Circuit Court of Richland County, Illinois (2nd Judicial Circuit)
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
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Document Format Requirements3 rules
Pleadings and other papers must have a neatly typed or printed main body with at least double-spacing, but pro se parties may file neatly hand-printed papers with similar spacing; specified parts are excluded from the main-body requirement.
Court's wording
In all pleadings and other papers of any description whatever prepared for filing in all cases, civil or criminal, the main body thereof, exclusive of captions, signature and address blocks, indented quotations, verifications, acknowledgment, and other similar parts thereof, shall be neatly typed or printed, with a space between lines at least equivalent to double-spaced typing. Neatly hand-printed pleadings and papers, with similar spacing, may be filed by pro se parties.
Pleadings and other papers in civil and criminal cases must have a neatly typed or printed main body with at least double-spaced line spacing, subject to the listed exclusions.
- Line spacing
- Double
Court's wording
In all pleadings and other papers of any description whatever prepared for filing in all cases, civil or criminal, the main body thereof, exclusive of captions, signature and address blocks, indented quotations, verifications, acknowledgment and other similar parts thereof, shall be neatly typed or printed, with a space between lines at least equivalent to double-spaced typing.
Neatly hand-printed pleadings and papers, with similar spacing, may be filed by pro se parties.
- Self-represented parties
Document Filing Requirements60 rules
Every party, or counsel for a party, shall file a written appearance, general or special, which shall include the name, address and telephone number of such party or counsel.
An attorney not regularly licensed in Illinois must obtain a pro hac vice admission order before filing an appearance for another, supported by a qualifying motion and affidavit in substantially the prescribed forms and disclosing prior Illinois cases.
Court's wording
Any attorney who is not regularly licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois who wishes to file in this circuit an appearance other than on his or her own behalf shall, before filing any such appearance, secure an order of admission pro hac vice. The court shall grant such an order only upon motion duly made by an attorney of this court or by an unrepresented party, including a corporation, accompanied by the affidavit of the attorney seeking admission. Such a motion and affidavit shall be in substantially the forms prescribed by Administrative Order of the Chief Judge, and the attorney seeking admission pro hac vice shall disclose the number of cases in this State in which he or she previously has appeared.
If any party enters his appearance in writing without further pleading, such appearance shall comply with Rule 5(a), and shall be acknowledged before a person authorized to administer oaths under the laws of the State of Illinois. Any such acknowledgment shall include a statement by the acknowledging officer that the person who signed such entry of appearance personally appeared before the officer and acknowledged such entry of appearance as the signer's free and voluntary act. If any such entry of appearance or acknowledgment contains any waiver of notice or consent to immediate hearing, the entry of appearance shall set forth that the appearing party has received a copy of any pleading seeking relief with respect to him. A copy of any such pleading shall be attached to the entry of appearance and shall be made a part thereof, except in cases where a statute or rule provides a particular form of appearance, in which case the statutory form shall suffice.
A hearing notice must identify the action, state the hearing date and time and the motion's nature, and include the motion papers or say they were previously served.
Court's wording
Any notice of hearing shall contain the title and number of the action and the date and time when the motion is to be heard or presented and shall state the nature of the motion. A copy of any written motions and of all papers presented therewith, or a statement that such motions and papers previously have been served shall accompany the notice.
In civil cases, pleadings and entries of appearance must identify the circuit, county, parties, and case number to be accepted for filing.
- Document
- Pleading or entry of appearance
Must include
- •Case number
Court's wording
In all civil cases, the Clerk shall not accept for filing any document purporting to be a pleading or entry of appearance unless the document clearly sets forth the name of the circuit and the county, the names and designation of the parties and the case number.
Counsel preparing a hearing notice must make a good-faith effort to coordinate a mutually convenient hearing time, and filing the notice certifies compliance.
Court's wording
It is the responsibility of counsel preparing the notice of hearing to make a good faith effort to coordinate with the court and all opposing counsel to set the hearing at a time that is mutually convenient. The filing of the notice of hearing shall constitute a certification of compliance with this rule.
Each party shall prepare a list of all such exhibits in substantially the form which is required by Administrative Order of the Chief Judge, which list shall contain the identification mark assigned and a brief description of each exhibit.
At the trial or hearing, or at a final pretrial conference, each party shall present to the court two (2) copies of such list for use by the court and the court reporter.
Prior to trial or hearing, or at the final pretrial conference if one is held, in all cases in which exhibits are to be offered, each party shall identify and mark each exhibit which may be offered at trial.
If the Defendant does not enter his appearance on or before the return day, a default judgment shall be entered on the complaint if the plaintiff or his counsel is present in open court and either the complaint is verified or an appropriate affidavit is attached.
