Judge James E. Hanlon Jr.
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
All filings
- 1 copy • On Or Before Clerk Status Date
Motion
- 1 copy • Chambers Drop Off • Three Court Days Before Presentment
Movant filings
- 1 copy • Email • Upon Filing
Courtesy copies
Court-wideAdjournments
- Extension requests must be made before courtesy copies due, not affect hearing/trial dates; parties should confer; if agreed, advise case coordinator and submit proposed order using court form; if not agreed, file motion.
- Motions for continuance must be brought as early as possible and supported by an affidavit.
- Continuances of trial are rarely granted and only for good cause such as serious illness or death.
Request must include
Communication
Clerk33 contacts
- tlhudson@cookcountycourt.com
- probatecrt1807orders@cookcountycourt.com
- probatecrt1803orders@cookcountycourt.com
- probatecrt1802orders@cookcountycourt.com
- probatecrt1806orders@cookcountycourt.com
- probatecrt1810orders@cookcountycourt.com
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- probatecrt1814aorders@cookcountycourt.com
- probatecrt1812orders@cookcountycourt.com
- probatecrt1809orders@cookcountycourt.com
- probatedivorders@cookcountycourt.com
- probatecrt1804orders@cookcountycourt.com
- probatecrt1811orders@cookcountycourt.com
- probatecrt1801orders@cookcountycourt.com
- joseph.fleming@cookcountyil.gov
- beanaele@cookcountycourt.com
- snadams@cookcountycourt.com
- dwhensel@cookcountycourt.com
- probatedivservices@cookcountycourt.com
- efilehelp@cookcountycourt.com
- jlmckay@cookcountycourt.com
- probate.divatty@cookcountyil.gov
- (312) 603-7546
- (312) 603-5694
- (312) 603-2486
- (312) 603-5025
- (312) 603-6878
- (312) 603-2591
- (312) 603-7229
- (312) 603-3784, (312) 603-5647
- (312) 603-6558
- (312) 603-5157
- (312) 603-5647
- (312) 603-7545
Chambers2 contacts
- law.calncc@cookcountyil.gov
- 312-603-4804
Other Contacts1 contacts
- efiling.support@tylertech.com
Page & Word Limits1 rule
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
No motion, movant’s brief, or response brief shall exceed 15 double-spaced pages (exclusive of exhibits). No reply brief shall exceed 7 double-spaced pages.
Summary: Motions and briefs limited to 15 pages (support/opposition) and 7 pages (reply), excluding exhibits.
Brief
15 pages
Applies to: Attorney
Reply Brief
7 pages
Applies to: Attorney
Document Format Requirements3 rules
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
The font size in the body of the text shall be 12 points and in footnotes no less than 10 points. All margins shall each be a minimum of 1 inch.
Summary: Font size 12 pt body, 10 pt footnotes; margins 1 inch all around.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
The Original brief only must be submitted to the court in Word file format (.docx or .doc).
Summary: Original brief must be submitted in Word format (.docx or .doc).
DOCX
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
Proposed agreed orders may be submitted electronically. Proposed agreed orders are not to be filed. Rather, they are to be submitted to the judge to consider, to modify, if appropriate, and to enter. For example, proposed agreed orders such as stipulated protective orders require court approval before actually being given full effect. Proposed agreed orders must be attached to an e-mail sent to following e-mail address: law.calncc@cookcountyil.gov. The subject line of the e-mail must include the case number and name, and the title of the order that is proposed. All such documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word format. All other parties to the case must be copied on the email. Please advise the court’s case coordinator by phone (312-603-4804) after submitting a proposed agreed order.
Summary: Proposed agreed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word format.
DOCX
Document Filing Requirements17 rules
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory
An affidavit that no Answer/Appearance filed may be dated no earlier than 10 days before the present date.
5. __ Affidavit that no Answer/Appearance filed (dated no earlier than 10 days before the present date)
Document Type
Affidavit Of No Answer
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important
An affidavit of non-military service is required for individual defendants only.
6. __ Affidavit of Non-Military Service (for individuals only)
Document Type
Affidavit Of Non Military Service
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important
The contract provision or statute allowing attorneys' fees must be listed.
b. _____List Contract provision or Statute allowing Attorneys' Fees
Document Type
Attorneys Fees Authority
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important
An affidavit of costs must be provided if costs are requested.
