15th Judicial Circuit Court, Ogle County, Illinois
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
- Upon request
Adjournments
- Matters scheduled for a listed legal holiday are continued to the next business day of the Court.
- Absent extraordinary circumstances, anyone prejudiced by a subsequent filing taking effect on the date first attempted is entitled to an order extending the response date or other period for performing an act.
- A motion to continue requires good cause; counsel agreements do not bind the Court, which may require affidavits from the parties and attorneys.
- +16 more
Request must include
- A motion to continue trial must be filed and notice given at least seven days before trial.
- A trial-continuance motion and notice are due at least seven days before trial and must be heard at least four days before; conflicting-setting motions require a specified attorney affidavit, and jury and bench continuances have distinct standards.
Communication
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Clerk
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Document Format Requirements18 rules
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.
- Font size
- At least 12 points
- Margins
- At least 1 inch
- Paper size
- Letter
Court's wording
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.
All electronically filed documents must be in PDF format.
- File type
The vendor’s program sets the maximum file size; a document exceeding it must be divided into multiple 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.
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.
A civil court-fee waiver application must use the form adopted by the Illinois Supreme Court.
Court's wording
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.
The required warning in covered post-judgment notices must appear in bold type or be underlined.
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.”
The financial affidavit form shall comply with the standardized, statewide form available at the Illinois Supreme Court website.
E-filed documents must use at least 12-point body text, 8½-by-11-inch pages, one-inch minimum margins, a blank 2-by-2-inch top-right corner on the first pleading page, and PDF format.
- File type
- 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. (d) PDF Format. All electronically filed documents must be in PDF format.
A filing may not exceed the Vendor’s maximum file size; larger documents must be divided into separately filed parts 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.
(1) Marking Exhibits. 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.
The Clerk may reject an e-filed document that fails to comply with applicable formatting requirements.
Court's wording
The Clerk may reject a document submitted for E-filing if the document does not comply with the format specified by applicable statute, these Rules, applicable Supreme Court Rules, or the Statewide Standards.
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.
Each of the exhibits shall be marked for identification by the court reporter, clerk, or attorneys, as the Court directs.
- Exhibits
Formatting
- •Each exhibit must be marked for identification as the Court directs
The specified arrest-warrant 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 petitioner shall file a typewritten copy of the will and/or codicil in English with the petition
the petitioner shall file a typewritten copy of the will and/or codicil with the petition
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.
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.
Document Filing Requirements171 rules
Additionally, each E-document shall include the case title, case number, and nature of the filing.
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.
each individual document must be uploaded and titled individually.
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.
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
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.
Each pleading shall set out the name of the circuit and county and the designation of the parties.
Every appearance must contain the SRL’s legible name, address, telephone number, and, if required, e-mail address.
If an SRL’s appearance waives notice or consents to an immediate hearing, it must state that the SRL received the relevant pleading and include a copy.
Court's wording
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.
If an SRL’s appearance is not e-filed, the SRL must sign it and have the signature acknowledged by an authorized person.
Court's wording
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Document
- Notice of hearing
Must include
- •Judge name
In other default situations, the plaintiff must file a written motion requesting a default finding and 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 who obtained the order must serve written notice containing the action, judge, hearing date, and ruling information on the specified parties.
- Document
- Notice of motion heard without prior notice
Must include
- •Judge name
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.
A request for relief concerning specified discovery materials must include and file as an exhibit copies of the relevant portions.
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 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.
A subpoena seeking documents must include the specified legend on its face or conspicuously attached.
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.
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.
The attorney or SRL receiving or reviewing the materials shall acknowledge that fact by signing a receipt provided by the disclosing party.
If directed by the Court, an attorney or SRL must submit a written order within 30 days or another time set by the Court.
Court's wording
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.
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.
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. 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.
A motion to continue based on a conflicting setting must include an attorney affidavit identifying the other case, judge, setting time and place, and date 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.
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.
Covered post-judgment notices must include the specified arrest-warrant warning.
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.”
Before the foreclosure sale, the plaintiff or counsel must supply the sheriff with the listed judgment and sale-notice documents.
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.
Unless otherwise directed, the foreclosure plaintiff or counsel must prepare the listed sale documents and assist the Court and sheriff with the 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.
The sheriff must maintain an inspection-accessible record of sale fees and commissions showing the dates, amounts, and case title and number.