Except as provided in these Rules, orders to show cause for indirect civil contempt shall be issued only upon a verified petition which clearly sets forth the facts upon which the petition is based, or upon testimony of the complaining party given in open court.
Any such verified petition or testimony shall make at least a prima facie showing that the respondent is in contempt.
In all criminal, traffic and juvenile cases, final judgments and order shall be in substantially the forms which are required by Administrative Order of the Chief Judge.
After a ruling outside trial or a final determination, the prevailing party’s attorney must promptly prepare and present the order or judgment unless the court directs otherwise.
Court's wording
When a judge rules upon a motion other than in the course of a trial or makes a final determination in any action, the attorney for the prevailing party shall promptly prepare and present to the court, other counsel and any pro se parties the order or judgement to be entered, unless the court directs otherwise.
An objection to an order to show cause’s validity must be in writing.
Court's wording
Objections to the validity of an order to show cause shall be in writing and shall be filed and served upon the other party at least forty-eight (48) hours before the time of hearing, unless the court orders otherwise.
In matrimonial proceedings, the moving party must file an affidavit substantially in the Chief Judge’s required form before any hearing, unless emergency relief is sought or the court directs otherwise for good cause.
Court's wording
In all matrimonial proceedings, including, but not limited to, petitions for attorney's fees, court costs, temporary maintenance or child support, permanent maintenance or child support and modification of any previous orders relating thereto, the moving party shall prepare and file an affidavit in substantially the form which is required by Administrative Order of the Chief Judge, prior to any hearing unless emergency relief is sought or unless, for good cause shown, the court directs otherwise.
A party responding to a covered petition must file an affidavit in substantially the same form as the moving party’s affidavit.
Court's wording
The party responding to any such petition shall file an affidavit in substantially the same form at the time of any pretrial conference or at least three (3) days before a contested hearing, with appropriate proof of service.
(b) Proof of Heirship. The proof of heirship shall be made by the decedent's spouse or a person related to the decedent by consanguinity or adoption, unless it would impose undue hardship or be effectual.
Each party must file a financial affidavit and settlement conference memorandum, substantially the form required by Administrative Order of the Chief Judge, with a copy to the opposing party, at least seven days before the settlement conference.
When a will-admission petition or petition for letters of administration is filed, proof of heirship must be made by one of the specified methods.
Court's wording
(a) Petition for Admission of a Will. When a petition for admission of a will to probate or for letters of administration is filed, proof of heirship shall be made by: (1) The testimony of a witness examined in open court, reduced to writing by the official court reporter, certified by the court and filed with the clerk; or (2) Affidavit as provided in Section 5-3 of the Probate Act; or (3) Deposition.
(3) The names of all children, if any, born or adopted by the decedent. The affidavit shall specifically state that there are no other children, born or adopted.
(c) Affidavit Regarding Heirship. An affidavit of heirship shall include the following and shall be in substantially the form which is required by Administrative Order No. 2002-2 of the Chief Judge:
(7) An assertion of any unknown heirs or addresses which shall specifically state what diligent efforts have been made to ascertain the same.
(1) The date and place of death of the decedent;
The affidavit’s concluding section must trace each heir’s per stirpes relationship to the decedent.
Court's wording
(8) The concluding section shall trace the per stirpes relationship of each heir to the decedent; for example, "A, grandson of decedent, being a son of B, predeceased daughter of decedent," or, "A, nephew of decedent, being a son of B, predeceased sister of the decedent."
(4) The date of death and the descendants, born or adopted, if any, of any deceased child. The affidavit shall specifically state that there are no other descendants, born or adopted.
(d) Order Declaring Heirship. At the time of filing of an affidavit pursuant to Section 5-3 of the Probate Act, the representative shall submit to the Circuit Clerk a separate proposed Order Declaring Heirship which shall reflect the language contained in the concluding section of the affidavit.
- Document
- Affidavit of heirship
Must include
- •Proposed order
The affidavit must explain the affiant’s relationship to the decedent or, if unrelated, establish the basis of the affiant’s knowledge of heirship.
Court's wording
(6) The manner in which the affiant is related to the decedent. If the affiant is not related to the decedent, the affidavit shall adequately establish the basis of the affiant's knowledge of the decedent's heirship.
If there is no spouse or descendant, the affidavit must identify the specified relatives and specifically state that there are no others in those categories.
Court's wording
(5) If there is no spouse or descendants, born or adopted, the parents, brothers and sisters and the descendants of any deceased brother or sister, born or adopted. The affidavit shall specifically state that there are no other brothers, sisters or the descendants of any deceased brother or sister, born or adopted.
Any Intent to repudiate shall set forth the reasons for the requested repudiation and shall be sent to the other party's attorney (or to the party if the party is unrepresented).
Unless mediation has sooner terminated, the mediator shall before the continued case management conference, file with the Circuit Clerk a report describing the progress of mediation in general terms.
