Judge Fredrick H. Bates
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
All Motions
- Email • Seven Days In Advance
Courtesy copies
- Email • At Least 24 Hours Before Hearing
- Five Days Prior To Presentment
Adjournments
- Trial continuance requests must be in writing, supported by a detailed affidavit, and heard at least five business days before trial unless exigent circumstances exist.
Communication
Clerk3 contacts
- ccc.markhamcr209@cookcountyil.gov
- (312) 603-5025
- (312) 603-6878
Chambers3 contacts
- (312) 603-5943
- (312) 603-7546
- (312) 603-7545
Other Contacts1 contacts
- efiling.support@tylertech.com
Page & Word Limits2 rules
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory
A combined motion and brief exceeding 15 pages may be stricken unless written leave of court is granted.
Any combined motion and brief in excess of 15 pages without written leave of court may be stricken.
Combined Motion And Brief
15 pages
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important
Reply briefs should be no longer than 8 pages unless leave of court to exceed is granted.
Reply briefs should be no longer than 8 pages, unless leave of Court to exceed 8 pages is granted.
Reply Brief
8 pages
Document Format Requirements1 rule
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important
Preferred format for briefs is double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman with standard 1-inch margins, excluding exhibits.
Preferred format for all briefs, excluding exhibits, is double spaced, 12-point font (Times New Roman) with standard 1-inch margins.
Document Filing Requirements30 rules
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory
Proposed orders for consumer debt and post-judgment calls must be submitted to Room 209 48 hours before the calls via email, or the case may be dismissed or stricken.
For the attorneys, please note that all proposed Orders for the consumer debt and post-judgment calls are to be submitted to Room 209 48-hours before the calls via email to Courtroom Email: d6crt209orders@cookcountycourt.com. Failure to submit an order to the Court in advance may result in the case being involuntarily dismissed for want of prosecution, or stricken from the call.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory
Default judgment motions require the attorney to represent that service was made, notice was given, and the appropriate affidavits were filed.
When presenting Motions for Default Judgments the attorney is making a representation to the Court that service has been made upon the defendant, that the defendant was given notice of the Court proceeding that day (Proof of Notice - See Circuit Court Rule 2.1), and that the appropriate affidavit(s) have been filed.
Document Type
Default Judgment
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory
Emergency motions must be supported by an affidavit or verification stating with particularity the sudden circumstances giving rise to the emergency and why the matter should take precedence.
Generally, facts identifying the nature of the sudden or unforeseen circumstances which give rise to the emergency and the reason why the matter should take precedence shall be stated with particularity in an affidavit or verification in support of the emergency motion.
Document Type
Emergency Motion
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory
Motions to transfer must include exhibits of service attempts, residency evidence, and a proposed order with signature blocks for both the trial judge and presiding judge.
Motions to transfer venue to another District or County should include as exhibits all service attempts by the sheriff and/or private process server. The motion should also include as an exhibit all evidence that demonstrates the defendant currently resides in the District or County you are seeking to have the case transferred such as a TLO, USPS address report, vehicle registration or other investigative report. A proposed order should be provided on the proper form which has a signature block for both the trial judge and the presiding judge.
Document Type
Motion To Transfer
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory
Plaintiffs must use an approved summons form (Attachment 1 template, the Clerk's summons, or the Illinois Standardized Form Summons), and the summons must include a copy of the ERP notice.
Plaintiffs shall use either the most current template form summons in Attachment 1, the summons available through the Clerk of the Circuit Court, or the Illinois Standardized Form Summons. Either summons shall include a copy of the notice of ERP pursuant to Section III(A)(1)(a).
Document Type
Summons
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory
Where an alias summons is issued to effectuate service, the plaintiff must include the same ERP notice with the Alias Summons, and may also post notice of the ERP at the property address.
In any case where an alias summons needs to be issued to effectuate service, including pending cases, plaintiff shall include the same notice of ERP with the Alias Summons. Plaintiff may also post notice of the ERP at the property address in addition to the Alias Summons notice.
Document Type
Alias Summons
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory
The plaintiff must file the Notice of Early Resolution Program with the Clerk, including a certificate of service pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/1-109.
The plaintiff shall file the "Notice of Early Resolution Program" with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, including a certificate of service pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/1-109.
Document Type
Notice Of Early Resolution Program
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory
Plaintiffs filing new eviction actions must include a notice of the ERP with the summons in English, Spanish, and Polish, attached to the copy of the summons filed with the Clerk.