Court's wording
The sheriff shall prepare and keep on file, open to inspection by the Court and others, a full and complete record of all fees and commissions received for sales conducted by the sheriff under authority of the Court, which record shall show the dates and amounts received and the title and number of each case.
(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.
When imposing sanctions, the Court shall enter a written judgment order setting forth the factual basis of the finding and specifying the sanctions.
In this event, the judge before whom the alleged contempt transpired shall specify in writing the nature of the alleged acts of contempt, direct that a record of the proceedings surrounding the acts be prepared, and transfer the matter to the appropriate assignment judge for reassignment.
An indirect criminal contempt proceeding must begin with a verified petition that describes the alleged conduct with particularity.
Court's wording
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 arrest-warrant 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.”
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 type or underlined.
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.”
After an adjudication of civil contempt, a written judgment order must specify the contumacious conduct, sanctions, and means of purging the contempt.
Court's wording
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.
When property apportionment is disputed, the parties must submit a statement itemizing claimed marital and non-marital property, proposed values and apportionment, and supporting authorities.
Court's wording
If property apportionment is in dispute, the parties, at least five days before the hearing or when otherwise ordered by the Court, shall, in addition to the financial affidavit, submit a statement of proposed property apportionment that includes an itemization of all property claimed as marital and non-marital, a proposed value of each item, a proposed property apportionment, and citation to any authorities relied on by the proponent to support the proposed apportionment.
Each party in a covered action must file a financial affidavit, except that no additional affidavit is required before the permanent-relief hearing if one was filed before the temporary-relief hearing and there has been no substantial change.
Court's wording
In all actions in which there is a dispute involving property, temporary or other maintenance, temporary or other child support, or post-high school educational expenses, each party shall file a financial affidavit at least five days before the hearing on the issue(s) or when otherwise ordered by the Court. If a financial affidavit has been filed before a hearing on temporary relief, an additional financial affidavit need not be filed before the hearing for permanent relief if there has been no substantial change at the time of the final hearing.
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.
(5) Current representative wage stubs or other documents demonstrating the disclosing party’s current income from all sources;
The required disclosure must list covered financial accounts in which a party has an interest and identify the institution and account number.
Court's wording
(11) A list of any accounts held by any bank, savings and loan, brokerage company, credit union, or other thrift institution in which accounts any party has a legal or equitable interest, whether held in the name of a party or by any other person or entity for the benefit of a party, setting forth the name and address or any institution or entity and the identification number of the account;
The required disclosure must list specified retirement and similar interests and identify the owner or administrator and account or plan number.
Court's wording
(9) A list of any annuities, pensions, profit sharing plans, retirement plans, IRS accounts, 401(K) or Keogh plans, or other similar equities in which any party has or claims a legal or equitable interest, setting forth the names and addresses of the owner, plan administrator, trustee, or manager and any identifying number of the annuity, account, or plan;
(14) The names and addresses of any doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, or mental health counselors who have consulted with or treated any child of the parties during the 12 months preceding the date of the order; and
(6) Copies of all appraisals conducted within three years of any personal property or real estate in which either party claims a legal or equitable interest;
The required disclosure must identify intended trial witnesses, provide their contact information, and describe their expected testimony.
Court's wording
(15) The names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of all witnesses the disclosing party intends to call at trial, together with a description of the subject matter about which each witness might be called to testify.
(8) A statement setting forth the details of any claim of a right to reimbursement for contribution;
(10) A list of any stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other equities in which any party has a legal or equitable interest, whether held in the name of a party or by any other person or entity for the benefit of a party;
(13) Copies of federal and state tax returns of any party, together with all supporting schedules, W-2 forms, and 1099 forms for all income included in the returns for the three calendar years preceding the date of the order;
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Wills and other testamentary documents may not be accepted for electronic filing.
Wills and other testamentary documents shall not be accepted for electronic filing.
Page 15 | PART 2. E-FILING, Rule 2.2 Requirement of Electronic Filing
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 | PART 2. E-FILING, Rule 2.2 Requirement of Electronic Filing
Electronic filing is authorized and mandated in civil proceedings through the Illinois Supreme Court-authorized EFM.
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 | PART 2. E-FILING, Rule 2.1 Authority
All Filers must register through their Vendor, and registrations identify the source of electronically submitted documents.
All Filers shall be registered through their Vendor. All registrations will be used to identify the source of any document submitted electronically to the Clerk.
Page 16 | PART 2. E-FILING, Rule 2.4 Registration; Authorized Users
Attorneys registering to e-file must provide the listed identifying, contact, e-service, and fee-payment information.
