILE FILING
Specified discovery materials must not be filed with the clerk of the court.
A. Restrictive Filing of Discovery. Interrogatories under Supreme Court Rules 213 and 220, and the answers thereto, discovery of documents and other materials under Supreme Court Rule 214, and depositions under Supreme Court Rules 206 and 207 shall be served with proof of service upon other counsel or parties, but shall not be filed with the clerk of the court. The party responsible for service of the discovery material shall retain the original and become the custodian.
Page 13 | Rule 2.5 Discovery — Restrictive Filing of Discovery
Criminal discovery disclosures under the specified rules and statutes may not be filed with the clerk unless the court grants prior leave for good cause shown.
Disclosures made pursuant to Supreme Court Rules 412 and 413, and Sections 114-9 and 114-10 of the Code of Criminal procedure, shall not be filed with the clerk of the court except with prior leave of court for good cause shown.
Page 16 | RULE 6.1 RESTRICTIONS ON FILING PAPERS IN CRIMINAL CASES
Civil-case documents must be electronically filed with the clerk using a Supreme Court-approved system unless an exemption applies.
Unless exempt as provided in paragraph (c), all documents in civil cases shall be electronically filed with the clerk of court using an electronic filing system approved by the Supreme Court of Illinois.
Page 30 | Rule 9.1(A)–(C)
Pleadings, exhibits, and proposed orders must be submitted electronically through the Circuit Clerk's office, except when the requirement has been waived for a self-represented litigant.
All pleadings, exhibits and proposed orders are to be submitted electronically through the Circuit Clerk's office; unless as a self represented litigant said requirement has been waived.
Page 2 | STANDING ORDER FOR REMOTE HEARINGS AND SCHEDULING IN JUDGE SANDERS' PROBATE, CHANCERY, DIVORCE AND FAMILY CASES
Counsel and self-represented litigants must submit proposed orders through Odyssey or bring paper copies to the hearing.
Counsel and Self Represented Litigants shall electronically submit proposed Orders through Odyssey at least 3 days prior to said Hearing, or bring paper copies to the Hearing.
Page 1 | Proposed Orders
Evidence depositions and exhibits must be submitted electronically through the Court's efile system.
All evidence depositions and exhibits are to be submitted electronically through the Court's efile system.
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER FOR JURY TRIALS ASSIGNED TO JUDGE GOFFINET
The statement of the case and witness list must be electronically filed before the final pretrial.
A statement of the case and a list of witnesses shall be efiled with the Court prior to the final pretrial.
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER FOR JURY TRIALS ASSIGNED TO JUDGE GOFFINET
Good cause for a case-specific e-filing exemption includes specified access, travel, language, literacy, and sensitive-pleading circumstances.
Good cause exists where a self-represented litigant is not able to e-file documents for the following reasons: no computer or Internet access in the home and travel represents a hardship; or a language barrier or low literacy (difficulty reading, writing, or speaking in English). Good cause also exists if the pleading is of a sensitive nature, such as a petition for an order of protection or civil no contact/stalking order.
Page 30 | Rule 9.1(C)
An exemption certification may be filed with the court in person or by mail.
A Certification for Exemption From E-filing shall be filed with the court-in person or by mail-and include a certification under section 1-109 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
Page 30 | Rule 9.1(C)
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Filing deadlines for motions and pleadings are extended to the Court’s next business day.
(c) The time for filing motions and pleadings is to be extended to the next business day of this Court.
Page 1 | SPECIAL ORDER LEGAL HOLIDAYS
Filing deadlines for motions and pleadings are extended to the Court’s next business day when they fall on a legal holiday.
(c) The time for filing motions and pleadings is to be extended to the next business day of this Court.
Page 1 | SPECIAL ORDER LEGAL HOLIDAYS
The time to file motions and pleadings is extended to the Court’s next business day when the deadline falls on a legal holiday.
(c) The time for filing motions and pleadings is to be extended to the next business day of this Court.
