Court Rules
Judge

Judge Michael T. Mullen

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Circuit Court of Cook County

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Brief
15 pgs
Courtesy CopyCourt-wide
20 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Brief, Exhibits, Respondents Brief

  • 1 copy • Hand Delivery • At Least Five Business Days Prior To Clerks Status

Complaint

  • 1 copy • Hand Delivery • Five Business Days In Advance

Consolidation Motions, Related Case Designation Motions

  • 1 copy • Hand Delivery • At Least Five Business Days Before Hearing

Courtesy copies

  • Hand Delivery • At Least One Business Day Before Order Entered

Adjournments

5Business Daysnotice
  • Motions to continue trial or evidentiary hearing must be made in writing at least 5 business days before and supported by detailed affidavit.
Reason For Request

Communication

Clerk31 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) 603-5694
  • (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

Chambers3 contacts

  • (312) 603-5943
  • (312) 603-7546
  • (312) 603-7545

Other Contacts1 contacts

  • efiling.support@tylertech.com
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantMemorandaExhibitsTypographyPage LimitsSummary JudgmentProposed OrdersTOC/TOABinders/Tabs

Page & Word Limits2 rules

Page Limits

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

All briefs must be double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman font, set with 1-inch margins, and must not exceed fifteen (15) double-spaced single-sided pages (exclusive of Exhibits), unless otherwise given leave by the Court.

Summary: Briefs are limited to 15 double-spaced single-sided pages (exclusive of exhibits), double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman, 1-inch margins.

Brief

15 pages

Applies to: Attorney

Brief

15 pages

Applies to: Pro Se

Page Limits

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Motions for Summary Judgment must be filed sufficiently in advance of the set trial date to accommodate a briefing schedule and ruling. Otherwise, the motion will be taken contemporaneously with trial. Exclusive of the recitation of facts, the format and length for Contested Motions (see above) must be followed.

Summary: Summary judgment motions must follow the same format and length as contested motions, but the recitation of facts is excluded from the page limit.

Summary Judgment Motion

Document Filing Requirements6 rules

Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

The following materials must be attached to the motion: a. Copy of notice of motion and motion. b. Copy of summons and complaint. c. Copy of affidavit of service. d. Attorney or pro se litigant’s certification that both the Court file and the computer register have been checked for any appearance or answer by defendant(s). The certificate must be dated no more than ten (10) days before the date selected for presentation of the motion. e. If defaulting an individual, a military affidavit as required by federal law can be found at: (CCG_N004_02-06-11.pmd (cookcountyclerkofcourt.org). f. A copy of a proposed draft order specifying relief sought.

Summary: Motions for default judgment must include specified attachments: notice, summons, complaint, affidavit of service, certification of court file check, military affidavit if applicable, and proposed order.

Document Type

Motion For Default Judgment

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Agreed dismissal orders must contain the original signature of all parties and/or their counsel. Please be sure to strike all future scheduled dates.

Summary: Agreed dismissal orders must contain original signatures of all parties/counsel and strike all future dates.

Document Type

Agreed Dismissal Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

All Illinois case citations must use the public-domain citation or, for cases filed before July 1, 2011, the Illinois’s official reports (Illinois Reports (Ill. or Ill. 2d) or Illinois Appellate Court Reports (Ill. App., Ill. App. 2d, or Ill. App. 3d)), and not to the North Eastern Reporter (N.E.2d). See Ill. S. Ct. R. 6 (eff. July 1, 2011). All online citations must be to LEXIS.

Summary: Illinois case citations must use public-domain citation or official reports, not North Eastern Reporter; online citations must be to LEXIS.

Document Type

Brief

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

A Table of Contents for all Exhibits must be provided, and the Exhibits must be tabbed (including digital Exhibits).

Summary: Briefs must include a table of contents for exhibits and exhibits must be tabbed, including digital exhibits.

Document Type

Brief

Content & Formatting
Table Of Contents
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Pre-Trial Memoranda will be submitted on the date set by the Court. Pre-Trial Memorandum shall contain: a. Brief statement of the case b. Statement of Agreed Facts and/or Uncontested Material Facts c. Statement of Contested Facts d. Statement of the Applicable Law e. List of all Witnesses who may be called and the area of the witness’s testimony.

Summary: Pre-trial memoranda must contain statement of case, agreed/uncontested facts, contested facts, applicable law, and witness list.