Attorneys must register with the Clerk and shall at a minimum provide the following information: firm name; attorney names and ARDC registration numbers; address; phone number; e-mail address for E-service; staff contact information; and an approved method for paying filing fees.
Page 16 | PART 2. E-FILING, Rule 2.4 Registration; Authorized Users
The Clerk must accept and approve electronic filings submitted through a Vendor or the Clerk’s workstation.
The Clerk shall accept and approve filings electronically, through a Vendor or through the Clerk’s computer workstation.
Page 16 | PART 2. E-FILING, Rule 2.5 Method of Filing
Users must register with the Clerk and the Court’s 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.
Page 16 | PART 2. E-FILING, Rule 2.4 Registration; Authorized Users
The E-filing program must not prevent 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 | PART 2. E-FILING, Rule 2.5 Method of Filing
Documents received by fax will not 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.
Page 21 | Rule 3.2(e) No Filing by Facsimile
A civil court-fee waiver application 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 | PART 4. APPEARANCES
The Clerk may not file documents received by fax unless a Supreme Court Rule or the Court authorizes it.
The Clerk shall not file documents received by facsimile transmission unless otherwise authorized by Supreme Court Rule or the Court.
Page 1 | Rule 3.2 Pleadings and Court Files
The Clerk accepts and approves electronic filings through a Vendor or the Clerk’s workstation.
The Clerk shall accept and approve filings electronically, through a Vendor or through the Clerk’s computer workstation.
Page 1 | Rule 2.5 Method of Filing
Electronic filing is required in all 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.
Page 1 | Rule 2.2 Requirement of Electronic Filing
The e-filing program must not prevent conventional filing of a pleading or document required to be filed conventionally.
At no time shall the E-filing program prevent or exclude the ability to file any pleading or document that is required to be filed by Conventional Filing.
Page 1 | Rule 2.5 Method of Filing
Wills and other testamentary documents cannot be e-filed, and the Clerk may reject filings of 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.
Page 1 | Rule 2.2 Requirement of Electronic Filing
Users must register with 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.
Page 1 | Rule 2.4 Registration; Authorized Users
With the Director's approval, the Court may authorize or require e-filing in additional case types by written order, and the Clerk directs any phase-in.
With approval of the Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, the Court by written administrative order may authorize or require electronic filing of additional types of cases. The Clerk shall direct any phasing in of case types.
Page 15 | PART 2. E-FILING, Rule 2.2 Requirement of Electronic Filing
When the Court excuses a party from e-filing, the Clerk must scan that party’s conventionally filed documents into the electronic file.
If the Court excuses a party from the obligation to electronically file documents, the Clerk shall scan documents filed by Conventional Filing by that party into the electronic file.
Page 16 | PART 2. E-FILING, Rule 2.5 Method of Filing
When the Court excuses a party from e-filing, the Clerk must scan that party’s conventionally filed documents into the electronic file.
If the Court excuses a party from the obligation to electronically file documents, the Clerk shall scan documents filed by Conventional Filing by that party into the electronic file.
Page 1 | Rule 2.5 Method of Filing
Self-represented litigants may e-file through a Vendor as prescribed by the Clerk.
SRLs may utilize E-filing through a Vendor in the manner prescribed by the Clerk.
Page 16 | PART 2. E-FILING, Rule 2.4 Registration; Authorized Users
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 | PART 2. E-FILING, Rule 2.4 Registration; Authorized Users
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Filing deadlines for motions and pleadings that fall on a listed legal holiday are extended to the next business day of the Court.
The time for filing all motions and pleadings is extended to the next business day of the Court.
Court notice
Page 1 | 15th Judicial Circuit Court Holidays
If the Clerk requests a hard copy of an electronically filed document, the Filer must provide it within seven days of reasonable notice.
At any time, the Clerk may request from the Filer a hard copy of an electronically filed document, which shall be provided within seven days of reasonable notice.
Page 19
Except as provided in Rule 2.13, transmission determines the filing date and time; pleadings received before midnight on an open day are deemed filed that day, while those filed on a closed day are 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)
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
The Clerk must set a motion to vacate for hearing before the ordering judge within 14 days; if that judge is unavailable or cannot hear it within that period, the matter is referred to the Chief Judge or designee.
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. If the judge ordering the case, record, or document sealed or impounded is no longer available or cannot hear the motion within the 14 days, the case shall be referred to the Chief Judge or his or her designee for review.
