Circuit Court of Cook County Document Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Case management conference

Counsel authorized to commit to scheduling orders must appear at the case management conference prepared to address the listed subjects.

Counsel with authority to commit to all scheduling orders must appear at the Case Management Conference and be prepared to inform the Court regarding the following (but not limited to): • Service of process upon each defendant, • Nature of the litigation, • Status of the pleadings • Any pending or contemplated motions, and • All contemplated or completed discovery.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for alias summons

Must include

proposed order

An alias-summons movant must email chambers the clerk-file-stamped copy and a proposed order.

For a Motion for Alias Summons, the person making the motion, or “Movant,” shall send the file stamped copy from the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office, along with a proposed order via email to the chambers email of ccc.chancerycalendar3@cookcountyil.gov.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Order for voluntary dismissal

An order for voluntary dismissal must bear the signatures of all parties and/or their counsel.

Orders for Voluntary Dismissal MUST contain the signature of all parties and/or their counsel.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

A proposed order dismissing the entire case must state that all future dates are stricken.

The Proposed Order must also state that all future dates regarding the matter are stricken, if the order dismisses the case in its entirety.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Complaint

Each complaint count must independently state specific factual allegations relevant to the elements of that claim; blanket incorporation is insufficient.

Each count in the complaint must be supported by specific factual allegations that are directly relevant to the elements of that particular claim. General references to earlier paragraphs or the blanket incorporation of "all preceding paragraphs" do not satisfy this requirement. The use of boilerplate incorporation language—such as “Plaintiff incorporates all prior allegations as if fully set forth herein”—without identifying the specific factual allegations that support each count is insufficient. Each count must stand on its own and clearly articulate the factual basis for the legal claim asserted.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Default judgment

Must include

certificate of service

A motion for default must include the listed file-stamped documents, summons materials, service certification or affidavit, docket-check certificate, and—when the defaulting party is an individual—a military affidavit.

A Motion for Default MUST contain the following: • File-Stamped Copy of the Notice and Motion from the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office, • Face of the Summons, • Copy of the Return of Summons, • The Certificate of the Officer or Affidavit of the Person who served the Summons, • Attorney or Pro Se litigant certificate, certifying that both the court file and docket have been checked for any appearance or answer filed by the defendant, AND • A military affidavit if defaulting and individual.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

The proposed order must clarify that it does not itself authorize sealed filing and that parties submitting designated confidential material must follow the court’s sealing rules.

The motion(s) must state in the text of the order that the order does not, by itself, authorize the filing of any document under seal, and that any party wishing to file a document designated as ‘Confidential,’ or ‘Attorney’s Eyes Only Information’ in connection to a motion, brief, or other submission to the Court must comply with court rules pertaining to filings under seal.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

The proposed protective order must state that it does not apply to court orders.

The motion(s) must state in the text of the order that the protective order will not apply to Court orders.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

A motion for a protective order must state the privacy interest and why protection is necessary, supported by affidavit.

The motion(s) must recite the privacy interest involved, and why a protective order is necessary. This should be supported by affidavit.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Emergency motion

An emergency motion, including a TRO motion, must have a separate first-page paragraph describing the emergency.

Emergency motions, including emergency motions for TRO, MUST contain a separate paragraph on the first page of the motion detailing the emergency nature of the motion.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Brief

A party seeking to file a brief over the page limit must obtain leave of Court before submitting it.

All parties seeking to file a brief exceeding the page limit must first obtain leave of the Court, prior to submitting said brief.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Dispositive motion

A dispositive motion with more than three exhibits must include a hyperlink to each exhibit.

Dispositive motions that include more than three (3) exhibits must contain hyperlinks directing to each individual exhibit.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

A request to appear remotely must be made orally in court or by written motion at least two days before the next court date, with proper notice to opposing parties.

Requests to appear remotely shall be made either orally while appearing for court or by filing a written motion in at least two (2) days in advance of the next court date with proper notice of motion sent to the opposing parties.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial materials

Separate trial materials must include a statement detailing the parties’ good-faith efforts to agree on a joint submission.

To the extent separate trial materials are submitted, they must be accompanied by a statement detailing the good faith efforts of the parties to agree on a joint submission.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Settlement conference memorandum

Each party must email and exchange a brief settlement memorandum at least 14 days before the conference, covering the claims, defenses, and most recent settlement demand and offer; noncompliance may result in the conference date being stricken.

c. At least fourteen (14) days prior to the settlement conference, each party MUST submit to the Court via email to the chambers email of ccc.chancerycalendar3@cookcountyil.gov and exchange with opposing counsel(s) a brief memorandum advising the Court of the nature of the claims and defenses, as well as the most recent settlement demand and offer. Failure to submit the memorandum in advance of the settlement conference may result in the striking of the settlement conference date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Settlement conference

Clients must attend settlement conferences unless excused, and counsel is expected to have settlement authority and to attempt resolution beforehand; failure to appear or participate in good faith may result in sanctions or other consequences.

d. Counsel is expected to have authority to settle the case. Client(s) must be present for the settlement conference unless excused by the Court. Counsel is expected to have attempted to reach a settlement or agreement on outstanding issues prior to the conference with the Court. Failure to appear at a settlement conference may result in a dismissal for want of prosecution, default, or the entry of any other appropriate sanction. Failure to participate in good faith at the settlement conference may result in an award of sanctions against the offending party and/or counsel.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Discovery motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Discovery motions must include proof of compliance with Illinois Supreme Court Rule 201(k).

Discovery motions must include proof of compliance with Illinois Supreme Court Rule 201(k).

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

caption, case number

Notices of motion, motions, and orders must include a full caption with all party names, case number, and calendar number.

All notices of motion, motions, and orders submitted for the Court’s review must include a full caption containing the names of all parties, the case number, and the calendar number.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Status report

Must include

caption, case number

For initial case management, parties must file and submit a status report (joint or individual) via the Calendar 52 email no later than 7 days before the court date, with the caption and case number in the subject line.

If your case has been set for an initial case management conference, your case will not be heard on that date either remotely or in person. Instead, parties are required to file and submit either: (a) a joint written status report agreed upon by all of the parties, or (b) each party may submit its own status report. The status reports shall be sent to the Calendar 52 email address, ccc.mfmlcalendar52@cookcountyil.gov, no later than seven (7) days prior to the court date with the case caption and case number in the email’s subject line.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Status report

Status reports must include general case status, discovery status and completion estimate, pending motions, and proposed future status dates.

The report should include any pertinent information about the case, such as a general status of the case, the status of discovery, an estimate of when that discovery will be completed, and any motions that are pending before the Court. The report shall also include proposed dates for further status.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

file stamped copies with a proposed order sent to the Court’s email

file stamped copies with a proposed order sent to the Court’s email

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Default motion

Must include

certificate of service

Default motions must include an e-filed Affidavit of Service and prove-up documents.

Motions for Default must be accompanied by an e-filed Affidavit of Service. Prove-up documents of damages must be provided to the Court for a default to be entered.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for order approving sale

Motions for order approving sale seeking a personal deficiency where the defendant has not filed an appearance must include proof of service on the defendant, a copy of the Complaint, a copy of the Judgment of Foreclosure Order, and a BPO/recent appraisal.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MOTIONS FOR ORDER APPROVING SALE WHERE PLAINTIFF IS SEEKING A PERSONAL DEFICIENCY AND THE DEFENDANT HAS NOT FILED AN APPEARANCE: • Proof of service on the defendant of whom the deficiency is being sought; • Copy of the Complaint; • Copy of the Judgment of Foreclosure Order; • BPO / Recent Appraisal.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Discovery motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Discovery motions must include proof of compliance with Illinois Supreme Court Rule 201(k).

Discovery motions must include proof of compliance with Illinois Supreme Court Rule 201(k).

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion

Emergency motions must be marked 'EMERGENCY MOTION' and include a factual basis stating the nature of the emergency.

the motion is properly marked as an "EMERGENCY MOTION" and includes a sufficient factual basis clearly stating the nature of the emergency

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Pleading

Must include

caption, case number

All pleadings must include the full case caption, calendar number, and property address.

All pleadings must contain the entire case caption, calendar number, and property address.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Appearance

Parties must file an appearance before appearing; only a petition to intervene is excepted.

No party may appear without having previously filed an appearance (Ill. S. Ct. Rule 13(c); Cir. Ct. R. 1.4(a)); the only exception is for a petition to intervene.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Case management order

Submit the Court's case management order form with proposed orders for each case management conference; the form must include the Court's Zoom information.

A form version of this order is available on the Court's webpage and shall be submitted with the proposed orders for each case management conference held. These forms must include the Court's Zoom information.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Do not pre-check any boxes in proposed orders.

DO NOT "pre-check" any boxes in proposed orders as the Court's ruling may differ from the "pre-checked" box.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

All documents

All documents submitted for the Court's consideration must bear a stamp showing they were filed with the Clerk.

All documents a movant wishes the Court to consider in adjudicating any matter before it must bear a stamp demonstrating that the original document was filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Dispositive motion

Must include

exhibit list

Dispositive motions must include the order striking the case from case management as an exhibit and state compliance with the timeline.

i. The order striking the case from case management (4331) shall be included as an exhibit to all dispositive motions and a statement shall be made in the filed motion that the motion complies with this timeline.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Pleading

Pleadings must contain the Clerk's stamp showing prior electronic filing.

All pleadings submitted to the Court must contain the Clerk's stamp showing previous electronic filing

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Motions for leave to amend or file third-party claims must specify what is being amended and attach the proposed filing.

Motions for leave to amend or to file third- party claims must specify what is being amended and attach a proposed filing.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Emergency motion

Emergency Motions must include the prior order from which relief is sought, along with the Judgment of Foreclosure if applicable.

Emergency Motions must include the prior order from which relief is being sought along with the Judgment of Foreclosure, if applicable.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Affidavit

A party seeking discovery before responding must provide a Rule 191(b)-compliant affidavit on the presentment day; failure to do so may waive all discovery prior to a response.

A party seeking discovery before responding must provide on the presentment day an affidavit in strict compliance with Rule 191(b). Failure to do so may waive all discovery prior to a response.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Every discovery motion must incorporate the Rule 201(k) statement that counsel responsible for trial, after personal consultation and reasonable attempts to resolve differences, could not reach an accord or that opposing counsel was unavailable.

1. Compliance with discovery requests must strictly conform to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 201(k), which provides that "(e)very motion with respect to discovery shall incorporate a statement that counsel responsible for trial of the case after personal consultation and reasonable attempts to resolve differences have been unable to reach an accord or that opposing counsel made himself or herself

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Emergency motion to stay possession

Emergency motions to stay possession must include the final judgment date, possession expiration date, and whether a stay was previously sought.

Emergency motions to stay possession must include the final judgment date, the possession expiration date, and whether the party previously sought a stay.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Emergency motion to appoint receiver

Emergency motions to appoint a receiver or mortgagee in possession require a verified petition with factual allegations of an immediate health or safety threat.

Emergency motions to appoint a receiver or mortgagee in possession may be brought only if the verified petition contains factual allegations indicating an immediate health or safety threat.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to appoint receiver

Motions to appoint a receiver require the complaint, mortgage, note, proposed receiver, resume and fee schedule, proof of service, and completed proposed form order.

Motions to appoint a receiver will be heard only if the movant provides: i. The complaint, mortgage, and note ii. A proposed receiver iii. Proposed receivers' current resume and fee schedule iv. Proof of service meeting all statutory requirements v. A completed proposed form order

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Receiver bond

Receiver bond must be issued by court-approved surety, include raised seal, receiver's signature, and judge's signature block; signed by Judge Pedersen and not filed in Room 802.

A receiver bond must be issued by a court-approved surety and executed in compliance with all applicable court rules. The bond must have a raised seal, the receiver's signature, and a signature block for the judge. The bond must be signed by Judge Pedersen and should not be filed in Room 802. After the bond is entered, the court clerk will file and enter the bond, and place a copy in the court file.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment of foreclosure courtesy copy packet

Courtesy copy packets for Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale motions must include notice of motion, complaint with exhibits, assignments, certificate of service, and military affidavit.

The Court requires that courtesy copy packets including a Motion for Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale shall include the following: 1. Notice of Motion. 2. Complaint, with all exhibits including Mortgage(s) and Note(s). 3. Assignments and merger/successor documents, if any. 4. Certificate of Service of Process, with proof of service on all defendants. 5. Military Affidavit (as required by the Service-Member's Civil Relief Act).

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion seeking property preservation fees

Plaintiffs seeking property preservation fees must provide a breakdown, invoices, and proof of payment; failure results in striking or a 30-60 day continuance.

A Plaintiff seeking property preservation fees must provide a breakdown of the fees, invoices relating thereto, and proof of payment thereof. Failure to provide a breakdown of the property preservation fees will result in striking of the motion or continuing the motion for 30-60 days to allow time for the plaintiff to comply.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

In personam deficiency

The Court will deny an in personam deficiency if a compliant BPO/appraisal is not provided to all parties before the hearing and included in courtesy copies.

The Court will not grant an in personam deficiency if a BPO or appraisal in compliance with this order is not provided to all parties prior to hearing and included in the courtesy copies.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to approve judicial sale

Third-party bidder motions to approve judicial sale must include all required documents; failure to do so is grounds for denial.

Motions seeking approval of a judicial sale filed by third-party bidders must comply with the same requirements of motions filed by Plaintiffs and include all required documents. Failure to provide any of the required documents is grounds for denial of the motion.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Proposed orders in surplus cases must include specific language about notifying the mortgagor of surplus funds.

In case of surplus, proposed orders must include the following language: 1. "When mailing a copy of this order approving sale, counsel for plaintiff shall notify the mortgagor, in a cover letter, of the existence of surplus funds. The cover letter shall specify that the funds may be obtained upon presentation to the Presiding Judge (Daley Center Room 2403) of a Petition for Turnover of Surplus Funds. A copy of the current petition form shall be included in the mailing."

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibit list

Exhibit lists must specify exhibit number, Bates label, date, name/title, type, and stipulation status, and objections.

The parties shall include an exhibit list outlining for each of their intended exhibits: the exhibit number, Bates label (if any), exhibit date, exhibit name/title, exhibit type, and whether presented as "stipulated." If an objection exists (include nature of objection). Note: when there is no objection to an exhibit, the exhibit should be listed and marked as "stipulated into evidence."

