15th Judicial Circuit Court, Lee County, Illinois
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
- Upon request
Adjournments
- Absent extraordinary circumstances, anyone prejudiced by a later filing taking effect on the first-attempt date is entitled to an order extending the time to respond or perform an affected act.
- A motion to continue is allowed only for good cause; counsel’s agreement does not bind the Court, which may require affidavits from the parties and attorneys.
- A continued case management conference must be reset to a date certain and documented by written order or docket entry.
- +15 more
Request must include
- A motion to continue trial must be filed and written notice given to attorneys and self-represented litigants of record at least seven days before trial, and the motion must be set for hearing at least four days before trial.
- A trial-continuance motion must be filed and noticed seven days before trial and heard four days before; conflicting-setting motions require a detailed attorney affidavit, and jury and bench continuances have distinct grant standards.
Communication
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Clerk
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Chambers
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Document Format Requirements17 rules
Filers shall take all reasonable steps to ensure E-documents are unalterable by the Vendor and can be printed with the same content and format as if printed from the authoring program.
All electronically filed documents must be in PDF format.
- File type
- Electronically filed document
A document exceeding the Vendor-program file-size maximum must be split into multiple appropriately sized documents, each below that maximum.
Court's wording
The maximum file size allowable is as determined by a Vendor’s program. If a document exceeds the maximum size allowed, the Filer must divide the document into appropriately sized parts and file multiple documents, each under the maximum file size.
Documents must use at least 12-point body text, letter-size pages, margins of at least one inch, and leave the first page’s top-right 2-by-2-inch corner blank for the Clerk’s stamp.
- Font size
- At least 12 points
- Margins
- At least 1 inch
- Paper size
- Letter
Court's wording
Documents shall be formatted as follows: (1) The size of the type in the body of the text must be no less than 12- point font. (2) The size of the pages must be 8 ½ by 11 inches. (3) The margins on each side of the page must be a minimum of 1 inch. (4) The top right 2-inch by 2-inch corner of the first page of each pleading must be left blank for the Clerk’s stamp.
If the appearance is not e-filed, the SRL must sign the appearance, and the SRL’s signature must be acknowledged before a notary public or other person authorized to administer oaths under Illinois law.
The specified warning in the hearing notice must be in bold type or underlined.
Court's wording
The notice shall include, in addition to the time, date, and place of hearing, the following words in bold type or underlined: “Your failure to appear at this hearing may result in the issuance of a warrant for your arrest.”
The financial affidavit form shall comply with the standardized, statewide form available at the Illinois Supreme Court website.
For a will or codicil written in another language, the petitioner must file a typewritten English copy with a qualified translator’s accuracy certification.
Formatting
- •The English copy of the will or codicil must be typewritten
Court's wording
When seeking to probate a will and/or codicil that is written in a language other than English, the petitioner shall file a typewritten copy of the will and/or codicil in English with the petition and a certification by a qualified translator that the translation is true and correct.
For a handwritten will or codicil, the petitioner must file a typewritten copy with the petition.
Formatting
- •The copy of the handwritten will or codicil must be typewritten
Court's wording
When seeking to probate a handwritten will and/or codicil, the petitioner shall file a typewritten copy of the will and/or codicil with the petition and an affidavit of the petitioner or other person typing the will and/or codicil that the typewritten copy is true and correct to the best of his or her knowledge.
All electronically filed documents must be in PDF format.
- File type
Documents must use at least 12-point body text, letter-size pages, one-inch minimum margins, and a blank two-inch square at the top right of the first page of each pleading.
- Font size
- At least 12 points
- Margins
- At least 1 inch
- Paper size
- Letter
Court's wording
Documents shall be formatted as follows: (1) The size of the type in the body of the text must be no less than 12-point font. (2) The size of the pages must be 8 ½ by 11 inches. (3) The margins on each side of the page must be a minimum of 1 inch. (4) The top right 2-inch by 2-inch corner of the first page of each pleading must be left blank for the Clerk’s stamp.
A document exceeding the Vendor’s file-size limit must be divided into separately filed parts, each within the limit.
Court's wording
The maximum file size allowable is as determined by a Vendor’s program. If a document exceeds the maximum size allowed, the Filer must divide the document into appropriately sized parts and file multiple documents, each under the maximum file size.
All E-documents shall, to the extent practicable, be formatted in accordance with the applicable Supreme Court Rules and these Rules governing the formatting of paper pleadings.
Each of the exhibits shall be marked for identification by the court reporter, clerk, or attorneys, as the Court directs.
- Exhibits
Formatting
- •Mark each exhibit for identification as directed by the Court
The required arrest-warrant warning in covered hearing notices must be in bold type or underlined.
- Hearing notice
Formatting
- •Set the required warning in bold type or underline it
Court's wording
Notices of hearings to discover assets, petitions for adjudication of contempt, and any other hearing during which a warrant of arrest may issue for a party’s failure to appear after receipt of notice shall, in addition to the time, date, and place of hearing, include the following words in bold type or underlined: “Your failure to appear at this hearing may result in the issuance of a warrant for your arrest.”
Filers shall take all reasonable steps to ensure E-documents are unalterable by the Vendor and can be printed with the same content and format as if printed from the authoring program.
Counsel and SRLs should mark exhibits in advance of trial with exhibit stickers when available. Exhibits should be marked as “Plaintiff’s,” “Petitioner’s,” “Defendant’s,” or “Respondent’s” as appropriate.