After the conclusion of mediation, the mediator shall file with the Circuit Clerk a report, on a form provided by the Chief Judge, stating the date and reason for termination and specifying any issues on which agreement was reached. The report shall not specify reasons for the inability of the parties to reach agreement.
The mediator must submit a written, signed report stating whether the parties reached a full agreement, partial agreement, or no agreement.
Court's wording
The mediator shall report to the Court in writing whether or not an agreement was reached by the parties. The report shall designate, "full agreement," "partial agreement," or "no agreement." The report shall be signed by the mediator
If the parties reach a partial agreement, the report must identify resolved and unresolved claims and who will complete and submit documents for the resolved claims.
Court's wording
If a partial agreement is reached, the report of the mediator shall state which claims have been resolved and which claims have not been resolved. The report shall also identify those individuals designated to complete and submit all documents necessary to the conclusion of those claims resolved by agreement.
If an agreement is reached, it shall be reduced to writing and signed by the parties or their agents before termination of mediation. Each party shall receive a copy of such agreement.
If a full agreement is reached, the report of the mediator shall so state and shall identify those individuals designated to complete and submit all documents necessary to the conclusion of the agreement.
When remote appearance is an option, clerk-issued summonses, notices, and court-date orders must include the listed courtroom, Zoom, dial-in, and courthouse information.
Court's wording
All summonses, notices, and court orders setting court dates issued by the Circuit Clerk’s Offices in the Second Judicial Circuit when case participants have the option to appear remotely shall be accompanied by the following information: (1) the Courtroom to which the case has been assigned, (2) the Zoom Meeting ID for that assigned Courtroom, (3) the Zoom Meeting Password, (4) Instructions for Zoom Participation, (5) the Dial-in Telephone Number, (6) Instructions for Dial-In Participation, (7) Courthouse Address and Circuit Clerk’s Telephone Number.
All clerk-issued summonses, notices, and court-date orders must include the specified language directing readers to Rule 24 and the court’s website.
Court's wording
All summonses, notices, and court orders setting court dates issued by the Circuit Clerk’s Offices in the Second Judicial Circuit shall also be accompanied by the following specific language, “For more information on appearing remotely by phone or video, please refer to the Second Judicial Circuit Rule 24 – Rule on Attending Court Remotely by Video or Phone” found on the Second Judicial Circuit’s official website www.illinoissecondcircuit.info.”
All summonses, notices, and court orders setting court dates issued by private counsel and filed in cases in the Second Judicial Circuit shall be accompanied by the following specific language, “For information on appearing remotely by phone or video, please contact the Circuit Clerk’s Office or refer to the Second Judicial Circuit Rule 24 – Rule on Attending Court Remotely by Video or Phone” found on the Second Judicial Circuit’s official website www.illinoissecondcircuit.info.”
A motion-hearing notice must state the action title and number, hearing date and time, and motion’s nature, and include the motion papers or state they were previously served.
Court's wording
Any notice of hearing shall contain the title and number of the action and the date and time when the motion is to be heard or presented, and shall state the nature of the motion. A copy of any written motions and of all papers presented therewith, or a statement that such motions and papers previously have been served shall accompany the notice.
When remote appearance is an option, Circuit Clerk-issued summonses, notices, and court-date orders must include the assigned courtroom, Zoom credentials and instructions, dial-in information and instructions, and courthouse and Clerk contact information.
Court's wording
All summonses, notices, and court orders setting court dates issued by the Circuit Clerk’s Offices in the Second Judicial Circuit when case participants have the option to appear remotely shall be accompanied by the following information: (1) the Courtroom to which the case has been assigned, (2) the Zoom Meeting ID for that assigned Courtroom, (3) the Zoom Meeting Password, (4) Instructions for Zoom Participation, (5) the Dial-in Telephone Number, (6) Instructions for Dial-In Participation, (7) Courthouse Address and Circuit Clerk’s Telephone Number.
The party responding to any such petition shall file an affidavit in substantially the same form at the time of any pretrial conference or at least three (3) days before a contested hearing, with appropriate proof of service.
- Document
- Response affidavit
Must include
- •Certificate of service
If any party enters his appearance in writing without further pleading, such appearance shall comply with Rule 5(a), and shall be acknowledged before a person authorized to administer oaths under the laws of the State of Illinois.
Circuit Clerk-issued summonses, notices, and court-date orders must include the specified language directing participants to Rule 24 on the Circuit’s website.
Court's wording
All summonses, notices, and court orders setting court dates issued by the Circuit Clerk’s Offices in the Second Judicial Circuit shall also be accompanied by the following specific language, “For more information on appearing remotely by phone or video, please refer to the Second Judicial Circuit Rule 24 – Rule on Attending Court Remotely by Video or Phone” found on the Second Judicial Circuit’s official website www.illinoissecondcircuit.info.”