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibits

Exhibits must be tabbed by the number the offering party will use at trial.

The exhibits shall be listed and tabbed by number that the party offering it intends to use at trial.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion in limine

Motions in limine must be listed with number, title, and whether an objection exists.

The parties shall include a list outlining for each motion in limine presented: the number, title, and whether an objection exists.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

Discovery motions must include proof of compliance with Illinois Supreme Court Rule 201(k).

Discovery motions must include proof of compliance with Illinois Supreme Court Rule 201(k).

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Appearance

Attorneys and self-represented litigants with email must include an email address on appearances and all pleadings/briefs for service under Rule 131(d); those without email may call the Court.

Pursuant to ISCR 11(b), an attorney must include on the appearance and on all pleadings and briefs filed in court an email address to which documents and notices will be served in conformance with Rule 131 (d). A self-represented litigant who has an email address must also include the email address on the appearance and on all pleadings and briefs filed in court to which documents and notices will be served in conformation with Rule 131 (d). If email is not available for any litigant, any party may call the Court at the phone number listed for further instructions on how to proceed.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Order for deposit

An Order for deposit involving an unknown heir must include specific language barring withdrawals without further court order.

If the deposit, or a portion of the deposit, is to be made on an Order Declaring Heirship finding an unknown heir, then the Order for deposit shall also provide that "no withdrawals from the State Treasurer shall be made for the share of the unknown heir without further order of this Court" as the power to ascertain and declare a decedent's heirship is subject to determination of the Court under 755 ILCS 5/5-3.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Claim order

Orders regarding claims must include the CLASS and AMOUNT of the claim.

For any order regarding claims, please ensure the CLASS and the AMOUNT of the claim are included on the order.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Check in materials

Counsel must check in with the court clerk upon arrival and present the last order or motion setting the date and all other relevant paperwork.

Please check in with the court clerk when you arrive in order to have your matter called. When checking in, please present the clerk with the last order or motion setting the date along with all other relevant paperwork.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

All relevant documents

Attorneys must provide paper copies of all relevant documents to the Court on the hearing date because clerk files are no longer kept in the courtroom.

Be advised there are no longer clerk files in the courtroom. Attorneys must provide paper copies of all relevant documents to the Court on the date of hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Agreed order

Proposed agreed orders must include a copy of the Court's previous order and a copy of an e-filed status report.

All proposed agreed orders shall include a copy of the Court's previous order and a copy of an e-filed status report.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Agreed order

The Court will not accept agreed orders that change a hearing date on motions or trials.

The Court will not accept "agreed" orders changing a hearing date on motions or trials.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Discovery motion

Discovery motions must be accompanied by a copy of the most recent discovery or case management order entered in the case.

Motions concerning discovery issues shall be accompanied by a copy of the most recent discovery or case management order entered in the case.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Discovery motion

Discovery motions must include a factual statement of counsel's Rule 201(k) efforts; failure to include it is grounds for striking the motion.

Such motions must also contain a factual statement as to the efforts undertaken by counsel pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 201(k). Failure of moving counsel to include the Rule 201(k) factual statement constitutes grounds for striking the motion.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Opening documents

Must include

proposed order

Attorneys for the estate must provide all Probate Act documentation in efiled paper form; for openings this includes the original petition, affidavit of heirship, copy of the will, proof of notice, proposed orders and bond.

Attorneys for the estate shall provide all relevant documentation required by the Probate Act in efiled paper form. For openings, these documents shall include but are not limited to the original petition, affidavit of heirship, copy of the will, proof of notice, proposed orders and bond.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Closing documents

Must include

proposed order

For estate closings, required documents include the original petition, order declaring heirship, copy of the will, proof of publication, proof of notice, receipts, vouchers, final report, and a proposed order of discharge; failing to provide them may result in the case being continued.

For closings, these documents shall include but are not limited to the original petition, order declaring heirship, copy of the will, proof of publication, proof of notice, receipts, vouchers, final report, and a proposed order of discharge. Failure to provide these documents may result in your case being continued.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion

Emergency motions must be marked "EMERGENCY MOTION" and include a factual basis stating the nature of the emergency and all supporting documents in hard copy paper form.

A hard copy of the motion marked "EMERGENCY MOTION", which shall include a factual basis stating the nature of the emergency and all supporting documents in hard copy paper form

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Tro motion

TRO motions must be accompanied by a verified complaint.

In addition, TRO Motions must be accompanied by a Verified Complaint.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Brief

Citations in briefs must follow Illinois Supreme Court Rule 6 and include accurate pinpoint citations where appropriate.

Citations shall adhere to the requirements of Illinois Supreme Court Rule 6, as amended May 31, 2011. Accurate pinpoint citations shall be included where appropriate.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion

Counsel must present an attorney's certificate/affidavit dated no more than 10 days before the motion date, certifying the court file and clerk's computer were checked for the defendant's appearance and answer.

An attorney's certificate/affidavit, signed by counsel and dated no more than Ten (10) days before the date selected to present the motion, certifying that both the court file and the clerk's computer have been checked for defendant's appearance and answer;

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Agreed order

All agreed orders must bear the heading 'AGREED ORDER SUBMITTED BY ELECTRONIC MEANS'.

ALL Agreed Orders shall bear the heading: "AGREED ORDER SUBMITTED BY ELECTRONIC MEANS";

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for leave to amend

A motion for leave to amend or to file a third-party claim must specify what is being amended and attach the proposed filing.

A motion for leave to amend or to file a third-party claim shall specify what is being amended and attach a proposed filing.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Pleading

Must include

caption, case number

All pleadings must include the full case caption, calendar number, and property address.

All pleadings shall contain the entire case caption, calendar number, and property address.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Service notice

All service notices must include the address, telephone number, and email address of each attorney or pro se litigant.

All service notices shall include each attorney or pro se litigant's address, telephone number, and email address.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Case management order

A form version of the case management order must be submitted with proposed orders for each case management conference.

A form version of this order is available on the Court's webpage and shall be submitted with the proposed orders for each case management conference held.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed case management order

Do not pre-check any boxes in proposed case management orders.

DO NOT "pre-check" any boxes in proposed orders as the Court's ruling may differ from the "pre-checked" box.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed case management order

All proposed case management orders must include an 'other' line.

All proposed case management orders shall have an "other" line so that the Court may fill in additional items ordered into the form order following the hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Pre trial timeline order

A proposed pre-trial timeline order must be submitted with case management conference materials; failure to tender it with courtesy copies may result in striking the conference.

The form pre-trial timeline order to be entered concurrently with the entry of an order striking a case from case management (4331) for cases instituted on or after July 1, 2022, is available on the Court's webpage and shall be submitted with the proposed orders for each case management conference held along with the standard 1-2 page proposed case management order. Failure to tender a copy of a proposed pre-trial timeline order with case management conference courtesy copies shall subject the case management conference to be stricken off the call, requiring the plaintiff to re-notice the case management conference.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

When a proposed order withdraws, continues, or strikes a motion, both the order and the email must include the original motion date and time.

In the event Plaintiff chooses not to proceed on a motion noticed before the Court and Plaintiff or Plaintiff's counsel submits to the Court in lieu of courtesy copies an order withdrawing the motion, entering and continuing the motion generally, or striking the motion from the call, such a proposed order and the email submitting said proposed order to the Court for entry either on or off call shall contain **both the date and time** for which the motion was originally scheduled.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

All proposed orders must include the Court's contact and Zoom information.

All proposed orders shall include the Court's contact and Zoom information.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Court document

All documents submitted for the Court's consideration must bear a stamp showing the original was filed, and all pleadings and motions must be signed per Illinois Supreme Court Rule 137.

All documents a movant wishes the Court to consider in adjudicating any matter before it **shall bear a stamp** demonstrating that the original document was filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court and all pleadings, motions, and other documents shall be signed pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 137.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Courtesy copy

Courtesy copies must be legible; failure may result in striking, no action, denial, or continuation. This includes pro se handwritten motions.

All courtesy copy submissions presented to the court that were filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court "shall be legibly written, typewritten, printed, or otherwise prepared." Ill. Sup. Ct. R. 10(b); Ill. Sup. Ct. R. 131(a). Failure to submit legible courtesy copies may result in the Court striking the courtesy copies, not taking action on the scheduled matter, denial of the motion(s), or continuation of the matter to a new date subject to the Court's availability. This includes handwritten motions presented by *pro se* litigants.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Courtesy copy email

The email body must include the case number, court date, and brief description of the motion.

(3) The body of the email shall include the case number, court date, and a brief description of the motion being presented (e.g., Attached are courtesy copies for the March 23, 2026, hearing in 26-CH-00000 (PNC v. Martin) up on Case Management/Judgment Motions/Order Approving Sale/Status on ______/Plaintiff's or Defendant's Motion to ______/etc.).

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion packet

The Notice of Motion or continuance order must always be the first page of the PDF packet.

(i) The Notice of Motion or continuance order should ALWAYS be the first page of this PDF packet and should never be separately attached.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Proposed orders must be submitted as a separate, clearly titled PDF attachment, with all proposed orders in one PDF.

attached. (7) Proposed orders shall be attached as a separate PDF attachment in the same courtesy copy email clearly titled "Proposed Order(s)." Multiple proposed orders should all be submitted together in ONE PDF

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Proposed orders must include the Court's email address, phone number, and Zoom information.

(8) Proposed orders shall contain the Court's email address, phone number, and Zoom information.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Summons

All summonses must include the Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program informational sheet in English and Spanish.

(1) All summonses shall include the Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program informational sheet in English and Spanish;

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of motion

All notices of motion and notices of initial case management must include all four pages of the Zoom instructions in English and Spanish.

(2) All notices of motion and notices of initial case management shall include a copy of all four pages of the required Zoom instructions in English and Spanish.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to voluntarily dismiss

Motions to voluntarily dismiss must state the basis in both the motion and proposed order, and the proposed order must specify with or without prejudice.

Motions to voluntarily dismiss a case in its entirety shall include the basis for the dismissal in both the motion and the proposed order. Additionally, the proposed dismissal order shall state whether the dismissal is with or without prejudice.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to voluntarily dismiss full payoff

Motions to voluntarily dismiss due to full payoff must be accompanied by an order dismissing the case with prejudice.

Motions to voluntarily dismiss a case in its entirety due to a full pay off shall be accompanied with an order dismissing the case WITH prejudice.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Special process server order

Each separate special process server order must be filed in the case record when multiple orders were used for service.

If service of process on multiple defendants was effectuated pursuant to separate orders entered by the Supervising Judge across multiple three month periods for which the same or different special process servers for the law firm were appointed, each such order signed by the Supervising Judge shall be filed in the record of the case so the Court may determine if the special process server had authority to serve each specific defendant with process on the date service was sworn to have been accomplished.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for alias summons

A motion for an alias summons must state when the summons will issue and identify the person to be served.

A motion to issue an alias summons shall state when the summons will issue and identify the person on whom it is being issued.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to reinstate

A motion to reinstate after a bankruptcy-related dismissal must attach proof of leave from the automatic stay or other evidence of bankruptcy resolution.

A motion to reinstate a case following a dismissal due to a defendant filing for bankruptcy shall attach proof (such as a copy of an order from the bankruptcy court) that the moving party has leave from the bankruptcy automatic stay, the bankruptcy has been dismissed, the bankruptcy has been discharged, or other similar evidence of the same.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to compel discovery

Must include

certificate of conference

Motions to compel discovery must include a statement that after personal consultation the parties were unable to resolve their differences.

Accordingly, motions seeking to compel discovery shall “include a statement that after personal consultation the parties were unable to resolve their differences.”

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to compel discovery

Motions to compel discovery must demonstrate that the case is not on hold due to loss mitigation, bankruptcy, or other holds.

All motions to compel discovery shall demonstrate that the case is not on hold, including, but not limited to, loss mitigation, bankruptcy, or other plaintiff internal or regulatory hold.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Citations to sources must be placed in the body of the motion or brief, not as endnotes.

(2) Citations to sources within the body a motion or brief shall be in the body of the text and shall not be as an endnote.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Citations must be to Lexis Nexis; if a source is not available there, a copy must be attached to the motion or brief.

(3) Citations shall only be to Lexis Nexis. The Court does not have access to Westlaw or many secondary sources such as treatises. If a party wishes to cite authority that is not found on Lexis, that party shall attach a copy of that authority to their motion or brief.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of motion

Notices of motion must include the hearing date and time, and must not contain blank lines or reference the clerk's stamp; noncompliance leads to striking the motion.

(k) All notices of motion for any motion noticed up on the Court’s call shall contain the date and time of the scheduled hearing in the body of the notice of motion itself. Blank lines in the body of the notice of motion, “see above” or other language referencing the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s stamp in the upper left-hand corner of the page, or any deviation from the format required herein is strictly prohibited. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in the Court treating the motion as not properly noticed. The Court will strike the motion off the call requiring the motion to be re-noticed.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Affidavit

A party seeking discovery before responding to a dispositive motion must file an affidavit in strict compliance with Rule 191(b) on the presentment date, or risk waiving discovery.

A party seeking discovery prior to responding to a dispositive motion brought pursuant to Illinois Code of Civil Procedure sections 2-1005, 2-619, or 2-301(b) shall provide on the presentment date of the dispositive motion a filed affidavit in strict compliance with Illinois Supreme Court Rule 191(b). Failure to comply with this requirement may waive all discovery by that party prior to being given an opportunity to file a response brief to the dispositive motion.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Response brief

During a summary judgment briefing schedule, defendants must incorporate affidavit challenges into their response brief rather than filing a separate motion to strike.

