18th Judicial Circuit Court, DuPage County Document Filing Requirements

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

Applies to

Default judgment

A party seeking a default judgment must file an affidavit of due diligence of service attempts.

A party seeking the entry of a default judgment must file an affidavit of due diligence of service attempts.

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

Applies to

Motion

Motions for Substitution of Judge for Cause must be supported by an affidavit and filed before the judge from whom substitution is sought.

All Motions for Substitution of Judge for Cause must be filed, supported by affidavit, before the judge from whom substitution is sought.

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

Applies to

Pleading appearance documents and orders

All pleadings, appearances, documents, and orders must include the filing attorney's (or pro se party's) name, address, and telephone number, and attorneys must also include their attorney identification number.

The first pleading or appearance and all subsequent documents and orders shall contain the name, address and telephone number of the attorney (or party, if pro se) filing said paper, and an attorney shall also include thereon an attorney identification number.

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

Applies to

Appearance

Attorneys must file an appearance with the Clerk before addressing the Court on behalf of a represented party.

All attorneys shall file an appearance with the Clerk before addressing the Court on behalf of any represented party.

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

Applies to

Appearance

Attorneys in civil or criminal matters must file an appearance before addressing the Court.

An attorney representing a party in any civil or criminal matter shall file an appearance before addressing the Court.

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

Applies to

Petition

After filing a notice of appeal, the fee-waiver applicant must file a petition explaining what and why the requested fees and costs are necessary to the appeal, including specific dates where applicable.

Upon filing a notice of appeal, the applicant shall file a petition stating what and why requested fees and costs are necessary to the appeal, including specific dates (if applicable) as to the fees and costs requested.

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

Applies to

Motion to vacate

An employer moving to vacate a conditional judgment must file an answer at the same time the motion to vacate is filed.

When an employer seeks to vacate a conditional judgment, the employer must file an answer at the time the motion to vacate is filed, and must send Notice of Motion, together with an answer and motion to vacate, to the judgment creditor or attorney for the judgment creditor and the judgment debtor.

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

Applies to

Exhibit

Separately filed exhibits must be accompanied by the DuPage Exhibit Cover Sheet (Form 4393); missing cover sheets may result in rejection.

Any documents or exhibits filed separately from their associated pleading, motion, or document due to size limitations, even if (filed in the same transaction), shall be filed with the DuPage Exhibit Cover Sheet, Form 4393. Exhibits tendered without the appropriate cover sheet may be rejected for filing.

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

Applies to

Electronic document

Electronic filings requiring original signatures certify that the original exists and must be retained until one year after final judgment, available for inspection upon 5 days' notice, and hard copy provided within 5 business days upon request.

Anyone filing an electronic document that requires an original signature certifies by so filing, that the original signed document exists in the filing person’s possession. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, the filing party must retain the original document as signed either conventionally or electronically, until one year after the date that judgment has become final by the conclusion of direct review or the expiration of the time for seeking such review. The filing party shall make those signed originals available for inspection by the Court, the Clerk of the Court or by other counsel in the case, upon five (5) days’ notice. At any time, the Clerk of the Court may request from the filing party a hard copy of an electronically filed document, which shall be provided within five (5) business days upon reasonable notice.

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

Applies to

Electronic filing

Electronic documents must include the merged electronic filing stamp to be officially filed.

This file stamp shall be merged with the electronic document and shall be visible when the document is printed and viewed on-line. Electronic documents are not officially filed without the electronic filing stamp.

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

Applies to

Pleading

Pleadings must specify dollar amount claimed; personal injury prayers must indicate damages within one of five specified brackets.

All pleadings wherein money damages are requested for matters other than injury to the person shall be specific as to the dollar amount claimed. In all pleadings where injury to the person is alleged, the prayer for relief must indicate the amount of damages claimed to be as follows: (1) Not greater than $2,500; or (2) Greater than $2,500 and but not in excess of $10,000; or (3) Greater than $10,000 and but not in excess of $15,000; or (4) Greater than $15,000 and but not in excess of $50,000; or (5) Greater than $50,000.

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

Applies to

Motion

Each motion's title must state the relief sought and cite the applicable Code of Civil Procedure section.

The title to each motion shall indicate the relief sought and the applicable section of the Code of Civil Procedure.

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

Applies to

Notice of motion

Notice of hearing or presentment must specify the judge, case title and number, date, time, and courtroom.

The notice of hearing or presentment shall designate the judge to whom the motion will be presented; shall show the title and number of the action, the date when the motion will be set or presented, the time it will be set or presented, and the courtroom where it will be heard or presented.

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

Applies to

Motion

Every motion and each basis must cite the Code of Civil Procedure section or Supreme Court Rule number.

Every motion, and each basis in the motion, brought pursuant to the Code of Civil Procedure or Supreme Court Rule shall be identified by the Code of Civil Procedure section and/or the Supreme Court Rule number under which it is brought.

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

Applies to

Emergency motion

Emergency relief applications must include an affidavit stating the emergency reason and notice attempts; failure to attach results in denial.

Each application for emergency relief shall be accompanied by an affidavit by the movant or movant’s attorney stating the reason the requested relief is necessary on an emergency basis, and in cases where the request is without notice, except as permitted by law, said affidavit shall state what attempts have been made to notify opposing counsel of the request for emergency relief. Failure to attach said affidavit(s) to the request for emergency relief shall be sufficient grounds for denial of same.

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

Applies to

Affidavit

When default is entered and fees are recoverable, attorney must present an affidavit detailing services, hours, rate, experience, and fairness of the fees.

When an order of default is obtained, if any fees are recoverable, at the Court’s discretion, the attorney shall present an affidavit stating the nature of the services performed, the number of hours spent, the attorney’s hourly rate, statement of the level of experience and expertise of the attorneys, and that number of hours spent and the hourly rate charged per hour are fair and reasonable according to the standards of the local community.

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

Applies to

Motion for final approval

A Motion for Final Approval of a class action must have an Introduction Section on its first page reciting enumerated items including actual class size, claims submitted, objections/exclusions, notice administration results, and settlement administrator costs.

To present a Motion for Final Approval, the first page of such motion as an Introduction Section, shall recite: (i) a brief description of the occurrence giving rise to the cause of action, including the basis for jurisdiction and venue; (ii) the actual class size; (iii) whether the settlement was a claims-made or an opt-out settlement for the class; (iv) the total settlement fund along with any cy pres recipient or reversion of the fund; (v) the amount of claims submitted by the class if it is a claims-made settlement along with the percentage of claims submitted compared to the entire class (if the motion for attorney's fees was filed before the claims deadline had passed, counsel for the class shall submit an updated affidavit from the settlement administrator with updated claims, objections, and/or exclusions once all of the deadlines have passed); (vi) the number of objections and/or exclusions; (vii) the amount each class member will receive; (viii) any injunctive relief and brief analysis as to value or benefit of said injunctive relief to the class or potential future class members; (ix) any specific details as to value of any coupons or vouchers; (x) confirmation that notice was disseminated as required in the Preliminary Approval Order; (xi) the success rate of the notice administration; (xii) the actual cost for the settlement administrator; and

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

Applies to

Motion for preliminary approval

A Motion for Preliminary Approval of a class action must have an Introduction Section on its first page reciting enumerated items including jurisdiction, class size, settlement terms, notice plan, and proposed deadlines.