7. __ Affidavit of Costs (ifrequested)
Document Type
Affidavit Of Costs
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important
An affidavit for attorneys' fees must be provided if fees are requested.
8. __ Affidavit for Attorneys' Fees (if requested)
Document Type
Affidavit For Attorneys Fees
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important
An interest calculation must be provided if interest is requested.
9. Interest calculation, ifrequesting interest
Document Type
Interest Calculation
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important
The list of attorneys, parties, and witnesses for the arbitration hearing must include email addresses for each attorney or party of record.
The following are the attorneys, parties and potential witnesses for the Commercial Calendar Mandatory Arbitration hearing. Email addresses for each attorney or party of record must be included.
Document Type
Attorney Party Witness List
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
a. Damages Affidavit or Verification
Summary: A damages affidavit or verification must be provided with the complaint.
Document Type
Damages Affidavit
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
3. __ Complaint with exhibits
Summary: The complaint, with its exhibits, must be filed for the prove-up hearing.
Document Type
Complaint
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
10. __ Draft Judgment Order
Summary: A draft judgment order must be provided at the prove-up hearing.
Document Type
Draft Judgment Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
2. __ Proof of Notice of Prove-up Date
Summary: Plaintiff must provide proof of notice of the prove-up date to the defaulting defendant.
Document Type
Proof Of Notice
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Proposed agreed orders may be submitted electronically. Proposed agreed orders are not to be filed. Rather, they are to be submitted to the judge to consider, to modify, if appropriate, and to enter. For example, proposed agreed orders such as stipulated protective orders require court approval before actually being given full effect. Proposed agreed orders must be attached to an e-mail sent to following e-mail address: law.calncc@cookcountyil.gov. The subject line of the e-mail must include the case number and name, and the title of the order that is proposed. All such documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word format. All other parties to the case must be copied on the email. Please advise the court’s case coordinator by phone (312-603-4804) after submitting a proposed agreed order.
Summary: Proposed agreed orders must be submitted electronically via email in Microsoft Word format, not filed, with all parties copied, and followed by a phone call to the case coordinator.
Document Type
Proposed Agreed Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
a. __ Attorneys' Fees spreadsheet detailing attorney performance
Summary: An attorneys' fees spreadsheet detailing attorney performance must accompany the fee affidavit.
Document Type
Attorneys Fees Spreadsheet
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
4. __ Contract (if applicable)
Summary: The contract must be provided at the prove-up hearing if applicable to the claim.
Document Type
Contract
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
Oversized briefs are disfavored and require leave of court. Briefs that exceed the 15-page limit must have a table of contents with the pages noted and a table of cases.
Summary: Oversized briefs require leave; if exceed 15 pages, must include table of contents and table of cases.
Document Type
Brief
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
Exhibits and relevant pleadings (including any pleading attacked) must be e-mailed to the court with electronic copies of the briefs. Exhibits may be provided in PDF format. Each exhibit should be a separate PDF. A list of exhibits must be provided for each document that contains more than one exhibit. A Table of Contents linked to individual exhibits is helpful to the court.
Summary: Exhibits and pleadings must be e-mailed with briefs; each exhibit separate PDF; list of exhibits required; Table of Contents helpful.
Document Type
Exhibits
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
Briefs shall include citations of authority and, as applicable, a procedural history section. Record citations are required.
Summary: Briefs must include citations of authority, procedural history, and record citations.
Document Type
Brief
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Proposed agreed orders must be submitted via email in Microsoft Word format, not filed, with all parties copied, and followed by a phone call to the case coordinator.
Proposed agreed orders may be submitted electronically. Proposed agreed orders are not to be filed. Rather, they are to be submitted to the judge to consider, to modify, if appropriate, and to enter. For example, proposed agreed orders such as stipulated protective orders require court approval before actually being given full effect. Proposed agreed orders must be attached to an e-mail sent to following e-mail address: law.calncc@cookcountyil.gov. The subject line of the e-mail must include the case number and name, and the title of the order that is proposed. All such documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word format. All other parties to the case must be copied on the email. Please advise the court’s case coordinator by phone (312-603-4804) after submitting a proposed agreed order.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Explanatory Notes
Service and Proof of Service Rules
At the prove-up hearing, plaintiff must provide proof of service of the complaint.