If the Court enters a briefing schedule on a plaintiff's motion for summary judgment, defendants shall not file or notice up a separate motion to strike a prove up affidavit or any other affidavit brought in support of the motion for summary judgment during the briefing schedule on the motion for summary judgment. All arguments toward the weight of the affidavit, its admissibility, its compliance with the relevant Illinois Supreme Court Rules, etc. shall be incorporated into the defendant's response brief to the motion for summary judgment and shall be filed during the response period granted to the defendant in the Court's briefing schedule order. Defendants may move or request that an affidavit be stricken within their response brief. If a defendant files a separate motion to strike an affidavit instead of incorporating the arguments in a response brief to the motion for summary judgment in violation of this prohibition, the Court will facially strike the motion to strike, not reset the briefing schedule on the motion for summary judgment, and, if the defendant has not filed a response to the motion for summary judgment, will treat the motion for summary judgment as being unopposed as no response in opposition to the motion for summary judgment was filed during the time that the Court permitted such a response be filed.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Plaintiffs seeking a default judgment of foreclosure or order approving sale where service was over two years ago must represent that the service address is current and the mortgagor is not deceased.

Any plaintiff that is seeking a default judgment of foreclosure or an order approving sale, where service was had on the mortgagor(s) over two years ago, and the mortgagor(s) has/have not filed an appearance shall represent in the body of the motion itself, in an affidavit attached to the motion as an exhibit, or in a statement as an officer of the court in open court that the address whereupon service was effectuated is still the mortgagor(s) current address and the mortgagor(s) is not deceased.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Special representative

If the mortgagor is deceased, the plaintiff must have a special representative appointed per statute and court rules.

If the mortgagor(s) is/are deceased, then the plaintiff shall have a special representative appointed in accordance with 735 ILCS 5/15-1501, Illinois Supreme Court Rule 113(i), and General Administrative Order No. 2015-02.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of motion

Notice of motion must have Zoom Instructions attached.

Notice of Motion with Zoom Instructions attached;

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Motion packet must include assignments and merger/successor documents, if any.

Assignments and merger/successor documents, if any;

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of service

Motion packet must include Certificate of Service of Process with proof of service on all defendants.

Certificate of Service of Process, with proof of service on all defendants;

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

If a defendant is served by publication, the motion packet must include a certificate of publication, skip trace, and affidavit of publication.

If a defendant is served by publication: a certificate of publication, skip trace, and affidavit of publication for that defendant pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/2-206 and 735 ILCS 5/15-1502(c).

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Military affidavit

Military affidavits must be dated no earlier than 6 months prior to the presentment date for each living human defendant.

Military Affidavit(s) (as required by the Service-Member's Civil Relief Act) dated no earlier than 6 months prior to the presentment date for each living human defendant;

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Motion packet must include all judgment motions (default, dismiss unknown parties, entry of judgment of foreclosure and sale, appoint selling officer, shorten redemption, reform deed or mortgage, etc.).

All Judgment Motions (default, dismiss unknown parties, entry of judgment of foreclosure and sale, appoint selling officer, shorten redemption, reform deed or mortgage, etc.);

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Affidavit

Affidavits under Illinois Supreme Court Rules 113 and/or 191 must be dated no earlier than 6 months prior to the presentment date and attach all appropriate documents required by law.

Affidavits pursuant Illinois Supreme Court Rule 113 and/or 191 attaching all appropriate documents required by law dated no earlier than 6 months prior to the presentment date;

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Plaintiffs seeking property preservation fees must provide a breakdown, invoices, and proof of payment; failure results in striking or continuing the motion.

A plaintiff seeking property preservation fees shall provide a breakdown of the fees, invoices relating thereto, and proof of payment thereof. Failure to provide a breakdown of the property preservation fees will result in striking of the motion or continuing the motion to allow time for the plaintiff to comply;

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Loss mitigation affidavit

Loss mitigation affidavits under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 114 must be dated no earlier than 6 months prior to the presentment date.

Loss Mitigation Affidavit pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 114 (if applicable) dated no earlier than 6 months prior to the presentment date;

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Loss mitigation affidavit

All pertinent facts and supporting evidence must be incorporated within the loss mitigation affidavit itself, not attached as exhibits.

All pertinent facts and supporting evidence shall be incorporated within this affidavit itself and shall not be attached as an exhibit to the affidavit.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Affidavit of attorney fees

If seeking attorney fees and costs, an affidavit must include a detailed billing of attorneys' fees in excess of $4,100.

Affidavit of Attorney Fees and Costs, if sought, including a detailed billing of attorneys' fees in excess of $4,100;

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Requests for a sealed-bid auction must be presented by separate motion.

All requests for a sealed-bid auction shall be presented by separate motion.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Affidavit of attorney fees

Movants must submit a separate affidavit to prove up attorneys' fees and costs, not integrated into the Rule 113 affidavit.

Movants shall submit a separate affidavit to prove up attorneys' fees and costs and this amount shall not be integrated into the Movant's Illinois Supreme Court Rule 113 affidavit;

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of motion

Motions for entry of judgment of foreclosure and sale in default cases must be noticed for the Court's 10:30 AM default call.

Motions for Entry of Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale in which no appearance or answer was filed or in which the only appearance or answer filed was by the United States of America, a special representative, or any other defendant(s) not contesting the entry of judgment shall be noticed for the Court's 10:30 AM default call.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Proposed judgment of foreclosure and sale orders must not include any language authorizing immediate possession.

R. 113(c)(4).(e) **Proposed Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale orders shall not include any** language authorizing immediate possession. Immediate possession is authorized by statute only after meeting statutory requirements and upon presentment of an appropriate motion; one example of prohibited language is:“That the parties hereto who shall be in possession of said premises, or any part thereof, including leaseholders, or any person who may have come into possession under them or any of them, since the inception of the mortgage or commencement of this suit, shall upon presentment of said Judicial/Sheriff's Deed of Conveyance, surrender possession of said premises to said grantee, his representative or assigns, and in default of so doing, an Order of Possession shall

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of motion

Plaintiff must notice up all judgment motions simultaneously.

Plaintiff shall notice up **ALL** judgment motions (*inter alia*, motions to dismiss unknown parties or other defendants, default, summary judgment, judgment of foreclosure, appoint selling officer, reformation of mortgage or deed) **simultaneously**.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment of foreclosure order

Foreclosure judgment orders must itemize fees, costs, principal, interest, etc., and provide a breakdown.

Judgment of foreclosure orders **SHALL** clearly list and break down attorneys fees, costs, principal, interest, per diem, *etc.* as individual line items corresponding to exhibits such as the Prove Up Affidavit and the Affidavit of Attorney Fees and Costs. The total amount due shall still be listed; however, that amount shall be broken down into its component parts.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment of foreclosure order

Incomplete breakdowns in foreclosure judgment orders are unacceptable; noncompliant orders will not be entered.

Single sum total dollar amounts or incomplete breakdowns as described herein in judgment of foreclosure orders without a clear and thorough breakdown of where and how these figures were derived are **NOT** acceptable. Noncompliant orders will not be entered. The Court will not take action on the scheduled matter and will continue the matter to a new date subject to the Court's availability.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

When seeking an in personam deficiency, the movant must provide specified documents including complaint, judgment, proof of service, memorandum of judgment if sought, and a BPO or appraisal.

If a party seeks an *in personam* deficiency, the movant SHALL **also** provide a copy of:1. (1) The complaint, with all exhibits including Mortgage(s) and Note(s); 2. (2) A copy of the entered judgment of foreclosure; 3. (3) The proof of service on the defendant(s) against whom the deficiency is sought, or if said defendant(s) filed an appearance, a copy of their appearance; 4. (4) A memorandum of judgment, if sought; and 5. (5) A filed and signed broker's price opinion ("BPO") from a licensed Illinois real estate broker or a filed and signed appraisal from a licensed Illinois appraiser of the value of the property prepared and executed by a disinterested third-party not greater than 60 days prior to the date of the judicial sale, unless otherwise ordered by the Court. The BPO shall not be a "comparative market analysis."

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

When seeking immediate possession, the movant must provide a vacancy affidavit or affidavit of abandonment dated no more than 6 months prior and photographs showing vacancy.

If a party seeks immediate possession, the movant SHALL **also** provide a copy of:1. (1) A vacancy affidavit or affidavit of abandonment dated no more than 6 months prior to the hearing date even if the Court specifically found in the Judgment of Foreclosure that the property was vacant/abandoned at the time of judgment; and 2. (i) The Court granting a plaintiff a shortened redemption period at the judgment stage of the case will NOT automatically entitle that plaintiff to immediate possession of the subject property following entry of the order approving sale. The plaintiff will need to once again establish at the order approving sale stage via a vacancy affidavit or affidavit of abandonment dated no more than 6 months prior to the hearing that the property continues to be vacant/abandoned. 3. (2) Photographs of the property attached to the vacancy affidavit or affidavit of abandonment demonstrating that the property is in fact vacant and/or abandoned.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Proposed orders must include specific language about surplus funds.

In the case a surplus of funds results from the judicial sale of the subject property, proposed orders shall include the following language: (1) "When mailing a copy of this order approving sale, counsel for plaintiff shall notify the mortgagor, in a cover letter, of the existence of surplus funds. The cover letter shall specify that the funds may be obtained upon presentation to the Presiding Judge (Daley Center Room 2403) of a Petition for Turnover of Surplus Funds. A copy of the current petition form shall be included in the mailing." AND (2) "The Selling Officer shall immediately turn over the surplus funds to the Clerk of the Court."

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Consent judgment

Consent judgment orders must include recitation of 30 days' notice and no objections.

Orders of consent judgment of foreclosure shall include a recitation that 30 days’ notice has been given to all parties to object prior to the order’s entry and that no objections to the order’s entry were filed.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Emergency motion

Emergency motions to appoint a receiver or mortgagee in possession are allowed only when the verified petition contains factual allegations of an immediate health or safety threat.

Emergency motions to appoint a receiver or mortgagee in possession shall be brought only if the verified petition contains factual allegations indicating an immediate health or safety threat.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to appoint receiver

Must include

proposed order, certificate of service

Motions to appoint a receiver must include the complaint, motion with photos, affidavit, three proposed receivers, CVs, fee schedules, proof of service, proof of notice, and a proposed order.

Motions to appoint a receiver will be heard only if the movant provides: (1) A copy of the complaint, with all exhibits including Mortgage(s) and Note(s); (2) A copy of the motion including color photographs of the property; (3) A copy of an affidavit or other sworn pleading in support of the motion pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/15-1706(a); (4) Three proposed receivers; (5) Proposed receivers’ *curricula vitae* and fee schedules; (6) Proof of service of process of the complaint meeting all statutory requirements (if the mortgagor has been served with the complaint); (7) Proof of reasonable notice pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/15-1706(c), (d): (i) Certificate of Service of Notice of Motion; (ii) Affidavit of Service of Process of the Motion (if required when the mortgagor has not been served with the complaint); or (iii) Other affidavits or sworn evidence required to establish a party is in default or good cause to grant the motion exists; and (8) A proposed order.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Motions by a receiver to engage counsel must be brought by the receiver (not Plaintiff's counsel) and must detail the proposed attorney's billing rate, experience, and qualifications.

(k) If the receiver seeks to engage counsel for any purpose, such a motion shall be brought before the Court by the receiver (or the proposed attorney if the attorney has filed an appearance) and not by Plaintiff's counsel as the receiver is an agent of the Court and not of the Plaintiff. Such motions shall detail the rate at which the proposed attorney bills, the proposed attorney's experience in dealing with similar matters, and any other relevant qualifications of the proposed attorney.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Order

Orders granting a receiver authority to engage counsel must expressly state the authorized hourly rate.

(1) All orders granting a receiver the ability to engage counsel, for any purpose, shall expressly enumerate the hourly rate at which the attorney is authorized to charge.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Receivers must obtain court authorization by motion before engaging a licensed Illinois real estate broker, and sales contracts and escrow disbursements require court approval.

(l) Receivers shall not have the power to engage a real estate broker to market and sell the subject property, unless specifically authorized to do so by the Court. If a receiver seeks to sell the subject property, the receiver shall present the Court with a motion to authorize the receiver to engage a licensed Illinois real estate broker to list and market the subject property and any future contract for the sale of the property will be subject to Court's approval prior to entry into the contract. Accordingly, in the event the receiver wishes to approve a sales contract prior to the receiver entering into a contract for the sale of the subject property, the receiver shall present the same for approval to the Court via motion and all parties shall have an opportunity to object to the proposed contract. Upon approval of such a contract by the Court, the receiver shall be authorized to execute a "soft closing" on the property, after which, the receiver shall then bring a final motion to approve all disbursements from escrow. No funds from the closing shall be disbursed without the Court's approval.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Receiver report

Receiver's reports and proposed orders approving them must include a charted breakdown of all fees and expenses with actual dollar amounts listed directly in the report.

(m) All receiver's reports and proposed orders approving receiver reports shall contain a breakdown in the receiver's report and in the order itself of all fees, costs, expenses, attorney fees, etc. for which the receiver seeks approval in a neatly organized chart. The actual dollar amounts shall be expressly listed in the receiver's report itself and not only in an exhibit to the receiver's report. Receiver's reports shall not contain language such as "a detailed billing statement for the Receiver's fees as set forth in the Order Appointing Receiver is attached as Exhibit F" or other similar language without also listing the exact dollar amount directly in the report itself.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Order

Orders granting service by special order must specify the persons/entities to be served, the methods of service, and the addresses for service.

(b) Orders granting motion for service by special order of court shall include the person(s) or entity(ies) upon whom service of process by the alternative means is permitted, the methods by which such service of process shall be effectuated, and the address(es) where such service of process shall be made.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Affidavit

Affidavits supporting service by text message, e-mail, or social media must state reasons the movant believes the defendant uses the specific contact or platform.

(c) "In addition to the affidavit requirements of section 2-203.1 of the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure, a movant requesting service by text message, e-mail, or social media shall include in the supporting affidavit the reasons the movant believes the defendant/respondent has recently sent and received transmissions from a specific e-mail address or telephone number or the defendant/respondent maintains an active social media account on the specific platform utilized for service." Ill. Sup. Ct. R. 102(f)(2).

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

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.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Default judgment

Must include

certificate of service

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.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Emergency motion

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.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to transfer

Must include

proposed order

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.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Complaint and summons

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.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Summons

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.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Summons

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).

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Alias summons

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.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of early resolution program

Must include

certificate of service

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.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Summons

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.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Complaint

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.).

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Complaint

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.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Complaint

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.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Agreed order

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."

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment order

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.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Summons

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.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Summons

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.)