Page 1 | Extension of Time for Filing Motions and Pleadings
Written argument or memoranda allowed or directed by the court must be submitted promptly and no later than 30 days later, unless the court orders otherwise.
In the event that written argument and/or memoranda are allowed or directed by the court, said written argument or memoranda shall be submitted promptly, no later than 30 days thereafter, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
Page 7 | RULE 1.12 PREPARATION OF JUDGMENTS AND ORDERS
A draft order or judgment may be entered immediately unless an objection is made within five working days after service.
The draft tendered may be entered forthwith unless objection is made within five workings days after service of the draft.
Page 7 | RULE 1.12 PREPARATION OF JUDGMENTS AND ORDERS
A party opposing a pre-trial or post-trial motion must submit an answering memorandum stating the reasons for opposition and citing relevant authorities within ten days after the motion is filed.
Any party that opposes such a motion shall within ten days of its filing submit an answering memorandum containing the reasons for opposition together with citations of relevant authorities
Page 12 | RULE 2.1 PRE-TRIAL AND POST-TRIAL MOTIONS
The clerk must set an expedited case management conference within 14 days after a qualifying temporary-relief pleading is filed, except when the pleading alleges present or threatened serious endangerment to a child.
Upon the filing of any pleading for temporary relief concerning qualifying issues, except a sworn pleading asserting facts showing a present or threatened serious endangerment to the physical or emotional health of the child(ren), the clerk shall set an expedited case management conference within 14 days with parties and counsel in attendance.
Page 19 | 2. Subject Matter of Mediation; Mandatory Participation (c)
The parties must file financial affidavits and pre-mediation questionnaires with the clerk at least 7 days before the expedited or initial case management conference.
The parties shall also file financial affidavits and pre-mediation questionnaires with the clerk at least 7 days prior to the expedited or initial case management conference.
Page 19 | 2. Subject Matter of Mediation; Mandatory Participation (d)
A Mediation Order appointing a mediator must set a continued case management conference 45 days later for a mediation status report.
All Mediation Orders wherein appointment of a mediator is made shall assign a 45-day continued case management conference date for a status report on the progress of mediation.
Page 19 | 2. Subject Matter of Mediation; Mandatory Participation (b)
Unless mediation ends sooner, the mediator must file a general progress report with the Circuit Clerk before the continued case management conference.
Unless mediation has sooner terminated, the mediator shall before the continued case management conference, file with the Circuit Clerk a report describing the progress of mediation in general terms.
Page 24 | B. Private Mediation
Promptly after mediation concludes, the mediator must file a Chief Judge-provided form reporting the issues resolved or that mediation concluded unsuccessfully.
Promptly upon conclusion of mediation, the mediator shall file with the Circuit Clerk a report, on a form provided by the Chief Judge, specifying any issues on which agreement was reached or whether the matter has concluded unsuccessfully.
Page 24 | C. Conclusion of Private Mediation
The mediator must file the signed report in the case file within 14 days after the last day of mediation.
The report shall be signed by the mediator and filed in the court file of the case under mediation within fourteen (14) days after the last day of mediation.
Page 27 | Article VIII. Mediation - Civil Actions
Unless another authority requires a specific filing time, a document due that day is timely if submitted before midnight in the court's time zone.
Unless a statute, rule, or court order requires that a document be filed by a certain time of day, a document is considered timely if submitted before midnight (in the court's time zone) on or before the date on which the document is due.
Page 31 | D. Timely Filing
Unless rejected, a document submitted while the clerk's office is closed is file stamped as filed on the next day the office is open.
A document submitted on a day when the clerk's office is not open for business will, unless rejected, be file stamped as filed on the next day the clerk's office is open for business.
Page 31 | D. Timely Filing
A person without video capability or unable to join under their full name may request audio-only or unnamed remote participation by written motion filed at least one day before the hearing.