1. __ Proof of Service of Complaint
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Prove-Up Checklist
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies due on or before clerk status date; failure may result in motion being stricken.
Please note that courtesy copies are due on or before the date set in the order. There is no appearance by counsel on the Clerk’s Status date. If the court has not received the required courtesy copies on or before the clerk status date, the motion may be stricken. The court does not hear motions on the clerk status date.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Explanatory Notes - Clerk’s Status
Movant must email courtesy copies of all briefs to law.calncc@cookcountyil.gov; subject line includes case info; original brief in Word format; exhibits in PDF.
THE MOVANT shall submit an electronic version of all brief(s) as an e-mail attachment to the following e-mail address: law.calncc@cookcountyil.gov. The subject line of the e-mail must include the case number and name, and a description of the attachment(s). The Original brief only must be submitted to the court in Word file format (.docx or .doc). Exhibits may be submitted in PDF format.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Explanatory Notes - E-mail Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies of any motion must be delivered three court days before presentment and may be placed in the tray outside the courtroom.
A courtesy copy of any motion must be delivered three court days before presentment. Courtesy copies may be placed in the tray outside the courtroom.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Explanatory Notes
Filing Bundling Requirements
Sur-replies are not permitted.
No sur-replies will be permitted.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Explanatory Notes - Length of Briefs and Motions
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
All arbitration-related motions must be presented to the Supervising Judge of the Commercial Calendar Mandatory Arbitration Program.
All motions relating to the arbitration process must be presented to the Supervising Judge of the Commercial Calendar Mandatory Arbitration Program.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Order of Referral to Commercial Mandatory Arbitration
Dispositive motions must be presented no later than 90 days before trial unless otherwise ordered.
Unless otherwise specified by order, dispositive motions shall be presented no later than 90 days before the trial date.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Explanatory Notes
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Continuances of trial are rarely granted and only for good cause such as serious illness or death.
Trial dates are firm. Continuances will rarely be granted and only for good cause—usually involving serious illness (or death) of counsel, a party, or a necessary witness.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Explanatory Notes
Extension requests must be made before courtesy copies due, not affect hearing/trial dates; parties should confer; if agreed, advise case coordinator and submit proposed order using court form; if not agreed, file motion.
The court will grant a reasonable request to extend a briefing schedule if the proposed modification does not affect a scheduled hearing date or trial date and the request is made before the day electronic courtesy copies are due. To the extent possible, the parties should confer and agree on a proposed modified schedule. If the modified schedule is agreed, the parties must: (1) advise the court’s case coordinator by phone or email (312-603-4804); and (2) submit a proposed order as an e-mail attachment to the following e-mail address: law.calncc@cookcountyil.gov. The subject line of the e-mail must include the case number and name, and the title of the order that is proposed. All such proposed orders must be submitted using the court’s briefing schedule order (a fillable copy is available for download under the “Forms” section of Judge Hanlon’s webpage on the Circuit Court’s website), and the parties shall indicate in the Other” field that it is an agreed order modifying the briefing schedule entered on [date of previous order]. All parties must be copied on the e-mail to the court. In those rare instances when the parties are unable to agree on a modified schedule, the party requiring the extension will need to present a motion.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Explanatory Notes - Modification to Briefing Schedule
Motions for continuance must be brought as early as possible and supported by an affidavit.
A motion for continuance should be brought as early as possible and should be supported by an affidavit.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Explanatory Notes
Chambers Communication Rules
Contact case coordinator at 312-603-4804 for scheduling modifications.
advise the court’s case coordinator by phone or email (312-603-4804)
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Explanatory Notes - Modification to Briefing Schedule
Submit proposed orders via email to law.calncc@cookcountyil.gov.
submit a proposed order as an e-mail attachment to the following e-mail address: law.calncc@cookcountyil.gov
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Explanatory Notes - Modification to Briefing Schedule
Counsel must call the case coordinator at 312-603-4804 after submitting a proposed agreed order.
Please advise the court’s case coordinator by phone (312-603-4804) after submitting a proposed agreed order.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Explanatory Notes
If a case settles after a trial date is scheduled, counsel must notify the case coordinator by voicemail at 312-603-4804.
If your case should settle after a trial date has been scheduled, please advise the court’s case coordinator by leaving a voicemail message (312-603-4804) at your earliest convenience.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Explanatory Notes