7th Judicial Circuit Court, Macoupin County, Illinois
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Video Witness Appearance Motions
Communication
Phone
Document Format Requirements18 rules
The child support data sheet must use a form provided by the Clerk.
Court's wording
At the time of the filing of any action that may result in the payment of child support, the party filing the action is required to file a child support data sheet with the Clerk, in a form as provided by the Clerk.
Any changes in existing audio systems must be approved by the presiding judge.
Media personnel must demonstrate in advance that proposed equipment meets the requirements, and lack of advance judicial approval may prevent its use.
Court's wording
It shall be the duty of media personnel to demonstrate to the judge reasonably in advance of the proceeding that the equipment sought to be used meets the criteria set forth in this section. Failure to obtain advance judicial approval for equipment may preclude its use in the proceeding.
The initial case management order must be in a form consistent with Appendix A.
Court's wording
At the conclusion of the initial case management conference, the parties shall submit to the court a completed initial case management order in a form consistent with Appendix A to these rules, which shall provide, at a minimum, the following:
The final pre-trial memorandum must substantially comply with Appendix B1 when children are involved and Appendix B2 when they are not.
Court's wording
Prior to the commencement of trial, the parties shall present to the court a final pre-trial memorandum, which includes, at a minimum, the following, in a form that substantially complies with Appendix B1 (with children) and Appendix B2 (without children).
In the discretion of the presiding judge of each county, the Mediation Referral Form shall substantially conform to Appendix D to these rules.
In the discretion of the presiding judge of each county, the Mediation Order shall substantially conform to Appendix C to these rules.
Any person seeking to become a court approved mediator should apply in writing to the Presiding Judge of that County or, for Sangamon County, Chief of the Family Division.
No light or signal visible or audible to participants in the proceeding shall be used on any equipment during extended coverage to indicate whether it is operating.
Microphones, wiring and audio recording equipment shall be unobtrusive and shall be of adequate technical quality to prevent interference with the covered judicial proceedings.
With the approval of the judge, however, modifications may be made in light sources existing in the courtroom (e.g., higher wattage light bulbs), provided modifications are installed and maintained without public expense.
No modifications of existing systems shall be made at public expense.
Still cameras and lenses must be unobtrusive without distracting light or sound.
Equipment to be used in courtrooms during judicial proceedings must be unobtrusive and must not produce distracting sound.
Television cameras, together with any related equipment to be located in the courtroom, must be unobtrusive in both size and appearance, without distracting sound or light.
Microphones for use of counsel and judges shall be equipped with power switches to facilitate compliance with subsections 1.2(e) and (f) of this policy.
Formatting
- •Microphones for counsel and judges must be equipped with power switches
Other than light sources already existing in the courtroom, no flashbulbs or other artificial light device of any kind shall be employed in the courtroom.
The forms are ADA accessible, and you can handwrite or type into the PDF form.
- File type
Formatting
- •The form may be completed by handwriting or typing
Document Filing Requirements106 rules
Judges of this Circuit shall enter a fully completed Uniform Order of Support, in each case in which a child support or spousal obligation is created or modified, and
The Order shall be in substantially the same form as Appendix 1 of this Administrative Order.
Upon compliance with the court's order, the Clerk shall sign and file in the cause a Certificate of Compliance in substantially the same form as Appendix 2 of this Administrative Order.
Any exhibit may be released at any other time by order of the judge presiding at the trial after due notice to all interested parties and hearing.
Within 14 days the Sheriff and Clerk shall certify to the court that the destruction has been completed.
An attorney seeking appointment as a guardian ad litem must apply in writing to the designated judge.
Court's wording
Attorneys seeking appointment as a guardian ad litem in matters involving allocation of parental responsibilities shall apply in writing to the Presiding Judge of each county or, for Sangamon County, Chief of the Family Division.
A removed attorney may appeal the removal in writing to the Chief Judge within ten days.
Court's wording
A removed guardian ad litem, child representative, or attorney for children may appeal the decision in writing within ten (10) days to the Chief Judge who shall decide the appeal after allowing the individual an opportunity to be heard.
Individuals seeking appointment as family mediators must apply in writing.
Court's wording
WHEREAS, individuals seeking court appointment as a family mediator shall apply in writing and have received training or shall possess such experience to be equivalent to such training as required by the Chief Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit.
Approved mediators must provide the Chief or Presiding Judge evidence of continuing-education completion every two years.
Court's wording
Approved mediators are required to complete ten (10) hours of circuit approved continuing education every two (2) years of which two (2) hours must cover domestic violence issues and provide evidence of completion to the Chief/Presiding Judge every two (2) years.
Applicants must supply supporting documentation for approval as a private mediator.
Court's wording
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, The Seventh Judicial Circuit shall promulgate a list of private mediators who have been approved by the Chief Judge after supplying supporting documentation and meeting the following requirements:
An applicant denied inclusion on or removed from the court-approved list may appeal the decision in writing within ten (10) days to the Chief Judge or his/her designee.
The attached Illinois Department of Corrections judgment-and-sentence order must be entered in every case involving a defendant sentenced to IDOC confinement.
Court's wording
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, that the attached Judgment – Sentence to the Illinois Department of Corrections orders shall be entered in all cases that involve a defendant who has been sentenced to confinement in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the term of years and months specified for each offense.
(PLEASE PRINT JUDGE'S NAME HERE)
Include
- •Judge name
When news media is present during a criminal or civil trial, the judge must give the specified jury instruction.
Court's wording
The judge shall give the following instruction to the jury when news media is present at any portion of a criminal or civil trial: In this case, the news media was permitted to [video] [record] [photograph] [livestream] [blog] the proceedings pursuant to the Illinois Supreme Court Policy for Extended Media Coverage in the Circuit Courts of Illinois. In your deliberations, you should not draw any inferences or conclusions from the fact there was extended media coverage at this trial or proceeding. Nor should you concern yourself with why certain witnesses were filmed or photographed and others were not. Whether a particular witness was filmed or photographed is not any indication as to the value of, or weight to be given to, that witness's testimony.
The hearing notice must state the hearing date, time, and subject matter; identify it as remote; provide platform login information and technical-support contact details; and attach any order authorizing remote appearances.