Document Filing Requirements194 rules
Each E-document shall include the typed name, e-mail address, mailing address, and telephone number of the Filer.
Attorneys shall include their ARDC registration number on all E-documents.
Additionally, each E-document shall include the case title, case number, and nature of the filing.
- Document
- E-document
Must include
- •Case number
Anyone E-filing a document that requires an original signature certifies that, by so filing, the original signed document exists in the Filer’s possession.
Except as set forth in Rules 2.8(a) and 2.8(b), E-documents requiring a signature or signatures shall be signed by each person whose signature is required.
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, the Filer shall maintain and preserve all documents containing original signatures that are filed electronically until one year after the date that any judgment or dismissal order has become final and
each individual document must be uploaded and titled individually.
Every pleading, notice, or other paper filed with the Clerk that is not electronically filed shall be legibly signed by at least one attorney of record in his or her individual name or by the SRL.
Each pleading shall set out the name of the circuit and county and the designation of the parties.
A person or entity seeking to file a motion to vacate a sealing order must properly file an appearance first.
Court's wording
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.
The Court must enter a written order deciding a sealing request and, if granted in whole or in part, specify the materials covered, whether party names are removed from public access, and the duration of sealing.
Court's wording
The Court shall enter a written order granting, granting in part, or denying the request. If the Court grants the motion in whole or in part, the order shall designate whether the entire file, record, or document or only a portion of the entire file, record, or document shall be sealed or impounded. 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.
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.
Every appearance must contain the SRL’s legible name, address, telephone number, and, if required, e-mail address.
If the appearance contains a waiver of notice or consent to immediate hearing, the SRL shall set forth in the appearance that the SRL has received a copy of any pleading seeking relief with respect to him or her and attach a copy of that pleading to the appearance.
Every written appearance must contain the attorney’s legible name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address. If the appearance is filed by a law firm, the appearance shall indicate the specific attorney or attorneys responsible for the case.
Unless otherwise allowed by (1) an individual Court’s own standing order or (2) a case-by-case exception made within the Court’s discretion, a person seeking permission to appear remotely pursuant to S. Ct. R. 45(c) or (d) must seek that permission through a written motion filed, scheduled, and served as required by Local Rule 5.1.
In the notice, the party shall provide the title and number of the action, the name of the judge expected to hear the motion, and the time and date when the motion will be presented.
Each motion must identify the relief sought and its legal basis, state its factual and legal grounds, and include citations to authorities the movant wants the Court to consider.
Court's wording
Every motion shall identify in its title or introductory paragraph the relief sought and the section of the Code of Civil Procedure, Code of Criminal Procedure, Supreme Court Rule, or Rule under which the motion is brought. Every motion also shall set forth its factual and legal bases and be accompanied by the citation to any legal authority the moving party desires the Court to consider.
The filing of a notice of hearing for a hearing less than 10 days after service (or 14 days if a notice is mailed) shall constitute the attorney’s or the SRL’s certification that he or she has complied with this Rule.
If the motion is for a finding of a default under Rule 5.2(1), either the notice or the motion must inform the defendant that if the defendant is found to be in default at the hearing, the defendant shall not be entitled to notice of further proceedings in the action.
Except when the stated return-date procedure applies, a plaintiff seeking default must file a written motion specifying any other relief sought at the hearing.
Court's wording
In all other instances, a plaintiff seeking a finding that a defendant is in default for failing to appear, answer, or otherwise plead must file a written motion asking that the defendant be found in default and specifying what other relief, if any, the plaintiff will seek during the hearing on the motion.
After a motion is heard without prior notice, the attorney or SRL obtaining the order must serve written notice containing the specified case, judge, hearing, and ruling information on the specified parties.
Court's wording
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 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.
A request for relief concerning specified discovery must include and file the relevant portions of the discovery as an exhibit.
Court's wording
However, if relief is sought concerning any deposition, interrogatory, request for production or inspection, answer to interrogatory, or response, copies of the portion of the deposition, interrogatory, request, answer, or response shall be attached to the request for relief as an exhibit and filed with the Clerk.
The initial case management conference time and date must appear on the original pleading and its copies or on a separate Clerk-prepared document delivered or served as specified.
Court's wording
(2) The time and date of the initial case management conference shall be affixed to the original pleading and on all copies served on or retained by the parties or indicated in a separate document completed by the Clerk to be delivered to the plaintiff and to be served with the summons on all defendants.
Discovery documents generally must not be filed with the Clerk, except requests to admit and their answers or responses, unless the Court orders otherwise.
Court's wording
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.
(b) Receipt. The attorney or SRL receiving or reviewing the materials shall acknowledge that fact by signing a receipt provided by the disclosing party.
(a) Disclosure. The party shall disclose the materials ordered by the Court to be disclosed either by providing copies or by arranging a meeting during which the materials will be exhibited to the opposing attorney or SRL; the disclosing attorney or SRL should also prepare a receipt or acknowledgment to be signed by the receiving attorney or SRL indicating those materials supplied to or exhibited to him or her.
(c) Filing of Receipt. Unless a dispute arises concerning the extent of disclosure, all parties at the time of trial or other disposition of the case shall file the receipt or acknowledgment showing compliance with the Court’s order on discovery.
(d) Non-Filing of Discovery Materials. The Clerk shall not accept for filing any exhibits, reports, or other materials in response to discovery orders entered by the Court.