When eviction cases are filed, any plaintiff initiating a new eviction action in any of the districts of the Municipal Department of the Circuit Court of Cook County shall include a notice of the ERP with the summons in English, Spanish, and Polish. The notice shall be attached to a copy of the summons filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Document Type
Summons
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory
Complaints under § 9-102(a)(1)/(3) must attest that defendant never had a rental agreement or paid rent, and attach supporting affidavits/documents.
In a complaint filed under 735 ILCS 5/9-102(a)(1) or (3), Plaintiff shall: i) attest that Defendant has never had a written or unwritten rental agreement for the premises with Plaintiff, owner or owner's agent (past or present) and has never paid rent (or had rent paid on their behalf) for the premises to Plaintiff, owner or owner's agent (past or present). For purposes of this Paragraph, "rent" includes regularly recurring housing expenses (e.g. utility bills, mortgage payments); and ii) attach affidavit(s) supporting the factual allegations in the complaint made pursuant to Paragraph 4(b)(i), above, and any supporting documents.
Document Type
Complaint
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory
Complaints under § 9-120 must identify the alleged conduct in sufficient detail and attach supporting affidavits or documents.
In a complaint filed under 735 ILCS 5/9-120, Plaintiff shall: i) identify the alleged conduct as provided in 735 ILCS 5/9-120 in sufficient detail to prepare a defense, including dates of the alleged conduct; and ii) attach affidavit(s) supporting the factual allegations in the complaint made pursuant to Paragraph 4(a)(i), above, and/or supporting document(s) (e.g., police report, private security incident report, photos, etc.).
Document Type
Complaint
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory
The Summons must prominently state that the eviction action differs from an ERP eviction and include information about the ERP hotline and free legal aid availability.
The Summons shall include prominent and specific information that the eviction action is different than an ERP eviction. The summons shall also include specific information about the availability of the ERP program hotline and the ability to connect to free legal aid.
Document Type
Summons
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory
Complaints under § 9-102(a)(7) must identify the condominium owner and allege no known tenant or lease on file.
In a complaint filed under 735 ILCS 5/9-102(a)(7), Plaintiff shall: i) identify the owner of the condominium property; and ii) allege that Plaintiff is not aware that a known tenant resides, occupies, or has a current written lease with the unit owner and there is no lease on file as required under Section 18 (n) of the ILCPA.
Document Type
Complaint
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory
Plaintiffs proceeding under this order must designate on both the Complaint and Summons the relevant section of the Eviction Act under which the eviction is filed.
A Plaintiff proceeding under this General Administrative Order shall designate that it is filing the eviction action under the relevant section of the Eviction Act listed in Paragraph 4(a), above, on the Complaint and Summons.
Document Type
Complaint And Summons
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory
Agreed orders in eviction cases must use the standardized Illinois Supreme Court form and include specific language confirming the defendant's understanding of ERP attorney consultation.
The order must be the standardized Illinois Supreme Court Agreed Orders for eviction cases, modified to include the following language: "The parties acknowledge that the defendant has been served with the Notice of ERP and prior to entering into this settlement agreement, the defendant confirms that: 1) I understand that I can speak to a free attorney about this agreement before I sign it. 2) I called and talked with an attorney, and now I want to sign this agreement, or I decided not to talk to an attorney, and I want to sign the agreement anyway. 3) I understand that an attorney may not be able to help me after I have signed the agreement."
Document Type
Agreed Order
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory
A judgment order against an unrepresented litigant may only be entered if the litigant appears in court and confirms they had an opportunity to meet with an ERP attorney to review the agreement.
For any order that enters judgment against an unrepresented litigant, the judgment order shall not be entered by the Court unless the unrepresented litigant appears in court and confirms they have had an opportunity to meet with an ERP attorney to review the terms of the agreement.
Document Type
Judgment Order
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory
Alias summons must include the same ERP notice and may issue without leave of court.
In any case where an alias summons needs to be issued to effectuate service, including pending cases, plaintiff shall include the same notice of ERP with the Alias Summons. Alias summons shall issue without leave of court.
Document Type
Alias Summons
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory
Plaintiffs initiating consumer debt actions must include a notice of the ERP with the summons in English, Spanish, and Polish, attached to the summons filed with the Clerk.
Any plaintiff initiating a new consumer debt action in any of the districts of the Municipal Department of the Circuit Court of Cook County shall include a notice of the ERP with the summons in English, Spanish, & Polish. The notice shall be attached to a copy of the summons filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Document Type
Summons
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory
Plaintiffs must file the Notice of Early Resolution Program with the Clerk, including a certificate of service pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/1-109.