Court's wording
In addition to the date, time, and subject matter of the hearing, said Notice shall also specify: - a. that the hearing is to be conducted remotely; - b. the specific zoom/platform log-in information (ID and passcode); - c. contact information, including e-mails and telephone numbers, should the other participants have technical difficulties; - d. if an Order has been entered allowing the parties to appear remotely, then said Order shall also be attached to the Notice; and
The Court may consider allowing an otherwise presumed ineligible case to proceed to a remote hearing if all parties agree and present the Court with a proposed Agreed Order.
- e. when applicable, the individual judge's set of instructions/expectations for remote hearings must be attached to the Notice.
If any party objects to conducting the noticed hearing remotely or to the platform designated, that party, as soon as practicable, shall file the party's objection in writing and notice the objection for hearing before the noticed remote hearing.
In the stated circumstances, the Notice must explain the opposing party’s in-person option and how to request remote participation from the Clerk at least three full business days before the hearing.
Court's wording
If an opposing party has not appeared and/or the party providing Notice does not have an opposing party's e-mail address or telephone number, the Notice shall also inform the opposing party that the party may participate in the hearing personally at the designated time and place, and alternatively, that if the party prefers to participate in the hearing remotely, the party should inform the Clerk of the Court at least three (3) full business day before the hearing of the party's desire to participate remotely and provide the Clerk the party's e-mail address or, if none, a telephone number. The Clerk will then forward that information to the presiding judge.
If the Court agrees to hear the matter remotely, notice of the remote hearing shall be provided as set forth in subparagraph B above.
If a party intends to call a non-party witness during a remote hearing, that party shall be responsible for providing the invitation to the remote hearing to the witness.
At least three (3) days prior to a hearing, the parties shall file a list containing names and e-mail addresses of the attorneys, parties, and witnesses (if any) who will attend the hearing.
If the attorneys do not agree to a witness appearing by video, the party calling the witness must file a motion for permission.
Court's wording
If there is no agreement among the attorneys for a witness to appear by video, it is the responsibility of the litigant or attorney calling the witness to file a motion to allow the video appearance of a witness(es) at least 14 days in advance of the hearing/trial.
In every change of date notice, the Circuit Clerk shall provide notice of whether the appearance is in-person or remotely on Zoom along with the appropriate Notice of Rights.
In every summons or petition, the State's Attorney shall provide notice of whether the appearance is in-person or on Zoom and shall provide the appropriate Notice of Rights.
A notice of motion must state whether the appearance is in person or by Zoom and, if it is by Zoom, include the required attendance language and available meeting details.
Court's wording
- • Notices of Motions. Notices of motions shall contain language indicating whether the appearance is in-person or over Zoom pursuant to the court's standing orders or adopted remote hearing instructions. If noticed for Zoom, the notice shall contain language "Parties shall attend the presentment of this motion remotely on Zoom" and shall provide the Meeting ID, Password, call in information or link to the meeting, if the Zoom link information is known.
The Report of Fees filing requirement is waived for the State's Attorneys of Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Morgan, Sangamon, and Scott counties; the order expires November 30, 2026, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.
Court's wording
WHEREAS, the State's Attorney of Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Morgan, Sangamon and Scott counties have submitted the required written request and affidavit. WHEREAS, the requirement to file a Report of Fees is waived for the State's Attorneys of Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Morgan, Sangamon and Scott counties. This order supersedes Amended Circuit Administrative Order 22-14, dated December 1, 2022. Circuit Administrative Order 24-15 shall expire November 30, 2026 unless sooner superseded or rescinded.
State's Attorneys must report the payment and collection of fees, fines, forfeitures, and penalties when required by court rule and satisfy the court that collected funds were paid to the county treasurer.
Court's wording
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, that pursuant to 55 Illinois Compiled Statutes, 5/4-2006, all State's Attorneys have a duty to report to the Circuit Court, at such times as the court shall determine by rule, the payment and collection of all fees, fines, forfeitures and penalties and to satisfy the court that said monies collected have been paid over to the county treasurer, as required by 5/4-2005, ILCS; and,
A self-represented litigant shall file an entry of appearance which may be obtained by clicking the following Entry of Appearance.
At the time of the filing of any action that may result in the payment of child support, the party filing the action is required to file a child support data sheet with the Clerk, in a form as provided by the Clerk.
In the specified dissolution cases, petitioner’s counsel must file a written venue-waiver motion with the initial pleading, and the motion must be heard and decided before any other issue.
Court's wording
In any case brought pursuant to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act where neither petitioner nor respondent resides in the county; where the initial pleading is filed, counsel for the petitioner shall file with said pleading a written motion, which shall be set for hearing and ruled upon before any other issue is taken up, advising that the forum selected is not one of proper venue and seeking an appropriate order from the court allowing a waiver of the venue requirements of the Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 750 ILCS 5/104.
An inmate seeking leave to sue or defend as a poor person must submit the petition with a copy of the trust fund ledger showing all deposits and withdrawals for the preceding six months.
Court's wording
In all family cases in this circuit in which leave is sought by an inmate of a correctional institution to sue or defend as a poor person, the petition for leave to sue or defend as a poor person shall be accompanied by a copy of the inmate's trust fund ledger indicating all deposits and withdrawals made to the inmate's trust fund account for the six months immediately preceding the submission of the petition.
An attorney shall file their written appearance or other pleading before they address the court unless they are presenting a motion for leave to appear by intervention or otherwise.
When a motion is heard without prior notice, the party obtaining the order must serve written notice containing the specified case, judge, hearing, and order information on parties not in default and file proof of service within two days after the hearing.
Court's wording
If a motion is heard without prior notice under this rule, written notice of the hearing of the motion showing the title and number of the action, the name of the judge who heard the motion, date of the hearing, and the order of the court thereof, whether granted or denied, shall be served by the party obtaining the order upon all parties not theretofore found by the court to be in default for failure to plead and proof of service thereof shall be filed with the clerk within two (2) days after the hearing.
A hearing notice must identify the motion judge, action title and number, hearing date and time, and nature of the motion.
