Judge Ronald F. Bartkowicz
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
All filings
Courtesy copies
- Hand Delivery • Within 24 Hours
Communication
Clerk28 contacts
- tlhudson@cookcountycourt.com
- probatecrt1810orders@cookcountycourt.com
- probatecrt1814aorders@cookcountycourt.com
- probatecrt1812orders@cookcountycourt.com
- probatecrt1809orders@cookcountycourt.com
- probatecrt1804orders@cookcountycourt.com
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- 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
Chambers23 contacts
- (312) 603-2357
- daniel.degnan@cookcountyil.gov
- carolyn.gallagher@cookcountyil.gov
- probatecrt1807orders@cookcountycourt.com
- daniel.tiernan2@cookcountyil.gov
- probatecrt1803orders@cookcountycourt.com
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- kent.delgado@cookcountyil.gov
- probatecrt1802orders@cookcountycourt.com
- jamieg.dickler@cookcountyil.gov
- probatecrt1806orders@cookcountycourt.com
- aicha.maccarthy@cookcountyil.gov
- terrence.mcguire@cookcountyil.gov
- jesse.outlaw@cookcountyil.gov
- stephanie.miller@cookcountyil.gov
- stephanie.miller@cookcountycourt.com
- daniel.malone@cookcountyil.gov
- probatedivorders@cookcountycourt.com
- amee.alonso@cookcountyil.gov
- susan.kennedy-sullivan@cookcountyil.gov
- james.murphy2@cookcountyil.gov
- james.murphy2@cookcountycourt.com
- barry.goldberg@cookcountyil.gov
- barry.goldberg@cookcountycourt.com
Other Contacts1 contacts
- efiling.support@tylertech.com
Page & Word Limits2 rules
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Mandatory
Briefs are limited to 15 pages, double-spaced, excluding exhibits; exceeding 15 pages requires leave of court.
No brief shall exceed fifteen (15) pages, double-spaced, exclusive of exhibits. Any brief filed in excess of fifteen (15) pages requires leave of court.
Brief
15 pages
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
each party shall submit a memorandum of law, not in excess of five (5) pages, summarizing their respective legal theories, with citations to cases.
Summary: In bench trials, each party must submit a memorandum of law of no more than 5 pages summarizing legal theories with case citations.
Memorandum Of Law
5 pages
Document Format Requirements1 rule
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Mandatory
Proposed jury instructions must be submitted in two copies, one marked and numbered and one unmarked, sorted by IPI numbering.
two copies of proposed jury instructions (one marked and numbered and the other unmarked), which are to be sorted in the order of their numbering under the IPI system.
Document Filing Requirements15 rules
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Mandatory
An attorney's certificate certifying that the court file and clerk's computer were checked for the defendant's appearance and answer must be signed by counsel and dated no more than ten days before presenting the default motion.
an attorney's certificate, signed by counsel, certifying that both the court file and clerk's computer have been checked for defendant's appearance and answer. The certificate must be dated no more than ten (10) days before the date selected to present the motion;
Document Type
Certificate
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Mandatory
When defaulting an individual, the attorney must attach a military affidavit to the motion and draft order.
if defaulting an individual, the attorney must attach a military affidavit to the motion and draft order;
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Mandatory
If an agreement resolves the entire case, the agreed dismissal order must include language striking the next scheduled court date.
If the agreement resolves the entire case, such an order must contain language striking the next scheduled court date.
Document Type
Agreed Dismissal Order
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Mandatory
Every motion must include a copy of the complaint at issue.
Document Type
Motion
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Mandatory
Plaintiff's counsel must prepare and deliver a Pretrial Memorandum to Courtroom 2609 at least 5 days before the initial case management date, detailing the injury and special damages amount.
office. Five (5) days prior to the initial case management date, plaintiff's counsel shall prepare and deliver to Courtroom 2609 a Pretrial Memorandum that specifically details the nature of the injury and the dollar amount of special
Document Type
Pretrial Memorandum
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Mandatory
In a jury trial, trial materials must include the estimated number of trial days, a jointly prepared statement of the case, and a jointly prepared list of potential witnesses.
In a Jury Trial, trial materials shall include the following: 1. the estimated number of trial days; 2. a jointly prepared statement of the case to be read to the venire; 3. a jointly prepared list of all potential witnesses to be called by the parties;
Document Type
Trial Materials
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Important
Motions affecting discovery must be accompanied by a copy of the last discovery and case management orders.
Any motion which affects discovery must be accompanied by a copy of the last discovery and case management order(s).
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Important
In bench trials, trial materials must include specified items (1,3,4,5,6,8,9).