IF YOU WISH TO COMPLY WITH THIS SUBPOENA BY MAIL, YOU ALSO MUST CERTIFY IN WRITING THAT THE DOCUMENTS MAILED ARE COMPLETE AND ACCURATE AND CONSTITUTE GOOD FAITH COMPLIANCE WITH THE MATERIALS REQUESTED BY THE SUBPOENA. THIS CERTIFICATION CAN BE PROVIDED IN LETTER FORM.
A subpoena seeking documents must bear the prescribed legend on its face or conspicuously attached, including the mailing-compliance certification and mailing-timing instructions.
Court's wording
Any subpoena seeking documents shall bear the following legend on the face of the subpoena or conspicuously attached to the subpoena: YOU MAY COMPLY WITH THIS SUBPOENA BY MAILING LEGIBLE AND COMPLETE COPIES OF ALL REQUESTED DOCUMENTS TO THE PARTY OR ATTORNEY WHOSE ADDRESS APPEARS BELOW. IF YOU WISH TO COMPLY WITH THIS SUBPOENA BY MAIL, YOU ALSO MUST CERTIFY IN WRITING THAT THE DOCUMENTS MAILED ARE COMPLETE AND ACCURATE AND CONSTITUTE GOOD FAITH COMPLIANCE WITH THE MATERIALS REQUESTED BY THE SUBPOENA. THIS CERTIFICATION CAN BE PROVIDED IN LETTER FORM. DO NOT MAIL DOCUMENTS MORE THAN TWO BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE THE DATE STATED ON THE SUBPOENA.
When a settlement conference is to be conducted, each attorney or SRL shall prepare a written memorandum setting forth the relevant facts of the case, the party’s settlement position, and the bases for that position and deliver a copy of the memorandum to the Court at least seven days before the conference.
The attorney or SRL preparing the order shall place his or her name, address, and telephone number at the lower left portion of the last page of the order.
Unless the Court orders otherwise, final pretrial documents must include the listed materials, including exhibit lists, voir dire questions, jury instructions, and motions in limine.
- Document
- Pretrial documents
Must include
- •Exhibit list
Court's wording
Unless otherwise ordered, the pretrial documents shall include the following: (1) exhibit lists; (2) voir dire questions; (3) jury instructions; (4) special interrogatories; (5) trial memoranda; (6) statements of the case setting forth the time and place of the alleged occurrence, a brief description the occurrence, the names of the parties and their attorneys, and a list of witnesses the parties expect to call; (7) motions in limine (to be heard at the final pretrial conference); and (8) evidence deposition transcripts and objections.
All judgments directing the sale of real estate shall designate the sheriff or judicial officer approved by the Court as the officer to conduct the sale.
A motion to continue based on a conflicting setting must include an attorney affidavit identifying the other case, judge, setting details, and date the conflicting setting was set.
Court's wording
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.
Covered hearing notices must include the specified arrest-warrant warning, in addition to the hearing details.
Court's wording
Notices of hearings to discover assets, petitions for adjudication of contempt, and any other hearing during which a warrant of arrest may issue for a party’s failure to appear after receipt of notice shall, in addition to the time, date, and place of hearing, include the following words in bold type or underlined: “Your failure to appear at this hearing may result in the issuance of a warrant for your arrest.”
Unless otherwise directed, the plaintiff or plaintiff’s attorney must prepare the listed sale documents and assist the Court and sheriff in carrying out a foreclosure sale.
Court's wording
In all real estate sales in foreclosure, the plaintiff or attorney for the plaintiff, unless otherwise directed, shall prepare the appropriate documents and otherwise aid the Court and sheriff in carrying out the sale, which documents and services shall include (but not be limited to) the following: (1) Preparation of the publication notice for sale and arranging for publication of the notice as required by law; (2) Preparation of the sheriff’s report of sale to be executed by the sheriff as well as the sheriff’s deed or deeds, if needed; (3) Preparation of the certificate of sale in duplicate to be executed by the sheriff; and (4) Preparation of orders approving the report of sale for entry by the Court, as well as a memorandum of judgment when applicable.
Before the sale, the plaintiff or plaintiff’s attorney must supply the sheriff with a certified sale judgment, a publication certificate, and, when applicable, a certificate showing that sale notices were mailed to the parties.
Court's wording
In addition to the services above mentioned, the plaintiff or attorney for the plaintiff shall, before the date of sale, supply the sheriff with: (1) A certified copy of the judgment directing sale; (2) A certificate of publication of the notice of sale; and (3) A certificate showing copies of the notices of sale have been mailed to parties to the action, when applicable.
Each party must provide the mediator a written case summary by the stated deadline, containing the specified case and participant information; a party wishing confidentiality should advise the mediator in writing when filing the summary.
Court's wording
At least 10 days before the conference or as otherwise required by the mediator, each party shall present to the mediator a brief written summary of the case containing a list of issues as to each party. If the party or attorney filing the summary wishes its contents to remain confidential, he or she should advise the mediator in writing when the summary is filed. The summary shall include the facts of the occurrence, opinions on liability, all damages and injury information, and any offers or demands regarding settlement. Names of all participants in the mediation shall be disclosed to the mediator in the summary.
The motion shall set forth, in detail, the facts and circumstances supporting the motion.
(j) Report of Mediator. Within 14 days after the termination of a mediation, the mediator shall file with the Clerk a report as to whether an agreement was reached, in whole or in part.
(1) The attorney has submitted to the Court Administrator a signed, written request for certification.
(b) Fee Schedule. Once approved, the attorney must advise the Court Administrator of his or her current mediation fee schedule.