Page 23 | Rule 3.3(f)
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 | PART 4. 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 | PART 4. APPEARANCES
A party who appears without having been served with summons must plead within the period that would apply if served on the day of appearance.
A party who appears without having been served with summons is required to plead within the same time as if served with summons on the day he or she appears.
Page 26 | PART 4. APPEARANCES
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 | PART 5. MOTIONS AND OTHER PRE-TRIAL PROCEEDINGS
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 Specific Motions
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 Specific Motions
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 Specific Motions
Dispositive motions must be filed and brought to argument on notice no later than 90 days before trial, subject to the Court limiting or extending 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 Specific Motions
The receipt or acknowledgment must be filed at the time of trial or other disposition, unless a dispute arises concerning the extent of disclosure.
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.
Page 34 | Rule 5.5 Discovery in Criminal Cases
A directed written order is due within 30 days unless the Court establishes another time.
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
Attorneys and SRLs must file the required pretrial documents at least 10 days before the final pretrial conference.
When a final pretrial conference is scheduled, the attorneys for each of the parties and each SRL shall file and serve pretrial documents as required by the Court at least 10 days before the final pretrial conference.
Page 36 | Rule 5.9 Final Pretrial Conference
If the parties do not agree on a mediator within 14 days after referral, the plaintiff, the plaintiff’s attorney, or an attorney agreed upon by all attorneys must notify the Court within the next seven days, and the Court will appoint a certified mediator.
If the parties cannot agree on a mediator within 14 days after the entry of the order of referral, the plaintiff or plaintiff’s attorney (or another attorney agreed on by all attorneys) shall notify the Court within the next seven days, and the Court shall appoint a certified mediator.
Page 41 | Rule 6.4 Mediation Rules and Procedures
A motion to defer mediation may be made within 14 days after entry of the referral order.
Within 14 days after entry of the order of referral, any party may move to defer the mediation.
Page 41 | PART 6. CIVIL MEDIATION
Mediation must be completed within seven weeks of the first conference unless the Court orders an extension or the parties stipulate to one.
Mediation shall be completed with seven weeks of the first mediation conference unless extended by order of the Court or by stipulation of the parties.
Page 42 | PART 6. CIVIL MEDIATION
The mediator must file a report with the Clerk within 14 days after mediation ends stating whether an agreement was reached, in whole or in part.
(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.
Page 43 | PART 6. CIVIL MEDIATION
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Jury summonses must be served at least 15 days before service begins and may be served by regular mail to the listed voter-registration or driver’s-license address.
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(c) Jury Summonses
E-service must comply with Supreme Court Rules 11 and 12, is complete at the Vendor-posted transmission time, and is effective on 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)
Documents must be served on parties who are not registered E-filing or E-service participants as otherwise provided by 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)
Documents requiring personal service to confer jurisdiction may not be served electronically and must be served conventionally.
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)
An attorney must serve copies of the 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 | PART 4. 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 | PART 4. APPEARANCES
Unless an individual court standing order or discretionary case-by-case exception allows otherwise, the written motion seeking permission to appear remotely must be served as required by Local Rule 5.1.
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)
Unless the Court orders otherwise, a pre-marked exhibit may be used at a remote hearing only if a copy was provided to all other parties and the Court at least one full business day beforehand.
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, remote hearings shall be conducted as follows: (1) The Court will host the hearing and control entry into the hearing; (2) If requested by a party and if technologically feasible, the Court may allow breakout meetings, private chats, or other private communication between attorneys and clients during the hearing; provided, however, that during the testimony of any person, that person may not communicate by private chat with any other person; (3) The Court is responsible for the official record of the remote hearing, and no party may record any part of the hearing through the Zoom platform or any other means; (4) Any person permitted to testify remotely must appear by both video and audio; (5) When a participant is not speaking, the participant shall mute her or his microphone; (6) All participants must be in an environment free of video and/or audio distractions; (7) 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)
Unless the Court allows otherwise, when an attorney or SRL has made the good-faith scheduling effort but an opposing party has not cooperated, 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
The party must serve a copy of the motion with the hearing notice or state that the motion was served previously.
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
Motion-hearing notice must be given using 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 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 when notice is given.