The plaintiff shall file the "Notice of Early Resolution Program" with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, including a certificate of service pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/1-109, any case filed since March 27, 2020.
Document Type
Notice Of Erp
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory
Plaintiffs must use the appropriate consumer debt summons that complies with debt collection regulations and includes a copy of the ERP notice.
Plaintiffs shall use the appropriate summons for Consumer Debt Actions that complies with any and all regulations associated with debt collection and include a copy of the notice of ERP pursuant to Section III(B)(1(a). (See Attachment 2.)
Document Type
Summons
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important
An agreed order must be signed by the parties to be entered and filed.
Either party may submit an agreed order to be entered and filed provided that it has been signed by the parties.
Document Type
Agreed Order
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important
An agreed order taking a case off call must include language striking any future dates previously set.
If the case is going off call, please include language in the Order to strike any future date(s) previously set.
Document Type
Agreed Order
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important
Motions attacking a complaint or other pleading must have a copy of the attacked pleading attached to the courtesy copy of the motion.
All motions attacking the complaint or other pleading should have a copy of said pleading attached to the courtesy copy of the motion.
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Note
Pre-trial memos, if submitted, should include the nature of the case, stipulated and contested issues, settlement status, and any other information to educate the judge.
The parties may submit and exchange pre-trial memos setting forth a brief nature of the case, the stipulated and contested issues, the status of settlement negotiations and any other information any party believes would educate the judge or facilitate a compromise.
Document Type
Pretrial Memo
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
The plaintiff must file a motion on the regular motion call with notice to the unrepresented litigant; and
Summary: To enter an agreed order with an unrepresented litigant, the plaintiff must file a motion on the regular motion call with notice to the unrepresented litigant.
Document Type
Motion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
The order must include the following language: "The parties acknowledge that the defendant has been served with the Notice of ERP and prior to entering into this settlement agreement, the defendant confirms that: 1) I understand that I can speak to a free attorney about this agreement before I sign it. 2) I called and talked with an attorney, and now I want to sign this agreement, or I decided not to talk to an attorney, and I want to sign the agreement anyway. 3) I understand that an attorney may not be able to help me after I have signed the agreement."
Summary: Agreed orders involving unrepresented litigants must include specific language confirming the defendant's understanding of their right to consult a free attorney.
Document Type
Agreed Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
The plaintiff must file a motion on the regular motion call with notice to the unrepresented litigant
Summary: For agreed orders involving unrepresented litigants, the plaintiff must file a motion on the regular motion call with notice to the unrepresented litigant.
Document Type
Agreed Order
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Important?
There is an ethical obligation not to submit "hallucination" case citations to this Court. ... The use of Al by litigants, [and] attorneys ... should not be discouraged, and is authorized provided it complies with legal and ethical standards. Disclosure of Al use should not be required in a pleading. ... All users must thoroughly review Al-generated content before submitting it in any court proceeding to ensure accuracy and compliance with legal and ethical obligations. ... Violations of this policy will subject the violating attorney/self-represented litigant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 137 sanctions
Machine summary and details
Summary: AI use is authorized if it complies with legal and ethical standards, AI disclosure is not required in pleadings, AI-generated content must be thoroughly reviewed before submission, hallucinated citations are prohibited, and violations are subject to Rule 137 sanctions.
Document Type
Pleading
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
The plaintiff's notice shall notify the defendant that a default judgment will enter if they fail to appear for the Prove-Up on the subsequent ERP Management Date.
Summary: The plaintiff's Prove-Up notice must notify the defendant that a default judgment will enter if they fail to appear for the Prove-Up.
Document Type
Notice
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
The plaintiff's notice shall notify the litigant that a default judgment will enter if they fail to appear for the subsequent ERP Management Date.
Summary: The plaintiff's Prove-Up notice must notify the litigant that a default judgment will enter if they fail to appear.
Document Type
Notice
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Note?
Routine Orders such as Alias Summons to Issue ("ASTT") etc., may be submitted without scheduling a Court date for presentment.
Machine summary and details
Summary: Routine orders such as Alias Summons to Issue may be submitted without scheduling a Court date for presentment.
Document Type
Order
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Stamped copies of orders will be available on Odyssey; the Clerk's office does not email individual orders to litigants.