Court's wording
The notice of hearing shall designate the motion judge, shall show the title and number of the action, and the date and time when the motion will be presented. Notice of motion to be made shall state the nature of the motion.
Compliance with discovery requests must be shown by filing counsel’s certification with the Circuit Clerk, including a description of the documents provided in reference to the request.
Court's wording
Proof of compliance with requests for discovery in all family matters (including interrogatories and requests for production) shall be made by filing with the Circuit Clerk the certification of counsel showing that compliance has been accomplished. The certification shall include a description of the documents filed with reference to the request made.
Proof of service of any request for discovery shall be made by certification of counsel briefly describing the request made, together with proof of service on the party to whom they were directed.
- Document
- Discovery request
Must include
- •Certificate of service
Certification shall be filed with the clerk of the circuit court.
An objection to a discovery request or motion to enforce compliance must be filed with a certificate describing the consultation and resolution efforts or opposing counsel’s unavailability or unreasonable efforts.
Court's wording
Prior to filing any objection to any requests or filing a motion to enforce compliance with any request, the party so filing is required to file with the objection or motion a certificate that states that counsel have been unable to resolve discovery differences after personal consultation and reasonable attempts to resolve differences have been unable to reach an accord or that opposing counsel has made himself or herself unavailable for personal consultation or was unreasonable in attempts to resolve differences, as required by Supreme Court Rule 201 (k).
A party objecting to a discovery request, seeking to enforce compliance, or moving over response sufficiency must attach and file all relevant discovery with the motion.
Court's wording
Whenever any party has objection to any requests, or seeks to enforce compliance with any request or otherwise addresses a motion to the sufficiency of a response, they shall attach to their motion and file with the Circuit Clerk, a copy of all relevant discovery in order that the court may properly consider the motion.
A copy of each discovery request served on a non-party must be filed with the clerk.
Court's wording
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a copy of any discovery request served upon a non-party, including subpoenas for deposition for documents only, shall be filed with the clerk and served upon the opposing party in accord with Supreme Court Rule 104 (b).
A discovery request to a mental health services provider requires leave of court and an attached written order, and must be returnable in open court for in-camera review.
Court's wording
Any discovery request served upon a provider of mental health services may be made only with leave of court, upon written order to be attached to the discovery request, and returnable in open court for in camera review by the court for a determination of whether the documents may be produced.
In the specified proceedings, the parties must file an affidavit showing at least their current income, debts, assets, and liabilities, unless good cause is shown.
Court's wording
In all proceedings involving petitions for attorney's fees, court costs, maintenance, support and/or children and modification of any previous orders relating thereto, an affidavit of the parties showing, at a minimum, current income and debts, assets and liabilities shall be filed with the clerk at or before the initial case management conference, except for good cause shown.
The party presenting an affidavit pursuant to this rule is under an affirmative duty to seasonably update the affidavit.
Unless otherwise approved by the court, the parenting plan shall comply, at a minimum, with the standardized Parenting Plan which can be accessed by clicking on the following Parenting Plan.
The parents shall provide the court with an agreed order regarding parental responsibilities and an agreed parenting plan, if there is an agreement.
The parents shall show proof of completion of an approved parenting education program as required by Supreme Court Rule 924, provide a fixed schedule for compliance, or show cause to excuse compliance.
Each application shall be accompanied by a financial affidavit, in a form consistent with the financial affidavit set forth in section 3 hereinabove.
The court shall monitor each party’s participation in mediation through the use of status reports to certify participation, which status reports are to be submitted to the court no less than 30 days after the initial case management conference.
At the end of the initial case management conference, the parties must submit a completed order addressing the listed subjects.
Court's wording
At the conclusion of the initial case management conference, the parties shall submit to the court a completed initial case management order in a form consistent with Appendix A to these rules, which shall provide, at a minimum, the following: a. The status of the parties; b. Parenting class compliance; c. The temporary residential status of the children of the parties; d. Any temporary agreements with regard to child support; e. Whether parental responsibility allocation or parenting time is at issue; f. Mediation; g. Discovery issues; h. A date and time for the next case management conference.
Prior to the commencement of trial, the parties shall present to the court a final pre-trial memorandum, which includes, at a minimum, the following, in a form that substantially complies with Appendix B1 (with children) and Appendix B2 (without children). a. The name, address, date of birth and current employment of each party; b. The name, date of birth and school and/or child care facility for each child; c. Agreements between the parties; d. The issues presented to the court by each party; e. Any stipulations agreed to by the parties; f. A list of potential witnesses; g. A list of potential trial exhibits; h. A list of assets, including the proposed value to be assigned to each asset; i. A list of household goods and related personal property at issue, including the proposed value to be assigned to the property; j. A list of debts, both as to current balance and minimum monthly payment; k. A list of property and debts that are claimed to be non-marital and a brief statement of the basis for the claim; l. Proposed resolution regarding parental responsibility allocation and parenting time; m. Proposed calculations of net income, child support and/or maintenance; n. An itemized proposed distribution of property and debts; o. Attorneys fees and costs of litigation;
Joint parental responsibility allocation orders must include the listed decision-making, parenting-time, access, notice, communication, and other child-related provisions, subject to stated exceptions and conditional requirements.