Document Type

Pretrial Memorandum

Content & Formatting
Statement Of Facts
Legal Argument
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

If the parties wish to submit a proposed Agreed Order, the parties must email the proposed Agreed Order in Word format to the Court with all parties copied on the email. The Agreed Order must be signed by all parties to the order. E-signatures, or /s/, are permitted.

Summary: Proposed agreed orders must be emailed in Word format to the court with all parties copied, signed by all parties (e-signatures permitted).

Document Type

Agreed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

All motions not classified as routine must be filed through e-filing.

All other motions must be spindled with the Clerk’s Office through e-Filing.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Page 3 | Routine Motions, Section 7

E-filing is mandatory in Illinois for all civil areas except Quasi Criminal, Housing, and Wills.

As of July 1, 2018, e-Filing is mandatory in Illinois for all Civil Areas (except Quasi Criminal, Housing and Wills). Illinois Supreme Court Order M.R. 18368.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Page 4 | Footnote 3

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Briefs filed after the briefing deadline may be stricken by the court.

Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, any brief filed after a briefing deadline may be stricken.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Page 4 | Contested Motions & Briefs, Section 6

Service and Proof of Service Rules

Settlement memoranda must be served on opposing party at least 5 business days before settlement conference, with courtesy copies delivered hard copy and emailed same day.

Each party will serve on the other a Settlement Memorandum at least five (5) business days prior to the Settlement Conference. Courtesy copies must be delivered in hard copy to Chambers and emailed to Calendar 12’s email on the same date as provided to the parties.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Page 7 | Settlement Conferences, Section 2

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Courtesy copies of petition for surplus funds must be delivered hard copy and emailed 5 business days before hearing, with consequence of striking if late.

At least five (5) business days before the date on which the Petition is noticed for hearing, a courtesy copy of the Petition, notice, and all supporting documents must be delivered in hard copy to Chambers and emailed to Calendar 12’s email. If courtesy copies are not delivered on time, the Court may strike the Petition.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Page 1 | Petitions for Turnover of Surplus Funds, Section 5

Courtesy copies of motion to consolidate or designate as related must be delivered hard copy and emailed 5 business days before hearing, including motion, notice, and operative complaint.

At least five (5) business days before the date on which the motion is noticed for hearing, courtesy copies must be delivered in hard copy to Chambers and emailed to Calendar 12’s email. The copies must include the motion, notice of motion, and copies of the operative complaint (without exhibits) for each involved case.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Page 1 | Motions to Consolidate or Designate as Related Within Chancery Division, Section 2

Courtesy copies of regular motions must be delivered hard copy 5 business days before hearing, with consequence of striking if late.

At least five (5) business days before the date on which the motion is noticed for hearing, a courtesy copy of the motion and notice of motion must be delivered in hard copy to Chambers. If courtesy copies are not delivered on time, the Court may strike the motion.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Page 2 | Regular Motions, Section 4

Courtesy copies of default judgment motions must be delivered hard copy 5 business days before hearing, including all supporting materials.

At least five (5) business days before the date on which the motion is noticed for hearing, a courtesy copy of the motion and all supporting materials listed in section two above must be delivered in hard copy to Chambers. If courtesy copies are not delivered on time, the Court may strike the motion.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Page 2 | Motions for Default Judgment, Section 3

Courtesy copies of routine motions must be delivered hard copy and emailed at least 1 business day before order entry, including motion, notice, and two copies of draft order.

At least one (1) business day before the order will be entered by the Court, courtesy copies should be delivered in hard copy to Chambers and emailed to Calendar 12’s email. Courtesy copies should include the motion, notice, and two (2) copies of a DRAFT ORDER granting the relief requested.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Page 3 | Routine Motions, Section 2

Courtesy copy of complaint must be delivered hard copy 5 business days before ICM Conference for first appearances.

If the ICM Conference is the first appearance by counsel or a self-represented litigant, a courtesy copy of the complaint must be delivered in hard copy to the Court five (5) business days in advance.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Page 3 | Initial Case Management Conference, Section 2

Courtesy copies of all contested motion briefing must be delivered hard copy at least 5 business days before Clerk's Status date.

At least five (5) business days prior to the Clerk’s Status, the movant must deliver in hard copy to Chambers courtesy copies of all contested motion briefing. This includes Respondent’s briefs, exhibits, or other materials incorporated by reference.

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Page 4 | Contested Motions & Briefs, Section 2

Courtesy copies of TRO motions must be delivered hard copy and emailed prior to hearing, including proof of notice and all supporting documents.