Stamped copies of orders will be available on Odyssey. The Clerk's office does not email individual orders to each litigant.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026
Page 1 | I. GENERAL MATTERS
All motions must be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
All motions must be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 4 | I.E. Proof of Service of Pleadings & Motions
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Proposed orders for consumer debt and post-judgment calls must be submitted to Room 209 48 hours before the calls via email.
For the attorneys, please note that all proposed Orders for the consumer debt and post-judgment calls are to be submitted to Room 209 48-hours before the calls via email to Courtroom Email: d6crt209orders@cookcountycourt.com.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026
Page 1 | I. GENERAL MATTERS
The Court generally allows 28 days to respond to a motion.
The Court will generally allow 28 days to respond to a motion and 14 days to reply, unless it is agreed that the Court should rule upon the motion upon presentment.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026
Page 4 | I.E. Proof of Service of Pleadings & Motions
Pre-trial memos must be delivered to the Court at least three days before the settlement conference.
This memo should be delivered to the Court at least three (3) days before the settlement conference.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026
Page 7 | Pre-Trial Settlement Conferences
For eviction cases filed after January 25, 2021, the Clerk assigns an automatic 30-day initial case management date at the time of filing the complaint.
For all eviction cases filed after January 25, 2021, the Clerk of the Circuit Court shall assign an automatic 30-day initial case management date at the time of filing of the complaint.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026
Page 12 | III(A)(2)(a)
Plaintiffs may file a motion to expedite the ERP Management Date within 45 days of service, scheduling it on an available ERP Court date.
plaintiff issues a 60-day Early Resolution Program Summons (Consumer Debt) or Alias Summons with ERP notices attached and service is obtained, the plaintiff may file a motion to ===== PAGE 18 ===== expedite ERP Management Date within 45 days of service, with ERP notices attached, and shall schedule that motion on an available ERP Court date in the respective district.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026
Page 17 | 5. Motion to Expedite ERP Management Date
Motions to vacate a voluntary dismissal must be filed within 30 days of dismissal or a new action must be filed, unless an agreed order of dismissal provides otherwise.
Generally, motions to vacate a voluntary dismissal must be filed within 30 days of the date of dismissal or a new action must be filed by plaintiff, unless an agreed order of dismissal is signed by both plaintiff and defendant and the order specifically states that leave to reinstate is granted and the court retains jurisdiction. See 735 ILCS 5/2-1203(a) and Eighner v. Tiernan, 2021 L 126101, Supreme Court of Illinois.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 7 | Motions to Vacate Voluntary Dismissals
The Clerk assigns an automatic 60-day initial case management date for Consumer Debt Actions filed on or after February 8, 2021.
For Consumer Debt Actions filed on or after February 8, 2021, the Clerk of the Circuit Court shall assign an automatic 60-day initial case management date at the time of filing of the complaint.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 17 | 2. Automatic Case Management Conference Date
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Motions served by mail must be served no later than the fifth preceding court day.
or mailed no later than the fifth preceding court day
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026
Page 4 | I.E. Proof of Service of Pleadings & Motions
Motions served personally, by email, or fax must be served by 4:00 PM on the second preceding court day.
Motions must be personally served, emailed, or faxed if appropriate, no later than 4:00pm on the second preceding court day
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026
Page 4 | I.E. Proof of Service of Pleadings & Motions
The moving party must present proof of service on the opposing party for all motions, with various acceptable forms of proof.
On all motions, the moving party must present proof that they have served the motion on the opposing party. Such proof may include proof of service by Regular Mail (USPS Certificate of Mailing), Certified Mail with a printout of the USPS Tracking Receipt showing proof of delivery, special process server receipt, affidavit of service, attorneys Certificate of Service, etc., or otherwise provide proof of notice as set forth in Circuit Court Rule 2.1, or in compliance with section 5/1-109 of the Illinois Rules of Civil Procedure or the Illinois Supreme Court Rules.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026
Page 4 | I.E. Proof of Service of Pleadings & Motions
In Consumer Debt Actions, the plaintiff must obtain service by the ERP Calendar Call Date (12 months from filing); if service is not obtained, the plaintiff must voluntarily dismiss the complaint without prejudice or it will be dismissed for want of prosecution.
"ERP Calendar Call Date" means the 12-month date automatically assigned by the Clerk of the Circuit Court at the time of filing of a Consumer Debt Action by which time the plaintiff must have obtained service of the Consumer Debt Action. If valid service has not been obtained by this date, the plaintiff must voluntarily dismiss the complaint without prejudice or the case will be dismissed for want of prosecution.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026
Page 11 | B. Definitions
The plaintiff must give notice of a Prove-Up on the subsequent ERP Management Date with ERP notices attached and file the notice with the Clerk of Court.