In a Bench Trial, submitted materials must include item numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9.
Document Type
Trial Materials
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
**At least five (5) court days** prior to the date selected to present the motion, the following documents must be delivered to Courtroom 2609: 1. original notice of motion and motion; 2. copy of summons showing service; 3. an attorney's certificate, signed by counsel, certifying that both the court file and clerk's computer have been checked for defendant's appearance and answer. The certificate must be dated no more than ten (10) days before the date selected to present the motion; 4. if defaulting an individual, the attorney must attach a military affidavit to the motion and draft order;
Summary: At least five court days before presenting a default motion, the moving party must deliver the original notice of motion and motion, copy of summons showing service, attorney's certificate, and (for individuals) a military affidavit to Courtroom 2609.
Document Type
Motion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
**Unliquidated Damages**: The order shall set the matter for prove-up of damages in Courtroom 2609. The court will select the date for prove up. 2. **Liquidated Damages**: The order shall enter the default and award a judgment. The following documentation is required for an award of liquidated damages: a. copy of verified complaint with exhibits, or an affidavit by the moving party establishing the judgment amount; b. an affidavit detailing the costs of suit; c. an affidavit for attorneys' fees if
Summary: For default judgments, the draft order must set unliquidated damages for prove-up, or for liquidated damages enter the default and award judgment supported by a verified complaint or affidavit, a costs affidavit, and an attorneys' fees affidavit if applicable.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
The notice of motion should be marked "Special Routine" and indicate the time as 8:30 a.m.
Summary: The notice of motion for a special routine default motion must be marked 'Special Routine' and indicate the time as 8:30 a.m.
Document Type
Notice Of Motion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
If attorneys' fees are recoverable, an affidavit from the attorney is necessary to establish the amount. The affidavit shall state: 1. the nature of the services performed; 2. the number of hours spent performing these services; 3. the attorney's hourly rate; 4. the year the attorney graduated from law school; 5. a statement that the number of hours spent and the rate charged per hour is fair and reasonable, and within the normal standards of the community for the type of services performed.
Summary: An attorney's affidavit for attorneys' fees must state the nature of services, hours spent, hourly rate, year of law school graduation, and a statement that the hours and rate are fair and reasonable.
Document Type
Motion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
Affidavits in support of relief sought must be based on personal knowledge of the affiant.
Summary: Affidavits in support of the relief sought in special routine default motions must be based on the affiant's personal knowledge.
Document Type
Motion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
Citations shall include citation to Official Illinois Reporters. Reference to the Northeastern Reporter, alone, is not acceptable.
Summary: Citations must include official Illinois Reporters; citing only the Northeastern Reporter is not acceptable.
Document Type
Brief
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
Plaintiff's counsel and counsel for all parties with claims shall submit an updated pretrial memo that sets forth the issues, damages, status of settlement negotiations and any additional information that will help the court hold a meaningful pretrial conference.
Summary: Plaintiff's counsel and all parties with claims must submit an updated pretrial memo covering issues, damages, settlement status, and other helpful information.
Document Type
Pretrial Memo
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Regular motions must be filed (spindled) in the clerk's office in Room 801.
Regular motions are spindled in the clerk's office in Room 801.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | A. MOTIONS - 1. REGULAR MOTION CALL
For agreed dismissal, parties may fax or hand deliver the agreed order to the law clerk without appearing in court, prior to the next scheduled court date.
If a case has been resolved by agreement, the parties do not need to appear in court to enter the dismissal order. Instead, the parties may fax or hand deliver an agreed dismissal order to the law clerk for Courtroom 2609 prior to the next scheduled court date.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 3 | 7. AGREED DISMISSAL ORDERS
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Default motion documents must be delivered to Courtroom 2609 at least five court days before the date selected to present the motion.
**At least five (5) court days** prior to the date selected to present the motion, the following documents must be delivered to Courtroom 2609:
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 2 | A. MOTIONS - 3. ROUTINE and SPECIAL ROUTINE MOTION CALL - Special Routine Motions for Default
If the non-movant fails to respond to a motion by the clerk's status date, the motion may be granted on that date.
Failure of the non-movant to respond to a motion by the clerk's status date may result in the motion being granted on that date.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | 4. CLERK'S STATUS CALL
Any brief filed after the clerk's status call will not be considered unless the Court grants leave.
No additional briefs filed after clerk's status will be considered without leave of Court.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | 4. CLERK'S STATUS CALL
Each party must submit trial materials to chambers by 2:00 p.m. on the date specified in the trial order.