Court's wording
All joint parental responsibility allocation orders are required to conform to the requirements of the provisions of 750 ILCS 5/602.10, including, at a minimum, the following: i. an allocation of significant decision-making responsibilities; ii. provisions for the child's living arrangements and for each parent's parenting time, including either: (A) a schedule that designates in which parent's home the minor child will reside on given days; or (B) a formula or method for determining such a schedule in sufficient detail to be enforced in a subsequent proceeding; iii. a mediation provision addressing any proposed reallocation of parenting time or regarding the terms of allocation of parental responsibilities, except that this provision is not required if one parent is allocated all significant decision-making responsibilities; iv. each parent's right of access to medical, dental, and psychological records (subject to the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act), child care records, and school and extracurricular records, reports, and schedules, unless expressly denied by a court order or denied under Section 602.11; v. a designation of the parent who will be denominated as the parent with the majority of parenting time for purposes of Section 606.10; vi. the child's residential address for school enrollment purposes only; vii. each parent's residence address and phone number, and each parent's place of employment and employment address and phone number; viii. a requirement that a parent changing his or her residence provide at least 60 days prior written notice of the change to any other parent under the parenting plan or allocation judgment, unless such notice is impracticable or unless otherwise ordered by the court. If such notice is impracticable, written notice shall be given at the earliest date practicable. At a minimum, the notice shall set forth the following: (A) the intended date of the change of residence; and (B) the address of the new residence; ix. provisions requiring each parent to notify the other of emergencies, health care, travel plans, or other significant child-related issues; x. transportation arrangements between the parents; xi. provisions for communications, including electronic communications, with the child during the other parent's parenting time; xii. provisions for resolving issues arising from a parent's future relocation, if applicable; xiii. provisions for future modifications of the parenting plan, if specified events occur; xiv. provisions for the exercise of the right of first refusal, if so desired, that are consistent with the best interests of the minor child; provisions in the plan for the exercise of the right of first refusal must include: (i) the length and kind of child-care requirements invoking the right of first refusal; (ii) notification to the other parent and for his or her response; (iii) transportation requirements; and (iv) any other provision related to the exercise of the right of first refusal necessary to protect and promote the best interests of the minor child; and xv. any other provision that addresses the child's best interests or that will otherwise facilitate cooperation between the parents.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Summonses, notices, motions, and other documents may not be filed by fax, email, or other electronic transmission methods.
Filing of any summons, notice, motion or other document via facsimile, electronic mail or other electronic transmission methods is not allowed.
Page 1 | RULE 301. FILING AND APPEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
Documents supplied in response to discovery requests must not be filed with the clerk of the circuit court.
The documents supplied in the response to discovery requests shall not be filed with the clerk of the circuit court.
Page 4 | RULE 303. DISCOVERY – INTERROGATORIES, REQUESTS FOR PRODUCTION AND DEPOSITIONS
A copy of an original discovery request must not be filed with the Circuit Clerk.
A copy of the request shall not be filed with the Circuit Clerk.
Page 4 | RULE 303. DISCOVERY – INTERROGATORIES, REQUESTS FOR PRODUCTION AND DEPOSITIONS
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The objection must be filed with the Clerk before the witness's testimony begins.
This objection is filed with the Clerk of the Court prior to the commencement of my testimony.
Page 1 | Objection of Witness to Request for Extended Media Coverage of Testimony
Exhibits must be claimed within 30 days of the Clerk's notice or an order disposing of them will be signed.
The notice shall advise the attorneys or parties that if the exhibits are not claimed within 30 days of the Clerk's notice, an order disposing of all exhibits shall be signed by the trial judge or, if unavailable, the Presiding Judge of the County.
Page 1 | Disposal of Exhibits
The Sheriff and Clerk must certify to the court within 14 days that destruction is complete.
Within 14 days the Sheriff and Clerk shall certify to the court that the destruction has been completed.
Page 1 | Disposal of Exhibits
If no appeal has been filed, the Clerk must send notice 60 days after final judgment that exhibits may be released to the offering party.
Sixty (60) days after entry of final judgment, if no appeal has been filed, the Clerk of the Court shall send notice to all attorneys of record or to the party pro se stating that all exhibits received into evidence shall be released to the party offering said exhibits.
Page 1 | Disposal of Exhibits
An appeal of removal must be made within ten days.
A removed guardian ad litem, child representative, or attorney for children may appeal the decision in writing within ten (10) days to the Chief Judge who shall decide the appeal after allowing the individual an opportunity to be heard.
Civil cases
Page 2 | III. Establishment of List
An appeal of a denial or removal from the mediator list must be made within ten days.
An applicant denied inclusion on or removed from the court-approved list may appeal the decision in writing within ten (10) days to the Chief Judge or his/her designee.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Denial/Removal from List
Requests for extended media coverage must be filed as soon as practicable and at least 7 days before the proceeding, subject to specified shorter-notice circumstances.
(b) Requests. All requests for extended media coverage shall be filed with the circuit clerk as soon as practicable, but not less than 7 days in advance of the time the proceeding sought to be covered is scheduled to begin. Requests may be made on shorter notice as the court may prescribe or when a proceeding is not scheduled at least 7 days in advance (for example, an initial appearance in a criminal proceeding or a temporary restraining order in a civil proceeding).
Page 3 | 4.0 Procedural
A party should file a written objection stating its reasons within 3 days of notice, unless the court prescribes otherwise or allows an oral objection.
Any party that objects to extended media coverage should file a written objection, stating the reasons, within 3 days of receiving notice of the request. Objections may be made outside the 3-day window as the court prescribes. The court may also allow oral objections.
Page 3 | 4.0 Procedural
A written objection to a remote hearing or its platform must be filed as soon as practicable and before the noticed remote hearing.
If any party objects to conducting the noticed hearing remotely or to the platform designated, that party, as soon as practicable, shall file the party's objection in writing and notice the objection for hearing before the noticed remote hearing.
Page 3 | IV. SCHEDULING a Remote Hearing
The required list of hearing attendees must be filed at least three days before the hearing.
At least three (3) days prior to a hearing, the parties shall file a list containing names and e-mail addresses of the attorneys, parties, and witnesses (if any) who will attend the hearing.
Page 4 | V. PROCEDURE for Remote Hearings
The motion to allow a witness to appear by video must be filed at least 14 days before the hearing or trial.
If there is no agreement among the attorneys for a witness to appear by video, it is the responsibility of the litigant or attorney calling the witness to file a motion to allow the video appearance of a witness(es) at least 14 days in advance of the hearing/trial.
Page 5 | VI. FAMILY DIVISION
The court uses a summons requiring appearance within 30 days after service.
A summons requiring appearance within 30 days after service as set forth in Supreme Court Rule 101(d) will be utilized by this court.
Page 1 | RULE 301. FILING AND APPEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
A motion must be filed with the Circuit Clerk before applying to a judge for an order, provided the Clerk’s office is open.
Every motion shall be filed in the office of the Circuit Clerk, if that office is open, before application to a judge for an order.
Page 2 | RULE 302. MOTIONS
A party who appears without service of summons must plead within the period 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 appears.