The plaintiff shall also give notice of a Prove-Up on the subsequent ERP Management Date with ERP notices attached and file that notice with Clerk of Court.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026
Page 18 | 5. Motion to Expedite ERP Management Date
The plaintiff must give notice of the Prove-Up on the subsequent ERP Management Date with ERP notices attached and file the notice with the Clerk of Court.
The plaintiff shall give notice of the Prove-Up on the subsequent ERP Management Date with ERP notices attached and file that notice with the Clerk of Court.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026
Page 18 | 5. Motion to Expedite ERP Management Date
The officer or other person serving the summons must return it with an endorsement of service and fees immediately after service; if service cannot be made, it must still be returned with endorsement.
TO THE OFFICER: This summons must be returned by the officer or other person to whom it was given for service, with endorsement thereon of service and fees, if any, immediately after service. If service cannot be made, this summons shall be returned so endorsed.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026
Page 26 | Summons – Early Resolution Program (Eviction)
The opposing party (and attorney if applicable) shall be provided notice of the emergency motion if at all possible, and email addresses of all parties and attorneys should be provided to the Court Coordinator when scheduling the emergency hearing.
If at all possible, the opposing party (and attorney if applicable) shall be provided notice, therefore the Court Coordinator should be provided the e-mail addresses of all parties and the attorneys when scheduling the emergency hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | D. Emergency Motions
The court may dismiss a Consumer Debt Action without prejudice if service is not effected within six months.
In cases where service has not been effected within six (6) months, the court retains the discretion to dismiss the matter without prejudice.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 17 | 2. Automatic Case Management Conference Date
The summons must be returned immediately after service endorsed with service and fees, and returned likewise if service cannot be made.
This summons must be returned by the officer or other person to whom it was given for service, with endorsement thereon of service and fees, if any, immediately after service. If service cannot be made, this summons shall be returned so endorsed.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 32 | TO THE OFFICER
Filing Fees and Waivers
Fee waivers should be submitted to the courtroom email address.
Fee waivers should be submitted to the courtroom at d6crt209orders@cookcountycourt.com.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026
Page 1 | I. GENERAL MATTERS
The Early Resolution Program is free to participate in; no appearance or fee is required to participate.
THIS PROGRAM IS FREE and you do not need to file an appearance or pay a fee to participate.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026
Page 26 | Notice of the Early Resolution Program
If the Early Resolution Program does not resolve the case, the defendant must file an appearance, which requires a fee; a fee waiver is available for those unable to pay.
IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO REACH A RESOLUTION OF YOUR CASE IN THE EARLY RESOLUTION PROGRAM, THEN YOU WILL NEED TO DO THE FOLLOWING: - YOU MUST FILE AN APPEARANCE. A fee is required to file an appearance. If you are unable to pay the filing fee, you may apply for a FEE WAIVER.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.
Page 26 | Notice of the Early Resolution Program
If the Early Resolution Program does not resolve the case, the defendant must file an appearance, which requires a fee.
YOU MUST FILE AN APPEARANCE. A fee is required to file an appearance.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 32 | Early Resolution Program
Defendants unable to pay the filing fee may apply for a fee waiver.
If you are unable to pay the filing fee, you may apply for a FEE WAIVER.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 32 | Early Resolution Program
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Copies of all motions and pleadings relevant to a matter at issue for presentment must be provided to the Court via the Office of the presiding Judge or via email to the courtroom 5 days prior to presentment, or the matter is unlikely to be heard.
Accordingly, in order that the Court can properly prepare to hear matters, copies of all motions and pleadings relevant to a matter at issue for presentment, are to be provided to the Court via the Office of the presiding Judge or via email to the courtroom 5-days prior to the date of presentment. If copies of the pleading(s) are not provided in advance, your matter is unlikely to be heard on the date scheduled.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026
Page 5 | B. Courtesy Copies of Non-Routine Motions
Courtesy copies must not be submitted for routine motions.
DO NOT SUBMIT COURTESY COPIES OF ROUTINE MOTIONS.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026
Page 5 | A. Regular Motions
A courtesy copy of the filed motion marked 'EMERGENCY MOTION' with all supporting documents or exhibits must be emailed to the Court Coordinator at least 24 hours before the party desires to be heard.