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Alias summons

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.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of erp

Must include

certificate of service

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.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial conference materials

At the pre-trial conference (held at least a week before trial), all parties must have trial lawyer's appearance, fully briefed motions in limine, marked exhibit list with objections noted, deposition objections and transcripts, stipulations/admissions per SCR 216, Rule 213 disclosures, proposed jury instructions (2 sets), and a trial length estimate.

The scheduled pre-trial conference of any jury trial will occur at least the week before the trial date. At the conference, all parties must have: a. Trial Lawyer's Appearance; b. Fully briefed motions in limine; c. An exhibit list with all exhibits marked. In the event of objections, the nature of the objections must be noted (i.e. foundation, relevance, motion in limine, etc.); d. Identification of all objections from evidence depositions which require a ruling by the Court and a copy of the transcripts; e. Any stipulations and admissions of fact per SCR 216; f. A copy of all Rule 213 disclosures; g. Proposed and exchanged jury instructions (2 sets – one with IPI numbering and citations and one "clean" copy for the Jury); h. Estimate regarding the length of trial;

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Pre conference materials

Pre-conference materials must include electronic media usage and setup time, trial briefs or memoranda, proposed voir dire questions, and counsel contact information.

i. Indicate whether electronic media will be used by counsel (i.e. projector, video, etc.) during the trial and whether time for setup is required; j. Any trial briefs, memoranda or other information a party wishes to submit; k. Potential questions each party wants the Court to ask the venire. The Court will allow each attorney to ask relevant and reasonable voir dire; 1. Contact information for counsel, including cell phone number and email address.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Voir dire materials

Prior to voir dire, counsel must provide the Court a short statement of the case and a witness list.

**B. Prior to voir dire, counsel must provide the Court (9:30 am)** 1. Short statement of the case to be read to the jury in voir dire, including how long the trial will last. 2. Witness list to be read to jury.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Default motion

Default motions must comply entirely with the Checklist for Default Motions and all supporting materials listed in the checklist must be e-filed.

Default Motions must entirely comply with the Checklist for Default Motions found on https://www.cookcountycourtil.gov/judge/hagerty-jack website. All supporting materials set forth in the checklist are to be e-filed.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Settlement memorandum

Settlement Memorandum must contain last offer/demand details, reasons for failure to settle, and summary of evidence and legal issues.

A Settlement Memorandum must be submitted at least five business days prior to the Conference by each party via email in text-searchable PDF format with bookmarks and hard copies delivered to the bin outside Courtroom 1904 and must contain: a. Date and amount of last offer/demand by each party; b. Primary reason or the main points why the case has failed to settle; c. A summary of plaintiffs’ and defendants’ evidence and primary legal issues;

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial materials

Jury trials require a comprehensive list of trial materials, including statements, witness lists, stipulations, motions, jury instructions, exhibit lists, and pleadings.

JURY TRIALS – Provide: 1. Concise statement of the case to be read to the jury in voir dire; 2. Estimate of the number of trial days; 3. Witness list to be read to the jury in voir dire; 4. Statement that the party will/will not stipulate to a unanimous verdict of 10 or more jurors; 5. Motions in limine; 6. Trial briefs; 7. Stipulations and uncontested facts – in numbered paragraphs, state any stipulations and uncontested facts; 8. Deposition designations; 9. Jury instructions with I.P.I. numbers (each instruction marked “Agreed” or “Objected To”) and compliance with Supreme Court Rule 239c; 10. Parties’ exhibit lists indicating each exhibit number and noting which exhibits are objected to and the grounds for objection, if any. Failure to submit and note objections may cause the objections to be waived; 11. Evidence depositions; 12. Rule 213(f)(1-3) disclosures; 13. Requests to Produce at Trial (Supreme Court Rule 237) must be prepared and delivered to the Court seven days before the final pre-trial conference; and 14. Final pleadings, including: the complaint, answer, counterclaims, affirmative defenses, answers to requests to admit and other relevant pleadings. 15. Final Jury Instructions: Parties must hand-deliver two copies of the final combined jury instructions directly to the judge.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Affidavit of no answer

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)

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Petition

Must include

certificate of service

Petitioners for guardianship petitions must provide specific documents and notices for the first court date.

For all Petitions for Guardianship, Successor Guardianship or Termination of Guardianship the petitioner must provide the following for the first court date: - Minor’s birth certificate - Any and all death certificates for parents listed on birth certificate - Proof of notice to all parties on “Exhibit A” either by certified mail if address is known or publication if address is not known - Notarized consents from parties in lieu of notice - Completed background check (CANTS/LEADS) forms for petitioner and all adults in the petitioner’s home - Minors 14 y/o or older must be given actual notice and be present in Court or sign the nomination portion of the Petition

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Correspondence

Must include

case number

All emailed or delivered paperwork must include the case name, case number, and next court date.

All paperwork emailed or delivered MUST include the case name (minor’s name), the case number and next court date.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Witness list

Witness lists and discovery must be tendered to all parties and the court one week before trial or witnesses/exhibits are excluded.

For all matters set for trial or hearing on the 2:00pm call, a witness list (including names, addresses, phone numbers) and all discovery must be tendered to all parties and the court (jamieg.dickler@cookcountyil.gov) 1 week prior to the commencement of the trial or those witnesses and exhibits will be excluded at trial.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion

Emergency motions must contain the word 'Emergency' in the heading and state the facts giving rise to the emergency.

Emergency motions should contain the word "Emergency" in the heading, and facts giving rise to the nature of the emergency should be stated in the motion.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

After a case management or status call, parties must confer and agree to a proposed order reflecting the court's ruling.

After a case management or status call, the parties are to confer and agree to a proposed order reflecting this court's ruling.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Routine motion

Must include

proposed order

A routine motion emailed to the Court must include a proposed order for entry.

Routine motions emailed to the Court must include a proposed order for entry.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Notice of motion

The notice must state that no appearance will occur and explain that any objection must be telephoned or emailed to the specified recipients before the scheduled presentation time.

The Notice of Routine Motion must notify the parties entitled to the notice that (a) no court appearance will occur, and (b) if there is any objection to the Routine Motion, the objection must be telephoned and/or emailed to the Courtesy Copy Email Address and to the Law Clerk or the Case Coordinator prior to the time set for the presentation of the motion in the Notice of Routine Motion.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Memorandum of judgment

Must include

proposed order

Memoranda of Judgment must be submitted in hard copy and include the Judgment Order.

All Memoranda of Judgment presented must be in hard copy and must include the Judgment Order.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Judgment order

A Judgment Order older than 90 days must be certified by the Clerk of the Court.

Any Judgment Order older than ninety (90) days must be certified by the Clerk of the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Agreed order

Agreed orders must bear the signatures or facsimile signatures of all appearing parties or counsel.

Agreed orders must contain the signatures or facsimile signatures of all parties or counsel who have appeared.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Agreed dismissal order

An agreed dismissal order must identify and strike any future dates set in the case.

Any agreed dismissal order must include a sentence identifying and striking all future dates set in the case, if any.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Hipaa order

HIPAA orders must conform to the order approved by the Law Division.

HIPAA orders must conform to the order approved by the Law Division.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Every motion must include an order.

All motions must include an order.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Dismissal order

A dismissal order must identify and strike any future dates previously set in the case.

Any dismissal order must include a sentence identifying and striking all future dates previously set in the case, if any.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Brief

Authorities outside Illinois must be provided in full, and a Westlaw-only citation is insufficient unless accompanied by a full copy.

Citation to Illinois cases or legislation in accordance with a citation style approved by Illinois and Cook County court rules is sufficient. Case law or any other authority outside of the State of Illinois (including federal case law in Illinois-based federal courts) must be provided to the Court by a full copy of the same; citation alone is insufficient. No case may be cited to Westlaw alone, unless a full copy of the case is provided along with the brief.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Notice of motion

Notices for motions or hearings, petitions for rule to show cause, and court orders with future appearance dates must include all pertinent information for appearing remotely.

On any notice for motion or hearing, petition for rule to show cause, or court order containing a future date for appearance, the same must set forth all of the pertinent information for appearing remotely before this Court.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Exhibit list

A complete jointly prepared exhibit list must identify whether the opposing side has objections and note their nature.

A complete and jointly prepared list of all exhibits each party intends to use at trial and whether the opposing side has any objections. In the event of objections, the nature of the objections must be noted, *i.e.*, foundation, relevance, etc.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Motions in limine

Copies of each party's motions in limine must be provided.

Copies of each party's motions *in limine*;

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Rule 216 responses

A list of each party's Rule 216 Requests for Admission and responses must be provided.

A list of each party's Supreme Court Rule 216 Request for Admission of Facts and responses thereto, if any;

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Proposed jury instructions

Two copies of proposed jury instructions must be submitted, one marked with IPI numbering, the other unmarked, sorted by IPI numbering.

Two copies of proposed jury instructions (one marked with IPI numbering and citations and the other unmarked for the jury), which are to be sorted in the order of their numbering under the IPI system.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion

Emergency motions must include a factual basis stating the nature of the emergency and all supporting documents.

A courtesy copy of the motion marked “EMERGENCY MOTION” that shall include a factual basis stating the nature of the emergency and all supporting documents must be delivered to chambers no later than 10:00 A.M. on the day preceding presentment.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

Proposed orders must be emailed to the Courtroom Clerk 48 hours before the court call.

All proposed orders are to be submitted 48-hours before the call via email to the Courtroom Clerk.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Appearance

All litigants must file an appearance with the Clerk's Office to appear in court and be heard.

All litigants are required to file an appearance with the Clerk's Office in order to appear in court and be heard.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Default judgment

Must include

certificate of service

For default judgment motions, attorney must represent that service, notice, and affidavits have been made/filed.

When presenting Motions for Default Judgements, 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.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Pre trial memo

Parties must submit and exchange pre-trial memos setting forth case nature, issues, and settlement status.

The parties must 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.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Scheduling order

The parties must jointly complete the Room 111 Supreme Court Rule 218 Scheduling order.

The parties shall jointly complete the Room 111 Supreme Court Rule 218 Scheduling order.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Fee petition

Fee petitions must comply with IL Supreme Court Rule 299, General Order No. 26, 750 ILCS 5/508, and all applicable law.

The petition MUST be in compliance with IL Supreme Court Rule 299, General Order No. 26, 750 ILCS 5/508 and all applicable case and statutory law.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion

Written motions must be file-stamped before presentation to the acting courtroom coordinator, must state supporting facts and cite legal authority, and may be stricken otherwise.

All written motions must FIRST be file-stamped and THEN presented to the acting courtroom coordinator who will schedule it and provide the court with a copy, and all written motions must state supporting facts and cite applicable legal authority. They may otherwise be stricken or re-scheduled for proper presentation.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

All filed and scheduled motions must bear the Clerk's file stamp.

All motions filed and scheduled must bear the file stamp of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Except for Petitions to Intervene, a movant must file an Appearance before presenting any motion, including emergency motions.

Except for a Petition to Intervene, no motions, including Emergency Motions, may be presented unless the movant has filed an Appearance electronically with the Clerk of the Circuit Court or in Room 802 of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Motions for service by special order of court must be accompanied by an affidavit detailing the investigation into the defendant's whereabouts and why service is impractical.

All motions for service by special order of court pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/2-203.1 shall be accompanied with an affidavit stating the nature and extent of the investigation made to determine the whereabouts of the defendant and the reasons why service is impractical under items (1) AND (2) of subsection (a) of Section 2-203, including a SPECIFIC statement showing that a diligent inquiry as to the location of the individual defendant was made and reasonable efforts to obtain service of process has been unsuccessful.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

An off-call motion for voluntary dismissal must state there are no pending cross claims or counter claims, strike future court dates, and be properly filed with the Clerk.

A motion to voluntarily dismiss that is presented "off" call must set forth the following: (1) make an affirmative ===== PAGE 8 ===== statement that there are no pending cross claims or counter claims; (2) strike any future scheduled court dates; and (3) be properly filed with the Clerk of the

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Plaintiff's attorneys must include with foreclosure and sale motions a printout evidencing a bankruptcy inquiry with the Clerk's Office.

Plaintiff's Attorneys are required to include with Motions for Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Motions for Entry of Order Approving Sale and for an Order of Possession, a printout that indicates evidence that the plaintiff's attorney has conducted an inquiry with the Clerk's Office to determine whether the mortgagor has filed a petition for bankruptcy in the U.S District Bankruptcy Court of the Northern District of Illinois – Eastern Division.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

To schedule a motion for presentment, movants must file specified documents with the Clerk, including notice of motion, complaint, signed motions, military service affidavit, affidavit of proof, and attorney's fees affidavit.

To obtain a date for presentment, movants must file, at the time of scheduling the motion, the following documents with the Clerk of the Circuit Court: 1. Notice of Motion(s); 2. Complaint with Mortgage and Note; 3. All motions noticed for presentment (i.e., Motion for Default, Motion for Judgment of Foreclosure, Motion to Appoint Selling Officer, etc.) must be signed by an attorney as required by Supreme Court Rule 147 (with the name readably printed, typed, or stamped to indent the signature); 4. Affidavit of Military Service, with attached U.S. Department of Defense website printout current within six (6) months; 5. A signed affidavit of proof attached to and incorporated by express reference within the motion for default and/or foreclosure; and 6. Affidavit of attorney's fees and costs (attorney's fees sought, in excess of $2,750.00, must be supported by a time and task affidavit).

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

For hearing, movants must deliver copies of the listed documents to the court no later than seven court days prior to presentment.

For hearing, movants must deliver to the court copies of the following documents, no later than seven (7) court days prior to presentment: 1. Notice of Motion(s);

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Judgment of foreclosure

Judgment of foreclosure order must include a provision requiring the movant to mail a copy within 7 days to the mortgagor's last known address.

The judgment of foreclosure order must include a provision requiring that the movant mail a copy of the order within seven (7) days to the last known address of the mortgagor.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Personal deficiency judgment

Personal deficiency judgment requires additional documents including complaint, judgment, affidavit of service, BPO/appraisal, and memorandum of judgment.