(e) Written Order Required. When imposing sanctions, the Court shall enter a written judgment order setting forth the factual basis of the finding and specifying the sanctions.
An indirect criminal contempt proceeding must be initiated by filing a verified petition that particularly describes the alleged conduct.
Court's wording
(b) Petition for Adjudication. An indirect criminal contempt proceeding shall be initiated by the filing of a petition for adjudication of indirect criminal contempt. The petition shall be verified and set forth with particularity the nature of the alleged contemptuous conduct.
The hearing notice must state the hearing time, date, and place and include the specified warning.
Court's wording
The notice shall include, in addition to the time, date, and place of hearing, the following words in bold type or underlined: “Your failure to appear at this hearing may result in the issuance of a warrant for your arrest.”
When imposing sanctions, the Court shall enter a written judgment order setting forth the factual basis of the finding and specifying the sanctions.
A rule to show cause for indirect civil contempt may issue only on a verified petition stating the facts or the complaining party’s testimony, and either must make a prima facie showing of contempt.
Court's wording
Except as provided in these Rules, a rule to show cause for indirect civil contempt shall be issued only on a verified petition that clearly sets forth the facts on which the petition is based or on testimony of the complaining party. Any verified petition or testimony shall make at least a prima facie showing that the respondent is in contempt.
The hearing notice must state the hearing’s time, date, and place and include the specified warning in bold or underlined text.
Court's wording
A notice of the hearing on a rule to show cause shall include, in addition to the time, date, and place of hearing, the following words in bold type or underlined: “Your failure to appear at this hearing may result in the issuance of a warrant for your arrest.”
On an adjudication of civil contempt, the complaining party or the Court shall prepare a written judgment order specifying the contumacious conduct, the sanctions imposed, and the means by which the contemnor may purge himself or herself of the contempt.
If marital indebtedness is disputed, the statement must list each debt's creditor, marital status, amount, and due date or dates.
Court's wording
If marital indebtedness is in dispute, the statement also shall include a list of all debts that includes the name of the creditor, an identification as to whether the debt is marital or non-marital, the amount of the debt, and the date(s) the debt is due.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Electronic filing is required in all civil cases, subject to exceptions in these Rules and the Supreme Court Rules.
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
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 mandated in civil case types through the authorized centralized EFM, effective January 1, 2018.
The Circuit has been approved to accept the electronic filing of documents in civil proceedings. Specific authority has been granted for electronic filing by Illinois Supreme Court Order M.R. 18368 amended January 22, 2016, mandating electronic filing in civil case types effective January 1, 2018, through the utilization of a centralized electronic filing manager (EFM) authorized by the Illinois Supreme Court.
Page 15 | Rule 2.1 Authority
The Clerk must accept and approve electronic filings submitted 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
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 E-filing program must not prevent or exclude conventional filing of any pleading or document required to be filed that way.
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
Attorneys must register with the Clerk and provide the listed identifying, contact, and filing-fee payment information at minimum.
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
Documents may not be filed by facsimile unless authorized by Supreme Court Rule or the Court.
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
An application for waiver of court fees 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
Electronic filing is required in civil cases, subject to exceptions in the local and Supreme Court Rules.
Except as otherwise set forth in these Rules and the Supreme Court Rules, the Court requires electronic filing in all civil cases.
The Clerk must not accept exhibits, reports, or other materials submitted in response to criminal discovery orders for filing.
The Clerk shall not accept for filing any exhibits, reports, or other materials in response to discovery orders entered by the Court.
Documents received by fax cannot be filed 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.
Users must register with both the Clerk and the authorized e-filing Vendor before e-filing any document.
Before E-filing any document, a user must register with the Clerk and the Court’s authorized E-filing Vendor.
Most discovery materials must not be filed, except requests to admit and responses; relevant portions must be attached and filed when seeking relief concerning discovery.
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. However, if relief is sought concerning any deposition, interrogatory, request for production or inspection, answer to interrogatory, or response, copies of the portion of the deposition, interrogatory, request, answer, or response shall be attached to the request for relief as an exhibit and filed with the Clerk.
Wills and other testamentary documents cannot be e-filed, and the Clerk may reject electronically filed unapproved case or document types.
Wills and other testamentary documents shall not be accepted for electronic filing. Any unapproved case or document type filed electronically by a Filer may be rejected by the Clerk.
Civil fee-waiver applications 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.
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
The Clerk must provide attorneys and SRLs in e-filed cases 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 EFM must notify filers of receipt, acceptance, or rejection of e-documents.
The EFM shall provide notification of a receipt, acceptance, or rejection of E-documents.
Page 19 | Rule 2.10(b) Notification of Acceptance or Rejection
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Except as provided in Rule 2.13, an e-filing received before midnight on an open day is deemed filed that day; one filed when the Clerk’s office is closed is deemed 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.
Page 19 | Rule 2.10(a) Transmission Date
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 Court’s next business day.
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 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.
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 | Rule 3.3(e) Review of Sealed and Impounded Files
The Clerk must set a motion to vacate a sealing or impounding order for hearing within 14 days before the judge who issued the order.
The Clerk within 14 days shall set the motion for hearing before the judge who ordered the case, record, or document to be sealed or impounded.
Page 23 | Rule 3.3(f) Motion to Rescind Sealing or Impounding Order
An SRL must file a written appearance before participating in any hearing before the Court.
An SRL shall file a written appearance, by pleading or otherwise, before participating in any hearing before the Court.