A courtesy copy of the TRO motion, including proof of notice, as well as all supporting documents, must be delivered in hard copy to Chambers and emailed to Calendar 12’s email prior to any hearing.

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Page 5 | Temporary Restraining Order Motions, Section 4

Courtesy copies of settlement memoranda must be delivered hard copy and emailed to chambers on the same date served on parties.

Each party will serve on the other a Settlement Memorandum at least five (5) business days prior to the Settlement Conference. Courtesy copies must be delivered in hard copy to Chambers and emailed to Calendar 12’s email on the same date as provided to the parties.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Page 7 | Settlement Conferences, Section 2

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Motions to continue trial or evidentiary hearing must be made in writing at least 5 business days before and supported by detailed affidavit.

Any motion to continue a trial or evidentiary hearing must be made in writing no less than five (5) business days prior to the date set for commencement of the trial or evidentiary hearing, and must be supported by a specific, detailed affidavit.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Page 6 | Trial & Evidentiary Hearing Setting, Section 1

Chambers Communication Rules

Emergency motions must be scheduled with law clerks via email by 4:00 p.m., not by telephone, with required documents emailed.

Emergency Motions must be scheduled with one of Judge Mullen’s Law Clerks no later than 4:00 p.m. Dates and times will not be given over the telephone. The movant shall present the motion, relevant pleadings, attachments, affidavit(s) and complaint stating the basis for the emergency to the law clerk via email.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Page 5 | Emergency Motions, Section 1

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 118 rules apply across Circuit Court of Cook County. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Communication

All 59
  • Contact
    Email

    Questions, comments, or concerns about the eFileIL e-filing system should be directed to Tyler Technologies at efiling.support@tylertech.com.

  • Contact
    Email to chambers

    Courtesy copies for Judge Daniel R. Degnan must be submitted via email to daniel.degnan@cookcountyil.gov.

  • Contact
    Phone to chambers
    Phone
    (312) 603-5943

    Judge Daniel R. Degnan's chambers phone number is (312) 603-5943.

Filing Timing

All 12
  • Deadline
    60 calendar days

    Attorney fee petitions for court-appointed attorneys must be filed within 60 days after final order or 6 months after service/cost, whichever is earlier.

  • Deadline
    2 business days

    Guardianship agreed order requests must be filed and submitted 2-5 business days prior to the scheduled court date.

  • Deadline
    2 business days

    Guardians must email annual reports and guardian training certificates in PDF format, one email per case, 2-5 business days prior to assigned court date.

Filing Requirements

All 11
  • Applies to
    Complaint
    Must include
    caption

    Chancery Division complaints must include specific caption designations based on the relief sought.

  • Applies to
    Motion
    Must include
    caption

    Motions to correct errors in criminal cases must be in writing, accompanied by affidavit, and notice must be served on the prosecution.

  • Applies to
    Complaint
    Must include
    caption

    All initiating papers must include the court name and department/division/district in the caption; small claims complaints must be endorsed 'Small Claims'.

E-Filing

All 9
  • Applies to
    Civil case filing

    E-filing is mandatory for all Cook County civil cases through the eFileIL system as of July 1, 2018, except Quasi-Criminal, Housing, and Wills cases.

  • Applies to
    Verified status report

    Attorneys must e-file a verified status report via Odyssey system before submitting decedent's estate agreed order requests.

  • Attorneys must maintain accurate email address in Odyssey e-filing system and be filed as attorney of record to receive entered orders via email.

About Judge Michael T. Mullen

Judge Michael T. Mullen is a judge on the Circuit Court of Cook County, the trial court serving Chicago and suburban Cook County.

Judge Mullen's published procedures include a standing order for Chancery Calendar 12 and an order regarding recusal.

Common questions about Judge Michael T. Mullen's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Michael T. Mullen?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for consolidation and related case designation. Details: 1 copy, delivery at least five business days before hearing, by hand delivery. Courtesy copies of motion to consolidate or designate as related must be delivered hard copy and emailed 5 business days before hearing, including motion, notice, and operative complaint.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Motions to Consolidate or Designate as Related Within Chancery Division, Section 2

What page or word limits apply to brief before Judge Michael T. Mullen?

Judge Michael T. Mullen's rule states these limits: attorney: 15 pages; pro se: 15 pages. Excludes exhibits. Briefs are limited to 15 double-spaced single-sided pages (exclusive of exhibits), double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman, 1-inch margins.