To present a Motion for Preliminary Approval, the first page of such motion as an Introduction Section, shall recite: (i) a brief description of the occurrence giving rise to the cause of action, including the basis for jurisdiction and venue; (ii) the potential class size; (iii) whether the settlement is a claims-made or an opt-out settlement for the class; (iv) the total settlement fund along with an cy pres recipient or reversion of the fund; (v) the amount each class member will receive from the settlement or the anticipated pro rata share; (vi) any injunctive relief and brief analysis as to value or benefit of said injunctive relief to the class or potential future class members; (vii) any specific details as to value of any coupons or vouchers; (viii) settlement administrator information, qualifications, and anticipated cost; (ix) exact specification for how notice will be disseminated to the class; and (x) proposed deadlines with at least fourteen (14) days between the date the motion for attorney's fees is filed and the deadline for objecting to the settlement.

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

Applies to

Motion for preliminary approval

Must include

proposed order

A proposed Preliminary Approval Order must be submitted as an exhibit to the Motion for Preliminary Approval and must set specific proposed future dates.

A Proposed Preliminary Approval Order shall be submitted as an exhibit to any Motion for Preliminary Approval and shall have proposed specific future dates for notice to be disseminated, claims to be submitted, objections or exclusions to be submitted, final approval briefs and request for attorney's fees to be submitted, etc.

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

Applies to

Proof of service

Must include

certificate of service

The proof of service for discovery documents must contain the case title and number, date of service, sending and receiving parties, and identify the particular document served.

Proof of Service and Notice of Filing of all discovery documents shall be filed with the Clerk of the Court and shall contain the case title and number, date mailed or personally served, the sending and receiving parties, and adequately identify the particular discovery document being served or answered.

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

Applies to

Petition

A petition for receiver appointment must set forth sufficient facts, though the deficiency can be cured at an evidentiary hearing.

A petition for the appointment of a receiver shall set forth sufficient facts to warrant the appointment; mere conclusions will not suffice. However, failure to set forth such facts may be cured if the Court holds an evidentiary hearing on the petition and sufficient facts are adduced at that hearing.

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

Applies to

Motion

A receiver's attorney may be employed only by court order upon the receiver's written motion stating the reasons and naming the attorney.

An attorney for the receiver shall be employed only upon order of the Court upon written motion of the receiver stating the reasons for the requested employment and naming the attorney to be employed.

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

Applies to

Petition for authorization

A verified petition for authorization as a civil surety must attach a certified license, verified statement of assets/liabilities, power of attorney, and verified schedules of pending actions and claims.

To obtain authorization to act as a civil surety in the Court, the applicant shall file a verified petition for authorization stating that the petitioner has complied with all applicable laws and regulations. There shall be attached to the petition: (1) A certified copy of the license issued to the petitioner, attested by the Director of Insurance; (2) A verified statement of its assets and liabilities at the close of business on the 31st day of December of the preceding year or at any subsequent date prior to the filing of the petition; (3) Power of attorney or certificates of authority for all persons authorized to execute bonds for the petitioner in the Court, in a form approved by the Court; (4) A verified schedule of all actions pending in any court against the petitioner at the time of the filing of the petition upon bonds executed by it in the courts of record in Illinois; the schedule shall state the title and number of the action, the names of the attorneys of record, the amount claimed, the nature of the claim, and the reasons for contesting the claim; and (5) A verified schedule of all claims of liability, not the subject of any pending action, which have been made against the petitioner and are undischarged at the time of the filing of the petition, upon bonds executed by the petitioner in the court of record in Illinois; the schedule shall state the name of the claimant, the amount claimed, the nature of the claim and the reasons for contesting the claim.

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

Applies to

Acknowledgment or affidavit

Acknowledgments and affidavits executed outside the state must be accompanied by a certificate of the proper keeper of records.

Acknowledgments and affidavits presented under Rule 12.03 which have been executed outside the State shall be accompanied by a certificate of the proper keeper of records, under the seal of the keeper of records’ office, stating that the person before whom the acknowledgment was made or by whom the oath was administered was duly authorized to take acknowledgments or to administer oaths, and that that person’s signature is believed to be genuine.

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

Applies to

Motion

A motion to require sureties to justify must be accompanied by an affidavit stating the grounds for believing the sureties are insufficient, the manner of inquiry, and the facts ascertained.

assured by a bond executed in this Court may by motion request the sureties to justify. The motion shall be accompanied by an affidavit showing grounds for believing the sureties to be insufficient, the manner of inquiry and the facts ascertained. If the

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

Applies to

Complaint

Complaints and summonses must display 'THIS IS AN ARBITRATION CASE' in upper case letters on the upper right-hand corner.

The complaint and all summonses shall state in upper case letters on the upper right-hand corner: “THIS IS AN ARBITRATION CASE.”

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

Applies to

Mediation agreement

Mediated agreements are not binding unless the Court enters them as an order as presented by the parties.

Mediated agreements are not binding unless entered as an order of the Court as presented by the parties to the case.

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

Applies to

Mediation referral order

The Mediation Referral Order must include contact info, preparation instructions, and instructions for agreement and no-agreement paths.

The Court’s Mediation Referral Order for the Program shall include: (1) The Program’s contact information. (2) what each side should do to prepare for the same; (3) Instructions as to how the case should proceed in the event an agreement is reached through mediation; and (4) Instructions as to how the case should proceed in the event no agreement is reached, including specifically a requirement that the parties return to court on a date and at a time certain thereafter, either to advise the Court as to the status of their dispute and schedule additional proceedings (if the date scheduled in the referral order is for “STATUS”) or to immediately proceed to trial (if the date scheduled in the referral order is for “TRIAL”).

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

Applies to

Complaint

Complaints in dissolution cases with minor children must be designated Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Minor Children.

In all newly filed cases seeking dissolution or declaration of invalidity, if there are one or more minor children of the marriage at the time of filing, the complaint shall be designated “Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Minor Children,” and the Clerk of the Circuit Court shall maintain such designation.

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

Applies to

Financial affidavit

Must include

certificate of service

When the Financial Affidavit is tendered, the tendering party must immediately file a certificate of compliance and proof of service; the Financial Affidavit itself must not be filed.