Page 2 | RULE 301. FILING AND APPEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
A motion generally may not be scheduled for hearing less than two court days after effective service, unless the Court allows it in its discretion.
No motion, unless allowed within the discretion of the Court, may be scheduled for hearing less than two (2) court days after the effective date of service as described in Supreme Court Rule 12.
Page 3 | RULE 302. MOTIONS
Proof of service for notice after a motion heard without prior notice must be filed with the clerk within two days after the hearing.
If a motion is heard without prior notice under this rule, written notice of the hearing of the motion showing the title and number of the action, the name of the judge who heard the motion, date of the hearing, and the order of the court thereof, whether granted or denied, shall be served by the party obtaining the order upon all parties not theretofore found by the court to be in default for failure to plead and proof of service thereof shall be filed with the clerk within two (2) days after the hearing.
Page 3 | RULE 302. MOTIONS
The financial affidavit is due with the clerk at or before the initial case management conference, unless good cause is shown.
In all proceedings involving petitions for attorney's fees, court costs, maintenance, support and/or children and modification of any previous orders relating thereto, an affidavit of the parties showing, at a minimum, current income and debts, assets and liabilities shall be filed with the clerk at or before the initial case management conference, except for good cause shown.
Page 5 | RULE 304. CASE MANAGEMENT
An affidavit tendered at a hearing may not have been executed more than 14 days before that hearing.
No affidavit may be filed with the court or counsel if executed more than 14 days prior to the date of any hearing in which said affidavit is tendered.
Page 6 | RULE 304. CASE MANAGEMENT
Mediation status reports must be submitted no less than 30 days after the initial case management conference.
The court shall monitor each party’s participation in mediation through the use of status reports to certify participation, which status reports are to be submitted to the court no less than 30 days after the initial case management conference.
Page 7 | Monitoring of Mediation
The completed initial case management order must be submitted to the court at the conclusion of the initial case management conference.
At the conclusion of the initial case management conference, the parties shall submit to the court a completed initial case management order
Page 7 | Initial Case Management Order
The parties must present the final pre-trial memorandum to the court before trial begins.
Prior to the commencement of trial, the parties shall present to the court a final pre-trial memorandum
Page 8 | RULE 305. TRIAL AND POST TRIAL MATTERS
An applicant may appeal a denial or removal in writing to the Chief Judge or designee within 10 days.
An applicant denied inclusion on or removed from the court-approved list may appeal the decision in writing within ten (10) days to the Chief Judge or his/her designee.
Page 13 | g. Denial/Removal from List
In qualifying cases, the mediating judge must enter and file the provisional order within 21 days after mediation concludes.
In cases in which agreement has been reached on all or some qualifying issues and the mediating judge has found that agreement on at least one such issue could reasonably be in the best interest of the child or children, the mediating judge shall, within 21 days after conclusion of a mediation, enter and file in the pending case a provisional order which shall contain the agreed terms and conditions with which the mediating judge has made positive finding and shall also specify issues as to which agreement was either not reached or was not the subject of positive finding by the mediating judge.
Page 25
A motion and affidavit seeking to vacate a provisional order must be filed within 21 days after the Clerk transmits the order.
For good cause, the mediating judge may, in his or her discretion, vacate a provisional order or any portion thereof, and resume judicial mediation for such period as said judge determines, upon the basis of motion and affidavit filed by a mediating party within 21 days after the Clerk’s transmittal of such provisional order and asserting evidentiary facts indicating that (1) the affiant misunderstood substantial practical or legal implications of the agreement forming the basis of such order or (2) there exists as to the agreement underlying the provisional order grounds recognized under Illinois law for rescission of a contract.
Page 26
The objection must be filed within three days after receiving notice of the request for extended media coverage.
3. This objection is filed within three (3) days of receiving notice of the request for extended media coverage.
Page 1 | OBJECTION OF PARTY TO REQUEST FOR EXTENDED MEDIA COVERAGE
Requests for extended media coverage must go through the media coordinator, who must notify the judge at least 14 days before the proceeding or as soon as practicable if it was scheduled less than 14 days ahead; the judge may alter the timing by order.
All requests for extended media coverage shall be made through the media coordinator. The media coordinator shall inform the judge at least 14 days in advance of the time the proceeding is scheduled to begin, but these times may be extended or reduced by court order. When the proceeding is not scheduled at least 14 days in advance, however, the media coordinator shall give notice of the request as soon as practicable after the proceeding is scheduled.
Page 3 | 1.3 Procedural
A party must file a written objection stating its reasons at least three days before the proceeding begins.
A party objecting to expanded media coverage shall file a written objection, stating the reasons, at least three (3) days before commencement of the proceeding.
Page 3 | 1.3 Procedural
Counsel proposing to introduce a witness’s testimony must advise the witness of the right to object, and a witness’s objection must be filed before the proceeding begins.
All witnesses shall be advised by counsel proposing to introduce their testimony of their right to object to extended media coverage, and all objections by witnesses shall be filed prior to the commencement of the proceeding.
Page 3 | 1.3 Procedural
All media equipment and personnel must be in place at least 15 minutes before the proceeding is scheduled to begin.
All media equipment and personnel shall be in place at least fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled time of commencement of the proceeding.
Page 4 | 1.4 Technical
A party’s objection must be filed at least three days before the proceedings begin.
The objection is filed at least three (3) days prior to commencement of the proceedings for which extended media coverage has been requested.
Page 7 | Objection of Party to Extended Media Coverage of Testimony
A witness’s objection must be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court before the matter begins.
I understand that this objection must be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court prior to the beginning of the matter.
Page 8 | Objection of Witness to Extended Media Coverage of Testimony
The moving party is responsible for calling a filed motion for hearing; if it is not called within 90 days of filing, the Court may strike it without notice.
The burden of calling for hearing any motion previously filed is on the party making the motion. The court may at any time on its own motion set any such motion for hearing. If any such motion is not called for hearing within ninety (90) days from the date it is filed, the court may strike the motion without notice.
Page 3 | RULE 302. MOTIONS
Motions seeking a child-interests evaluation or a parental-responsibility investigation and report must be made at the earliest practical opportunity.