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
Unless the Court allows otherwise, if the attorney or SRL did not make the good-faith scheduling effort, notice may not be served fewer than 10 days before the hearing; if notice is sent to any party by regular mail, it must be mailed at least 14 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; 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
Notice that additional relief is 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 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 Specific Motions
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 Specific Motions
The attorney or SRL who obtained an order after a hearing without prior notice must serve notice on the specified parties in the manner described in S. Ct. R. 11 and file proof of service.
If a motion is heard without prior notice under this Rule, written notice of the motion, showing the title and number of the action, the name of the judge who heard the motion, the date of the hearing, and the ruling of the Court, shall be served by the attorney or SRL obtaining the order on all parties who have appeared or have not been found by the Court to be in default and on all parties whose time to appear had not expired on the date of the hearing. Proof of service shall be filed with the Clerk within 48 hours after the hearing. Notice shall be given in the manner and to the persons described in S. Ct. R. 11.
Page 32 | Rule 5.2 Specific Motions
If the conference date and time are provided in a separate Clerk-completed document, that document must be delivered to the plaintiff and served with the summons on all defendants.
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.
Page 33 | Initial case management conference
Discovery documents must be served under Supreme Court Rule 11, and proof of service or answering must be filed with the Clerk with the specified identifying information.
Discovery documents shall be served in accordance with S. Ct. R. 11. Proof of serving or answering discovery documents shall be filed with the Clerk and shall identify the discovery document being served or answered and contain the case title and number, date served, and the sending and receiving parties.
Page 33 | Rule 5.4 Discovery Documents
Subpoenas issued under this rule must be served in accordance with the Supreme Court Rules.
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 as authorized 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)
A pleading must be accompanied by any required filing fee or an application to sue or defend as an indigent person for the Clerk to accept it.
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 | PART 4. APPEARANCES
One appearance filed for several parties requires one appearance fee; 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 | PART 4. APPEARANCES
The required fee for a supplemental-proceeding petition must be paid when the petition is filed.
The required fee shall be paid when the petition is filed.
Page 60 | Part 9, Rule 9.4(b) Invoking Jurisdiction
A petitioner or claimant filing a jury demand must pay the required jury fee when filing the petition or claim.
Rule 9.13 Jury Demand. A petitioner or claimant desirous of a jury trial under the Act must file a jury demand with the Clerk and pay the required fee when the petition or claim is filed.
Page 65 | Rule 9.13
An opposing party filing a jury demand must pay the fee when filing its answer or other responsive pleading.
A representative or other party in interest opposing the petition or claim that desires a jury trial must file a jury demand and pay the fee when filing the answer or other responsive pleading.
Page 66 | Rule 9.13
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 1 | Rule 2.12 Collection of Fees
The appearance fee must be paid when the appearance is filed.
The appearance fee shall be paid when the appearance is filed.
Page 1 | Rule 4.2 Appearance Fees
A pleading must include its required fee or an indigency application; an indigency-petition filing is considered filed when e-filed or properly presented, and the Clerk must promptly present the petition to the Court.
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.
Page 1 | Rule 3.2 Pleadings and Court Files
When an E-filing includes a fee-waiver request under S. Ct. R. 298, payment of the fees 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)
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)
A person cited in supplementary proceedings under 735 ILCS 5/2-1401 is not required to pay an appearance fee.
No appearance fee shall be required of a person cited in supplementary proceedings under the provisions of 735 ILCS 5/2-1401.
Page 26 | PART 4. APPEARANCES
If no estate assets remain, costs may be waived and unpaid fees and expenses may be barred under section 15 of the Act.
If no assets remain in the estate, costs may be waived, and other fees and expenses unpaid may be barred pursuant to section 15 of the Act.
Page 63 | Rule 9.10
A jury fee will not be reimbursed if the jury trial is subsequently waived.
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 until the Court rules on an included fee-waiver 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 1 | Rule 2.12 Collection of Fees
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 courtesy copies of documents to the Court 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)
Parties must provide courtesy copies of documents when the Court requests them.
If requested by the Court, parties shall provide courtesy copies of documents to the Court.
Page 1 | Rule 2.11 Electronic Service and Filing Proof of Service
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
The filer must ensure electronically filed documents and exhibits do not disclose impounded, sealed, or 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
Presentence investigation reports must be impounded subject to the cited statutory provisions.
Presentence investigation reports shall be impounded subject to the terms of 730 ILCS 5/5-3-4 (a) and (b).
Page 22 | Rule 3.3(c)(5) Specific Exceptions
Juvenile files must be impounded subject to the cited statutory provisions.