At the time the Financial Affidavit is tendered to the other party, the tendering party shall immediately file with the Clerk of the Circuit Court certificate of compliance and proof of service, certifying that a completed Financial Affidavit was served upon those parties entitled to notice. The Financial Affidavit shall not be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court.

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

Applies to

Affidavit of venue

All parties except the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services must sign an Affidavit of Venue confirming proper venue in DuPage County.

The parties, other than the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, must sign an Affidavit of Venue to confirm that venue in DuPage County is proper.

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

Applies to

Motion for waiver of venue

When neither party resides in DuPage County, a written motion for waiver of venue must advise the Court the forum is improper and seek an order allowing waiver.

If neither of the parties resides in DuPage County, either or both of the parties must file a written motion advising the Court that the forum selected is not one of proper venue and seeking an appropriate order from the Court allowing a waiver of the venue requirements of Section 5/104 of the IMDMA.

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

Applies to

Prove up

Necessary prove-up documents include Judgment of Dissolution, Marital Settlement Agreement, Final Allocation Judgment (if applicable), and Child Support Calculation (if applicable).

The necessary prove-up documents are: (1) Judgment of Dissolution (2) Marital Settlement Agreement (3) Final Allocation Judgment – Allocation of Parental Responsibilities and Parenting Plan (if applicable) (4) Child Support Calculation (if applicable)

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

Applies to

Petition and motion

Petitions and motions must recite the statutory or case law basis for the relief sought; non-compliant filings may be stricken on the court's motion.

All petitions and motions shall include a recitation of the statutory or case law basis for said relief. Filings that fail to comply with this requirement may be stricken on the court’s motion.

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

Applies to

Emergency motion

An emergency movant must prove the emergency by showing prior notice to the opposing party with a supporting affidavit, inability to obtain a regular-call assignment within a reasonable time, and immediate irreparable injury absent relief.

The proponent of an alleged “emergency” matter shall have the initial burden of proving the emergency which burden shall include, at a minimum: (1) Prior notice to the opposing party and a supporting affidavit pursuant to Local Rule 6.08; (2) Inability to obtain an assignment on the regularly scheduled call within a reasonable time given the circumstances for which or from which relief is sought; and (3) That immediate and irreparable injury, loss or damage will result if the relief is not granted.

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

Applies to

Rule to show cause petition

A Rule to Show Cause issues only upon proper Notice and Motion and a prima facie showing of contempt by verified pleading.

No Rule to Show Cause shall issue except upon proper Notice and Motion, and except upon a prima facie showing of contempt by verified pleading.

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

Applies to

Hearing report

Contested hearings resulting in a final custody, parental responsibilities, or relocation order must be reported.

Every contested hearing which will result in a final custody or allocation of parental responsibilities or relocation order shall be reported.

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

Applies to

Marital settlement agreement

The Marital Settlement Agreement must reference statutory calculation for child support and maintenance or specify the basis for deviation/waiver,and must explain any disproportionate distribution of marital property.

With respect to the Marital Settlement Agreement, setting of child support and maintenance shall reference calculation pursuant to statute (i.e., income and duration, income sharing) and/or specify the basis for deviation and/or waiver or reservation of the same. Disproportionate distribution of marital property (assets and liabilities), if any, shall also be explained.

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

Applies to

Notarized affidavit

Both parties must sign and submit a notarized affidavit containing eleven enumerated acknowledgments and waivers for the agreed final judgment package.

The parties shall both sign and submit a notarized affidavit containing the following: (i) Agreement that the Court has both personal and subject matter jurisdiction. (ii) Stipulation as to the grounds and description of grounds. (iii) Review of the Agreement in its entirety by the parties. (iv) Number of children born or adopted by the parties, emancipation of those children if appropriate, and the parties present conditions as to pregnancy. (v) An understanding of the terms of the Agreement and intent to be bound by them by the parties and that no one was coerced to sign the same. (vi) Entry into the Agreement freely and voluntarily by the parties. (vii) A belief that the Agreement is a fair and equitable division of the marital estate. (viii) Waiver of appearance at a prove-up by the parties. (ix) Waiver of a transcript from a prove-up by the parties. (x) If either side is a self-represented litigant, it should indicate their acknowledgment that they are not represented by opposing counsel and that they have had/waived the opportunity to confer with outside counsel prior to signing the Agreement. (xi) The parties desire that the Court approve their Agreement(s), incorporate it/them into the Judgment and enter the Final Judgment of Dissolution.

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

Applies to

Complaint

Small claims complaints must use approved Clerk forms and include a statement of claim with the elements set forth in Supreme Court Rule 282.

The form of complaint to be used in small claims actions shall provide for a statement of claim setting forth the elements provided in Supreme Court Rule 282 on approved forms provided by the Clerk of the Court.

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

Applies to

Itemized cost statement

Litigants seeking court costs must tender a written itemization of each cost and amount, plus a statement they were paid, at the time judgment is entered.

Any litigant seeking court costs shall, at the time judgment is entered, tender to the court, in writing, an itemization specifically and individually listing each and every cost incurred and the amount sought, together with a statement that these costs have been paid.

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

Applies to

Petition for probate handwritten will

A petition for probate of a handwritten will must include a typewritten copy of the will and an affidavit attesting to its correctness.

With a petition for probate of a handwritten will, in addition to a facsimile thereof, petitioner shall file a typewritten copy of the will and an affidavit of the petitioner or the petitioner's attorney that, to the best of their knowledge, the typewritten copy is correct.

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

Applies to

Petition for probate non english will

A petition for probate of a non-English will must include a translation by a qualified translator who certifies the translation is correct.

With a petition for probate of a will in language other than English, in addition to a facsimile thereof, petitioner shall file a translation by a qualified translator who shall certify that the translation is correct.

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

Applies to

Petition for expenditure for ward

A guardian's petition for expenditure for a ward must be in writing and state the estate's value, available annual income, and the last authorization amount.

A petition of a guardian to apply any part of the ward's estate for the comfort, suitable support or education of the ward or other persons entitled to support from the ward, or for any other purpose for the best interests of the ward, shall be in writing and shall state the value of the estate at the time of presenting the petition, the annual income available to the ward, and the amount of the last authorization for an expenditure on behalf of the ward for the same purpose.

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

Applies to

Petition to invest wards property

A petition to invest a ward's property must identify the investment category under the Probate Act, state compliance with applicable limitations, and disclose any self-dealing purchase.

A petition of a plenary guardian or guardian of the estate to invest the ward's property shall identify the category of investment under 755 ILCS 5/21-2.01 through 5/21-2.14 in which the proposed investment falls and shall state that the proposed investment complies with the limitations applicable to that category. If the proposed investment is to be purchased directly or indirectly from the guardian or from any firm or corporation in which the guardian or conservator has an interest or of which the guardian or conservator is an officer or director, the petition shall so state.