The acknowledgment must state that the signer personally appeared and acknowledged the appearance as a free and voluntary act.
Court's wording
Any such acknowledgment shall include a statement by the acknowledging officer that the person who signed such entry of appearance personally appeared before the officer and acknowledged such entry of appearance as the signer's free and voluntary act.
At the trial or hearing, or at a final pretrial conference, each party shall present to the court two (2) copies of such list for use by the court and the court reporter.
An appearance waiving notice or consenting to an immediate hearing must state that the party received the relevant pleading and attach it, unless a statutory or rule-prescribed appearance form applies.
Court's wording
If any such entry of appearance or acknowledgment contains any waiver of notice or consent to immediate hearing, the entry of appearance shall set forth that the appearing party has received a copy of any pleading seeking relief with respect to him. A copy of any such pleading shall be attached to the entry of appearance and shall be made a part thereof, except in cases where a statute or rule provides a particular form of appearance, in which case the statutory form shall suffice.
Every party, or counsel for a party, shall file a written appearance, general, or special, or limited scope which shall include the name, address and telephone number of such party or counsel.
A motion seeking relief concerning specified discovery materials must be filed with copies of the disputed portions at the same time.
Court's wording
If relief is sought concerning any deposition, interrogatory, request for production or inspection, request for admission, answer to interrogatory or response to request for admission, copies of the portion of the deposition, interrogatory, request, answer or response in dispute shall be filed with the Clerk of the Court contemporaneously with any motion.
Each party must file a financial affidavit and settlement conference memorandum, substantially the form required by Administrative Order of the Chief Judge, with a copy to the opposing party, at least seven days before the settlement conference.
The moving party shall file such affidavit at the time of any pretrial conference, or at least three (3) days before a contested hearing or upon filing a petition for ex parte relief, with proof of service pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 12 unless the court orders otherwise.
- Document
- Matrimonial affidavit
Must include
- •Certificate of service
All summonses, notices, and court orders setting court dates issued by private counsel and filed in cases in the Second Judicial Circuit shall be accompanied by the following specific language, “For information on appearing remotely by phone or video, please contact the Circuit Clerk’s Office or refer to the Second Judicial Circuit Rule 24 – Rule on Attending Court Remotely by Video or Phone” found on the Second Judicial Circuit’s official website www.illinoissecondcircuit.info.” Summonses, notices, and court orders setting court dates that are not in compliance with this provision shall be subject to e-file rejection.
The parties shall also file financial affidavits and pre-mediation questionnaires with the clerk at least 7 days prior to the expedited or initial case management conference.
When a judge rules upon a motion other than in the course of a trial or makes a final determination in any action, the attorney for the prevailing party shall promptly prepare and present to the court, other counsel and any pro se parties the order or judgment to be entered, unless the court directs otherwise.
In civil cases, pleadings and appearances must identify the circuit, county, parties and their designations, and case number to be accepted for filing.
- Document
- Pleading or appearance
Must include
- •Case number
Court's wording
In all civil cases, the Clerk shall not accept for filing any document purporting to be a pleading or entry of appearance unless the document clearly sets forth the name of the circuit and the county, the names and designation of the parties and the case number.
Unless otherwise ordered by the court, Plaintiff shall identify and mark exhibits with numbers and Defendant shall identify and mark exhibits with letters.
(2) Whether the decedent left a surviving spouse. The affidavit should also address prior marriages ending in death or divorce and the children born to or adopted by the decedent from each marriage;
All requests seeking approval to appear remotely shall be court date specific and shall not be intended to apply to all future court dates, unless otherwise granted by the presiding judge.
The filing of the notice of hearing shall constitute a certification of compliance with this rule.
Parties may submit a stipulation of facts, memorandum of law, expert reports, exhibits or any other pertinent material to the court, with a copy to the opposing party, at least seven days prior to the settlement conference.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
The Clerk of the Court may not file documents received by fax unless a Supreme Court Rule authorizes it.
The Clerk of the Court shall not file documents received by facsimile transmission unless otherwise authorized by Supreme Court Rule.
Page 6 | Rule 6 — Pleadings
Noncompliant summonses, notices, and court-date orders are subject to e-file rejection.
Summonses, notices, and court orders setting court dates that are not in compliance with this provision shall be subject to e-file rejection.
Page 29 | C. Which Documents Must Include Remote Appearance Information
The Clerk must not file documents received by fax unless a Supreme Court Rule authorizes it.
The Clerk of the Court shall not file documents received by facsimile transmission unless otherwise authorized by Supreme Court Rule
Page 1 | Rule 6. Pleadings
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Disputed discovery materials must be filed with the Clerk contemporaneously with the motion seeking relief concerning them.