If the plaintiff is seeking a personal deficiency judgment, the court requires the following additional documents: 1. Mortgage Foreclosure Complaint, with all exhibits; 2. Judgment of Foreclosure; 3. Affidavit of Service of Process on the defendant, who is claimed to be personally liable; 4. Broker's Price Opinion ("BPO") or Appraisal; 5. Memorandum of Judgment (if any); and 6. Copies of all of these documents, including the "BPO," must be filed with the Clerk of the Court and communicated to the parties.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for order of possession

Must include

caption

Motions for order of possession must include caption, property type, last inspection date, defendant names, and multi-unit possession scope.

All Motions for Order of Possession and proposed orders must include the following: 1. Complete Caption of the case; 2. Identify the type of property involved (i.e., single-family residence, multi-unit, commercial, etc.); 3. State when the property was last inspected by the movant; 4. Identify the names of all parties personally named as defendants in the complaint; and 5. In the case of a multi-unit property where the purchaser is seeking possession of the building, specify that possession extends only to the building and not individual units.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to appoint receiver

Must include

proposed order

Motions to appoint a receiver must include specified exhibits, including the complaint with mortgage and note, the proposed receiver's resume, the authorizing provision reference, proof of service, and a proposed order.

**Motions to Appoint a Receiver must include the following exhibits:** 1. The Complaint, with mortgage and note; 2. Resume of the proposed receiver, including his/her rates of compensation 3. Specific reference to the complaint or to the mortgage provision authorizing appointment of a Receiver; 4. Proof of service of either the complaint or the motion on the defendants in the manner required pursuant to Section 15-1706 (d) of the Illinois Mortgage Foreclosure Act; and 5. Proposed order.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Emergency motion to stay judicial sale

Emergency motions to stay judicial sale must fully inform the court of specified facts and circumstances and attach all relevant documents.

Emergency Motions to Stay Judicial Sale – This emergency motion should fully inform the court of all the relevant facts and circumstances, including the following: (1) the property address; (2) when the case was filed; (3) when the defendants were served; (4) when the foreclosure order was entered; (5) the originally scheduled date of the sale; (6) whether any previous stay orders were entered; and (7) whether the sale will fall outside of the publication date. All documents relevant to the request should be attached to the motion, e.g., short sale contracts, loan modifications.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Emergency motion to stay possession

Emergency motions to stay possession must include the foreclosure judgment date, the possession expiration date, and whether the party previously sought a stay.

Emergency Motion to Stay Possession – This emergency motion must include the date of the entry of the judgment of foreclosure, the possession expiration date, and whether the party previously sought a stay.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Emergency motion to appoint receiver

An emergency motion to appoint a receiver or mortgagee in possession will only be heard when the verified motion contains factual allegations of an immediate health or safety threat.

Emergency Motion to Appoint Receiver/Mortgagee in Possession – This emergency motion will only be heard when the verified motion contains factual allegations indicating an immediate health or safety threat.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Emergency petition to intervene

An emergency petition to intervene will only be heard if the petitioner establishes that he or she is a necessary party as defined in the Illinois Mortgage Foreclosure Act.

Emergency Petition to Intervene – An Emergency Petition to Intervene will only be heard if the petitioner can establish that he/ she is a "necessary" party as defined in the Illinois Mortgage Foreclosure Act.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Complaint

Complaints must include sufficient facts to identify the plaintiff's occupation(s) and/or exposure circumstances.

The complaint shall include sufficient facts to identify the plaintiff's occupation(s) and/or circumstances of the plaintiff's exposure.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Jury instructions

Upon assignment, parties must provide two sets of jury instructions: one with IPI numbering and citations, and one without for the jury.

Jury Instructions 2 sets: a. One with IPI numbering and citations. b. One without IPI numbering or citations for jury.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Agreed motion and order

Agreed motions and orders must be titled “Agreed.”

Motions and orders presented by agreement must be titled “Agreed.”

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Routine or agreed order

Agreed motions must be filed, and an order on a routine or agreed matter will not be entered until a file-stamped motion is provided.

Even agreed motions must be filed. Failure to attach a file stamped motion regarding a routine or agreed matter will result in the order not being entered until a filed motion is provided.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Settlement dismissal order

A settlement dismissal order must state whether voluntary mediation was used; a pretrial with a sitting judge does not count as voluntary mediation.

Any order dismissing a case pursuant to settlement must state whether voluntary mediation was or was not utilized in arriving at the settlement. (Pretrials with a sitting judge are not “voluntary mediation.”)

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Dismissal order

Orders dismissing wrongful death, survival, or minors’ cases must not be submitted as routine or agreed; those matters follow the settlement-petition procedure in Section 4.

Parties shall not submit as routine or agreed any orders dismissing wrongful death, survival, or minors’ cases. For Petitions to Approve settlement and dismissal of such matters, see Section 4 below.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

A movant must include a proposed order with the motion or the motion will not be ruled on.

Movant must include a proposed order with their motion. Failure to do so will result in motion not being ruled on.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Settlement petition

Settlement petitions must include an itemized list of costs, the fee agreement or counsel’s representation of the contingency percentage, a description of all lien claims, and appropriate language when further probate proceedings are required.

(b) Petitions shall include: (i) an itemized descriptive list of costs; (ii) a copy of the fee agreement or counsel’s representation as to the contingency percentage; (iii) a description of all lien claims, even if the lien does not attach to the proceeds; and (iv) appropriate language where further probate proceedings are required.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Order

An order may not include Illinois Supreme Court Rule 304(a) language without express advance judicial authorization.

No Ill. Sup. Ct. R. 304(a) language may be included in any order without express advance judicial authorization.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Default motion

Must include

proposed order

A default motion requires notice of motion and submission of the original notice, original motion, copy of summons and its return, attorney's certificate, a military affidavit (when defaulting an individual), and a proposed draft order.

Motions The moving attorney must provide notice of motion and present the following: Original Notice of Motion, Original Motion, Copy of Summons, Copy of Return of a Summons, Attorney's Certificate, Military Affidavit (if defaulting an individual), and a proposed draft order.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Briefing schedule order

Contested motions require entry of a briefing schedule order that includes a clerk status date.

Contested motions require the entry of a briefing schedule order which includes a clerk status date.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Petition to approve settlement

Settlement approval in cases involving minors/disabled persons, Wrongful Death Act, or survival actions requires a written Petition to Approve Settlement.

Any attorney seeking approval of a settlement in an action involving: (1) a minor's or disabled person's personal injury case; (2) an action brought under the Wrongful Death Act; and (3) an action which survives a plaintiff's death shall, in a written form, submit a Petition to Approve Settlement.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Criminal cases

Applies to

Motion for relief

The Motion for Relief must be in writing and comply with Illinois Supreme Court Rule 604(h).

The Motion for Relief must be in writing and comply with the requirements of Illinois Supreme Court Rule 604(h).

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Petition and order of distribution

Every petition and order of distribution must include a detailed itemization of all expenses claimed, and the party seeking attorney's fees bears the burden of proving them.

Every petition and order of distribution must include a detailed itemization of all expenses claimed and the party seeking to recover attorney's fees bears the burden of presenting sufficient evidence to support the claim.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Settlement petition

Must include

proposed order

Attorneys must submit a written petition and proposed order of distribution to the presiding judge when seeking settlement approval in minor/disabled person, wrongful death, or survival actions.

Any attorney seeking approval of a settlement in an action involving: (1) a minor's or disabled person's personal injury case; (2) an action brought under the Wrongful Death Act; or (3) an action which survives a plaintiff's death shall, in a written form, submit a petition and proposed order of distribution to the judge presiding over the matter at the time of settlement.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Settlement petition

The settlement petition must include a brief recitation of the case's known facts.

In order to make a finding that the settlement is "fair and reasonable," the Petition must include a brief recitation of the case's known facts.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Settlement order

The settlement order must contain the language 'The settlement amount is fair and reasonable.'

The settlement order must contain the following language: "The settlement amount is fair and reasonable."

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Probate proceeding

A probate proceeding must be instituted when the net distributable amount to a minor or disabled person is $10,000 or more.

In any action in which the net amount distributable after deducting fees, expenses, and liens from the total settlement amount to a minor or disabled person is $10,000.00 or more, a proceeding must be instituted in the Probate Division in the county where the minor or disabled person resides.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Order of distribution

The order of distribution must contain the specified guardian-appointment and bond-approval language.

In such instances, the order of distribution must contain the following language: "The settlement amount approved herein shall be paid only to a guardian appointed by the probate division where the minor or disabled person resides and this order shall be effective only after the entry in the probate division or circuit court of an order approving the bond or other security required to administer the settlement and distribution provided for in this order."

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Order of distribution

The order of distribution must not contain language appointing a guardian, designating a depository, or waiving a bond.

The order shall not contain language which appoints a guardian, designates a depository or purports to waive a bond.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Order of distribution

Orders of distribution must state the recipient, how funds will be used and protected, tax treatment, and account administrator.

In any case, the order of distribution must indicate to whom the funds will be distributed, how they will be used and protected (bank account, money market account, etc), whether said account will be taxed, and who will be administering the account.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Petition

After entry of the order, the personal representative must file a Probate Division petition requesting an order authorizing acceptance of the distributable amount and fixing/approving the bond or other security.

Upon the entry of the order, the representative shall file a petition in the Probate Division requesting the entry of an order authorizing the representative to accept the distributable amount and fixing and approving the bond, unless waived by the Probate Division, or other security required pursuant to the settlement or judgment.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Settlement order

Orders in special administrator wrongful death actions must provide that the court hearing the action distributes the recovery; proceeds over $10,000 distributable to a minor/disabled person are administered under Probate Division supervision.

In wrongful death actions brought by a special administrator appointed pursuant to 740 ILCS 180/2, the order entering judgment or approving the settlement shall provide that the court in which the action is heard shall distribute the amount recovered in any such action. However, if proceeds in excess of $10,000.00 are distributable to a minor or disabled person, the order of distribution shall be administered and distributed under the supervision of the Probate Division.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Certificate

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;

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion

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;

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion

Every motion must include a copy of the complaint at issue.

Every motion must include a copy of the complaint at issue.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Agreed dismissal order

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.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Pretrial memorandum

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

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Trial materials

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;

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion

Each party must file motions with the Clerk; movant must provide the Court an emailed or physical copy of the entire motion, or the motion may be denied or continued.

Each party shall file their motions with the Clerk of the Circuit Court. The movant is responsible for providing the Court with either an emailed copy or a physical copy of the motion in its entirety. Movant's failure to do so will result in a denial or continuance of the motion.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion for substitution

Motions for substitution of judge must be written and filed with the Clerk; oral motions are not accepted.

However, oral motions for substitutions of judge will not be accepted, per Ill. R. Cir. Ct. Cook Cnty. 23.6-7. - All motions must be written and filed with the Clerk, then presented to the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion for substitution

SOJ motions must be heard by the assigned judge and must personally name the judge subject to substitution.

Motions for SOJ must be heard by the Judge to which the parties are assigned. These motions must also personally name the Judge being subject to SOJ.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Statement of case

Parties must provide an agreed-upon written statement of the case including parties, nature of case, attorneys, and witnesses.

An agreed-upon statement of the case, in writing, that includes: the parties, the nature of the case, the attorneys, and a list of witnesses to be called.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Exhibit list

Parties must provide a list of all exhibits.

A list of all exhibits.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Rule 213 disclosures

Parties must provide Rule 213 disclosures.

Rule 213 disclosures.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Brief

All briefs must have exhibits/attachments clearly labeled with identifying names.

All briefs shall have exhibits/attachments that are clearly labeled with identifying names.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Criminal cases

Applies to

Motion for relief

The Motion for Relief must be in writing and comply with Illinois Supreme Court Rule 604(h).

The Motion for Relief must be in writing and comply with the requirements of Illinois Supreme Court Rule 604(h).

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Criminal cases

Applies to

Courtesy copy

Specific documents are required as courtesy copies prior to any hearing on a Motion for Relief.

The following are required as courtesy copies prior to any hearing on a Motion for Relief: 1. Petitioner's Motion for Relief 2. State's Petition to Deny Pretrial Release, if applicable ===== PAGE 2 ===== 3. Court's Order After Detention Hearing or Order for Conditions of Release from first appearance hearing 4. Transcript of proceedings at first appearance hearing 5. Any and all materials the defense intends to submit or rely upon at the Motion

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Hearing order

Orders setting or continuing a hearing must state how the hearing will be held.

All orders setting or continuing a hearing MUST contain language indicating how the hearing will be held.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Emergency motion

Emergency motions must be marked 'EMERGENCY MOTION' and include a factual basis stating the nature of the emergency.

The motion marked "EMERGENCY MOTION" shall include a factual basis stating the nature of the emergency

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of motion

Every notice of motion must set the motion for an in-person hearing and be spindled via Odyssey for an actual date/time.

EVERY NOTICE OF MOTION SHOULD SET THE MOTION FOR IN-PERSON HEARING AND SHOULD BE SPINDLED VIA THE ODYSSEY SYSTEM FOR AN ACTUAL DATE/TIME.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Emergency motion

Must include

proposed order

Emergency motions must include a proposed order and grounds for the emergency.

Emergency Motions, with a proposed Order, must be submitted to law.calZcc@cookcountyil.gov AND dropped off in 2204 and include the grounds for the emergency.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Routine motion

Must include

proposed order

Routine motions must include a proposed order.

Any routine motion should be emailed to the Court at law.calZcc@cookcountyil.gov, or dropped off in 2204, on the date set for presentment, with a proposed Order.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition to approve settlement

Petitions to approve settlement must include itemized costs, description of all lien claims, and probate language if required.

Petitions shall include: (1) an itemized list of costs; (2) a description of all lien claims, even if the lien does not attach to the proceeds; and (3) appropriate language where further probate proceedings are required, a sample of which is: IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the settlement is approved, provided that the settlement amount approved herein shall be paid only to a Guardian appointed by the Probate Division or Circuit Court where the minor or disabled person resides, and this Order shall be effective only after entry in the appropriate Probate Division of an Order approving the bond or other security required to administer the settlement and distribution provided for in this Order.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion to deviate

Requests to deviate from the hearing format must be made by written motion with a valid basis.

Any request to deviate from this format must be requested via written motion with a valid basis required.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Courtesy copy of account

Courtesy copies of current and final accounts must include the specified items: current/final account, previous year account or inventory, most current bond, and fee schedule.