Juvenile files shall be impounded subject to the terms of 705 ILCS 405/1-8 and 705 ILCS 405/5-901.
Page 22 | Rule 3.3(c)(1) Specific Exceptions
Adoption files must be impounded subject to the cited statutory provision.
Adoption files shall be impounded subject to the terms of 750 ILCS 50/18.
Page 22 | Rule 3.3(c)(2) Specific Exceptions
Reports concerning adjudication of disability and appointment of a guardian must be impounded subject to the cited statutory provision.
Reports filed with respect to adjudication of disability and appointment of guardian shall be impounded subject to the terms of 755 ILCS 5/11a-9.
Page 22 | Rule 3.3(c)(7) Specific Exceptions
Proceedings under the Parental Notice of Abortion Act must be sealed under the cited statutory provision.
Proceedings under the Parental Notice of Abortion Act shall be sealed pursuant to the terms of 750 ILCS 70/25.
Page 22 | Rule 3.3(c)(3) Specific Exceptions
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
Financial affidavits and other documents described in Rule 8.1(c) must be impounded as that rule provides.
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 subject to the cited statutory provision.
Fitness reports and psychological and/or psychiatric evaluations shall be impounded subject to the terms of 725 ILCS 5/104-19.
Page 22 | Rule 3.3(c)(4) Specific Exceptions
Mental health records must be impounded subject to the cited statutory provisions.
Mental health records shall be impounded subject to the terms of 740 ILCS 110/1 et seq.
Page 22 | Rule 3.3(c)(6) Specific Exceptions
Judge’s notes described in Rule 3.8 must be impounded as that rule provides.
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
A motion to seal or impound must be written, presented to the Court after appropriate notice to all parties, and explain the basis and proposed duration.
All motions to seal or impound a file, record, or document must be made in writing and presented to the Court after appropriate notice to all parties. The motion must explain the basis for sealing or impounding the file, record, or document and specify the proposed duration of the sealing
Page 22 | Rule 3.3(d) Procedure for Sealing or Impounding
Unless an identified legal exception applies, a file, record, or document may be impounded or sealed 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
The Court must issue a written order on a sealing or impounding request, and any order granting relief must specify the material sealed, whether parties’ names are removed from public access, and the sealing duration.
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.
Page 23 | Rule 3.3
Unless the order provides otherwise, the Clerk must annually present each judge with a list of that judge’s sealed or impounded files, records, and documents for review.
Unless otherwise specified in the order, the Clerk annually shall present for each judge’s review a list of all files, records, or documents sealed or impounded by the judge.
Page 23 | Rule 3.3(e)
The ordering judge must review sealed or impounded material to determine whether it remains sealed; if that judge is unavailable, the matter goes to the Chief Judge or designee, and Rule 3.3(c) files are exempt from review.
If the judge ordering the file, record, or document to be sealed or impounded is no longer available, then the case shall be referred to the Chief Judge or his or her designee for review. The judge ordering the case, record, or document sealed or impounded shall review the file to determine whether the case, record, or document will remain sealed or impounded. For purposes of this Rule, review of files sealed or impounded as described in Rule 3.3(c) is not required.
Page 23 | Rule 3.3(e)
A judge’s notes kept in the court file must be placed in a sealed envelope marked “Judicial Notes - Impounded Documents” and bearing the judge’s name.
A judge’s notes shall be placed in an envelope, which shall be sealed and marked “Judicial Notes - Impounded Documents,” together with the name of the judge
Page 24 | Rule 3.8
The Clerk must impound specified financial, personal, and sensitive reports without further order, limiting access and copying to the parties and attorneys of record.
(d) Impoundment of Documents. 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
The Clerk must automatically impound filed financial affidavits, documents with social-security or account numbers, and listed medical or professional reports, limiting access to parties and counsel of record.
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 1 | Rule 8.1 Disclosures Required in Dissolution of Marriage and Family Law Cases
Unless a stated legal exception applies, 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 1 | Rule 3.3 Sealing and Impoundment
Filing Bundling Requirements
Multiple cases or documents may not be combined into one PDF, and different-case documents must be filed in separate transactions; law-enforcement citation submissions and single-transaction filing of separately uploaded and titled documents within one case are allowed.
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.
Page 18 | Rule 2.7(g) Bulk Filings
Supporting briefs for 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 Specific Motions
Bulk combined PDFs are not accepted, except for the specified law-enforcement citation transmission; different cases require separate transactions, and each document in a single-case transaction must be individually uploaded and titled.