Persons without video capabilities, or without the ability to join with a full name, may request to participate in the remote hearing via audio only, or without a full name, by written motion to the Court, filed at least 1 day prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | Standing Order for Remote Hearings for Judge Gill's Cases
For evidentiary proceedings, parties and attorneys may request remote participation by written motion filed at least two days before the hearing, subject to Judge Gill’s sole discretion.
For evidentiary proceedings, parties and attorneys may submit a request to participate in the hearing remotely, by written motion, filed at least 2 days prior to the hearing. Said requests shall be within the sole discretion of Judge Gill.
Page 1 | Standing Order for Remote Hearings for Judge Gill's Cases
Filing deadlines for motions and pleadings that fall on a listed legal holiday are extended to the next business day of the Court.
(c) The time for filing motions and pleadings is to be extended to the next business day of this Court.
Page 1 | SPECIAL ORDER LEGAL HOLIDAYS
Remote appearance by Zoom or telephone requires prior leave of court, and the request motion must be filed at least 3 days before the hearing.
Status hearings, CMCs, other hearings, or trials shall only be permitted via Zoom or telephone, if granted prior leave of court. Any motion requesting such appearance shall be filed at least 3 days prior to said hearing.
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER FOR ALL CASES ASSIGNED TO JUDGE GILL
Proposed orders must be submitted through Odyssey at least 3 days before the hearing, unless paper copies are brought to the hearing.
Counsel and Self Represented Litigants shall electronically submit proposed Orders through Odyssey at least 3 days prior to said Hearing, or bring paper copies to the Hearing.
Page 1 | Proposed Orders
Motions in limine must be filed 7 days before the final pretrial.
The deadline to file motions in limine is 7 days prior to the final pretrial.
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER FOR JURY TRIALS ASSIGNED TO JUDGE GOFFINET
The statement of the case and witness list must be filed before the final pretrial.
A statement of the case and a list of witnesses shall be efiled with the Court prior to the final pretrial.
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER FOR JURY TRIALS ASSIGNED TO JUDGE GOFFINET
The proponent must file any evidence deposition and exhibits at least 14 days before the final pretrial.
The proponent of any evidence deposition and/or exhibits shall file the same with the Court at least 14 days prior to the final pretrial.
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER FOR JURY TRIALS ASSIGNED TO JUDGE GOFFINET
The filing time for motions and pleadings is extended to the Court’s next business day.
(c) The time for filing motions and pleadings is to be extended to the next business day of this Court.
Page 1 | SPECIAL ORDER LEGAL HOLIDAYS
The filing deadline for motions and pleadings is extended to the Court’s next business day when it falls on a legal holiday.
(c) The time for filing motions and pleadings is to be extended to the next business day of this Court.
Page 1 | SPECIAL ORDER LEGAL HOLIDAYS
A proposed order or judgment not presented within 30 days after the court’s decision triggers a docket entry directing the clerk to pull the file for judicial review within the following 30 days, unless it is entered in the meantime.
If the proposed order or judgment has not been presented to the Court within 30 days after the Court’s decision, that fact shall be noted in a docket entry, which shall direct the clerk to pull the file for the judge’s review within 30 days thereafter, unless the order or judgment has been entered by the Court in the interim.
Page 7 | RULE 1.12 PREPARATION OF JUDGMENTS AND ORDERS
After the ten-day opposition period expires, the clerk refers the motion papers and case file to the court for disposition.
Upon expiration of the 10-day period, the clerk will refer the motion papers and the case file to the court for appropriate disposition.
Page 12 | RULE 2.1 PRE-TRIAL AND POST-TRIAL MOTIONS
The respondent may file a written answer specifying denials and affirmative defenses no later than three days before the hearing.
No later than three days prior to the hearing, the respondent may file a written answer denying with specificity any allegations of the petition and setting out any affirmative defenses.
Page 15 | RULE 4.4 ANSWER
A party may seek appropriate relief upon showing good cause if a court-approved e-filing system technical failure makes a document untimely.