Motions that seek an evaluation of a child’s interests pursuant to 750 ILCS 5/604.10 or an investigation and report concerning parental responsibility pursuant to 750 ILCS 5/604.10 shall be made at the earliest practical opportunity.
Page 7 | Parental Responsibility Evaluations
The judge may extend or shorten objection filing time and may extend objection rights to other persons in appropriate circumstances.
Time for filing of objections may be extended or reduced at the discretion of the judge, who also, in appropriate circumstances, may extend the right of objection to persons not specifically provided for in this policy.
Page 4 | 1.3 Procedural
A witness may object in writing or orally before testifying and as soon as practicable.
Witnesses may file a written objection or make an oral objection to extended media coverage prior to testifying and as soon as practicable.
Page 3 | 4.0 Procedural
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Notice of the objection must be given to the requestor, court media liaison, counsel of record, and unrepresented parties.
Proper notice of this objection has been given to the requestor, the court media liaison, all counsel of record, and parties appearing without counsel.
Page 1 | Objection of Witness to Request for Extended Media Coverage of Testimony
Interested parties must receive due notice before a hearing on release of an exhibit at another time.
Any exhibit may be released at any other time by order of the judge presiding at the trial after due notice to all interested parties and hearing.
Page 1 | Disposal of Exhibits
When filing a written objection, the objector must simultaneously notify the requestor, court media liaison, counsel of record, and unrepresented parties.
(e) Notice of Objections. At the same time a written objection is filed, the objector shall provide notice of the objection to the requestor, the court media liaison, all counsel of record, and parties appearing without counsel.
Page 3 | 4.0 Procedural
The media requestor must notify the court media liaison, counsel of record, and unrepresented parties when filing the request.
(c) Notice of Request. At the same time as the request is filed, the media requestor shall provide notice of the request to the court media liaison, all counsel of record, and parties appearing without counsel.
Page 3 | 4.0 Procedural
Once the hearing time, date, and platform are determined, the scheduling party must notify all other parties.
After the time, date, and platform have been determined, the party shall provide notice of the hearing to all other parties.
Page 2 | IV. SCHEDULING a Remote Hearing
An exhibit may be used at a remote hearing only if a copy of the pre-marked exhibit was provided to all other parties and the Court at least three full business days beforehand.
No exhibit may be used during a remote hearing unless a copy of the pre-marked exhibit was provided to all other parties and the Court at least three (3) full business day before the hearing;
Page 4 | V. PROCEDURE for Remote Hearings
Copies of a filed written appearance, general or special, must be served in the manner required for service of copies of pleadings.
If a written appearance, general or special, is filed, copies of the appearance shall be served in the manner required for the service of copies of pleading.
Page 1 | RULE 301. FILING AND APPEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
The moving party must give all other parties written hearing notice; notice close to trial must follow the Court’s directions, and other notice must follow Supreme Court Rule 11.
Written notice of the hearing of all motions shall be given by the party requesting hearing to all other parties. Notice of motion made within a court day of trial shall be given as directed by the Court. Notice for all other motions shall be given in the manner described in Supreme Court Rule 11.
Page 3 | RULE 302. MOTIONS
The hearing notice must be served with a copy of the written motion and all papers presented, or with a statement that those materials were previously served.
A copy of any written motion and of all papers presented or a statement that they previously have been served shall be served with the notice.
Page 3 | RULE 302. MOTIONS
The party obtaining an order after a motion heard without prior notice must serve written hearing notice on parties not in default and file proof of that service.
If a motion is heard without prior notice under this rule, written notice of the hearing of the motion showing the title and number of the action, the name of the judge who heard the motion, date of the hearing, and the order of the court thereof, whether granted or denied, shall be served by the party obtaining the order upon all parties not theretofore found by the court to be in default for failure to plead and proof of service thereof shall be filed with the clerk within two (2) days after the hearing.
Page 3 | RULE 302. MOTIONS
Discovery requests must be served on the directed party, and proof of that service is required.
Proof of service of any request for discovery shall be made by certification of counsel briefly describing the request made, together with proof of service on the party to whom they were directed.
Page 4 | RULE 303. DISCOVERY – INTERROGATORIES, REQUESTS FOR PRODUCTION AND DEPOSITIONS
Every order presented for entry must demonstrate proof of service on all opposing parties in compliance with Supreme Court Rule 11.
All orders presented to the court for entry shall demonstrate proof of service upon all opposing parties in compliance with Supreme Court Rule 11.
Page 4 | RULE 302. MOTIONS
An original discovery request, including interrogatories and requests for production, must be served on the party or parties to whom it is directed.
In all family matters an original request for discovery (including interrogatories and requests for production) shall be made by serving such request upon the party or parties upon whom they are directed.
Page 4 | RULE 303. DISCOVERY – INTERROGATORIES, REQUESTS FOR PRODUCTION AND DEPOSITIONS
A copy of each discovery request served on a non-party must be served on the opposing party in accordance with Supreme Court Rule 104(b).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a copy of any discovery request served upon a non-party, including subpoenas for deposition for documents only, shall be filed with the clerk and served upon the opposing party in accord with Supreme Court Rule 104 (b).
Page 5 | RULE 303. DISCOVERY – INTERROGATORIES, REQUESTS FOR PRODUCTION AND DEPOSITIONS
A mediator must not be served with a subpoena in a sanction or contempt proceeding.
The mediator shall not be served with a subpoena or called as a witness in a sanction or contempt proceeding.
Page 17 | Sanctions for Failure to Appear
Mediation sessions are confidential, and mediators must not be served with subpoenas or called as witnesses.
The content of all mediation sessions shall be confidential and the mediator(s) shall not be served with a subpoena or called as a witness.
Page 18 | Mediation of parental responsibility allocation and parenting time issues in matters other than dissolution and paternity cases
The mediating judge must give counsel, unrepresented parties, and the Clerk mailed or faxed notice of the mediation setting at least 10 days in advance.
Notice of such setting for mediation shall be given by the mediating judge at least 10 days in advance of the judicial mediation setting by mailed or faxed notice to counsel, unrepresented parties and the Clerk of the court in which the case is pending.
Page 24
After a Judicial Mediation Order is entered, the Clerk must immediately send copies to the Chief Judge, counsel for represented parties, and all parties.