Page 26 | Rule 4.1 Appearances
A party who appears without service of summons must plead within the time that would apply if summons had been served on the appearance date.
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 Appearances
An attorney must file a written appearance before addressing the Court.
An attorney for a party shall file a written appearance, by pleading or otherwise, before the attorney addresses the Court.
Page 26 | Rule 4.1 Appearances
If hearing notice is served on any party by regular mail, it must be mailed at least 14 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.
Page 30 | Rule 5.1 Motion Practice
Unless the Court allows otherwise, when an opposing party does not cooperate after a good-faith scheduling effort, hearing notice must be served at least three days before the hearing.
Unless otherwise allowed by the Court, if an attorney or SRL has made this good-faith effort but an opposing party has not cooperated in determining a mutually agreeable time and date, notice of the hearing must be served at least three days before the hearing.
Page 30 | Rule 5.1 Motion Practice
Unless the Court allows otherwise, a party that did not make a good-faith scheduling effort may not serve hearing notice fewer than 10 days before the hearing.
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;
Page 30 | Rule 5.1 Motion Practice
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 | Rule 5.1(d) Failure to Call Motions for Hearing
During business hours, a complaint or petition seeking the specified 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(b)(1) Filing Required
Dispositive motions must be filed and brought to argument on notice no later than 90 days before the assigned trial date, subject to the Court’s authority to limit or extend the time 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.
Page 32 | Rule 5.2(e)(1) Time for Filing
Proof of service must be filed with the Clerk within 48 hours after the hearing.
Proof of service shall be filed with the Clerk within 48 hours after the hearing.
Page 32 | Rule 5.2(b)(3) Notice After Hearing
An attorney or SRL directed to submit a written order must submit it within 30 days, unless the Court establishes another deadline.
When the Court enters a ruling in any case, it may require that a written order be submitted through e-filing or otherwise, and the attorney or SRL directed to submit the order shall do so within 30 days or other time established by the Court.
Page 35 | Rule 5.7 Written Draft Orders
Each settlement-conference memorandum must be delivered to the Court at least seven days before the conference.
When a settlement conference is to be conducted, each attorney or SRL shall prepare a written memorandum setting forth the relevant facts of the case, the party’s settlement position, and the bases for that position and deliver a copy of the memorandum to the Court at least seven days before the conference.
Page 35 | Rule 5.8 Settlement Conference
When a final pretrial conference is scheduled, attorneys and SRLs must file and serve the Court-required pretrial documents at least 10 days before it.
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.
Page 36 | Rule 5.9 Final Pretrial Conference
A party may move to dispense with mediation within 14 days after entry of the referral order if one of the listed grounds applies.
A party may move, within 14 days after the entry of the order of referral, to dispense with mediation if: (1) The issue to be considered previously has been mediated between the same parties; (2) The issue presents a question of law only; (3) The matter is not eligible for mediation under Rule 6.2; or (4) Other good cause is shown.
Page 40 | Rule 6.3(c) Motion to Dispense with Mediation
A party may move to defer mediation within 14 days after referral; the motion must be noticed for hearing before the scheduled mediation, provided to interested parties, and detail its supporting facts and circumstances.
(d) Motion to Defer Mediation. Within 14 days after entry of the order of referral, any party may move to defer the mediation. The movant shall notice the motion for hearing before the mediation’s scheduled date. Notice of the hearing shall be provided to all interested parties, including any mediator who has been appointed. The motion shall set forth, in detail, the facts and circumstances supporting the motion. Mediation shall be tolled until the Court decides the motion.
Page 41 | Motion to Defer Mediation
Service and Proof of Service Rules
The Clerk must issue and serve jury summonses at least 15 days before service begins; regular mail to the listed voter-registration or driver’s-license address is permitted.
The Clerk shall issue and cause to be served a jury summons on all grand jurors and petit jurors at least 15 days before the first day of service. Jury summonses may be served by regular mail to the addresses as listed in the voter registration or driver’s license files.
Page 8 | Rule 1.10 Jurors, Terms of Service, Summons, and Excuse
Documents must be served on parties not registered for e-filing or e-service as provided by the 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.
Page 19 | Rule 2.11(e) Service on Parties not Registered
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.
Page 19 | Rule 2.11(a) Jurisdiction
E-service must comply with 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.
Page 19 | Rule 2.11(b) E-Service
An attorney must serve copies of a written appearance as required for service of pleadings.
The attorney shall serve copies of the written appearance in the manner required for the service of pleadings.
Page 26 | Rule 4.1 Appearances
An SRL must serve copies of the appearance as required for service of pleadings.
The SRL shall serve copies of his or her appearance in the manner required for the service of pleadings.
Page 26 | Rule 4.1 Appearances
A pre-marked exhibit may be used during a remote hearing only if a copy was provided to all other parties and the Court at least one full business day before the hearing.
No exhibit may be used during a remote hearing unless a copy of the pre-marked exhibit was provided to all other parties and the Court at least one full business day before the hearing;
Page 28 | Rule 4.4(e)(7) Conduct of Remote Hearings and Required Decorum
A motion seeking permission to appear remotely under S. Ct. R. 45(c) or (d) must be served as required by Local Rule 5.1, unless an individual court standing order or a case-by-case discretionary exception allows otherwise.
Unless otherwise allowed by (1) an individual Court’s own standing order or (2) a case-by-case exception made within the Court’s discretion, a person seeking permission to appear remotely pursuant to S. Ct. R. 45(c) or (d) must seek that permission through a written motion filed, scheduled, and served as required by Local Rule 5.1.