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.
Page 1 | Rule 2.7 Format of Documents; E-Filing of Multiple Documents; Rejection
Exhibits should be filed with the motion, but parties 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 | PART 5. MOTIONS AND OTHER PRE-TRIAL PROCEEDINGS
Exhibits should be filed with the motion, but parties are discouraged from attaching previously filed pleadings.
All exhibits to a motion should be filed with the motion; provided, however, that parties are discouraged from attaching previously filed pleadings as exhibits to motions.
Page 1 | Rule 5.1 Motion Practice
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
File the supporting brief with a dispositive motion; absent a contrary order, file opposition within 28 days, and file a permitted reply within the time set by the Court.
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.
Page 1 | Rule 5.2 Specific Motions
The Court may allow replies to opposition briefs, which must be filed within the time the Court allows.
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 Specific Motions
The Court may, in its discretion, 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 | PART 5. MOTIONS AND OTHER PRE-TRIAL PROCEEDINGS
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 requires good cause; counsel agreements do 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 Specific Motions
A case management conference continuance must be set for a date certain for a later conference and made by written order or docket entry.
All continuances of a case management conference shall be to a date certain for a subsequent case management conference and made pursuant to a written order or docket entry.
Page 33 | Continuances
A motion to continue trial must be filed and notice given at least seven 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(a) Requests for Continuances
An agreed or stipulated bench-trial continuance requires good cause and, whenever practicable, must be heard at least four days before trial.
An agreed or stipulated motion to continue a bench trial will only be allowed on good cause shown and, whenever practicable, an agreed or stipulated motion to continue a bench trial must be heard at least four days before the trial is to begin.
Page 37 | Rule 5.10(a) Requests for Continuances
Only the Court may grant a motion to continue trial.
Only the Court can grant a motion to continue a trial.
Page 37 | Rule 5.10(a) Requests for Continuances
An agreed or uncontested request to continue a jury trial is 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(a) Requests for Continuances
A party seeking to defer mediation must move within 14 days after referral, notice the motion for hearing before mediation, notify interested parties and any appointed mediator, and detail the supporting facts; mediation is tolled while the motion is pending.
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 | PART 6. CIVIL MEDIATION
A representative seeking an extension or less frequent accountings must file a verified petition stating the reasons, and any granted extension must set a definite date for the next accounting.
(c) Requests for Extension of Time. 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 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.
Page 1 | Rule 5.3 Civil Case Management Conference
A trial-continuance motion and notice are due at least seven days before trial and must be heard at least four days before; conflicting-setting motions require a specified attorney affidavit, and jury and bench continuances have distinct standards.
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.
Page 1 | Rule 5.10 Trial Continuances
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.
Page 1 | Rule 5.2 Specific Motions
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.
Court notice
Page 1 | 15th Judicial Circuit Court Holidays
Absent extraordinary circumstances, anyone prejudiced by a subsequent filing taking effect on the date first attempted is entitled to an order extending the response date or other period for performing an 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)
The Court may condition a trial continuance on the moving party paying specified fees and other reasonable expenses.
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(b) Conditions; Sanctions
If the non-moving party’s conduct makes a continuance necessary in the interests of justice, the Court may sanction that party under the cited rules.
If justice requires that a trial be continued because of the conduct of the non-moving party, the Court may assess sanctions against the non- moving party under S. Ct. R. 137 and/or S. Ct. R. 219.
Page 37 | Rule 5.10(b) Conditions; Sanctions
An extension of the mediation completion period requires a Court order or the parties’ stipulation.
Mediation shall be completed with seven weeks of the first mediation conference unless extended by order of the Court or by stipulation of the parties.
Page 42 | PART 6. CIVIL MEDIATION
The mediator may adjourn a mediation conference at any time and set its reconvening time; parties present at the adjourned conference need no further notification.
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 | PART 6. CIVIL MEDIATION
Mediation continues while an emergency motion is pending unless the Court orders otherwise or the mediator decides to adjourn mediation pending disposition of the motion.
Mediation shall continue while an emergency motion is pending absent a contrary order of the Court or a decision of the mediator to adjourn pending a disposition of the motion.
Page 42 | PART 6. CIVIL MEDIATION
Failure to timely file a financial affidavit may constitute good cause for the Court to continue the hearing and may also result in other sanctions.
The failure of a party to file a financial affidavit when it is due may constitute good cause for the Court to continue the hearing and/or order such other sanctions as the Court deems appropriate.