Courtesy copies of current and final accounts must include: 1. Current or final account; 2. Previous year account or inventory if First Account is being presented; 3. Most current bond; and 4. Fee schedule of the guardian or trustee, if any.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Emergency motion

Emergency motions must be marked 'EMERGENCY MOTION' and include a factual basis stating the nature of the emergency.

The motion marked “EMERGENCY MOTION” shall include a factual basis stating the nature of the emergency

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Default judgment

Default judgment/prove-up filings must include an affidavit with proof of service, an affidavit of damages, and an affidavit of attorney's fees with billing records.

You must tender an (a) affidavit with proof of service on Defendants; (b) affidavit of damages including documents showing amount due; and (c) affidavit of attorney's fees with contemporaneous billing records and costs.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to compel

Must include

certificate of conference

All motions to compel must articulate the attorney's actual efforts at personal consultation and reasonable attempts to resolve differences with opposing counsel. See Ill. S. Ct. R. 201(k) (eff. July 30, 2014). Failure to articulate the attorney's efforts will result in the motion being stricken.

All motions to compel must articulate the attorney's actual efforts at personal consultation and reasonable attempts to resolve differences with opposing counsel. See Ill. S. Ct. R. 201(k) (eff. July 30, 2014). Failure to articulate the attorney's efforts will result in the motion being stricken.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Default judgment

Must include

certificate of service

Motions for default judgment must include at the top of the packet a Return of Service, Prove-Up Affidavit(s) laying foundation for attached documents, and, if applicable, Attorney Fee Affidavit(s) with contemporaneous business records.

Motions for default judgement must include at the top of the packet: Return of Service, Prove-Up Affidavit(s) that lay a foundation for the attached documents or records, and, if applicable, an Attorney Fee Affidavit(s) with contemporaneous business records attached.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Exhibits

Attorneys must pre-mark and exchange exhibits before opening statements, confer on foundation and admissibility, and disclose which exhibits they intend to use.

*Attorneys must pre-mark and exchange exhibits before opening statements. They must confer and determine where they agree regarding foundation and admissibility, and disclose which exhibits they intend to use during opening statements*;

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Discovery motions must include proof of compliance with Rule 201(k).

Discovery motions must include proof of compliance with Illinois Supreme Court Rule 201(k).

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Applies to

Affidavit of inspection

Affidavits of Inspection must include a specific date of inspection within the notice serving period.

Any Affidavits of Inspection must include a specific date of inspection, within the notice serving period.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Criminal cases

Applies to

Motion for relief

The Motion for Relief must comply with Illinois Supreme Court Rule 604(h).

The Motion for Relief must comply with the requirements of Illinois Supreme Court Rule 604 (h).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Case management conference

All served defendants are expected to participate in the case management conference, whether or not they have filed a responsive pleading.

The Court expects all defendants who have been served to participate in the Case Management Conference, regardless of whether they have filed a responsive pleading.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Case management conference

Failure to appear at a case management conference may result in dismissal, default, or another sanction.

Failure to appear for a Case Management Conference may result in dismissal for want of prosecution, default, or other appropriate sanction.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Briefing schedule order

The Court’s form order should be used to set a briefing schedule on contested motions.

The Court's form order should be used for a briefing schedule on any contested motion.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Proposed order

Proposed orders must be provided with the courtesy copy submission and not attached to any other document.

Proposed orders for each motion should be provided to the Court with the courtesy copy submission and should not be attached to any other document.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Proposed order

Proposed orders should not include a pre-filled date by the signature block.

Orders should not include a pre-filled date by the signature block as the Court may not enter the order on the date listed depending on the time or date of its receipt.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Proposed order

Proposed orders must include the Court's contact information and Zoom information.

All proposed orders shall include the Court's contact information and Zoom information.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Case management conference submission

A pre-trial timeline order must be submitted with the proposed orders for each case management conference, along with the standard 1-2 page proposed case management order.

The form pre-trial timeline order to be entered concurrently with the entry of an order striking a case from case management (4331) for cases instituted on or after July 1, 2022, is available on the Court's webpage and shall be submitted with the proposed orders for each case management conference held along with the standard 1-2 page proposed case management order. Failure to tender a copy of a proposed pre-trial timeline order with case management conference courtesy copies may subject the case management conference to be stricken off the call requiring the plaintiff to re-notice the case management conference.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Order withdrawing motion

When withdrawing, continuing, or striking a motion, the movant must submit a proposed order (instead of courtesy copies) containing the originally scheduled date and time.

In the event a movant chooses not to proceed on a motion noticed before the Court the movant or movant's counsel should immediately send to the Court in lieu of courtesy copies an order withdrawing the motion, entering and continuing the motion generally, or striking the motion from the call, such a proposed order and the email submitting said proposed order to the Court for entry either on or off call shall contain both the date and time for which the motion was originally scheduled.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Courtesy copy submission

When submitting courtesy copies, the moving party must include the proposed briefing schedule order and any relevant prior court orders.

Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties, the moving party is to supply the Court with all courtesy copies, as well as the proposed briefing schedule order and any other relevant prior court order(s) necessary for the Court to have a full understanding of a case's procedural history.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Courtesy copy email

The courtesy copy email body must include the case number, court date, and a brief description, and must not include internal law firm file numbers.

The body of the e-mail must include the case number, court date, and a brief description of the matter. (e.g., Attached are courtesy copies for December 30, 2020, for 20 CH 0001 (PNC v. Martin) up on Case Management/Judgment Motions/Order Approving Sale/Status on _____/Plaintiff's or Defendant's Motion to /etc.) a. Please do not include any "internal" file numbers of the law firm submitting the courtesy copies

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Motion pdf

Each bookmark/tab must be clearly titled; PDFs without bookmarks must include a table of contents with page numbers.

Each bookmark/tab must be clearly titled (e.g., Notice of Motion, Complaint, Service Affidavits, Motion for Default, etc.) and neatly organized. PDFs without bookmarks/tabs should include a table of contents providing page numbers for each referenced pleading submitted to the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Proposed order

Proposed orders must include the court's email address, phone number, and Zoom information.

(1) Proposed orders shall contain the court's e-mail address, phone number, and Zoom information.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Motion

Prior orders related to the motion or appearance must be provided, with specific requirements for emergency motions, continued case management, and contested motions.

iv. Prior Orders related or pertaining to the motion or appearance must be provided. For example: Emergency Motions must include the prior order from which relief is being sought along with the Judgment of Foreclosure, if applicable. Continued Case Management materials must include case management orders from at least the prior appearance. Contested motion materials must include the briefing schedule order and any revisions thereto.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Contested motion materials

Contested motion materials must include the briefing schedule order and any revisions.

Contested motion materials must include the briefing schedule order and any revisions thereto.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Motion

A motion to issue an alias summons must state when the summons will issue and identify the person on whom it is being issued.

A motion to issue an alias summons must state when the summons will issue and identify the person on whom it is being issued.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Case management materials

Continued Case Management materials must include case management orders from at least the prior appearance.

Continued Case Management materials must include case management orders from at least the prior appearance.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Notice of motion

Notices of motion and notices of initial case management must include all four pages of the required Zoom instructions in English and Spanish.

All notices of motion and notices of initial case management must include a copy of all four pages of the required Zoom instructions in English and Spanish.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Motion leave withdraw counsel

Motions for leave to withdraw as counsel must strictly conform to Supreme Court Rule 13(c)(2-4).

All motions of counsel for leave to withdraw must strictly conform to Supreme Court Rule 13(c)(2-4).

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Motion appoint process server

A motion to appoint a special process server must include the process server's name, employer, and license number.

A motion to appoint a special process server must contain the process server's name, employer, and license number.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Motion voluntary dismissal

Must include

proposed order

Motions to voluntarily dismiss must state the basis for dismissal in both the motion and proposed order, and the proposed order must state whether dismissal is with or without prejudice.

Motions to voluntarily dismiss a case in its entirety shall include the basis for the dismissal in both the motion and the proposed order. Additionally, the proposed dismissal order shall state whether the dismissal is with or without prejudice.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Proof of sending

Proof of sending the COVID-19 Declaration notice must be in the form of an affidavit.

Proof of Sending the Notice of COVID-19 Declaration to each resident, mortgagor(s), and additional notice addressed to "Residents and Tenants" of the property. Said proof shall be in the form of an affidavit.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Affidavit

Rule 113/191 and loss mitigation affidavits must have the affiant's signature and notary on the same page.

The Rule 113/191 affidavit and loss mitigation affidavit shall have the affiant's signature and notary on the same page.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Loss mitigation affidavit

Loss mitigation affidavits supporting dispositive motions must be dated within 60 days of the motion's filing.

Loss mitigation affidavits in support of dispositive motions should be as timely as possible, but must be dated within 60-days of the filing of the dispositive motion.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Attorney fee affidavit

If attorney fees are sought, an affidavit of fees and costs must include detailed billing/time and tally reports when fees exceed $4,100.

Attorney Affidavit of fees and costs, if sought—including detailed billing/time and tally reports if fees exceed $4,100.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Motion to reform legal description

Motions to reform a property's legal description must comply with General Administrative Order No. 2016-03 and identify the original and correct descriptions, the reason for the difference, and evidentiary support.

Any motion seeking to reform the legal description of a property in a Mortgage, Note, or any Assignment thereof must comply with the General Administrative Order No. 2016-03 and clearly identify (1) the original legal description; (2) the correct legal description, specifically identifying the change(s) made; (3) the reason the legal description is different or was incorrect, as appropriate; and (4) evidentiary support for the change.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Proposed judgment foreclosure order

Proposed foreclosure orders may only include immediate possession language after statutory requirements are met and an appropriate motion is presented; certain prohibited language is exemplified.

Proposed Judgment of Foreclosure Orders, which may include any language authorizing immediate possession; immediate possession is authorized by statute only after meeting statutory requirements and upon presentment of an appropriate motion. One example of prohibited language is: "That the parties hereto who shall be in possession of said premises, or any part thereof, including leaseholders, or any person who may have come into possession under them or any of them, since the inception of the mortgage or commencement of this suit, shall upon presentment of said Judicial/Sheriffs Deed of Conveyance, surrender possession of said premises to said grantee, his representative or assigns, and in default of so doing, an Order of Possession shall issue."

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Sealed bid auction request

Requests for sealed-bid auctions must be made by separate motion.

All requests for a sealed-bid auction must be presented by separate motion.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Motion seeking in personam deficiency

Motions seeking an in personam deficiency must include the complaint, judgment, proof of service, blank memorandum of judgment, and a compliant BPO or appraisal.

If a party seeks an in personam deficiency, the movant should also provide: i. The complaint ii. The judgment of foreclosure iii. The proof of service on the defendant(s) against whom the deficiency is sought, or if said defendant(s) filed an appearance, a copy of their appearance iv. Copies of a blank memorandum of judgment v. A filed and signed broker's price opinion (BPO) from a licensed Illinois real estate broker or a filed and signed appraisal from a licensed Illinois appraiser of the value of the property prepared and executed by a disinterested third-party not greater than 60 days prior to the date of the judicial sale, unless otherwise ordered by Judge Pedersen. The "BPO" shall not be a "comparative market analysis."

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Bpo or appraisal

BPO or appraisal must be filed, signed, from a licensed broker/appraiser, by a disinterested third-party, dated within 60 days of the sale, and must not be a comparative market analysis, unless otherwise ordered.

A filed and signed broker's price opinion (BPO) from a licensed Illinois real estate broker or a filed and signed appraisal from a licensed Illinois appraiser of the value of the property prepared and executed by a disinterested third-party not greater than 60 days prior to the date of the judicial sale, unless otherwise ordered by Judge Pedersen. The "BPO" shall not be a "comparative market analysis."

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Affidavit of inspection

Affidavits of Inspection must include a specific date of inspection.

Affidavits of Inspection must include a specific date of inspection.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Cover letter for tax deed request

Requests for a tax deed subsequent to prove-up require a hard-copy cover letter, sent to all required parties, enclosing the prove-up transcript, proof of tax payment, all documents requested at the prove-up, and the proposed order for deed.

As to a request for tax deed subsequent to prove-up, a hard copy of a cover letter with copies to all required parties enclosing a copy of the transcript of prove up, proof of payment of taxes, all documents requested at the prove-up and the proposed order for deed.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Courtesy copy email

The 're:' line of the courtesy copy email must contain the party's name, the case number, and the date and time of the motion call, and all parties must be copied.

The “re:” line of the email must contain the name of the party filing the motion, the case number and the date and time of the motion call. All parties must be copied on any email submissions.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Pretrial submission

Pretrial settlement submissions must contain a summary of the facts, the demand, and the offer.

Pretrial submissions should be delivered to the Court by email to Daniel.trevino@cookcountyil.gov at least 3 days prior to the conference. containing (a) a summary of the facts, (b) the demand and (c) the offer.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion in limine

Must include

proposed order

Motions in limine must be in writing, and a written order reflecting the Court's ruling must be prepared.

All Motions in Limine shall be in writing and a written Order shall be prepared reflecting the Court's ruling on same.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Statement of case

The parties jointly submit a short, non-argumentative written statement of the case listing the parties, the nature of the case, the attorneys, and each party's witness list.

The parties jointly will submit a short non-argumentative statement of the case in writing, listing the parties, the nature of the case, the attorneys representing the respective parties and a list of witnesses to be called by each party.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

The movant must state in the email and motion whether the motion is agreed or opposed; agreed orders are emailed with 'Agreed' in the title and entered without a briefing schedule.

The movant must state in the email and motion whether the motion is agreed or whether there is an objection. If the motion is agreed, and the respondent does not object to the entry of the order, the parties shall email the proposed order to including the word “Agreed” in the title of the order, and the order will be entered without a briefing schedule.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Brief

Briefs citing cases from outside Illinois or in federal court (including the 7th Circuit or Northern District of Illinois) must attach a copy of the cited case.

All briefs citing to cases outside of Illinois or in federal court must include a copy of the case attached to the brief. This includes cases cited to in the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals or the Northern District of Illinois.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Submission

Every submission to the Court must bear the Clerk's stamp and be sent to every other party in the same manner and form.