Upon entry of a Judicial Mediation Order, the Clerk of the court in which the case is pending shall immediately send copies of said order to the Chief Judge and to counsel for represented parties and to all parties whether self-represented or represented.
Page 24
The Clerk must immediately mail the notice of assignment to counsel and all parties.
Immediately mail copies of such notice to counsel and all self-represented and represented parties in the case;
Page 24
The Clerk must mail or fax the listed case records and party and counsel contact information to the mediating judge.
Mail or fax to the mediating judge copies of the following: 1. The Judicial Mediation Order; 2. Record sheets and all pleadings in the case; 3. All filed discovery material; 4. Completed pre-mediation questionnaires (containing, among other items, domestic violence-related inquiries); 5. All settlement conference memoranda filed in the case; and 6. Current mailing addresses, telephone and FAX numbers for the parties and counsel in the case.
Page 24
When a provisional order is filed, the Clerk must send copies to counsel and all parties, including unrepresented parties, and bring the order to the trial judge’s attention.
Upon filing of a provisional order, the Clerk of the Court shall send copies of same to counsel and to all parties whether represented or unrepresented, and shall bring such order to the attention of the trial judge.
Page 26
The objector must give proper notice to the requestor, the court media liaison, all counsel of record, and parties appearing without counsel.
4. Proper notice has been given to the requestor, the court media liaison, all counsel of record, and parties appearing without counsel.
Page 1 | OBJECTION OF PARTY TO REQUEST FOR EXTENDED MEDIA COVERAGE
The media coordinator must provide the filed notice to counsel, unrepresented parties, and the specified court officials and judge.
A copy of the filed notice shall be provided by the media coordinator to all counsel of record, parties appearing without counsel, the appropriate court media liaison, the trial court administrator and the judge expected to preside.
Page 3 | 1.3 Procedural
The party’s objection must include proof of service showing that copies were provided to the listed recipients.
I have attached a proof of service showing a copy of this objection upon the Chief Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, the Presiding Judge, Trial Court Administrator, all counsel of record, parties appearing without counsel and the media coordinator.
Page 7 | Objection of Party to Extended Media Coverage of Testimony
Proper notice must be given to the court media liaison, counsel of record, and parties appearing without counsel for the media-coverage request.
Proper notice has been given to the court media liaison, all counsel of record, and parties appearing without counsel.
Page 1 | EXTENDED MEDIA COVERAGE REQUEST FORM
Counsel or a self-represented party seeking to introduce a witness’s testimony must notify the witness of the request for or grant of extended media coverage.
Any counsel or self-represented party, who seeks to introduce the testimony of a witness, shall notify the witness of the request for, or the granting of, extended media coverage.
Page 3 | 4.0 Procedural
Witnesses may obtain the circuit clerk’s assistance in providing objection copies to counsel, unrepresented parties, the media coordinator, and the judge.
Witnesses shall be entitled to the assistance of the clerk of the circuit court in providing copies of this objection to all counsel of record, parties appearing without counsel, the media coordinator and the judge.
Page 3 | 1.3 Procedural
Failure to notify all counsel and unrepresented parties may result in denial of the media coverage request.
Failure to provide notice to all counsel of record and to parties appearing without counsel may result in denial of the request for extended media coverage.
Page 3 | 1.3 Procedural
Notice of the request is to be provided to counsel of record, parties appearing without counsel, and the court media liaison.
- 5. Notice of this request has been provided to: Counsel of record: _____ Parties appearing without counsel: _____ The court media liaison: _____
Page 6 | NEWS MEDIA REQUEST FOR EXTENDED MEDIA COVERAGE
A witness may ask the Clerk for assistance providing copies of the objection to the listed recipients.
I hereby ask the Clerk of the Circuit Clerk for assistance in providing copies of this objection to the Chief Judge of the Seventh Circuit, the Presiding Judge, Trial Court Administrator, all counsel of record, parties appearing without counsel and the media coordinator.
Page 8 | Objection of Witness to Extended Media Coverage of Testimony
Filing Fees and Waivers
A defendant in a listed case must pay a $10 probation and court services operations fee upon a guilty judgment or grant of supervision, except in qualifying Supreme Court Rule 529 cases with bail of $120 or less.
WHEREAS, pursuant to 705 ILCS 105/27.3a(1.1), the Chief Judge of the circuit has ordered that the clerk of the circuit court shall impose a fee pursuant to subsection 1 and shall charge and collect an additional $10.00 operations fee for probation and court services department operations; and WHEREAS, this additional fee shall be paid by the defendant in any felony, traffic, misdemeanor, local ordinance, or conservation case upon a judgment of guilty or grant of supervision, except such $10.00 operations fee shall not be charged and collected in cases governed by Supreme Court Rule 529 in which the bail amount is $120.00 or less; and
Criminal cases
Page 1 | Probation Fee Supplemental To Operations
An inmate’s petition must include a remittance payable to the Clerk, capped at 50% of the inmate’s average monthly income for the preceding six months and no more than the full statutory fee; payment of the remaining fee is postponed until final judgment.
The petition shall be accompanied by a remittance payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court in an amount not to exceed fifty percent of the inmate's average monthly income for six months immediately preceding the filing of the petition, but in no event to exceed the full statutory fee required of all other parties in civil cases. Payment of the balance of the statutory fee shall be postponed pending the entry of a final judgment in such causes as provided by law.
Page 2 | RULE 301. FILING AND APPEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
An inmate unable to make the partial payment for good cause may petition for review of the complaint, and the court may excuse all prepayment upon good cause and exigent circumstances.
If an inmate shows good cause why he or she cannot make the partial payment required by this rule, he or she may petition the court to review his or her complaint for the existence of a colorable question of law or fact and the court may for good cause shown, and the establishment of exigent circumstances, excuse pre-payment of fees in their entirety.
Page 2 | RULE 301. FILING AND APPEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
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 2 | 3.0 General
Judicial mediation is provided without charge.
Judicial mediation is free of charge.
Page 23
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies of the motion shall be provided to the presiding judge, as well as the opponent/opposing counsel.
Courtesy copies of the motion shall be provided to the presiding judge, as well as the opponent/opposing counsel.