Page 28 | Rule 4.4(d) Procedures for Requesting Permission to Appear Remotely
Motion-hearing notice must be served in the manner and on the persons described in Supreme Court Rule 11.
Notice shall be given in the manner and to the persons described in S. Ct. R 11.
Page 30 | Rule 5.1 Motion Practice
The hearing notice must be accompanied by service of the motion, or state that the motion was previously served.
The party shall serve a copy of the motion with the notice or state the motion previously has been served.
Page 30 | Rule 5.1 Motion Practice
Except during trial, written notice of a motion hearing must be given to parties who have appeared and are not in default, and to parties whose time to appear has not expired.
Except during trial, written notice of the hearing of a motion shall be given to all parties who have appeared and have not been found by the Court to be in default and to all parties whose time to appear has not expired on the date of notice.
Page 30 | Rule 5.1 Motion Practice
Notice of additional relief sought must be given in accordance with Supreme Court Rule 105.
Notice that additional relief is being sought shall be given in accordance with S. Ct. R. 105.
Page 30 | Rule 5.1 Motion Practice
A notice of motion and motion for default must be served in accordance with Rule 5.1.
Service of a notice of motion and motion for default shall be made in accordance with Rule 5.1.
Page 31 | Rule 5.2(a)(1) Determination of Default
A plaintiff seeking a judgment or order beyond a default finding must serve the proposed judgment or order with the default motion.
If the plaintiff seeks entry of a judgment or order (other than an order finding the defendant in default), the plaintiff shall serve a copy of the proposed judgment or order with the motion for default.
Page 31 | Rule 5.2(a)(1) Determination of Default
Notice must be given in the manner and to the persons described in Supreme Court Rule 11.
Notice shall be given in the manner and to the persons described in S. Ct. R. 11.
Page 32 | Rule 5.2(b)(3) Notice After Hearing
The attorney or SRL obtaining an order after a hearing without prior notice must serve written notice on the parties specified in the rule.
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.
Page 32 | Rule 5.2(b)(3) Notice After Hearing
Discovery documents must be served in accordance with Supreme Court Rule 11.
Discovery documents shall be served in accordance with S. Ct. R. 11.
Page 33 | Rule 5.4 Discovery Documents
Documents sent by mail to comply with a subpoena must not be mailed more than two business days before the date stated on the subpoena.
DO NOT MAIL DOCUMENTS MORE THAN TWO BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE THE DATE STATED ON THE SUBPOENA.
Page 34 | Rule 5.6 Subpoenas
A subpoena's return date must be at least 10 days after its date of service.
No subpoena may be returnable less than 10 days following its date of service.
Page 34 | Rule 5.6 Subpoenas
Subpoenas issued under this Rule must be served in accordance with the Supreme Court Rules.
(b) Service. Subpoenas issued under this Rule shall be served in accordance with Supreme Court Rules.
Page 34 | Rule 5.6 Subpoenas
Filing Fees and Waivers
Statutory filing fees must be paid through the EFM to achieve valid filing status 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.
Page 20 | Rule 2.12(a) Payment
A pleading must be accompanied by any required filing fee or an application to sue or defend as an indigent person 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.
Page 21 | Rule 3.2(b) Filing Fee
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 Appearance Fees
One appearance filed for several parties requires one appearance fee, while separate appearances require separate fees.
If a single appearance is filed for several parties, a single appearance fee shall be paid. 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 Appearance Fees
The required fee must be paid when the supplemental-proceeding petition is filed.
The required fee shall be paid when the petition is filed.
Page 60 | Rule 9.4(b) Invoking Jurisdiction
A party 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. 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
A pleading must be accompanied by its required fee or an indigency application; an indigency-accompanied pleading is considered filed when e-filed or properly presented to the Clerk.
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. 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. The Clerk shall promptly present all petitions to sue or defend as an indigent person to the Court for consideration.
The required fee for a supplemental probate proceeding is due when the petition is filed.
The required fee shall be paid when the petition is filed.
The appearance fee is due when the appearance is filed.
The appearance fee shall be paid when the appearance is filed.
A petitioner or claimant must demand a jury and pay the fee with the petition or claim; an opposing party must do so with its answer or other response.
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.
Statutory filing fees must be paid through an EFM-authorized method for valid filing status 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.
When an e-filing includes a fee-waiver request under Supreme Court Rule 298, fee payment is stayed until the Court rules on the request.
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(b) Waiver
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 | Rule 3.3(f) Motion to Rescind Sealing or Impounding Order
A person cited in supplementary proceedings under 735 ILCS 5/2-1401 does not have 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 Appearance Fees
A jury fee is not reimbursed if the party later waives a jury trial.
The jury fee, once paid, shall not be reimbursed on a subsequent waiver of jury.
Page 66 | Rule 9.13
Filing-fee payment is stayed while the Court considers an included 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.
No filing fee is charged for a request for or objection to extended media coverage.
There shall be no filing fees associated with filing a request for extended media coverage or an objection to extended media coverage.
Page 3 | 3.0 General
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Parties must provide the Court courtesy copies when requested.
If requested by the Court, parties shall provide courtesy copies of documents to the Court.
Parties must provide the Court with courtesy copies if the Court requests them.
If requested by the Court, parties shall provide courtesy copies of documents to the Court.