If relief is sought concerning any deposition, interrogatory, request for production or inspection, request for admission, answer to interrogatory or response to request for admission, copies of the portion of the deposition, interrogatory, request, answer or response in dispute shall be filed with the Clerk of the Court contemporaneously with any motion.
Page 9 | Rule 12 — Discovery
Discovery papers needed for an appeal must be filed with the Clerk upon application to a court order.
When documentation of discovery not previously in the record is needed for appeal purposes, upon an application to an order of the court, the necessary discovery papers shall be filed with the Clerk of the Court.
Page 9 | Rule 12 — Discovery
Anticipated discovery materials to be used at trial or needed for a motion must be filed at the outset of trial or with the motion.
If interrogatories, requests, answers, responses, or depositions are to be used at trial or are necessary to a motion, the portions to be used shall be filed with the Clerk of the Court at the outset of the trial or at the filing of the motion, insofar as their use reasonably can be anticipated.
Page 9 | Rule 12 — Discovery
An objection to an order to show cause must be filed at least 48 hours before the hearing, unless the court orders otherwise.
Objections to the validity of an order to show cause shall be in writing and shall be filed and served upon the other party at least forty-eight (48) hours before the time of hearing, unless the court orders otherwise.
Page 11 | Rule 16 — Orders to Show Causes
A responding party must file the affidavit at the pretrial conference or at least three days before a contested hearing.
The party responding to any such petition shall file an affidavit in substantially the same form at the time of any pretrial conference or at least three (3) days before a contested hearing, with appropriate proof of service.
Page 12 | Rule 17. Affidavits in Matrimonial Cases
The moving party must file the affidavit at the pretrial conference, at least three days before a contested hearing, or with a petition for ex parte relief, unless the court orders otherwise.
The moving party shall file such affidavit at the time of any pretrial conference, or at least three (3) days before a contested hearing or upon filing a petition for ex parte relief, with proof of service pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 12 unless the court orders otherwise.
Page 12 | Rule 17. Affidavits in Matrimonial Cases
The parties must file financial affidavits and pre-mediation questionnaires with the clerk at least 7 days before the initial case management conference.
The parties shall also file financial affidavits and pre-mediation questionnaires with the clerk at least 7 days prior to the initial case management conference.
Page 17 | E. Prerequisites to Mediation; Disclosure of Impediments
Mediators must file a statistical report with the Trial Court Administrator at least quarterly.
All mediators shall file a statistical report on a prescribed form with the Trial Court Administrator at least quarterly.
Page 19 | J. Statistical Reporting
Unless either side files an intent to repudiate the agreement before the Continued Case Management Conference (or within 10 days, if the Continued Case Management Conference is less than 10 days after the mediation), the agreement shall be presented for approval at the Continued Case Management Conference.
Unless either side files an intent to repudiate the agreement before the Continued Case Management Conference (or within 10 days, if the Continued Case Management Conference is less than 10 days after the mediation), the agreement shall be presented for approval at the Continued Case Management Conference.
Page 21 | Conclusion of Private Mediation
The mediator must file the signed report in the case file within 14 days after the last day of mediation.
The report shall be signed by the mediator and filed in the court file of the case under mediation within 14 days after the last day of mediation.
Page 25 | Rule 23 — Civil Mediation Program, Completion of Mediation
A written motion requesting remote appearance must be filed at least 48 hours before the court date, excluding weekends and holidays.
Said written Motion shall be filed not less than 48 hours prior to the court date for which the permission is being requested, excluding weekends and holidays.
Page 34 | G. Requests to Appear Remotely When Approval is Required
Parties must select a mediator within seven days of assignment; if they cannot agree, each must submit three proposed mediators within the following seven days.
Upon assignment of a case for mediation, the parties shall choose a mediator within seven (7) days. In the event that the parties are unable to agree upon a mediator within said time period, within seven (7) days thereafter, each party shall submit a list of three (3) proposed mediators to the judge presiding who shall assign a mediator from the lists submitted.
Page 1 | Rule 23. Civil Mediation Program
The mediator must file a signed written report identifying whether there was a full, partial, or no agreement within 14 days after mediation ends and serve a copy on all parties.
The mediator shall report to the Court in writing whether or not an agreement was reached by the parties. The report shall designate, "full agreement," "partial agreement," or "no agreement." The report shall be signed by the mediator and filed in the court file of the case under mediation within 14 days after the last day of mediation. A copy of said report shall be served by the mediator upon all parties.
Page 1 | Rule 23. Civil Mediation Program
Civil mediation must be completed within 60 days of assignment unless good cause is shown, and either party may petition for additional time if it is not completed by then.
Mediation shall be completed within 60 days of assignment, except for good cause shown. In the event that mediation is not complete within said 60 days, either party may petition the court for additional time.