Page 5 | VI. FAMILY DIVISION
Counsel may provide a courtesy copy to the assigned judge before any hearing.
Counsel may provide a courtesy copy to the judge assigned to the case prior to any hearing.
Page 5 | RULE 304. CASE MANAGEMENT
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Financial documents, bank records, and income-and-expense affidavits admitted as exhibits are impounded unless the court orders otherwise.
Any financial document, bank record or affidavit of income and expenses offered and received as an exhibit shall be considered impounded, unless the court orders otherwise.
Page 6 | RULE 304. CASE MANAGEMENT
The mediating judge may record portions of mediation stating or affirming an agreement, must seal and exclusively retain any recording after mediation, and may destroy it.
The mediating judge may electronically record those portions of a mediation in which any agreement of the parties is being stated or affirmed, but shall seal and exclusively retain any such recordings upon conclusion of mediation in any assigned case and may destroy any such recordings.
Page 22 | Judicial Mediation Program (Adopted Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 905)
Filing Bundling Requirements
Identical discovery requests to multiple parties may be covered by a single certification.
If identical requests are made of multiple parties, they may be included in one certification.
Page 4 | RULE 303. DISCOVERY – INTERROGATORIES, REQUESTS FOR PRODUCTION AND DEPOSITIONS
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Before filing an objection to a discovery request or a motion to enforce compliance, the party must personally consult and make reasonable efforts to resolve the dispute, or document opposing counsel’s unavailability or unreasonable efforts, and file the required certificate.
Prior to filing any objection to any requests or filing a motion to enforce compliance with any request, the party so filing is required to file with the objection or motion a certificate that states that counsel have been unable to resolve discovery differences after personal consultation and reasonable attempts to resolve differences have been unable to reach an accord or that opposing counsel has made himself or herself unavailable for personal consultation or was unreasonable in attempts to resolve differences, as required by Supreme Court Rule 201 (k).
Page 4 | RULE 303. DISCOVERY – INTERROGATORIES, REQUESTS FOR PRODUCTION AND DEPOSITIONS
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
The trial judge may decide whether to continue a hearing because of technical difficulties.
The trial judge has the discretion of whether or not to continue the hearing due to technical difficulties.
Page 5 | VI. FAMILY DIVISION
All law enforcement agencies in the Seventh Judicial Circuit receive a 90-day extension to implement the form updates, expiring March 31, 2025.
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, that all law enforcement agencies in the 7th Judicial Circuit are granted a 90-day extension to implement the changes to the Illinois Citation and Complaint forms that became effective on January 1, 2025. The extension expires on March 31, 2025.
Page 1 | Law Enforcement Agencies requesting extension to comply with updates
Chambers Communication Rules
A scheduling party who wants to use a platform other than Zoom must inform the Court and determine whether it is acceptable.
If the party scheduling the matter desires a platform other than Zoom, the party shall inform the Court and determine whether the alternative platform is acceptable to the Court.
Page 2 | IV. SCHEDULING a Remote Hearing
For an eligible or Court-approved remote hearing, the scheduling party must obtain the hearing date and time from the Court or its assistant.
If a matter is presumed to be eligible for remote hearing or the parties have agreed to a remote hearing which has been approved by the Court, the party scheduling the matter shall obtain a time and date for the hearing from the Court or Court's assistant.
Page 2 | IV. SCHEDULING a Remote Hearing
When all parties agree to a remote hearing for a matter presumed ineligible, one party must contact the Court to determine whether it will hear the matter remotely.
If a matter is presumed to be ineligible for remote hearing, but all parties have agreed to a remote hearing, one of the parties shall contact the Court to determine whether the Court will hear the matter remotely.
Page 3 | IV. SCHEDULING a Remote Hearing
If an opposing party has not appeared and/or the party providing Notice does not have an opposing party's e-mail address or telephone number, the Notice shall also inform the opposing party that the party may participate in the hearing personally at the designated time and place, and alternatively, that if the party prefers to participate in the hearing remotely, the party should inform the Clerk of the Court at least three (3) full business day before the hearing of the party's desire to participate remotely and provide the Clerk the party's e-mail address or, if none, a telephone number. The Clerk will then forward that information to the presiding judge.
If an opposing party has not appeared and/or the party providing Notice does not have an opposing party's e-mail address or telephone number, the Notice shall also inform the opposing party that the party may participate in the hearing personally at the designated time and place, and alternatively, that if the party prefers to participate in the hearing remotely, the party should inform the Clerk of the Court at least three (3) full business day before the hearing of the party's desire to participate remotely and provide the Clerk the party's e-mail address or, if none, a telephone number. The Clerk will then forward that information to the presiding judge.
Page 3 | IV. SCHEDULING a Remote Hearing
A party whose witness or party needs an interpreter is responsible for coordinating with the 7th Circuit Court Administrator about obtaining and involving the interpreter.
If a party or a party's witness requires the use of an interpreter, that party shall be responsible for coordinating with the 7th Circuit Court Administrator how the interpreter will be obtained and involved in the hearing;
Page 4 | V. PROCEDURE for Remote Hearings
Counsel must not communicate ex parte with a court-appointed evaluator unless the court permits it.
Unless otherwise permitted by the court, neither counsel may engage in ex parte communications with a court-appointed evaluator.
Page 7 | Parental Responsibility Evaluations
A party requesting a remote telephone appearance must give the judge's scheduling personnel a valid, working telephone number so the court can call the party.
For counties utilizing telephonic hearings, the Court may initiate the telephone contact of the party requesting the remote telephonic appearance. It is the responsibility of the party requesting the telephonic appearance to provide the Judge's scheduling personnel a valid, working telephone number for the Court to initiate the call;
Page 5 | VI. FAMILY DIVISION
Members of the public and media who want to observe a hearing should contact Court Administration for attendance directions.
Members of the public and/or media who desire to observe a hearing should contact Court Administration for directions on how to attend.
Page 7 | IX. PUBLIC ACCESS
The approved mediator list can be obtained by calling the Court Administration Office at 217-753-6360.
An approved list of mediators can be obtained through the Court Administration Office at 217- 753-6360
Page 31 | Family Court Rules