Page 19 | Rule 2.11(d) Courtesy Copies
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Filers 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
Reports concerning adjudication of disability and appointment of a guardian must be impounded as provided by the cited statute.
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
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
Proceedings under the Parental Notice of Abortion Act must be sealed as provided by the cited statute.
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
Mental health records must be impounded as provided by the cited statute.
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
A motion to seal or impound must explain its basis and specify the proposed duration of sealing.
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
A motion to seal or impound must be written, presented to the Court, and preceded by appropriate notice to all parties.
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.
Page 22 | Rule 3.3(d) Procedure for Sealing or Impounding
Adoption files must be impounded as provided by the cited statute.
Adoption files shall be impounded subject to the terms of 750 ILCS 50/18.
Page 22 | Rule 3.3(c)(2) Specific Exceptions
Presentence investigation reports must be impounded as provided by the cited statute.
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
Judge’s notes described in Rule 3.8 must be impounded as that rule directs.
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
Financial affidavits and other documents described in Rule 8.1(c) must be impounded as that rule directs.
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
Fitness reports and psychological or psychiatric evaluations must be impounded as provided by the cited statute.
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
Juvenile files must be impounded as provided by the cited statutes.
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
Except where statute, the Manual on Recordkeeping, or the Rules provide otherwise, files, records, or documents may be sealed or impounded only by court order.
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
A person or entity, whether or not an original party and whether the case is pending or closed, may seek to vacate a sealing order by motion after properly filing an appearance and paying any required filing fee.
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 | Rule 3.3(f) Motion to Rescind Sealing or Impounding Order
The Clerk must impound specified financial, identifying, and sensitive reports without further order, limiting access and copying to the parties and attorneys 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.
Page 52 | Rule 8.1(d) Impoundment of Documents
A sealing or impoundment motion must be written, noticed, explain its basis, and specify its proposed duration; the Court must issue a written order defining the scope and duration of any relief.
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. Any motion to seal or impound, on specific request, may also be sealed or impounded if it contains a discussion of the confidential material. The Court shall enter a written order granting, granting in part, or denying the request. If the Court grants the motion in whole or in part, the order shall designate whether the entire file, record, or document or only a portion of the entire file, record, or document shall be sealed or impounded. 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.
The Clerk must automatically impound filed financial affidavits, documents containing Social Security or account numbers, and the listed reports, limiting access 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 presumption of public access 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
Filing Bundling Requirements
The Clerk will not accept bulk filings that combine multiple cases or documents into one PDF, but a law enforcement agency may transmit multiple citations as one transaction.
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.
Page 18 | Rule 2.7(g) Bulk Filings
Documents bearing different case numbers must be filed individually in separate transactions.
Documents with different case numbers must be filed individually in separate transactions.
Page 18 | Rule 2.7(g) Bulk Filings
Briefs supporting dispositive motions must be filed with the motion.
Briefs in support of dispositive motions shall be filed with the motion.
Page 32 | Rule 5.2(e)(2) Briefs
Combined PDFs and multi-case bulk filings are prohibited, subject to the law-enforcement citation exception; documents for different cases require separate transactions, while separately uploaded and titled documents in one case may share a transaction.
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.
Parties should file motion exhibits with the motion and are discouraged from attaching previously filed pleadings as exhibits.
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 | Rule 5.1(c) Exhibits to Motions
Exhibits should be filed with the motion, but parties are discouraged from reattaching 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.
Individual documents within one case may be filed in a single Electronic Filing transaction.
Filing of individual documents within a case shall be accepted in a single Electronic Filing transaction;
Page 18 | Rule 2.7(g) Bulk Filings
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Unless the Court orders otherwise, opposition briefs to dispositive motions must be filed within 28 days after the motion is filed.
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.
Page 32 | Rule 5.2(e)(2) Briefs
Unless the Court specifically excuses them, parties’ representatives who can meaningfully negotiate and bind the party to a settlement must attend the settlement conference.
Unless specifically excused by the Court, the attendance of parties with the ability to meaningfully negotiate toward a settlement agreement on behalf of a party and, if successful, to bind that party to an enforceable settlement agreement is required.
Page 36 | Rule 5.8 Settlement Conference
A supporting brief must accompany a dispositive motion; an opposition is due within 28 days unless otherwise ordered, and a reply is permitted only at the Court’s discretion and is due when 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.
The Court may allow replies to responsive briefs, and any permitted reply must be filed within the time set by the Court.
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.
Page 32 | Rule 5.2(e)(2) Briefs
The Court may order trial attorneys, parties, and/or a defendant’s insurer representative to attend a settlement conference in person or by telephone or video conference.
The Court may order the trial attorneys, the parties, and/or a representative of a defendant’s insurer to attend the settlement conference, in person or by telephone or video conference.
Page 36 | Rule 5.8 Settlement Conference
At the Court’s discretion, it 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 | Rule 5.1(e) Oral Argument
A settlement conference with the Court is recommended within 30 days after discovery is completed 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.
Page 35 | Rule 5.8 Settlement Conference
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A motion to continue is allowed only for good cause; counsel’s agreement does not bind the Court, which may require affidavits from the parties and attorneys.
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.
Page 32 | Rule 5.2(d) Motions to Continue
A continued case management conference must be reset to a date certain and documented by written order or docket entry.
(b) Continuances. 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 | Initial Case Management Conferences
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 Trial Continuances
An agreed or stipulated motion to continue a bench trial requires good cause and, whenever practicable, must be heard at least four days before trial begins.