View ruleSource: page 4, section Contested Motions & Briefs, Section 4

What must be included with motion for default judgment filings before Judge Michael T. Mullen?

The rule requires proposed order. Motions for default judgment must include specified attachments: notice, summons, complaint, affidavit of service, certification of court file check, military affidavit if applicable, and proposed order.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Motions for Default Judgment, Section 2

What must be included with agreed dismissal order filings before Judge Michael T. Mullen?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Agreed dismissal orders must contain original signatures of all parties/counsel and strike all future dates.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Routine Motions, Section 6

How may parties contact Judge Michael T. Mullen's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Michael T. Mullen's chambers. The rule lists email Not specified in this section, but refer to Calendar 12 email. Emergency motions must be scheduled with law clerks via email by 4:00 p.m., not by telephone, with required documents emailed.

View ruleSource: page 5, section Emergency Motions, Section 1

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Michael T. Mullen?

Requests should be made at least 5 business days in advance when this rule applies before Judge Michael T. Mullen. The request must include reason for request. Motions to continue trial or evidentiary hearing must be made in writing at least 5 business days before and supported by detailed affidavit.

View ruleSource: page 6, section Trial & Evidentiary Hearing Setting, Section 1

Is electronic filing required before Judge Michael T. Mullen?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. All motions not classified as routine must be filed through e-filing.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Routine Motions, Section 7

What filing deadlines does Judge Michael T. Mullen set?

Briefs filed after the briefing deadline may be stricken by the court.

View ruleSource: page 4, section Contested Motions & Briefs, Section 6

What rule applies to service for settlement memorandum before Judge Michael T. Mullen?

Proof of service is not required by this specific service rule. Details: recipient: the opposing party, timing: 5 business days before hearing. Settlement memoranda must be served on opposing party at least 5 business days before settlement conference, with courtesy copies delivered hard copy and emailed same day.

View ruleSource: page 7, section Settlement Conferences, Section 2
Complete rules summary for Judge Michael T. Mullen

Courtesy copies of motion to consolidate or designate as related must be delivered hard copy and emailed 5 business days before hearing, including motion, notice, and operative complaint.

Courtesy copies of petition for surplus funds must be delivered hard copy and emailed 5 business days before hearing, with consequence of striking if late.

Courtesy copies of regular motions must be delivered hard copy 5 business days before hearing, with consequence of striking if late.

Motions for default judgment must include specified attachments: notice, summons, complaint, affidavit of service, certification of court file check, military affidavit if applicable, and proposed order.

Courtesy copies of default judgment motions must be delivered hard copy 5 business days before hearing, including all supporting materials.

Agreed dismissal orders must contain original signatures of all parties/counsel and strike all future dates.

All motions not classified as routine must be filed through e-filing.

Courtesy copy of complaint must be delivered hard copy 5 business days before ICM Conference for first appearances.

Courtesy copies of all contested motion briefing must be delivered hard copy at least 5 business days before Clerk's Status date.

Briefs are limited to 15 double-spaced single-sided pages (exclusive of exhibits), double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman, 1-inch margins.

Briefs must include a table of contents for exhibits and exhibits must be tabbed, including digital exhibits.

Illinois case citations must use public-domain citation or official reports, not North Eastern Reporter; online citations must be to LEXIS.

Briefs filed after the briefing deadline may be stricken by the court.

Emergency motions must be scheduled with law clerks via email by 4:00 p.m., not by telephone, with required documents emailed.

Motions to continue trial or evidentiary hearing must be made in writing at least 5 business days before and supported by detailed affidavit.

Pre-trial memoranda must contain statement of case, agreed/uncontested facts, contested facts, applicable law, and witness list.

Settlement memoranda must be served on opposing party at least 5 business days before settlement conference, with courtesy copies delivered hard copy and emailed same day.

Courtesy copies of settlement memoranda must be delivered hard copy and emailed to chambers on the same date served on parties.

Proposed agreed orders must be emailed in Word format to the court with all parties copied, signed by all parties (e-signatures permitted).

E-filing is mandatory in Illinois for all civil areas except Quasi Criminal, Housing, and Wills.

Courtesy copies of routine motions must be delivered hard copy and emailed at least 1 business day before order entry, including motion, notice, and two copies of draft order.

Courtesy copies of TRO motions must be delivered hard copy and emailed prior to hearing, including proof of notice and all supporting documents.

Summary judgment motions must follow the same format and length as contested motions, but the recitation of facts is excluded from the page limit.

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