Any submission to the Court must contain the Clerk’s stamp and is required to be sent to every other party to the litigation in the same manner and form.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Order of discharge

For estate closings, any future date must be stricken on the order of discharge.

for closings that any future date is stricken on the order of discharge

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Proposed order

Proposed orders submitted via Calendar 16 email must include an Email Service List with contacts for all litigants or attorneys of record.

Any and all proposed orders submitted to the court via the Calendar 16 email should contain email contacts for all litigants or attorneys of record (Email Service List).

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Proof of service

The server's statement must indicate that service was attempted through the Sheriff's Office.

Server must include a statement that service was attempted through the Sherriff's Office.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Agreed order dismissal

Agreed orders to dismiss must be accompanied by a stipulation to dismiss signed by all parties and/or counsel.

Agreed Orders to Dismiss cases in their entirety should be submitted via email to ccc.chancerycalendar16@cookcountyil.gov, and accompanied by a Stipulation to Dismiss signed by all parties and/or their counsel.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Partial dismissal motion

Partial dismissals must be noticed for presentment.

Partial dismissals, disposing of only part of a case or dismissing selected parties, must be noticed for presentment.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Uncontested motion

Must include

proposed order

For uncontested motions, a proposed agreed order should be submitted at least 2 days before presentment.

Where a filed motion is not contested by any parties, the court requests that a proposed agreed order be submitted at least two (2) days prior to the presentment date of the motion.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Sur reply

Sur-responses and sur-replies are permitted only if requested by written motion and the court deems additional briefing necessary.

The parties will be permitted to file a Sur-Response and Sur-Reply only if a request is made by written motion and the court deems additional briefing necessary.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Zoom attendees must rename themselves with first and last name; attorneys, advocates, and interpreters must identify their roles.

When you join the Zoom meeting please make sure you are renaming yourself with your first and last name so that the court manager may identify you and may help your case get called sooner. Attorneys, advocates, and interpreters must also identify themselves as such.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Motion

The Court generally does not entertain oral motions, and the courtroom clerk will not file motions.

The Court will not generally entertain oral motions, nor will the courtroom clerk file motions.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Proposed order

All proposed orders for each motion must be provided in one PDF with the courtesy copy and must not be attached to any other document.

All proposed orders for each motion should be provided to the Court in one PDF with the courtesy copy submission and should not be attached to any other document.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Proposed order

Proposed orders should not contain a pre-filled date near the signature block; the Court will date orders upon execution.

Orders should not include a pre-filled date by the signature block as the Court may not enter the order on the date listed depending on the time or date of its receipt. The Court will date all orders on its own upon execution.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Courtesy copy packet

Must include

proposed order, certificate of service

The courtesy copy packet for case management conferences must include the notice of initial case management, four pages of Zoom instructions in English and Spanish, certificate of service, filed case management conference form, proposed case management order (first in the proposed orders PDF), and proposed pre-trial timeline order (second in the proposed orders PDF).

Such a submission shall include the following: (1) Notice of initial case management pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 218; (2) 4 pages of Zoom instructions in both English and Spanish; (3) Certificate of service of the notice of initial case management; (4) FILED case management conference form, a form version of which is available on the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s webpage; (5) Proposed 1-2 page case management order, a form version of which is available on the Court’s webpage under the “Court Forms” section; and (i) This order should be first in the proposed orders PDF. (6) Proposed pre-trial timeline order, a form version of which is available on the Court’s webpage under the “Court Forms” section. (i) This order should be second in the proposed orders PDF.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Briefing schedule order

Briefing schedule orders must include response time, reply time, courtesy copy due date, and hearing date.

All briefing schedule orders entered will provide a response time, reply time, a date by which courtesy copies are due, and the hearing date provided by the Court. All hearing dates will be set by the Court subject to the Court's availability.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Motion to set hearing date

A movant must file a motion to set a new hearing date or contact the Court's law clerk before re-noticing a fully briefed motion that was continued without a new hearing date.

In the event a fully briefed motion's oral argument is entered and continued generally, continued from another calendar following a prior substitution of judge, or for any other reason not heard and continued from the originally scheduled hearing date without setting a new hearing date, the movant shall not simply re-notice the previously fully briefed motion for hearing without first filing a motion to set a new hearing date or contacting the Court's law clerk to achieve the same. Rescheduled hearings will only be held if a court order sets the hearing date. Such orders may be entered by agreement off call. All hearing dates will be set by the Court subject to the Court's availability.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Judgment of foreclosure order

Attorney's fees and costs must be listed separately in the judgment and match the affidavit.

Attorney's fees and costs should be listed in the judgment of foreclosure as two separate numbers, and each line item shall match the Affidavit of Attorney Fees and Costs.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Affidavit of attorney fees and costs

Affidavits of Attorney Fees and Costs must list two separate amounts for fees and costs, with time and task if fees exceed $4,100.

Affidavits of Attorney Fees and Costs should also have two separate amounts listed somewhere within them, one for the total attorneys fees (and a time and task if in excess of $4,100) and another for the total costs.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Notice of motion

Notice of motion must state if seeking immediate possession and/or personal deficiency judgment.

If the movant for an order approving the judicial sale is also seeking immediate possession and/or a personal deficiency judgment, the notice of motion for the hearing shall specifically indicate as such.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Motion

Third-party bidders must comply with the same requirements as plaintiffs for motions to approve sale.

Motions seeking approval of a judicial sale filed by third-party bidders, their assignees, or current holders of the certificate of sale shall comply with the same requirements as motions filed by plaintiffs and include all required documents.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Notice of motion

After the court schedules an emergency hearing, the movant must file a notice of motion containing the hearing date and time from the scheduling order.

Upon receipt of an order scheduling the motion for hearing on an emergency basis, the movant shall: (1) File a notice of motion with the date and time of hearing set by the Court's scheduling order;

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Emergency motion

Emergency motions to stay a judicial sale must include the sale date and time and state whether a stay was previously sought.

Emergency motions to stay a judicial sale shall include the sale date and time and shall indicate whether the party previously sought a stay.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Emergency motion

Emergency motions to stay possession must include the final judgment date, the possession expiration date, and whether a stay was previously sought.

Emergency motions to stay possession shall include the final judgment date, the possession expiration date, and whether the party previously sought a stay.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Proposed order

Fees the mortgagee may charge while in possession must be expressly listed in the proposed order and all subsequent fee-approval orders.

Any and all fees that the mortgagee is authorized to charge while in possession of the property shall be expressly listed in the proposed order and in all subsequent orders approving such fees.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Affidavit

Affidavits supporting receiver or mortgagee-in-possession motions must state whether the property is residential and abandoned or vacant and must attach color photographs.

All affidavits submitted in support of a motion to appoint a receiver or to place the mortgagee in possession pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/15-1706(a), (b) shall state whether the property is residential real estate and, if so, whether the property has been abandoned or is vacant and shall attach color photographs indicating as such.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Order

Receiver appointment motions must be made under the Illinois Mortgage Foreclosure Law; Receivership Act appointments require all parties' agreement, with the order marked 'agreed' and signed by the parties before presentment.

Motions to appoint a receiver shall be made pursuant to the Illinois Mortgage Foreclosure Law (735 ILCS 5/15-1706). Requests to appoint a receiver pursuant to the Illinois Receivership Act (765 ILCS 1090/1; et seq.) are not permitted unless all parties agree and stipulate to a receiver being appointed pursuant to the Illinois Receivership Act. In such situations, the order shall be marked as "agreed" and shall be signed by the parties prior to presentment to the Court for execution.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Motion

Motions to appoint a receiver must provide background information on the subject property and the movant's suggested bond and maximum repair amount.

In a motion to appoint a receiver, movant shall provide the Court with some background information regarding the subject property to assist the Court in setting a bond and maximum repair amount that may be incurred without prior approval of the Court. Movant shall also provide their own suggested bond and maximum repair amount that may be incurred without prior approval of the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Order

Orders appointing a receiver must state a maximum repairs amount and may not include language regarding improvements.

All orders appointing a receiver shall indicate a maximum repairs amount. Any language regarding "improvements" is prohibited.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Agreed order

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.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Agreed order

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.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Motion

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.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Briefing schedule

Parties must submit a proposed briefing schedule.

The parties are to submit a proposed briefing schedule.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Motion

Cases set for trial and cases three years old or older are not eligible for routine motions.

Cases set for trial and cases three years old or older are not eligible for routine motions.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Cover letter

Must include

case number

Cover letter accompanying delivered documents must include the case number, date and time of the Clerk's Status.

At the Clerk’s Status, movant is obligated to deliver copies of all the briefs, pleadings, relevant documents and the most recent complaint and answer, if any, with an accompanying cover letter containing the case number, date and time of the Clerk’s Status.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Draft order

Parties must tender a draft order granting permission to bring equipment into the building.

Please tender a draft order granting permission to bring equipment into the building for the court’s consideration.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Amended complaint

Amended complaints and counterclaims should be submitted with a redline or other comparison document attached as an exhibit showing the amendments.

Amended Complaints and Amended Counterclaims, Cross-Claims and the like should be submitted with a redline or other comparison document attached as an exhibit showing the amendments made to the previous version of the complaint, counterclaim, or cross-claim.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Affidavit of non military service

An affidavit of non-military service is required for individual defendants only.

6. __ Affidavit of Non-Military Service (for individuals only)

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Affidavit of costs

An affidavit of costs must be provided if costs are requested.

7. __ Affidavit of Costs (ifrequested)

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Affidavit for attorneys fees

An affidavit for attorneys' fees must be provided if fees are requested.

8. __ Affidavit for Attorneys' Fees (if requested)

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Attorneys fees authority

The contract provision or statute allowing attorneys' fees must be listed.

b. _____List Contract provision or Statute allowing Attorneys' Fees

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Interest calculation

An interest calculation must be provided if interest is requested.

9. Interest calculation, ifrequesting interest

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Attorney party witness list

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.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Transcript

Parties wanting a transcript must provide their own court reporter.

There are no official court reporters assigned to the Minor Guardianship Court. A party desiring a transcript of proceedings in Calendar 9 is responsible for providing a court reporter.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Pre trial transfer order

A pre-trial transfer order must be entered in courtroom 2005 after the conference date is confirmed.

After a date is confirmed, a pre-trial transfer order must be entered in courtroom 2005.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Trial assignment exchange

At assignment in courtroom 2005, parties must exchange witness lists, motions in limine, proposed jury instructions, and evidence depositions; meet and confer on and categorize in limine motions; and agree to a statement of the case including estimated trial length.

At the Time of Assignment in courtroom 2005, the parties are to: 1. Exchange: (a) witness lists; (b) motions in limine; (c) proposed jury instructions; and (d) evidence depositions; 2. Meet and confer as to motions in limine and categorize those that are agreed and contested; and 3. Agree to a statement of the case to be read to the venire panel that includes an estimated length of the trial.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Routine and agreed motions must include a proposed court order.

Routine and agreed motions must include a proposed court order.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Default motion

Must include

proposed order

A default motion must include a proposed draft order plus specified attachments, including proof of service, copies of pleadings, a certification of an appearance search within the last five business days, and, for individual defaulting parties, a Service Members Civil Relief Act affidavit.

A default motion must attach must include: - The sheriff's return of service or a process server's affidavit - A copy of the notice of motion, motion, summons, complaint, and exhibits - A certification that within the last five business days an attorney or self-represented litigant searched for appearances in their file and the electronic docket - If the defaulting party is an individual, an affidavit in compliance with the Federal and the Illinois Service Members Civil Relief Act. 50 U.S.C. §§ 3931-3939; 330 ILCS 63/1 et seq. - A proposed draft order

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Dismissal order

Dismissal orders must unambiguously state the case is disposed of, the order is final, and all future dates are stricken, and any retained jurisdiction must be explained.

Dismissal orders must state unambiguously that the case is disposed of, that the order is a final order, and that all future dates are stricken. If this court is to retain jurisdiction for any reason, that reason must be explained.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Pretrial memorandum

Pretrial memorandum must include specified content: trial length estimate, case statement, witness list, stipulated facts, Rule 216 responses, exhibit list, Rule 237 compliance, Rule 213 disclosures, statement of law, and jury demand certifications.

A pretrial memoranda must include the following information: - The parties' estimated length of the trial; - A concise statement of the case, specifying the claims and defenses; - A list of all witnesses, potential witnesses, and the names of persons who will be mentioned through the testimony of others; - A list of all stipulated facts; - All Supreme Court Rule 216 requests to admit and responses; - Each party's exhibit list, explaining any stipulations, agreements, or objections; - Affidavits of compliance with Supreme Court Rule 237 notices and a statement of all outstanding disputes; - All Supreme Court Rule 213(f)(1), (2), and (3) interrogatories and responses as well as deposition testimony supporting opinions to be presented at trial; - A statement of the law governing the issues in the case with pertinent citations; - Certifications from each party that no jury demand has been made or that a written waiver has been executed.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Pretrial materials

Pretrial materials for a matter proceeding to trial must include all motions in limine.

If a matter is proceeding to trial, the pretrial materials must also include all motions in limine.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Judgment

After entry of an order of default, the plaintiff must obtain a prove-up date for entry of judgment.

If an order of default is entered, the plaintiff must obtain a prove up date for entry of judgment.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Only qualifying ex parte voluntary-dismissal motions, confessions of judgment, and memoranda of judgment may be submitted off call, ex parte, and without notice to the Case Coordinator.

The following motions, orders, and/or memoranda only may be submitted off call ex parte and without notice to the Case Coordinator: ex parte motions for voluntary dismissal if allowed under law, confessions of judgment, and memoranda of judgment.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Briefing schedule order

Agreed briefing-schedule orders may be submitted under GAO 20-9, Section 4.1.3, and must provide that any motion presentation date is stricken.

Briefing schedule orders, providing reasonable times for the filing of briefs, may be submitted as agreed orders pursuant to GAO 20-9, Section 4.1.3. and must provide that the motion presentation date, if any, is stricken.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Exhibit

Exhibits must be numbered and may not be designated by letters.

All exhibits must be numbered and cannot be designated by letters of the alphabet.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Exhibit list

Each exhibit list must include separate columns for identification, offer, objection, objection ruling, and admission or refusal for every exhibit.