Page 50 | Rule 8.1(a)
Failure to timely file the property apportionment statement may constitute good cause for the Court to continue the hearing and may also result in other sanctions.
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)
Chambers Communication Rules
Filers must immediately notify the other parties, the Clerk, and the EFM of changes to their name or 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)
If a case settles before the scheduled final pretrial conference or trial, the attorneys and each SRL must notify the Court as soon as reasonably possible.
If a case settles before a scheduled final pretrial conference or before trial, the attorneys for the parties and each SRL shall notify the Court of the settlement as soon as reasonably possible.
Page 36 | Rule 5.9 Final Pretrial Conference
Counsel and SRLs may not engage opposing counsel or an opposing SRL in colloquy, and should address comments and arguments to the Court.
(2) Counsel and SRLs may not engage opposing counsel or an opposing SRL in a colloquy. All comments or arguments should be addressed to the Court.
Page 11 | PART 1. ORGANIZATION
Counsel and SRLs may not ask the court reporter to go off the record or read back proceedings; they should make those requests to the Court.
(4) Counsel and SRLs may not request the court reporter to go off the record or to read back a portion of the proceedings. These requests should be made to the Court.
Page 11 | PART 1. ORGANIZATION
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
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
Attorneys and SRLs should not send ex parte emails to judges about pending matters unless a judge or court personnel specifically requests it.
Unless specifically requested to do so by a judge or court personnel, attorneys and SRLs should not send ex parte e-mails to judges regarding pending matters.
Page 12 | Rule 1.16 E-Mail Communication with Judges
A verbatim record will not be taken or maintained for a telephone conference unless arrangements are made 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
After making the good-faith effort and obtaining a mutually convenient time and date acceptable to the Court, the hearing may be set then and notice must be 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
Whenever reasonably possible, an attorney or SRL setting a hearing must make a good-faith effort to coordinate with the Court and opposing attorneys or SRLs on a mutually convenient date and time 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
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.
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.
Page 1 | Rule 1.16 E-Mail Communication with Judges
When personal presentation is required, the Clerk must give the applicant the appearance’s time and place when the application is filed.
If an applicant must personally appear to present the application and any supporting evidence to the Court, the Clerk shall inform the applicant of the time and place of the appearance when the applicant files the application.
Page 1 | Rule 4.3 Application for Waiver of Court Fees
Before the first mediation session, each attorney or SRL may submit a letter to the mediator providing information with regard to the case, including temporary or permanent orders that have been entered and a statement of the unresolved issues. The attorney or SRL shall provide a copy of any letter to the opposing counsel or SRL. The letter to the mediator shall not be confidential and may be disclosed by the mediator to both participants.
Before the first mediation session, each attorney or SRL may submit a letter to the mediator providing information with regard to the case, including temporary or permanent orders that have been entered and a statement of the unresolved issues. The attorney or SRL shall provide a copy of any letter to the opposing counsel or SRL. The letter to the mediator shall not be confidential and may be disclosed by the mediator to both participants.
Page 1 | Rule 8.5 Mediation
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.
Page 1 | Rule 5.9 Final Pretrial Conference
For information about a specific court case, contact the relevant county Circuit Clerk office by phone.
If you have questions or need information regarding a specific court case (court dates, filing information, court orders, etc.), please contact the individual county for information. The County Circuit Clerk offices phone numbers are listed below.
Court notice
Page 1 | Contact
Remote-appearance information and assistance may be obtained from the Carroll County Circuit Clerk by phone at (815) 244-0230.
Carroll County: (815) 244-0230
Page 27 | Rule 4.4(c)(3)
Remote-appearance information and assistance may be obtained from the Lee County Circuit Clerk by phone at (815) 284-5234.
Lee County: (815) 284-5234
Page 27 | Rule 4.4(c)(3)
Remote-appearance information and assistance may be obtained from the Ogle County Circuit Clerk by phone at (815) 732-1130.
Ogle County: (815) 732-1130
Page 27 | Rule 4.4(c)(3)
Remote-appearance information and assistance may be obtained from the JoDaviess County Circuit Clerk by phone at (815) 777-2295.
JoDaviess County: (815) 777-2295
Page 27 | Rule 4.4(c)(3)
Remote-appearance information and assistance may be obtained from the Stephenson County Circuit Clerk by phone at (815) 235-8266.
Stephenson County: (815) 235-8266
Page 27 | Rule 4.4(c)(3)