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

Applies to

Inventory

Each estate inventory must classify non-cash personal estate items as good, doubtful, or desperate and state the estate's total value, annual real estate income, and bond details.

Each inventory shall designate each item of personal estate other than cash and goods and chattels as “good,” “doubtful,” or “desperate,” and state the approximate total value of the decedent's personal estate at date of death, the approximate annual income from real estate in the possession of the representative, and the amount of the bond then in force and whether surety, surety waived, corporate or individual.

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

Applies to

Inventory

Inventory real estate descriptions must include the legal description, street and number, improvements and encumbrances, trustee identification for beneficial interests, and possession status of each parcel.

Descriptions of real estate shall include the legal description of each parcel, street and number, if any, the improvements and encumbrances. If a beneficial interest in real estate is an asset of the estate, the name and address of the trustee and other identifying information shall be stated. As to each parcel of real estate listed, the inventory shall state whether the representative is in possession, or if not, the reason the representative is not in possession. (See 755 ILCS 5/20-1, Probate Act)

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

Applies to

Guardian or temporary guardian account

A guardian or temporary guardian's account must state the ward's physical location and physical and mental condition.

An account of a guardian or temporary guardian shall state the physical location of the ward and the ward’s physical and mental condition.

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

Applies to

Guardian account

A guardian's account must state the ward's physical location and whether the ward attends school or has an occupation.

An account of a guardian shall state the physical location of the ward and the fact of attendance at school or occupation.

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

Applies to

Guardian or temporary guardian account

A guardian or temporary guardian's account must disclose any known pending suit or proceeding involving the estate or its representative.

An account of a guardian or temporary guardian shall disclose pendency of any suit or proceeding, if known, by or against the estate or representative of the estate.

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

Applies to

Supporting affidavit

Petitioners defaulting a party via publication service must file a supporting affidavit detailing diligent search efforts.

Petitioners seeking to default any necessary party to an adoption proceeding based upon service by publication must file a supporting affidavit establishing factually the action taken that demonstrates honest and well directed efforts to ascertain the whereabouts of the person sought to be defaulted by such service.

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

Applies to

Affidavit

An affidavit of military service status must be filed for any person sought to be defaulted where the identity of a putative father is known.

An affidavit as to military service status of any named person sought to be defaulted must also be filed in all cases where the identity of a putative father has been made known to the Petitioner or any other party to the proceeding.

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

Applies to

Affidavit

When the biological mother executes a consent, she must contemporaneously execute an Affidavit of Identification and an Affidavit of Non-Support, which must be filed with the Court before entry of Judgment.

In addition, where the consent is executed by the biological mother, she shall also contemporaneously execute an Affidavit of Identification and an Affidavit of Non-Support. Such Affidavit of Identification and Affidavit of Non-Support shall be filed with the Court prior to the entry of Judgment and shall become a part of the Court record.

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

Applies to

Pleading

A GAL supporting or opposing relief must file a proper pleading and serve copies on all parties.

If the GAL wishes to support or oppose any relief sought by the movant, a proper pleading must be filed which advances the GAL’s position. Copies of such pleadings must be served on all parties as required by the applicable Rules.

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

Applies to

Proposed judgment

Must include

proposed order

Counsel must submit a proposed Judgment of Adoption to the Court and GAL.

Counsel for the Petitioner shall, two (2) business days prior to the date for entry of Judgment, submit to the Court and the GAL a proposed Judgment of Adoption.

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

Applies to

Petition

The adoption petition must be filed by the person(s) seeking to adopt the child.

The petition shall be filed by the person(s) seeking to adopt the child.

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

Applies to

Motion

An employer moving to vacate a conditional judgment must file its answer together with the motion to vacate.

When an employer seeks to vacate a conditional judgment, the employer shall file an answer at the time the employer files the employer’s motion to vacate, and must send Notice of Motion, together with the employer’s answer and motion to vacate the conditional judgment, to the judgment creditor or attorney for the judgment creditor and the judgment debtor.

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

Applies to

Motion

Must include

caption

Applications for relief must be made by motion, and the motion's title must indicate the relief sought and the applicable Code of Criminal Procedure or Supreme Court Rule section.

Unless otherwise dictated by statute or Supreme Court Rule, any application for an order or other relief shall be made by filing a motion. The title to each motion shall indicate the relief sought and the applicable section of the Code of Criminal Procedure or Supreme Court Rule.

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

Applies to

Motion

Every motion and each basis must identify the applicable Code of Criminal Procedure section or Supreme Court Rule number.

Every motion, and each basis in the motion, brought pursuant to the Code of Criminal Procedure or Supreme Court Rule shall be identified by the Code of Criminal Procedure section and/or the Supreme Court Rule number under which it is brought.

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

Applies to

Speedy trial demand

Must include

certificate of service

A copy of the speedy trial demand must be filed with the Clerk with proof of service on the State's Attorney.

(3) A copy of the demand shall be filed with the Clerk of this Court with proof of service on the State’s Attorney.

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

Applies to

Speedy trial demand

Compliance with Rule 30.06 is mandatory; a non-compliant speedy trial demand will not be recognized unless the State had actual notice and the interests of justice require recognition.

The requirements of Rule 30.06 are mandatory and a demand for trial that does not comply with the foregoing shall not be recognized unless the Court finds that the State had actual notice of defendant’s trial demand and that the interests of justice require recognition of such demand.

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

Applies to

Notice of appearance

An attorney for a defendant in a felony or misdemeanor case must file a written appearance and serve it upon the prosecution before addressing the Court.

An attorney representing a defendant in any felony or misdemeanor case shall file a written appearance and serve same upon the prosecution before addressing the Court.

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

Applies to

Jury waiver

If, after proper admonition pursuant to 725 ILCS 5/103-6 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the defendant elects to waive the right to trial by jury, such waiver shall be made in open court and may be evidenced by execution of an approved waiver form supplied by the Clerk.

If, after proper admonition pursuant to 725 ILCS 5/103-6 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the defendant elects to waive the right to trial by jury, such waiver shall be made in open court and may be evidenced by execution of an approved waiver form supplied by the Clerk.

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

Applies to

Expungement petition

A petition to expunge felony or misdemeanor arrest records must be in writing and brought before the Presiding Judge of the Felony or Misdemeanor Division.

Any petition to expunge records of felony or misdemeanor arrest from official records pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2 or 730 ILCS 5/5-6-3.1 shall be in writing and shall be brought before the Presiding Judge of the Felony Division or of the Misdemeanor Division, respectively, who may, in the Presiding Judge’s discretion, enter an order expunging the record of arrest.

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

Applies to

Complaint

A summons or warrant of arrest may issue only upon a complaint presented on the form approved by the Chief Judge.