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 Trial Continuances
A motion to continue trial must be filed and written notice given to attorneys and self-represented litigants of record at least seven days before trial, and the motion must be 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.
Page 37 | Rule 5.10 Trial Continuances
An agreed or uncontested motion to continue a jury trial may be allowed 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.
Page 37 | Rule 5.10 Trial Continuances
Motions to continue a trial must comply with this Rule and the cited authorities, as applicable.
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.
Page 37 | Rule 5.10 Trial Continuances
A representative seeking an extension or less frequent accountings must petition, and any granted extension must specify the 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.
Page 65 | Rule 9.12(c)
A trial-continuance motion must be filed and noticed seven days before trial and heard four days before; conflicting-setting motions require a detailed attorney affidavit, and jury and bench continuances have distinct grant standards.
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. 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. Only the Court can grant a motion to continue a trial.
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 representative seeking an accounting extension to a definite date or less frequent accounting must file a verified petition stating reasons; any granted extension must set the next filing 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.
A continued case-management conference must be reset to a date certain 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.
Absent extraordinary circumstances, anyone prejudiced by a later filing taking effect on the first-attempt date is entitled to an order extending the time to respond or perform an affected act.
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(c) Filing Errors
The Court may condition a continuance on the moving party paying specified fees and other reasonable expenses associated with continuing trial.
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.
Page 37 | Rule 5.10 Trial Continuances
Mediation continues while an emergency motion is pending unless the Court orders otherwise or the mediator decides to adjourn mediation until the motion is resolved.
(d) Interim or Emergency Relief. A party may apply to the Court for interim or emergency relief at any time. 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 Mediation Rules and Procedures
The mediator may adjourn a mediation conference at any time and set its reconvening time; parties present at the adjourned conference need not receive further notification.
(f) Adjournments. The mediator may adjourn the mediation conference at any time and may set times for reconvening the adjourned conference. No further notification is required for parties present at the adjourned conference.
Page 42 | Rule 6.4 Mediation Rules and Procedures
Failure to file the statement when due may constitute good cause for the Court to continue the hearing.
The failure of a party to file a statement 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(b) Statement of Proposed Property Apportionment
Failure to file a financial affidavit when due may constitute good cause for the Court to continue the hearing.
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(a) Financial Affidavit
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
Chambers Communication Rules
Attorneys and SRLs must notify the Court as soon as reasonably possible if a case settles before the final pretrial conference or trial.
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.
Remote appearance in Rochelle municipal proceedings and juvenile matters requires advance Court approval.
Pursuant to S. Ct. R. 45(b)(1), Rochelle municipal court proceedings and all juvenile matters are exempt from the option in S. Ct. R. 45 to appear remotely without advance approval. Persons may appear remotely in these exempted case and proceeding types only with the Court’s approval.
Public comments must be submitted in writing and addressed to the Chief Judge’s office.
All public comment shall be in writing and addressed to the Chief Judge’s office.
Page 7 | Rule 1.8 Selection of Associate 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
Attorneys and SRLs should not send judges ex parte emails about pending matters unless a judge or court personnel specifically requests them.
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
Filers must immediately notify the other parties, Clerk, and EFM of any change to their name or listed contact information.
All Filers must immediately notify other parties, the Clerk, and the EFM of any change of name, mailing address,
Page 19 | Rule 2.11(c) Change of Address
A party seeking a verbatim record of a telephone conference must arrange it with the Court beforehand.
Unless arranged with the Court before a telephone conference, no verbatim record will be taken or maintained of any telephone conference conducted pursuant to Rule 4.6(a).
Page 29 | Rule 4.6 Hearings by Telephone
When reasonably possible, an attorney or self-represented litigant setting a hearing must make a good-faith effort to coordinate a mutually convenient date and time with the Court and opposing parties, consistent with the Court’s docket.
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.
Page 30 | Rule 5.1 Motion Practice
Absent a specific request, parties should not email judges ex parte; scheduling or procedural emails should go to designated court staff, with a simultaneous copy to appearing opponents.
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. 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. 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.
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(c) Reporting by Others
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
For information or assistance regarding remote appearances, contact the Lee County Circuit Clerk at (815) 284-5234.
Lee County: (815) 284-5234
Page 27 | Rule 4.4(c)(3) Procedures for Appearing Remotely
For information or assistance regarding remote appearances, contact the Ogle County Circuit Clerk at (815) 732-1130.
Ogle County: (815) 732-1130
Page 27 | Rule 4.4(c)(3) Procedures for Appearing Remotely
For information or assistance regarding remote appearances, contact the Carroll County Circuit Clerk at (815) 244-0230.
Carroll County: (815) 244-0230
Page 27 | Rule 4.4(c)(3) Procedures for Appearing Remotely
For information or assistance regarding remote appearances, contact the JoDaviess County Circuit Clerk at (815) 777-2295.
JoDaviess County: (815) 777-2295
Page 27 | Rule 4.4(c)(3) Procedures for Appearing Remotely
For information or assistance regarding remote appearances, contact the Stephenson County Circuit Clerk at (815) 235-8266.
Stephenson County: (815) 235-8266
Page 27 | Rule 4.4(c)(3) Procedures for Appearing Remotely
If the parties obtain a mutually convenient hearing date and time acceptable to the Court, the hearing may be set then and notice served accordingly.
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
For information about a specific case, contact the appropriate county circuit clerk 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
For information about a specific case, contact the relevant county using the listed County Circuit Clerk office phone numbers.
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