If a document is untimely due to any court-approved electronic filing system technical failure, the filing party may seek appropriate relief from the court, upon good cause shown.
Page 31 | D. Timely Filing
A party may seek appropriate relief upon showing good cause if clerk rejection makes a document untimely.
If a document is rejected by the clerk and is therefore untimely, the filing party may seek appropriate relief from the court, upon good cause shown.
Page 31 | D. Timely Filing
The court and specified offices are closed on the listed 2025 legal holidays, and the Supreme Court and Chief Judge may add holidays.
(a) The Circuit Court of the First Judicial Circuit of Illinois shall adjourn, and the **Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court and other Judicial related offices** of the First Judicial Circuit, State of Illinois, shall be closed on the following legal holidays for the year **2025**. Additional holidays may be added by the Supreme Court and the Chief Judge.
Page 1 | SPECIAL ORDER LEGAL HOLIDAYS
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Each litigant must receive mailed notice when the case is rescheduled.
Each party litigant shall receive a notice in the mail upon rescheduling.
Page 2 | IN THE MATTER OF COURT OPERATIONS IN THE FIRST JUDICIAL CIRCUIT PURSUANT TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Each party litigant must receive notice by mail when the case is rescheduled.
Each party litigant shall receive a notice in the mail upon rescheduling.
Page 1 | Case categories postponed
Unless the court directs otherwise, the attorney or prevailing party must promptly prepare and present a required written order or judgment draft with proof of service on opposing counsel.
Unless the Court directs otherwise, whenever a written order or judgment is required, the attorney or the prevailing party shall promptly prepare and present a draft to the court, with proof of service on opposing counsel.
Page 7 | RULE 1.12 PREPARATION OF JUDGMENTS AND ORDERS
and/or accompanied by a proof of service.
and/or accompanied by a proof of service.
Page 12 | RULE 2.1 PRE-TRIAL AND POST-TRIAL MOTIONS
Pre-trial and post-trial motions must be served on all parties of record before filing, except ex parte or emergency motions.
(unless it be an ex parte or emergency motion) shall be served on all parties of record before filing.
Page 12 | RULE 2.1 PRE-TRIAL AND POST-TRIAL MOTIONS
Specified interrogatories, answers, document discovery, and depositions must be served with proof of service, must not be filed with the clerk, and their original must be retained by the serving party as custodian.
A. Restrictive Filing of Discovery. Interrogatories under Supreme Court Rules 213 and 220, and the answers thereto, discovery of documents and other materials under Supreme Court Rule 214, and depositions under Supreme Court Rules 206 and 207 shall be served with proof of service upon other counsel or parties, but shall not be filed with the clerk of the court. The party responsible for service of the discovery material shall retain the original and become the custodian.
Page 13 | Rule 2.5 Discovery — Restrictive Filing of Discovery
A signed, file-marked copy of the civil contempt judgment must be served on the contemnor, and proof of service must be filed.
A signed, file-marked copy of the judgment shall be served upon the contemnor, and proof of service shall be filed.
Page 15 | RULE 4.7 JUDGMENT OF CONTEMPT
A signed, file-marked order to show cause must be personally served on the respondent, with the appearance set 21 to 40 days after issuance and service completed at least seven days before the appearance date.
A signed and file-marked copy of the order to show cause shall be personally served upon the respondent in the manner of summons requiring an appearance not less than 21 days nor more than 40 days after issuance, and shall be served not less than seven days before the day for appearance.
Page 15 | RULE 4.3 SERVICE
The mediator must serve a copy of the report on all parties.
A copy of said report shall be served by the mediator upon all parties.
Page 27 | Article VIII. Mediation - Civil Actions
The clerk must forward the dismissal order to all attorneys and unrepresented parties of record.
The clerk of the court shall forward a copy of the order of dismissal to all attorneys and unrepresented parties of record.