A summons or warrant of arrest shall issue only upon a complaint presented on the appropriate form approved by the Chief Judge.

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

Applies to

Warrant

Every warrant of arrest must conform to statutory requirements and issue on the approved form.

Every warrant of arrest shall conform to the requirements set forth in 725 ILCS 5/107-9 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and shall issue on the appropriate approved form.

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

Applies to

Summons

Every summons issued in lieu of a warrant of arrest must conform to statutory requirements and be issued on the approved form.

Every summons issued in lieu of a warrant of arrest shall conform to the requirements set forth in 725 ILCS 5/107-11 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and shall be issued on the appropriate approved form.

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

Civil cases

Applies to

Petition

Attorney fees are capped at 25% of the gross settlement unless the sworn petition recites the work and hours involved or other special circumstances justifying a higher fee.

In any matter falling under 10.01(a) of this local court rule, an allowance for attorney fees shall not exceed 25% of the gross settlement amount unless the attorney representing the minor or ward in a sworn petition recites the work and hours involved or other special circumstances which would justify a higher attorney’s fee to compensate the attorney fairly for the work performed, in which case the Court may fix the fee in excess of the 25% limitation.

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

Civil cases

Applies to

Petition for approval

Petition to approve a wrongful death/survival settlement must recite the occurrence, injuries, fairness assessment, damages breakdown, fees/expenses, and probate action status.

To settle a cause of action on behalf of a decedent for personal injuries and/or for the wrongful death of a person, the representative of the decedent’s estate shall file in the court a petition for approval of the settlement of the cause of action. A petition for approval shall recite: (1) A brief description of the occurrence giving rise to the cause of action; (2) A brief description of the injuries sustained and/or facts giving rise to the cause of death of the decedent; (3) A brief assessment by the attorney based upon the facts and the law that the proposed settlement is fair and reasonable; (4) A breakdown and percentage of proposed wrongful death, pecuniary loss, and survival damages along with factual bases to support said proposal; (5) A list of fees, expenses, lien distribution, and overall disbursement to the heirs and estate; (6) A statement as to whether a probate action is pending DuPage County or some other county;

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

Civil cases

Applies to

Petition for withdrawal

Petition for withdrawal from a minor/ward account must be in writing and state account balance, annual income, withdrawal amount/purpose, and last authorization amount.

A petition for withdrawal from said account for a ward or for a minor prior to the minor reaching the age of majority shall be in writing and shall state the amount in the account at the time of presenting the petition, the annual income available to the minor, the amount and purpose for the withdrawal, and the amount of the last authorization for withdrawal from the account for the same purpose.

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

Civil cases

Applies to

Order approving settlement

Order approving settlement must appoint a guardian for the minor's estate and require a bond pending deposit of funds.

The order entered approving settlement shall provide for the appointment of a guardian for the minor’s estate and shall require the appointed guardian to file a bond pending proper deposit of the minor’s funds in the financial institution approved by the Court.

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

Civil cases

Applies to

Petition for settlement approval

The settlement petition must include affidavits from the representative and/or heirs acknowledging and agreeing to the settlement, or an indication that a dependency hearing is required.

(7) Affidavits from the representative and/or heirs acknowledging and agreeing to the settlement or indication that a dependency hearing is required; and

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

Civil cases

Applies to

Petition for settlement approval

Must include

proposed order

The settlement petition must include a proposed order approving the settlement, fees, expenses, liens, and disbursements to the heirs and estate.

(8) A proposed order approving of the settlement, fees, expenses, liens, and disbursements to the heirs and estate.

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

Civil cases

Applies to

Consolidation document

Must include

caption

All consolidation documents must list captions of all involved cases, with the case to be consolidated on top and the receiving case below.

On all documents to be presented to the Court, the captions of all involved cases shall appear with the case which is proposed to be consolidated appearing above and the receiving case below.

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

Civil cases

Applies to

Court document

Must include

caption

After consolidation, all court documents must list captions of all consolidated cases, with principal case at bottom and transferred case at top.

Once a motion to consolidate has been granted, and for as long as the consolidation is in effect, all court documents concerning said cases shall bear the captions of all consolidated cases with the principal case’s caption at the bottom and the transferred case’s caption at the top.

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

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion for preliminary approval

The first page of a Motion for Preliminary Approval must include an Introduction Section listing ten enumerated items, including class details, settlement terms, and proposed deadlines.

To present a Motion for Preliminary Approval, the first page of such motion as an Introduction Section, shall recite: (i) a brief description of the occurrence giving rise to the cause of action, including the basis for jurisdiction and venue; (ii) the potential class size; (iii) whether the settlement is a claims-made or an opt-out settlement for the class; (iv) the total settlement fund along with an cy pres recipient or reversion of the fund; (v) the amount each class member will receive from the settlement or the anticipated pro rata share; (vi) any injunctive relief and brief analysis as to value or benefit of said injunctive relief to the class or potential future class members; (vii) any specific details as to value of any coupons or vouchers; (viii) settlement administrator information, qualifications, and anticipated cost; (ix) exact specification for how notice will be disseminated to the class; and (x) proposed deadlines with at least fourteen (14) days between the date the motion for attorney’s fees is filed and the deadline for objecting to the settlement.

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

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion for preliminary approval

Must include

proposed order

Each Motion for Preliminary Approval must have a Proposed Preliminary Approval Order submitted as an exhibit with specific future dates for notice, claims, objections, and final approval briefs.

A Proposed Preliminary Approval Order shall be submitted as an exhibit to any Motion for Preliminary Approval and shall have proposed specific future dates for notice to be disseminated, claims to be submitted, objections or exclusions to be submitted, final approval briefs and request for attorney’s fees to be submitted, etc.

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

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion

The first page of a Motion for Final Approval must contain an Introduction Section reciting thirteen mandatory items about the class action settlement, notice, and fee request.

(1) To present a Motion for Final Approval, the first page of such motion as an Introduction Section, shall recite: (i) a brief description of the occurrence giving rise to the cause of action, including the basis for jurisdiction and venue; (ii) the actual class size; (iii) whether the settlement was a claims-made or an opt-out settlement for the class; (iv) the total settlement fund along with any cy pres recipient or reversion of the fund; (v) the amount of claims submitted by the class if it is a claims-made settlement along with the percentage of claims submitted compared to the entire class (if the motion for attorney's fees was filed before the claims deadline had passed, counsel for the class shall submit an updated affidavit from the settlement administrator with updated claims, objections, and/or exclusions once all of the deadlines have passed); (vi) the number of objections and/or exclusions; (vii) the amount each class member will receive; (viii) any injunctive relief and brief analysis as to value or benefit of said injunctive relief to the class or potential future class members; (ix) any specific details as to value of any coupons or vouchers; (x) confirmation that notice was disseminated as required in the Preliminary Approval Order; (xi) the success rate of the notice administration; (xii) the actual cost for the settlement administrator; and (xiii) the proposed class representative award and proposed fee request.