Page 1 | Rule 23. Civil Mediation Program
Service and Proof of Service Rules
A copy of the written appearance must be served on every other party who has appeared, using the method prescribed for service of pleadings.
A copy thereof shall be served in the manner prescribed for service of copies of pleadings upon all other parties who have appeared.
Page 5 | Rule 5 — Appearances and Default
Motion notice must be given using the manner and to the persons prescribed by Supreme Court Rule 11.
Notice shall be given in the manner and to the persons prescribed in Supreme Court Rule 11.
Page 7 | Rule 9 — Motions
The moving party must give written hearing notice to parties who have appeared and are not in default, and to parties whose time to appear has not expired.
Written notice of hearing of all motions shall be given to all parties who have appeared and have not theretofore been found by the court to be in default for failure to plead, and to all parties whose time to appear has not expired on the date of such notice, by the party seeking such hearing.
Page 7 | Rule 9 — Motions
Personal service of a motion hearing notice must be completed before 4:00 p.m. on the second court day before the hearing.
If notice of hearing is given by personal service, the notice shall be delivered before 4:00 p.m. of the second court day preceding hearing on the motion.
Page 8 | Rule 9 — Motions
After a motion is heard without prior notice, the attorney obtaining the order must serve written notice with specified hearing and order details, file proof of service within two days, and follow Supreme Court Rule 11.
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, the date of hearing and the order of the court thereon, whether granted or denied, shall be served by the attorney obtaining the order upon all parties not theretofore found by the court to be in default for failure to plead. Proof of service thereof shall be filed with the Clerk within two days after hearing. Notice shall be given in the manner and to the persons prescribed by Supreme Court Rule 11.
Page 8 | Rule 9 — Motions
A summary judgment motion cannot be heard until at least ten days after service of its notice under Supreme Court Rule 11.
A motion for summary judgment shall not be heard sooner than ten days after service of the notice of motion pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 11.
Page 8 | Rule 9 — Motions
An objection to an order to show cause must be served on the other party at least 48 hours before the hearing, unless the court orders otherwise.
Objections to the validity of an order to show cause shall be in writing and shall be filed and served upon the other party at least forty-eight (48) hours before the time of hearing, unless the court orders otherwise.
Page 11 | Rule 16 — Orders to Show Causes
An order to show cause must be served personally, by regular mail to the respondent’s last known address, or by another reasonable means.
As provided by 750 ILCS 5/505 (a-5), orders to show cause shall be served either 1) by personal service upon the respondent or 2) by regular mail addressed to the respondent's last known address as determined from records of the clerk of the court, the federal case registry of child support orders or by any other reasonable means.
Page 11 | Rule 16 — Orders to Show Causes
The moving party’s affidavit must be accompanied by proof of service pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 12, unless the court orders otherwise.
The moving party shall file such affidavit at the time of any pretrial conference, or at least three (3) days before a contested hearing or upon filing a petition for ex parte relief, with proof of service pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 12 unless the court orders otherwise.
Page 12 | Rule 17. Affidavits in Matrimonial Cases
A responding party must file the affidavit with appropriate proof of service.
The party responding to any such petition shall file an affidavit in substantially the same form at the time of any pretrial conference or at least three (3) days before a contested hearing, with appropriate proof of service.
Page 12 | Rule 17. Affidavits in Matrimonial Cases
A copy of each party’s financial affidavit and settlement conference memorandum must be provided to the opposing party at least seven days before the settlement conference.
Each party must file a financial affidavit and settlement conference memorandum, substantially the form required by Administrative Order of the Chief Judge, with a copy to the opposing party, at least seven days before the settlement conference.
Page 13 | Rule 19 — Pretrial Conferences in Family Cases
An intent to repudiate must be sent to the other party’s attorney, or to the party if unrepresented.
Any Intent to repudiate shall set forth the reasons for the requested repudiation and shall be sent to the other party's attorney (or to the party if the party is unrepresented).
Page 21 | Conclusion of Private Mediation
The mediator must transmit the prepared agreement to the parties and every attorney of record.
In the event an agreement is reached under the conditions of 1(a), 1(b), or 1(c), above, the agreement prepared by the mediator shall be transmitted to the parties and every attorney of record.
Page 21 | Conclusion of Private Mediation
The mediator must serve a copy of the report on all parties.
A copy of said report shall be served by the mediator upon all parties.
Page 25 | Rule 23 — Civil Mediation Program, Completion of Mediation
Personal service of a motion-hearing notice must be completed before 4:00 p.m. on the second court day before the hearing; mailed notice follows Supreme Court Rule 12(c).
If notice of hearing is given by personal service, the notice shall be delivered before 4:00 p.m. of the second court day preceding hearing on the motion. Notice given by mail is governed by Supreme Court Rule 12(c).