Page 6 | Rule 1.10 - Dismissal for Want of Prosecution
When the judge directs an inactive probate case to a docket call, the clerk must notify the last known attorney of record or personal representative, or both, of its time and place.
Whenever a judge of the circuit court determines that a probate case (decedent's estate or guardianship) has remained inactive for a considerable time, he or she may direct the clerk of the court to place the case on a docket call, and the clerk shall give notice, as directed by the judge, to the last known attorney of record or personal representative, or both, of the time and place of the docket call.
Page 6 | Rule 1.6 - Inactive Status of Probate Matters
Upon entry of a Mediation Order appointing a mediator, the Circuit Clerk must mail or fax the Order and specified case materials to the mediator.
Mail or fax a copy of the Order to the mediator together with copies of the following:
Page 20 | 2. Subject Matter of Mediation; Mandatory Participation (f)(i)
Litigants must ensure their mailing addresses are current.
Litigants are directed to ensure that their mailing addresses are updated and current.
Page 1 | Case categories postponed; emergency matters
Each litigant must receive a mailed notice when the case is rescheduled.
Each party litigant shall receive a notice in the mail upon rescheduling.
Page 1 | Case categories postponed; emergency matters
Filing Fees and Waivers
A $2.00 Dispute Resolution Fund fee applies to civil cases, except proceedings commenced by or for a unit of local government, and the initiating party must pay it when filing the first pleading.
The Clerks of the Circuit Court in each county shall upon entry of this Order, begin to charge and collect a Dispute Resolution Fund fee of TWO DOLLARS ($2.00) in all civil cases except in proceedings commenced by or on behalf of a unit of local government. Such fee shall be paid by the party initiating the action at the time of filing the first pleading.
Civil cases
Page 1 | WHEREFORE IT IS ORDERED
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Depositions filed under Supreme Court Rule 414(d) must remain sealed until the court orders them opened.
Depositions filed in accordance with Supreme Court Rule 414(d) (incorporating Rule 207) shall remain sealed until ordered opened by the court.
Page 16 | RULE 6.1 RESTRICTIONS ON FILING PAPERS IN CRIMINAL CASES
The clerk must file and seal the original pre-mediation questionnaires, and copies must later be sent to the appointed mediator.
The clerk shall file and seal the original pre-mediation questionnaires, copies of which shall later be sent to the appointed mediator.
Page 19 | 2. Subject Matter of Mediation; Mandatory Participation (d)
At the assigned judge’s discretion, previously filed materials subject to the rule may be removed and returned to the filer or sealed, with an appropriate docket entry in either event.
At the discretion of the judge assigned to a case, previously filed materials which are subject to this rule may either be removed from the file and returned to the party filing them or ordered sealed. In either such event, the judge shall make an appropriate docket entry.
Page 16 | RULE 6.1 RESTRICTIONS ON FILING PAPERS IN CRIMINAL CASES
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
A non-evidentiary pre-trial or post-trial motion in a civil case is set for oral argument only when authorized by the presiding judge.
Non-evidentiary pre-trial and post-trial motions in civil cases will only be set for oral argument when authorized by the judge presiding.
Page 12 | RULE 2.2 ORAL ARGUMENT OF MOTIONS AND APPEARANCES
There is no oral argument on a motion unless the court orders it.
There will be no oral arguments unless ordered by the court.
Page 12 | RULE 2.1 PRE-TRIAL AND POST-TRIAL MOTIONS
A motion involving a request to present testimony or other evidence may then be set for hearing.
The matter may then be set for hearing.
Page 12 | RULE 2.1 PRE-TRIAL AND POST-TRIAL MOTIONS
A party’s failure to appear in person or by written brief in connection with a motion is not, by itself, grounds for ruling against that party.
Failure of a party to appear in person or by written brief in connection with any motion will not of itself constitute grounds for ruling against the party.
Page 12 | RULE 2.2 ORAL ARGUMENT OF MOTIONS AND APPEARANCES
Ex parte or emergency motions, and motions made under stipulations for agreed orders, may be presented without a setting.