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

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

A proposed final approval order must be submitted as an exhibit with any motion for final approval.

(2) A Proposed Final Approval Order shall be submitted as an exhibit to any Motion for Final Approval.

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

Applies to

Motion for substitution of judge

Motions for Substitution of Judge for Cause must be filed, supported by affidavit, before the judge from whom substitution is sought.

All Motions for Substitution of Judge for Cause must be filed, supported by affidavit, before the judge from whom substitution is sought.

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

Applies to

Pleading

All pleadings, appearances, documents, and orders must include the filer's name, address, and telephone number, and attorneys must also include their attorney identification number.

The first pleading or appearance and all subsequent documents and orders shall contain the name, address and telephone number of the attorney (or party, if pro se) filing said paper, and an attorney shall also include thereon an attorney identification number.

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

Applies to

Appearance

Attorneys must file an appearance with the Clerk before addressing the Court on behalf of any represented party.

All attorneys shall file an appearance with the Clerk before addressing the Court on behalf of any represented party.

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

Applies to

Appearance

Attorneys must file an appearance before addressing the Court in any civil or criminal matter.

An attorney representing a party in any civil or criminal matter shall file an appearance before addressing the Court.

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

Applies to

Exhibit list

Litigants/attorneys must provide a copy of their exhibit list(s) to the courtroom clerk at the start of trial.

Litigant/attorney shall provide a copy of their exhibit list(s) to the courtroom clerk at the commencement of the trial.

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

Applies to

Pleading

If incorporating facts by reference would make a pleading not readily comprehensible, those facts must be realleged verbatim.

If the incorporation of facts by reference to another pleading or to another part of the same pleading will cause a pleading not to be readily comprehensible, such facts shall be realleged verbatim.

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

Applies to

Pleading

Pleadings must specify the dollar amount claimed, and for personal injury, must indicate the amount range among five categories.

All pleadings wherein money damages are requested for matters other than injury to the person shall be specific as to the dollar amount claimed. In all pleadings where injury to the person is alleged, the prayer for relief must indicate the amount of damages claimed to be as follows: (1) Not greater than $2,500; or (2) Greater than $2,500 and but not in excess of $10,000; or (3) Greater than $10,000 and but not in excess of $15,000; or (4) Greater than $15,000 and but not in excess of $50,000; or (5) Greater than $50,000.

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

Applies to

Motion

Each motion's title must state the relief sought and the applicable Code of Civil Procedure section.

The title to each motion shall indicate the relief sought and the applicable section of the Code of Civil Procedure.

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

Applies to

Notice of hearing

A notice of hearing must specify the judge, case title and number, date, time, and courtroom for the motion.

The notice of hearing or presentment shall designate the judge to whom the motion will be presented; shall show the title and number of the action, the date when the motion will be set or presented, the time it will be set or presented, and the courtroom where it will be heard or presented.

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

Applies to

Motion

Each motion and each basis must identify the applicable Code of Civil Procedure section or Supreme Court Rule number.

Every motion, and each basis in the motion, brought pursuant to the Code of Civil Procedure or Supreme Court Rule shall be identified by the Code of Civil Procedure section and/or the Supreme Court Rule number under which it is brought.

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

Applies to

Motion

Each application for emergency relief must be accompanied by an affidavit stating the reason the relief is necessary on an emergency basis, and in no-notice cases, stating attempts made to notify opposing counsel.

Judge. Each application for emergency relief shall be accompanied by an affidavit by the movant or movant’s attorney stating the reason the requested relief is necessary on an emergency basis, and in cases where the request is without notice, except as permitted by law, said affidavit shall state what attempts have been made to notify opposing

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

Applies to

Affidavit

When default is obtained and fees are recoverable, the attorney must present an affidavit detailing services, hours, rate, experience, and reasonableness.

When an order of default is obtained, if any fees are recoverable, at the Court’s discretion, the attorney shall present an affidavit stating the nature of the services performed, the number of hours spent, the attorney’s hourly rate, statement of the level of experience and expertise of the attorneys, and that number of hours spent and the hourly rate charged per hour are fair and reasonable according to the standards of the local community.

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

Applies to

Motion for preliminary approval

Must include

proposed order

A proposed preliminary approval order must be submitted as an exhibit to any Motion for Preliminary Approval, including proposed specific future dates for notice, claims, objections, exclusions, final approval briefs, and attorney's fees.

(3) A Proposed Preliminary Approval Order shall be submitted as an exhibit to any Motion for Preliminary Approval and shall have proposed specific future dates for notice to be disseminated, claims to be submitted, objections or exclusions to be submitted, final approval briefs and request for attorney’s fees to be submitted, etc.

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

Applies to

Motion for final approval

Must include

proposed order

A proposed final approval order must be submitted as an exhibit to any Motion for Final Approval.

(2) A Proposed Final Approval Order shall be submitted as an exhibit to any Motion for Final Approval.

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

Applies to

Order approving settlement

The order approving settlement must provide for distribution of the settlement funds and filing of vouchers evidencing receipt of any portion of the fund with the Court within a time prescribed by the Court.

The order entered approving settlement shall provide for the distribution of the settlement funds and the filing of vouchers, which evidence receipt of any portion of the fund, with the Court within a time prescribed by the Court.

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

Applies to

Order approving settlement

The order approving a minor's settlement must provide for appointment of a guardian for the minor's estate and require the guardian to file a bond pending deposit of the funds.

The order entered approving settlement shall provide for the appointment of a guardian for the minor's estate and shall require the appointed guardian to file a bond pending proper deposit of the minor's funds in the financial institution approved by the Court.

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

Applies to

Stipulation of dismissal

A stipulation dismissing the cause of action must be filed together with the voucher from the financial institution acknowledging receipt of the funds.

A stipulation dismissing the cause of action shall be filed with the filing of the voucher from the financial institution acknowledging receipt of the funds.

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

Applies to

Petition for withdrawal

A petition for withdrawal from a minor's or ward's account must be in writing and state the account balance, annual income, withdrawal amount and purpose, and last authorization amount.

A petition for withdrawal from said account for a ward or for a minor prior to the minor reaching the age of majority shall be in writing and shall state the amount in the account at the time of presenting the petition, the annual income available to the minor, the amount and purpose for the withdrawal, and the amount of the last authorization for withdrawal from the account for the same purpose.

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

Applies to

Petition for settlement approval

A petition for approval of a wrongful death or survival settlement must recite six specified items: description of the occurrence, injuries, attorney assessment of fairness, damages breakdown, fee and disbursement list, and probate action status.