Page 1 | Rule 9. Motions
A written objection to an order to show cause must be filed and served on the other party at least 48 hours before the hearing, unless the court orders otherwise.
Objections to the validity of an order to show cause shall be in writing and shall be filed and served upon the other party at least forty-eight (48) hours before the time of hearing, unless the court orders otherwise.
Page 1 | Rule 16. Orders to Show Cause
A copy of the written appearance must be served on all other parties who have appeared, using the method prescribed for service of pleadings.
A copy thereof shall be served in the manner prescribed for service of copies of pleadings upon all other parties who have appeared.
Page 1 | Rule 5. Appearances and Default
An order to show cause must be served personally or by regular mail to the respondent’s last known address as determined from the specified records or another reasonable means.
As provided by 750 ILCS 5/505 (a-5), orders to show cause shall be served either 1) by personal service upon the respondent or 2) by regular mail addressed to the respondent’s last known address as determined from records of the clerk of the court, the federal case registry of child support orders or by any other reasonable means.
Page 1 | Rule 16. Orders to Show Cause
A summary judgment motion may not be heard sooner than ten days after service of its notice of motion.
A motion for summary judgment shall not be heard sooner than ten days after service of the notice of motion pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 11.
Page 1 | Rule 9. Motions
The party seeking a motion hearing must give written notice to appeared parties not in default and parties whose time to appear has not expired.
Written notice of hearing of all motions shall be given to all parties who have appeared and have not theretofore been found by the court to be in default for failure to plead, and to all parties whose time to appear has not expired on the date of such notice, by the party seeking such hearing.
Page 1 | Rule 9. Motions
After a motion is heard without prior notice, the attorney obtaining the order must serve written notice with specified case, judge, hearing, and disposition details and file proof of service within two days.
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, the date of hearing and the order of the court thereon, whether granted or denied, shall be served by the attorney obtaining the order upon all parties not theretofore found by the court to be in default for failure to plead. Proof of service thereof shall be filed with the Clerk within two days after hearing.
Page 1 | Rule 9. Motions
The mediator must serve a copy of the mediation report on all parties.
A copy of said report shall be served by the mediator upon all parties.
Page 1 | Rule 23. Civil Mediation Program
When a judge hears a case outside the county where the judge regularly sits, notices designating that judge must be mailed to all parties, subject to the stated approval and notice conditions.
A judge shall not hear a case in a county where he is not regularly sitting without approval of the Chief Judge, unless all parties in such case and the Resident Circuit Judge in such county have approved, the Clerk of the Court is notified and notices are mailed to all parties designating the judge hearing the case.
Page 5 | Rule 3 — Presiding Judges
Motion hearing notice given by mail is governed by Supreme Court Rule 12(c).
Notice given by mail is governed by Supreme Court Rule 12(c).
Page 8 | Rule 9 — Motions
Filing Fees and Waivers
The appearance fee must be paid when the party first appears and submitted with the written appearance.
The appearance fee shall be paid when a party first appears by counsel or in person, and shall accompany a written appearance.
Page 6 | Rule 5 — Appearances and Default
One appearance fee is due for a single appearance covering multiple parties; separate appearances require separate fees.
If an attorney enters a single appearance for more than one party in a case, he shall pay a single appearance fee. If separate appearances are entered for several parties, by either the same or different counsel, separate appearance fees shall be paid.
Page 6 | Rule 5 — Appearances and Default
The Clerk must refuse to file a document or pleading until the required filing fee is paid or waived under Supreme Court Rule 298.
The Clerk shall refuse to file any document or pleading until the requisite filing fee has been paid or such fee has been waived under Supreme Court Rule 298.
Page 7 | Rule 8 — Clerks of the Circuit Court
The Clerk must refuse to file a document or pleading until the required filing fee is paid or waived under Supreme Court Rule 298.
The Clerk shall refuse to file any document or pleading until the requisite filing fee has been paid or such fee has been waived under Supreme Court Rule 298.
Page 1 | Rule 8. Clerks of the Circuit Court
The appearance fee must be paid when the party first appears and submitted with the written appearance.
The appearance fee shall be paid when a party first appears by counsel or in person, and shall accompany a written appearance.
Page 1 | Rule 5. Appearances and Default
No appearance fee is required when an attorney appears as local counsel and files the required written appearance.
When an attorney appears as local counsel and files the required written appearance, no appearance fee shall be required.
Page 1 | Rule 5. Appearances and Default
A person cited in the specified supplementary proceedings 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 Section 2-1402 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 735 ILCS 5/2-1402, and Supreme Court Rule 277.
Page 6 | Rule 5 — Appearances and Default
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
The clerk must file and seal the original pre-mediation questionnaires, and copies must later be sent to the appointed mediator.