Ex parte or emergency motions and motions in accordance with stipulations for agreed orders may be presented without a setting.
Page 12 | RULE 2.3 EX PARTE, EMERGENCY, AND STIPULATED MOTIONS
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Motions to continue must comply with Local Rule 2.4 and may be denied for noncompliance.
All Motions to Continue must comply with Local Rule 2.4. Failure to comply with said Rule could subject the motion being denied.
Page 1 | Standing Order for Hearings
Matters scheduled for a legal holiday are continued to the Court’s next business day.
(b) All matters returnable on said legal holidays are to be continued to the next business day of this Court.
Page 1 | SPECIAL ORDER LEGAL HOLIDAYS
Matters scheduled to be returnable on a legal holiday are continued to the Court’s next business day.
(b) All matters returnable on said legal holidays are to be continued to the next business day of this Court.
Page 1 | Matters Returnable on Legal Holidays
For criminal speedy-trial purposes, delay resulting from the emergency continuance order is not attributable to the State or the defendant.
Regarding criminal proceedings, section 103-5 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 (725 ILCS 5/103-5 (West 2018) Speedy Trial, any delay as stated in the Illinois Supreme Court emergency continuance order entered on April 3, 2020, shall not be attributable to either the State or the defendant for purposes of 725 ILCS 5/103-5 (West 2018).
Page 1 | In the Matter of Court Operations in the First Judicial Circuit Pursuant to COVID-19 Pandemic/Impact on Trials
For juvenile delinquency proceedings, delay resulting from the emergency continuance order is not attributable to the State or the juvenile for purposes of section 5-601.
Regarding juvenile delinquency proceedings, any delay as stated in the Illinois Supreme Court emergency continuance order entered on April 3, 2020, shall not be attributable to either the State or the juvenile for purposes of section 5-601 of the Illinois Juvenile Court (705 ILCS 405/5-601 (West 2018)) Trial.
Page 1 | In the Matter of Court Operations in the First Judicial Circuit Pursuant to COVID-19 Pandemic/Impact on Trials
Chief Judges may continue trials until further order of the Illinois Supreme Court.
The Chief Judges of each circuit may continue trials until further order of this Court.
Page 1 | In the Matter of Court Operations in the First Judicial Circuit Pursuant to COVID-19 Pandemic/Impact on Trials
A trial continuance cannot be granted solely because attorneys are substituted or added, unless good cause is shown by motion and affidavit.
A trial continuance shall not be granted solely upon the ground of substitution or addition of attorneys, except for good cause shown by motion and affidavit.
Page 12 | RULE 2.4 MOTIONS FOR CONTINUANCE
Only the court may grant a continuance.
Continuances may be granted only by the court.
Page 12 | RULE 2.4 MOTIONS FOR CONTINUANCE
A continuance motion based on a cause in Supreme Court Rule 231 must strictly comply with that rule to receive the presiding judge’s consideration.
A motion for continuance for any cause set out in Supreme Court Rule 231 must comply strictly with Supreme Court Rule 231 to receive consideration of the judge presiding.
Page 12 | RULE 2.4 MOTIONS FOR CONTINUANCE
Before filing a continuance motion, the movant must attempt to contact the adverse party and report the party’s position or, if there is no contact or response, the contact attempts or failure to respond.
E. Notice to Adverse Party. The attorney or party moving for continuance must attempt to contact the adverse party or his or her attorney prior to filing the motion for continuance. The motion shall state whether the adverse party or attorney agrees or objects to the motion. If the adverse party or attorney is not contacted or does not respond, the movant shall provide the court, in writing, with the details of the attempts to contact the adverse party or attorney or the failure of the adverse party or their attorney to respond.
Page 13 | Notice to Adverse Party
Continuance requests in cases involving child custody, parental responsibilities, visitation, parenting time, or support must strictly comply with Supreme Court Rule 901.