To settle a cause of action on behalf of a decedent for personal injuries and/or for the wrongful death of a person, the representative of the decedent's estate shall file in the court a petition for approval of the settlement of the cause of action. A petition for approval shall recite: (1) A brief description of the occurrence giving rise to the cause of action; (2) A brief description of the injuries sustained and/or facts giving rise to the cause of death of the decedent; (3) A brief assessment by the attorney based upon the facts and the law that the proposed settlement is fair and reasonable; (4) A breakdown and percentage of proposed wrongful death, pecuniary loss, and survival damages along with factual bases to support said proposal; (5) A list of fees, expenses, lien distribution, and overall disbursement to the heirs and estate; (6) A statement as to whether a probate action is pending DuPage County or some other county;

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

Applies to

Acknowledgment

Foreign acknowledgments and affidavits must be accompanied by a certified keeper-of-records certificate stating the official was authorized and the signature is genuine.

Acknowledgments and affidavits presented under Rule 12.03 which have been executed outside the State shall be accompanied by a certificate of the proper keeper of records, under the seal of the keeper of records’ office, stating that the person before whom the acknowledgment was made or by whom the oath was administered was duly authorized to take acknowledgments or to administer oaths, and that that person’s signature is believed to be genuine.

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

Applies to

Complaint

The complaint and all summonses must state, in upper case letters on the upper right-hand corner, “THIS IS AN ARBITRATION CASE.”

The complaint and all summonses shall state in upper case letters on the upper right-hand corner: “THIS IS AN ARBITRATION CASE.”

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

Applies to

Mediation referral order

The Court's Mediation Referral Order must include instructions on how mediation will proceed, how the case proceeds if an agreement is reached, and how it proceeds if no agreement is reached (including a return-to-court date for STATUS or TRIAL).

MEDIATION (a) The Court’s Mediation Referral Order for the Program shall include: (1) Instructions as to where, when, and how the mediation will be expected to proceed and what each side should do to prepare for the same; (2) Instructions as to how the case should proceed in the event an agreement is reached through mediation; and (3) Instructions as to how the case should proceed in the event no agreement is reached, including specifically a requirement that the parties return to court on a date and at a time certain thereafter, either to advise the Court as to the status of their dispute and schedule additional proceedings (if the date scheduled in the referral order is for “STATUS”) or to immediately proceed to trial (if the date scheduled

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

Applies to

Mediation agreement

Mediation agreement must be reduced to writing and signed by the parties or their agents.

If an agreement is reached to resolve the matter in whole or in part, it must be reduced to writing and signed by the parties or their agents at the end of the mediation.

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

Applies to

Mediation agreement

Parties must present their mediated agreement to the Court to enter as an Order at the status/trial date.

It is then the responsibility of the parties to present their agreement to the Court to enter as an Order at the status/trial date.

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

Applies to

Mediation report

On or before the status date, the Program shall submit a Mediation Report to the Court and provide copies to the parties and their legal counsel, CASA and/or the Guardian ad Litem, if applicable.

On or before the status date, the Program shall submit a Mediation Report to the Court and provide copies to the parties and their legal counsel, CASA and/or the Guardian ad Litem, if applicable.

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

Applies to

Mediation report

Mediator must immediately advise the Program, and the Program must immediately inform the Court in writing via a Mediation Report if mediation is suspended or terminated or if parties fail to comply.

The mediator shall immediately advise the Program and the Program shall immediately inform the Court in writing via a Mediation Report if he or she suspends or terminates mediation or in the event that either or both parties fail to comply with the terms of mediation.

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

Applies to

Complaint

Newly filed dissolution or invalidity cases with minor children must designate the complaint as 'Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Minor Children.'

In all newly filed cases seeking dissolution or declaration of invalidity, if there are one or more minor children of the marriage at the time of filing, the complaint shall be designated “Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Minor Children,” and the Clerk of the Circuit Court shall maintain such designation.

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

Applies to

Financial affidavit

Financial Affidavits must be supported by documentary evidence such as tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements.

The Financial Affidavit shall be supported by documentary evidence including, but not limited to, income tax returns, pay stubs, and banking and credit card statements.

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

Applies to

Financial affidavit

A Financial Affidavit is required in Title IV-D cases where HFS seeks child support for an individual, but supporting documentary evidence is not required.

A Financial Affidavit shall be required in any Title IV-D cases where the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services is seeking child support on behalf of an individual, however supporting documentary evidence shall not be required.

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

Applies to

Financial affidavit

Must include

certificate of service

Upon tendering the Financial Affidavit, the tendering party must immediately file a certificate of compliance and proof of service; the Financial Affidavit itself must not be filed with the Clerk.

At the time the Financial Affidavit is tendered to the other party, the tendering party shall immediately file with the Clerk of the Circuit Court certificate of compliance and proof of service, certifying that a completed Financial Affidavit was served upon those parties entitled to notice. The Financial Affidavit shall not be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court.

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

Applies to

Motion

If neither party resides in DuPage County, a written motion for waiver of venue must be filed before any other pleadings and along with the original petition for dissolution of marriage.

If neither of the parties resides in DuPage County, either or both of the parties must file a written motion advising the Court that the forum selected is not one of proper venue and seeking an appropriate order from the Court allowing a waiver of the venue requirements of Section 5/104 of the IMDMA. The waiver of venue motion must be filed before any other pleadings and shall be filed along with the original petition for dissolution of marriage.

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

Applies to

Financial affidavit

Each party in pre-judgment Domestic Relations proceedings must tender an updated Financial Affidavit 30 days before trial.

Each party in pre-judgment Domestic Relations proceedings shall tender an updated Financial Affidavit thirty (30) days before trial.

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

Applies to

Affidavit of venue

Parties, other than the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, must sign an Affidavit of Venue confirming venue in DuPage County is proper.

The parties, other than the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, must sign an Affidavit of Venue to confirm that venue in DuPage County is proper.

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

Applies to

Affidavit of due diligence

A party seeking a default judgment must file an affidavit of due diligence of service attempts.

A party seeking the entry of a default judgment must file an affidavit of due diligence of service attempts.

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

Applies to

Petition motion

Petitions and motions must recite the statutory or case law basis for the relief sought; non-compliant filings may be stricken.

All petitions and motions shall include a recitation of the statutory or case law basis for said relief. Filings that fail to comply with this requirement may be stricken on the court's motion.

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

Applies to

Rule to show cause

A Rule to Show Cause issues only upon proper Notice and Motion and a prima facie showing of contempt by verified pleading.

No Rule to Show Cause shall issue except upon proper Notice and Motion, and except upon a prima facie showing of contempt by verified pleading.

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

Applies to

Withholding order

Withholding Orders and similar post-judgment orders (e.g., QDROs) must be presented separately as Agreed Orders after Judgment is entered.