Each exhibit list must set forth for each exhibit, to the right of the number and description, separate columns for the exhibit's identification, offer, objection, objection ruling, and admission/refusal.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Check in packet

Must include

relevant paperwork, last order or motion

When checking in with the clerk, present the last order or motion setting the date and all relevant paperwork, with documents independently stapled and in chronological order.

Please check in with the court clerk in order to have your matter called. When checking in, please present the clerk with the last order or motion setting the date along with all relevant paperwork for your matter. Please ensure all the documents presented are independently stapled and in chronological order.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Emergency motion

Emergency motions must state with particularity, in an affidavit or verification, the sudden or unforeseen 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.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Jury instructions

At the commencement of trial, parties should bring marked and unmarked copies of the jury instructions.

Parties should bring marked and unmarked copies of the jury instructions at the commencement of the trial.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Fee petition

To be heard, a file-stamped fee petition must be scheduled through the acting courtroom coordinator, placed in the 10J shared drive and red book/docket sheet, and emailed to the court.

To be heard, the file stamped fee petition is to be provided to and scheduled through the acting courtroom coordinator. After it is scheduled, it is to be placed in the 10J shared drive and placed on the court red book and docket sheet. Then, the court will be emailed a copy.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion

Exhibits and motions emailed to the court must include the hearing date and time.

Exhibits & motions emailed to the court must include the hearing date and time in the email or document.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion

Motions for Return Home (as part of a permanency hearing) and Case Closure (as part of a Progress Report) may be oral; otherwise they must be filed with proper notice.

Motions for Return Home, heard as part of a PH, and Motions for Case Closure, heard as part of a Progress Report on an Order of Protection, may be oral motions. Otherwise, these motions must be filed with proper notice to the parties, following #5 above.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Brief

Every motion or brief must include a table of contents for exhibits, with each exhibit individually designated.

All motions/briefs, regardless of length, shall contain a table of contents for all exhibits made a part of such motion/brief and each exhibit shall be individually designated (e.g., Exhibit 1; Group Exhibit 2, Exhibit A).

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

Proposed draft orders must be provided to the Court following a court appearance.

Please provide proposed draft orders to the Court for entry following the appearance.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Motion

Judge Perkins will sign a transfer order upon presentation of the proper motion to transfer matters to the Law Division.

In order to properly transfer matters to the Law Division, Judge Perkins will sign a transfer order upon presentation of the proper motion.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Motion

Joint, uncontested, and agreed motions should be identified as such in the title and body of the motion.

Joint, uncontested, and agreed motions should be identified as such in the title and body of the motion.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Agreed order

Agreed Orders may be presented in court or off call only if accompanied by a stipulation signed by all parties or their attorneys.

Agreed Orders may be presented in court or off call, if accompanied by a stipulation and signed by all the parties or their attorneys.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Order

Orders must include a sentence striking any previously set court date, where applicable.

Please submit all such Orders in a PDF format and include a sentence striking any previously set court date, where applicable.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Emergency motion

The movant must have an appearance on file with the Clerk of the Circuit Court before presenting an emergency motion to the judge's law clerk.

Movant must have an Appearance on file with the Clerk of the Circuit Court before presenting the Emergency Motion to the Judge's Law Clerk.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion to set trial

Plaintiffs seeking a trial date must demonstrate service on all defendants and that discovery responses were served on all parties.

Any plaintiff moving to set a case for trial must demonstrate to the Court: (1) that all defendants have been served and the time for appearance has expired; and (2) that plaintiff's answers to master interrogatories, responses to master requests for production-have been served upon all parties of record.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion to amend disclosures

Amendments to Rule 213(f)(1) disclosures require good cause and court leave.

Amendments to plaintiff's Rule 213(f)(1) disclosures shall be made only upon good cause shown and leave of court.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Joint statement of case

A jointly prepared statement of the case for the venire, including expected trial length and a joint witness list, must be submitted.

Jointly prepared statement of the case to be read to the venire, including the expected length of the trial (i.e., number of days/weeks) and a jointly prepared list of all potential witnesses to be read to the jury;

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Exhibit list

A jointly prepared exhibit list stating each party's intended exhibits and any objections with their nature (e.g., foundation, relevance) must be submitted.

A complete and jointly prepared list of all exhibits each party intends to use at trial and whether the opposing side has any objections. In the event of objections, the nature of the objections must be noted, i.e., foundation, relevance, etc.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Proposed jury instructions

Two copies of proposed jury instructions must be provided—one marked with IPI numbering and citations, one unmarked for the jury—sorted in IPI numbering order.

Two copies of proposed jury instructions (one marked with IPI numbering and citations and the other unmarked for the jury), which are to be sorted in the order of their numbering under the IPI system.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Transfer order

Parties must obtain a transfer Order from Room 2005 moving the case to Room 2110 for pre-trial purposes only.

Parties must obtain an Order from Room 2005 transferring the case to Room 2110 for pre-trial purposes only.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Scheduling order

After the transfer order, parties must present a second Order to the courtroom clerk or chambers email setting the case for the agreed date and time assigned by the judge.

After the transfer order is entered, the parties must present a second Order to the courtroom clerk or melissa.durkin@cookcountyil.gov setting the case for the agreed date and time assigned by the judge.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Pretrial settlement submission

Pretrial settlement submissions must include a summary of any previous settlement negotiations.

Submissions should be 3-5 pages in length and must include a summary of any previous settlement negotiations.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion

Parties must submit a proposed briefing schedule at the time of motion presentment.

The parties are to submit a proposed briefing schedule at the time of presentment.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Pretrial memorandum

Judge Otto generally prefers short pretrial memoranda at least two days in advance, containing the listed information, but may be flexible in urgent situations; the parties may choose whether to share them.

(c) As a general matter, Judge Otto prefers the parties to provide short memoranda at least two days in advance (contents see below). He can be flexible when there is urgency (i.e. incipient trial). Memos can be submitted confidentially or provided to the other side as each side sees fit. Contents should include: (i) summary of the allegations, defenses, facts, claimed injuries, damages, and (ii) the last demand, offer, and policy limits.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Dismissal order

Dismissal orders should strike future Calendar R dates and include the specific date.

Dismissal orders should strike future court dates on Calendar R (include specific date).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Dismissal order

Dismissal orders should not purport to strike trial dates or dates set in Courtroom 2005, which are stricken administratively upon dismissal.

This Court is not authorized to strike trial dates or any dates set in Courtroom 2005, and such language should not be included. (Upon dismissal, 2005 dates will be stricken administratively.)

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Agreed order

Parties should not submit agreed orders amending the Case Management Order without prior Court authorization.

Parties should not submit agreed orders to amend the Case Management Order unless previously authorized by the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Case management conference

At the initial case management conference, counsel should be prepared to address whether the case is a refiling, whether all parties have been served, and known injuries and special damages.

At the initial case management conference, counsel should be prepared to address: 1. whether the case is a re-filing; 2. whether all parties have been served, and; 3. the known injuries and special damages at that point.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Case management conference

Attorneys should be prepared to present all prior case management orders at any case management conference.

Attorneys should be prepared to present to the judge all prior case management orders at any case management conference.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Notice of motion

A notice of motion must reflect that the routine motion is being submitted by email to law.calfcc@cookcountyil.gov.

Routine motions can be submitted by email at law.calfcc@cookcountyil.gov. The notice of motion must reflect the motion is being submitted by email at law.calfcc@cookcountyil.gov.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Pre trial memorandum

Pre-trial memoranda should be provided no later than 3 days before the pre-trial conference.

A pre-trial memorandum from each party should be provided no later than 3 days before the pre-trial conference.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Petition

Where multiple petitions are submitted, each petition may include only expenses attributable to the parties involved in that particular settlement.

In any case where more than one petition is submitted (i.e., where parties settle at different times during the litigation), only those expenses attributable to the parties involved in the particular settlement shall be included in each respective petition.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Distribution order

The court shall exclude deductions for excessive, redundant, duplicative, or otherwise unnecessary expenses from distribution orders.

The court shall exclude from any distribution order deductions for expenses that are "excessive, redundant, duplicative, or otherwise unnecessary."

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Distribution order

Prospective expenses are not recoverable in the Law Division or 1st Municipal Division, but an attorney may include specified language in the order to preserve recovery from the Probate estate.

Expenses that are prospective, such as expenses to be paid by the attorney subsequent to the entry of the settlement and distribution order, Probate filing fees, bond fees, etc., are not recoverable in the Law Division or the 1st Municipal Division. However, to ensure recovery of said expenses the attorney may include the following language in the order: "The Probate expense(s) claimed herein appear reasonable, however, reimbursement of the same must be obtained from the Probate estate."

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Voucher

Vouchers must evidence that funds were distributed as ordered and that claimed attorney expenses match costs actually paid.

In all settlements where the distribution of the proceeds is not supervised by the Probate Division, the plaintiff's attorney must, within 60 days of entry, file and submit to the settling judge vouchers evidencing that: 1) the funds have been distributed and received in accordance with the settlement order and 2) the attorney expenses claimed in the settlement order are consistent with costs actually paid.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion

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).

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Trial materials

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.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion in limine

Parties must provide written Motions in Limine to the Court; they are reciprocal unless specified.

Written Motions in Limine. Parties should provide a copy of these to the Court. Unless specified, all Motions in Limine are reciprocal.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Filing

Must include

ai disclosure

AI use disclosure is not required for pleadings, but the use of AI in any other filing must be disclosed in writing on the submitted document.

Per the Illinois Supreme Court Policy on Artificial Intelligence, this Court does not require a party submitting any pleading to disclose the use of AI in the pleading's creation. However, use of AI in other filings must be disclosed in writing on the submitted document.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Parties must verify the existence and accuracy of every cited authority; failure to do so may result in sanctions.

Parties remain fully responsible for verifying the existence and accuracy of any authority cited. Failure to do so may result in sanctions.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Cover letter

Must include

case number

The courtesy copy submission must include a cover letter with the case name, case number, and date and time of the clerk status.

with an accompanying cover letter containing the case name, the case number and the date and time of the clerk status.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Clerk status packet

Must include

case number

At clerk status, the movant must deliver copies of all briefs, pleadings, relevant documents, and the most recent complaint with a cover letter stating the case name, case number, and date/time of the clerk status.

At the clerk status, the movant is obligated to deliver copies of all the briefs, pleadings, relevant documents and the most recent complaint, with an accompanying cover letter containing the case name, the case number, date and time of the clerk status, and

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Pretrial memorandum

Pre-trial memoranda should include a short statement of the issues, the damages, the status of settlement negotiations, and any additional helpful information.

The memoranda should include a short statement of the issues, the damages, the status of settlement negotiations, and any additional information which will help the court hold a meaningful settlement conference.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Trial materials

Trial materials must include estimated trial days, statement of the case, witness list, stipulations, motions in limine, and evidence depositions.

The following information and documents shall be delivered: (A) Estimated number of trial days (B) Statement of the case (C) Witness list (D) Stipulations (E) Motions in Limine (F) Evidence depositions

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Agreed dismissal order

Settled parties should tender an agreed dismissal order to retain jurisdiction to enforce the settlement and strike all upcoming court dates, specifying the dates in the order.

If the parties have settled and agree on the material terms, please tender an agreed dismissal order with the court to retain jurisdiction to enforce the settlement. Please also strike any and all upcoming dates (specify the court date(s) in the order).

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Trial materials

Trial materials must include exhibit lists/exhibits, Ill. S. Ct. R. 213 disclosures, identification of objects and demonstrative evidence, and, when appropriate, a short trial brief.

(G) Exhibit lists and/or Exhibits (H)Ill. S. Ct. R. 213 disclosures (I) Identification of objects and demonstrative evidence to be used at trial (photographs, slides, pictures, videotapes, exhibition of injuries, and courtroom demonstrations) (J) When appropriate, short trial brief with attention to primary contested issues of fact, unusual issues of law and authority;

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Affidavit of engagement

Must include

judge name, case number

Affidavits of Engagement must include the case name, case number, and trial judge.

Affidavits of Engagement must include the case name, number, and the trial judge.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

Orders tendered via Zoom must be provided in both PDF and Word formats within one hour of the court appearance, or the court may enter its own order.

Orders tendered for the court's consideration shall be tendered in both PDF and Word formats within the hour of court appearance when appearing via Zoom or the court may enter its own.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Affidavit

A prove-up affidavit must state whether it is grounded on personal knowledge, attached documents, or both, and explain how the affiant knows the facts.

Basis. An affidavit shall state whether it is grounded upon personal knowledge, attached documents, or both. The affidavit shall explain how the affiant knows the facts.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Attorney fees affidavit

An attorney's fee award requires an affidavit establishing reasonableness based on seven listed factors, with contemporaneous billing records attached that provide detailed entry descriptions of services, provider, duration, and hourly rate.

An affidavit shall establish the reasonableness of the amount sought. It must include: (1) the skill and standing of the attorneys, (2) the nature of the case and the novelty and/or difficulty of the issues and work involved, (3) the value and importance of the matter, (4) the degree of responsibility required, (5) the usual and customary charges for comparable services, (6) the benefit to the client, and (7) whether there is a reasonable connection between the fees and the amount involved in the litigation.4 Contemporaneous billing records shall be attached. The records must provide detailed billing entry descriptions specifying the services performed, who performed it, how long it took, and the hourly rate charged using facts based on contemporaneous time records.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Applies to

Business record

A business record must be accompanied by a certification that it was made at or near the time of the occurrence by a person with knowledge, kept in the regular course of business, and made regularly.

A record of regularly conducted shall be accompanied by a certification that it (1) was made at or near the time of the occurrence of the matters set forth by a person with knowledge of these matters, (2) the document was kept in the regular course of business, and (3) was made regularly.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Pre trial memo

Pre-trial memos must include the pre-trial date/time; the Plaintiff must list claimed damages and liens; the memo must list coverage levels and carrier.

The Pre-trial memos should include the date and time of the Pre-trial. The Plaintiff shall list claimed damages and any liens, and the memo should list all available levels of coverage and the carrier.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Applies to

Pre trial memo

Pre-trial memos should not include entire copies of depositions or expert reports; excerpts are allowed.

If submitted, they should be short (2-4 pages) and should not include entire copies of depositions or expert reports, but excerpts are welcome.