G. Compliance with Supreme Court Rule 901. In all cases involving child custody, allocation of parental responsibilities, visitation, allocation of parenting time, or support, any request for continuance must strictly comply with the provisions of Supreme Court Rule 901.
Page 13 | Compliance with Supreme Court Rule 901
An emergency continuance motion must state the nature of the emergency and why the adverse party or attorney could not be contacted before filing.
F. Emergency Motion. If a motion for continuance is filed in an emergency situation, the movant must state the nature of the emergency and the reasons why the adverse party or attorney could not be contacted prior to the filing of the motion.
Page 13 | Emergency Motion
Matters scheduled to be heard on a listed legal holiday are continued to the next business day of the Court.
(b) All matters returnable on said legal holidays are to be continued to the next business day of this Court.
Page 1 | SPECIAL ORDER LEGAL HOLIDAYS
For a trial continuance necessitated by distancing or facility limitations, the assigned judge must make that finding and record it.
If a trial is continued due to proper distancing and facilities' limitations causing the continuance, the delay, the judge assigned to that case must find that such limitations necessitate the continuance, the delay, and shall make a record of such finding.
Page 1 | Determination of Trial Continuances
The specified statutory time restrictions are tolled until further order of the Court.
Statutory time restrictions in section 103-5 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 and section 5-601 of the Juvenile Court Act shall be tolled until further order of this Court.
Page 1 | Trial Continuances and Speedy Trial Computations
Continuances under the Order are excluded from the specified criminal and juvenile speedy-trial computations.
The continuances occasioned by this Order serve the ends of justice and outweigh the best interests of the public and defendants in a speedy trial. Therefore, such continuances shall be excluded from speedy trial computations contained in section 103-5 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 (725 ILCS 5/103-5 (West 2018)) and section 5-601 of the Illinois Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/5-601 (West 2018)).
Page 1 | Trial Continuances and Speedy Trial Computations
All matters set for trial are continued for 60 days from the March 20, 2020 entry of Supreme Court Order M.R. 30370.
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED by the Chief Judge of the First Judicial Circuit of Illinois that all matters set for trial in the First Judicial Circuit of Illinois are continued for a period of 60 days from the entry of M.R. 30370 issued by the Supreme Court of Illinois dated March 20, 2020.
Page 1 | IN THE MATTER OF COURT OPERATIONS IN THE FIRST JUDICIAL CIRCUIT PURSUANT TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC/IMPACT ON TRIALS
Criminal matters set for trial are continued for 60 days from the March 20, 2020 entry of Order M.R. 30370, and the resulting delay is not attributable to the State or defendant for purposes of section 103-5.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all criminal matters set for trial in the First Judicial Circuit of Illinois are continued for a period of 60 days from the entry of M.R. 30370 issued by the Supreme Court of Illinois dated March 20, 2020. Any delay resulting from this emergency continuance order shall not be attributable either the State or the defendant for the purposes of section 103-5 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 (725 ILCS 5/103-5 (West 2018).
Page 1 | IN THE MATTER OF COURT OPERATIONS IN THE FIRST JUDICIAL CIRCUIT PURSUANT TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC/IMPACT ON TRIALS
Matters returnable on a legal holiday are continued to the Court’s next business day.
(b) All matters returnable on said legal holidays are to be continued to the next business day of this Court.
Page 1 | SPECIAL ORDER LEGAL HOLIDAYS
Matters returnable on a legal holiday are continued to the Court’s next business day.
(b) All matters returnable on said legal holidays are to be continued to the next business day of this Court.
Page 1 | SPECIAL ORDER LEGAL HOLIDAYS
Matters scheduled for a legal holiday are continued to the Court’s next business day.
(b) All matters returnable on said legal holidays are to be continued to the next business day of this Court.
Page 1 | SPECIAL ORDER LEGAL HOLIDAYS
An agreement by counsel or the parties concerning a continuance motion does not bind the court.