A courtesy copy of the filed motion marked, "EMERGENCY MOTION" and all supporting documents or exhibits must be delivered to the Court Coordinator via e-mail at least 24-hours before the party desires to be heard.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026
Page 6 | D. Emergency Motions
The movant must provide a courtesy copy of the motion with all exhibits at least 7 days in advance; exhibits must be attached and filed; copies may be emailed to chambers.
The movant must provide a courtesy copy of the motion, along with all exhibits at least seven (7) days in advance to the Court. (Exhibits MUST be attached AND filed). These courtesy copies may be emailed to CCC.MarkhamCR209@cookcountyil.gov.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | A. Regular Motions
The movant must provide a courtesy copy of the motion, response, and reply with all exhibits at least 7 days in advance; all exhibits shall be attached and filed; copies may be emailed to chambers.
The movant must provide a courtesy copy of the motion, response, and reply, along with all exhibits at least seven (7) days in advance to the Court. (All exhibits shall be attached and filed). These courtesy copies may be emailed to CCC.MarkhamCR209@cookcountyil.gov.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | A. Regular Motions
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Plaintiffs may request an off-call continuance to obtain alias summons when service is not effectuated by the initial case management date, provided the continued date gives the defendant at least 14 days' notice.
In any Properly Filed Eviction Case where service has not effectuated by the initial case management date, plaintiff may seek a continuance from the court off-call for the purpose of issuing alias summons or other proper relief. The continued date should provide the defendant with no less than fourteen (14) days' notice.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026
Page 13 | b) Continuances to Effectuate Service
In Consumer Debt Actions where service has not been effectuated by the initial case management date, the plaintiff may seek a continuance from the court off-call.
In any Consumer Debt Action that has not effectuated service at the initial case management date, plaintiff may seek a continuance from the court off-call.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026
Page 17 | 2. Automatic Case Management Conference Date
Trial continuance requests must be in writing, supported by a detailed affidavit, and heard at least five business days before trial unless exigent circumstances exist.
Any request for a continuance for trial must be in writing and supported by a detailed, compelling affidavit and heard as soon as possible or at least five (5) business days preceding trial, unless exigent circumstances arise.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 7 | Trials
Chambers Communication Rules
For a true emergency, contact Judge Bates' Court Coordinator by email; do not give yourself a court date.
Contact Judge Bates' Court Coordinator at CCC.MarkhamCR209@cookcountyil.gov if you have an emergency as defined below. DO NOT GIVE YOURSELF A COURT DATE!
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026
Page 6 | D. Emergency Motions
Counsel submitting orders in advance with future dates must email the Court Coordinator to confirm the date is available.
If you are submitting Orders in advance that have future dates please email Meghan Ciesielski, the Court Coordinator, in advance of submission to confirm that said date is in fact available. Email her at CCC.MarkhamCR209@cookcountyil.gov and you will receive an auto-response listing future court dates being given at least four weeks out.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026
Page 1 | I. GENERAL MATTERS
Communications with the Court should be by filing of pleadings, motions, briefs, or suggested orders, except that Orders may be emailed to Room 209.
All communications with the Court other than the submission of Orders to Room 209 via email as set forth above, should be by filing of pleadings, motions, briefs, or suggested orders.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026
Page 3 | I.C. Communications
Contact with the Court Coordinator (or Presiding Judge's staff) is limited to administrative, procedural, or scheduling matters.
Communications with Court Coordinator Meghan Ciesielski, or if she is not available, with the Presiding Judge's staff, are allowed only on administrative, procedural, or scheduling matters.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | I.C. Communications
The opposing party (or their attorney) should be copied on communications with the Court Coordinator, except for scheduling date confirmations.
The opposing party and/or their attorney as applicable, should be copied on communications with the Court Coordinator except scheduling date confirmation communications.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | I.C. Communications
Parties must immediately contact the Court Coordinator if they reach an agreement on a motion before the hearing date.
If the parties reach an agreement on any motion prior to the hearing date, please immediately contact the Court Coordinator Meghan Ciesielski to avoid the Court spending time preparing for the hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | A. Regular Motions
Agreed orders and stipulations may be emailed to the Courtroom.
Agreed orders and stipulations may be emailed to the Courtroom.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 4 | I.F. Agreed Orders
Parties may submit settlement agreements by email to the ERP Court case manager at a designated email address, and agreements negotiated with program partners may bear electronic signatures.
they can submit the agreement via email to the ERP Court case manager at a designated email address. Agreements negotiated with the assistance of program partners may be submitted with electronic signatures.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 22 | III(E)(