Each party is responsible for the submission of trial materials to chambers by 2:00 p.m. on the date set in the trial order.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | E. TRIAL MATERIALS
No jury instructions beyond those submitted with the trial materials will be accepted, except for good cause and with leave of court, after noon on the day plaintiff rests his/her case in chief.
No jury instructions beyond those submitted with the trial materials will be accepted, except for good cause and with leave of court, after noon on the day plaintiff rests his/her case in chief;
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | Trial Materials
Dispositive motions and supporting materials must be filed and noticed for hearing by the court-set deadline, except by prior leave for good cause; failure results in denial as untimely.
All dispositive motions shall be filed and duly noticed for hearing such that the motion, as well as all the briefs, memoranda or exhibits in support of the motions, come before the court for initial presentation and entry of a briefing schedule no later than the deadline set by the court, except by prior leave of court and for good cause shown.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 3 | 5. DISPOSITIVE MOTIONS
The court clerk accepts routine motions in Courtroom 2609 from 8:30 a.m. through 9:00 a.m. daily.
The court clerk accepts routine motions in Courtroom 2609 from 8:30 a.m. through 9:00 a.m.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | A. MOTIONS - 3. ROUTINE and SPECIAL ROUTINE MOTION CALL
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Pretrial memos should be delivered to the court and opposing counsel two days prior to the pretrial conference.
Memos should be delivered to the court and opposing counsel two (2) days prior to the conference.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | 2. PRE-TRIALS
For special routine default motions, the moving party must provide notice to the opposing party per Motion Judges Rule 2.1, marking the notice 'Special Routine' with a time of 8:30 a.m., to all parties served whether or not an appearance has been filed.
The moving party must provide the opposing party with notice as mandated by Motion Judges Rule 2.1. The notice of motion should be marked "Special Routine" and indicate the time as 8:30 a.m. All parties who have been served shall be given notice, whether or not an appearance has been filed;
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 2 | A. MOTIONS - 3. ROUTINE and SPECIAL ROUTINE MOTION CALL - Special Routine Motions for Default - a) Notice
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies of briefs for contested motions must be delivered to the law clerk in Courtroom 2609 by 11:00 A.M. on the set date.
Courtesy copies of briefs for all contested motions are received by the law clerk in Courtroom 2609 at 11:00 A.M. on the date set.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | 4. CLERK'S STATUS CALL
A courtesy copy of emergency motions must be delivered to Courtroom 2609 by 4:00 p.m. the preceding day.
A courtesy copy must be delivered to Courtroom 2609 by 4:00 p.m. the preceding day.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | A. MOTIONS - 2. EMERGENCY MOTION CALL
A courtesy copy of regular motions must be delivered to Courtroom 2609 by 4:00 p.m. the day before the motion call.
A courtesy copy must be delivered to Courtroom 2609 by 4:00 p.m. the day before the call.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | A. MOTIONS - 1. REGULAR MOTION CALL
The movant must provide courtesy copies of all briefs, a copy of the complaint, and all relevant exhibits to the court.
The movant is responsible for providing the court with courtesy copies of all briefs, a copy of the complaint and all relevant exhibits.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 3 | 6. BRIEFS AND CITATIONS
The movant must deliver copies of the motion, all briefs, pleadings and relevant exhibits at the clerk's status call.
Pursuant to Motion Judges Rule 6.0-6.3, the movant is responsible for delivering copies of the motion, all briefs, pleadings and exhibits relevant to the motion at the clerk's status.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 3 | 4. CLERK'S STATUS CALL
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Trial dates are firm; requests for extensions are discouraged.
Trial dates are firm, and requests for extensions are not encouraged.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | C. TRIAL DATES
Chambers Communication Rules
To withdraw a motion from the call, the moving party must call the law clerk at (312) 603-2357 prior to the hearing date.
If the moving party intends to withdraw a motion from the call, please call the law clerk at (312) 603-2357 prior to the hearing date to inform the court that the motion will not be presented.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | A. MOTIONS - 1. REGULAR MOTION CALL
Pretrial conferences may be requested by motion or by calling Judge Bartkowicz's law clerk at (312) 603-2357.
Requests for a pretrial conference may be made by motion or scheduled by calling Judge Bartkowicz's law clerk at (312) 603-2357.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | 2. PRE-TRIALS
Objections to routine motions must be made by calling the law clerk at (312) 603-2357 before 8:30 a.m.
Any objections must be made before 8:30 a.m. by calling the law clerk at (312) 603-2357.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | A. MOTIONS - 3. ROUTINE and SPECIAL ROUTINE MOTION CALL