The clerk shall file and seal the original pre-mediation questionnaires, copies of which shall later be sent to the appointed mediator.
Page 17 | E. Prerequisites to Mediation; Disclosure of Impediments
Parties must file financial affidavits and pre-mediation questionnaires at least seven days before the expedited or initial case management conference, and the Clerk must file and seal the original questionnaires.
The parties shall also file financial affidavits and pre-mediation questionnaires with the clerk at least 7 days prior to the expedited or initial case management conference. The clerk shall file and seal the original pre-mediation questionnaires, copies of which shall later be sent to the appointed mediator.
Page 1 | Rule 21. Family Mediation Program
A judicial mediator may record portions of mediation reciting an agreement, but must seal and exclusively retain those recordings and may destroy them.
A judicial mediator may electronically record those portions of a mediation in which any agreement of the parties is recited, but shall seal, exclusively retain and may destroy them.
Page 22 | Confidentiality and Privilege
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
If either party is not ready in a small claims case, the court must continue it to an early date; further continuances require good cause.
If either party is not ready for trial, the court shall continue the case to an early date. Additional continuances shall not be granted without good cause shown.
Page 1 | Rule 15. Small Claims
Additional continuances in small claims cases require good cause.
Additional continuances shall not be granted without good cause shown.
Page 10 | Rule 15 — Small Claims
Chambers Communication Rules
Contact the Edwards County Circuit Clerk at 618-445-2016 for remote court appearance login credentials or phone dial-in information.
Edwards County Circuit Clerk Phone: 618-445-2016
Page 27 | Rule 24. Attending Court Remotely by Phone or Video
Contact the Crawford County Circuit Clerk at 618-544-3512 for remote court appearance login credentials or phone dial-in information.
Crawford County Circuit Clerk Phone: 618-544-3512
Page 27 | Rule 24. Attending Court Remotely by Phone or Video
Contact the Gallatin County Circuit Clerk at 618-269-3140 for remote court appearance login credentials or phone dial-in information.
Gallatin County Circuit Clerk Phone: 618-269-3140
Page 28 | Rule 24. Attending Court Remotely by Phone or Video
Contact the White County Circuit Clerk at 618-382-2321 for remote court appearance login credentials or phone dial-in information.
White County Circuit Clerk Phone: 618-382-2321
Page 28 | Rule 24. Attending Court Remotely by Phone or Video
Contact the Wabash County Circuit Clerk at 618-262-5362 for remote court appearance login credentials or phone dial-in information.
Wabash County Circuit Clerk Phone: 618-262-5362
Page 28 | Rule 24. Attending Court Remotely by Phone or Video
Contact the Lawrence County Circuit Clerk at 618-943-2815 for remote court appearance login credentials or phone dial-in information.
Lawrence County Circuit Clerk Phone: 618-943-2815
Page 28 | Rule 24. Attending Court Remotely by Phone or Video
Contact the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk at 618-244-8008 for remote court appearance login credentials or phone dial-in information.
Jefferson County Circuit Clerk Phone: 618-244-8008
Page 28 | Rule 24. Attending Court Remotely by Phone or Video
Contact the Wayne County Circuit Clerk at 618-842-7684 for remote court appearance login credentials or phone dial-in information.
Wayne County Circuit Clerk Phone: 618-842-7684
Page 28 | Rule 24. Attending Court Remotely by Phone or Video
Contact the Hardin County Circuit Clerk at 618-287-2200 for remote court appearance login credentials or phone dial-in information.
Hardin County Circuit Clerk Phone: 618-287-2200
Page 28 | Rule 24. Attending Court Remotely by Phone or Video
Contact the Hamilton County Circuit Clerk at 618-643-3224 for remote court appearance login credentials or phone dial-in information.
Hamilton County Circuit Clerk Phone: 618-643-3224
Page 28 | Rule 24. Attending Court Remotely by Phone or Video
Contact the Franklin County Circuit Clerk at 618-435-9800 for remote court appearance login credentials or phone dial-in information.
Franklin County Circuit Clerk Phone: 618-435-9800
Page 28 | Rule 24. Attending Court Remotely by Phone or Video
Contact the Richland County Circuit Clerk at 618-392-2151 for remote court appearance login credentials or phone dial-in information.
Richland County Circuit Clerk Phone: 618-392-2151
Page 28 | Rule 24. Attending Court Remotely by Phone or Video
Participants should obtain remote login credentials and phone dial-in information from the Circuit Clerk’s Office for the relevant county.
The Circuit Clerk’s Offices are best suited to provide participants with remote login credentials, including Zoom meeting ID numbers and passwords. If attending by phone only (without video), dial-in information can also be obtained by contacting the Circuit Clerk’s Office for the respective county.
Page 1 | Rule 24. Attending Court Remotely by Phone or Video