Agreements of Counsel or parties as to a motion to continue shall not be binding on the court.
Page 12 | RULE 2.4 MOTIONS FOR CONTINUANCE
Mediation must be completed within 60 days of assignment absent good cause, and either party may petition for additional time if it is not completed by then.
Mediation shall be completed within sixty (60) days of assignment, except for good cause shown. In the event that mediation is not complete within said sixty (60) days, either party may petition the court for additional time.
Page 26 | Rule 8.1 D. Time for Mediation
Chambers Communication Rules
Individuals seeking approval to schedule an emergency matter must contact the Circuit Clerk in the county where the case will be heard.
Individuals shall contact the Circuit Clerk in the county where the case is to be heard for the purpose of seeking approval from the Court to schedule an emergency matter.
Page 2 | IN THE MATTER OF COURT OPERATIONS IN THE FIRST JUDICIAL CIRCUIT PURSUANT TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Individuals seeking approval to schedule an emergency matter must contact the Circuit Clerk in the county where the case will be heard.
Individuals shall contact the Circuit Clerk in the county where the case is to be heard for the purpose of seeking approval from the Court to schedule an emergency matter.
Page 1 | Case categories postponed
If you are an attorney or litigant and have a scheduled case, appointment, or are otherwise required to appear at the courthouse in connection with a court case, but are unable to appear because of the above restrictions, please contact the Circuit Clerk in the county where the case is pending.
If you are an attorney or litigant and have a scheduled case, appointment, or are otherwise required to appear at the courthouse in connection with a court case, but are unable to appear because of the above restrictions, please contact the Circuit Clerk in the county where the case is pending.
Page 2 | Unable to appear due to restrictions
Emergency matters may be scheduled case by case, and individuals must contact the county Circuit Clerk to seek court approval.
Emergency matters may be scheduled on a case-by-case basis. Individuals shall contact the Circuit Clerk in the county where the case is to be heard for the purpose of seeking approval from the Court to schedule an emergency matter.
Page 1 | Case categories postponed; emergency matters
Call the Judicial Secretary at the listed number if you have difficulties.
If you have any difficulties, please call the Judicial Secretary at 618-997-1301 Ext. 1256.
Page 2 | 16
If an attorney or litigant cannot appear at the courthouse because of the restrictions, they should contact the Circuit Clerk in the county where the case is pending.
If you are an attorney or litigant and have a scheduled case, appointment, or are otherwise required to appear at the courthouse in connection with a court case, but are unable to appear because of the above restrictions, please contact the Circuit Clerk in the county where the case is pending.
Page 3
Attorneys and litigants unable to appear because of the listed travel or health restrictions should contact the county Circuit Clerk.
If you are an attorney or litigant and have a scheduled case, appointment, or are otherwise required to appear at the courthouse in connection with a court case, but are unable to appear because of the above restrictions, please contact the Circuit Clerk in the county where the case is pending.
Page 2 | Travel or health exemptions
Litigants may contact the Circuit Clerk in the county where their case is pending with questions.
Litigants may contact the Circuit Clerk in the county of the pending case with any questions.
Page 2 | IN THE MATTER OF COURT OPERATIONS IN THE FIRST JUDICIAL CIRCUIT PURSUANT TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Litigants may contact the Circuit Clerk in the county where the case is pending with questions.
Litigants may contact the Circuit Clerk in the county of the pending case with any questions.
Page 1 | Case categories postponed
For difficulties, call the Judicial Secretary at the listed number.
If you have any difficulties, please call the Judicial Secretary at 618-997-1301 Ext. 1256.
Page 2 | STANDING ORDER FOR REMOTE HEARINGS AND SCHEDULING IN JUDGE SANDERS' PROBATE, CHANCERY, DIVORCE AND FAMILY CASES
Litigants may contact the county Circuit Clerk with questions about the pending case.
Litigants may contact the Circuit Clerk in the county of the pending case with any questions.
Page 1 | Case categories postponed; emergency matters