Withholding Order and other similar post-judgment orders such as Q.D.R.O.'s shall be presented separately as Agreed Orders after Judgment is entered.

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

Applies to

Marital settlement agreement

All mandatory clauses shall be included within the Plan (e.g., mediation provision).

All mandatory clauses shall be included within the Plan (e.g., mediation provision).

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

Applies to

Marital settlement agreement

Child support and maintenance calculations must reference statute and/or specify deviation basis; disproportionate marital property distribution must be explained in the Marital Settlement Agreement.

With respect to the Marital Settlement Agreement, setting of child support and maintenance shall reference calculation pursuant to statute (i.e., income and duration, income sharing) and/or specify the basis for deviation and/or waiver or reservation of the same. Disproportionate distribution of marital property (assets and liabilities), if any, shall also be explained.

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

Applies to

Affidavit

submit a notarized affidavit containing the following: (i) Agreement that the Court has both personal and subject matter jurisdiction. (ii) Stipulation as to the grounds and description of grounds. (iii) Review of the Agreement in its entirety by the parties. (iv) Number of children born or adopted by the parties, emancipation of those children if appropriate, and the parties present conditions as to pregnancy. (v) An understanding of the terms of the Agreement and intent to be bound by them by the parties and that no one was coerced to sign the same. (vi) Entry into the Agreement freely and voluntarily by the parties. (vii) A belief that the Agreement is a fair and equitable division of the marital estate. (viii) Waiver of appearance at a prove-up by the parties. (ix) Waiver of a transcript from a prove-up by the parties. (x) If either side is a self-represented litigant, it should indicate their acknowledgment that they are not represented by opposing counsel and that they have had/waived the opportunity to confer with outside counsel prior to signing the Agreement. (xi) The parties desire that the Court approve their Agreement(s), incorporate it/them into the Judgment and enter the Final Judgment of Dissolution. (xii) The Agreement must comment as to resumption of former names by either party, if appropriate. (xiii) The parties waive cross examination of the other party. (xiv) The parties waive physical presence in Court for these proceedings, as well as notice.

submit a notarized affidavit containing the following: (i) Agreement that the Court has both personal and subject matter jurisdiction. (ii) Stipulation as to the grounds and description of grounds. (iii) Review of the Agreement in its entirety by the parties. (iv) Number of children born or adopted by the parties, emancipation of those children if appropriate, and the parties present conditions as to pregnancy. (v) An understanding of the terms of the Agreement and intent to be bound by them by the parties and that no one was coerced to sign the same. (vi) Entry into the Agreement freely and voluntarily by the parties. (vii) A belief that the Agreement is a fair and equitable division of the marital estate. (viii) Waiver of appearance at a prove-up by the parties. (ix) Waiver of a transcript from a prove-up by the parties. (x) If either side is a self-represented litigant, it should indicate their acknowledgment that they are not represented by opposing counsel and that they have had/waived the opportunity to confer with outside counsel prior to signing the Agreement. (xi) The parties desire that the Court approve their Agreement(s), incorporate it/them into the Judgment and enter the Final Judgment of Dissolution. 110 | P a g e ===== PAGE 112 ===== Eighteenth Judicial Circuit | Local Court Rules III. Particular Civil Proceedings (xii) The Agreement must comment as to resumption of former names by either party, if appropriate. (xiii) The parties waive cross examination of the other party. (xiv) The parties waive physical presence in Court for these proceedings, as well as notice. (xv)

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

Applies to

Agreed order

Attorneys or parties must submit an agreed order striking all future dates assigned by the Circuit Court Clerk.

The Circuit Court Clerk has already assigned future dates to all affected cases. The attorneys or parties shall also submit an agreed order striking all such future dates.

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

Applies to

Withholding order

Maintenance or support payments require an order of withholding using the approved form from the Clerk's office; if payments go through the Clerk, the withholding order must be accompanied by the Clerk's child support order form.

Maintenance or support payments shall be made by an order of withholding upon a separate order of court providing therefore, using the approved form furnished by the Clerk's office. If payments are through the Clerk of the Circuit Court, said withholding order shall be accompanied by the Clerk's form child support order.

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

Applies to

Inventory

Each inventory and amended or supplemental inventory must be presented to the judge for filing and approval.

Each inventory and amended or supplemental inventory shall be presented to the judge for filing and approval.

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

Applies to

Motion

All requests for court action must be made by motion after the petition is filed.

After the petition is filed, all requests for action by the court shall be made by motion. Motions and Notice of Motions will be made pursuant to the Code of Civil Procedure, Supreme Court Rules and Rules of the Circuit Court.

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

Applies to

Petition for expenditure

A petition for expenditure on behalf of a ward must be in writing and state the value of the estate, annual income, and last authorization amount.

A petition of a guardian to apply any part of the ward’s estate for the comfort, suitable support or education of the ward or other persons entitled to support from the ward, or for any other purpose for the best interests of the ward, shall be in writing and shall state the value of the estate at the time of presenting the petition, the annual income available to the ward, and the amount of the last authorization for an expenditure on behalf of the ward for the same purpose.

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

Applies to

Petition to invest

A petition to invest a ward’s property must identify the investment category, state compliance with limitations, and disclose any conflict of interest.

A petition of a plenary guardian or guardian of the estate to invest the ward’s property shall identify the category of investment under 755 ILCS 5/21-2.01 through ​5/21-2.14 in which the proposed investment falls and shall state that the proposed investment complies with the limitations applicable to that category. If the proposed investment is to be purchased directly or indirectly from the guardian or from any firm or corporation in which the guardian or conservator has an interest or of which the guardian or conservator is an officer or director, the petition shall so state.

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

Applies to

Inventory

The inventory shall designate each item of personal estate other than cash and goods and chattels as 'good,' 'doubtful,' or 'desperate,' and state the approximate total value of the decedent’s personal estate at date of death, the approximate annual income from real estate in the possession of the representative, and the amount of the bond then in force and whether surety, surety waived, corporate or individual.

inventory shall designate each item of personal estate other than cash and goods and chattels as “good,” “doubtful,” or “desperate,” and state the approximate total value of the decedent’s personal estate at date of death, the approximate annual income from real estate in the possession of the representative, and the amount of the bond then in force and whether surety, surety waived, corporate or individual.

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

Applies to

Inventory

Each inventory item must be assigned consecutive Arabic numbers starting with 1, carried forward into accounts, with additional numbers for new items.

Consecutive item numbers, commencing with Arabic “1,” shall be assigned to each item inventoried and carried forward into each account. Numbers so assigned shall be supplemented by additional consecutive item numbers for items added in subsequent inventories and accounts.

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

Applies to

Inventory

Inventory descriptions of real estate must include legal description, street and number, improvements, encumbrances, trustee information if applicable, and possession status.

Descriptions of real estate shall include the legal description of each parcel, street and number, if any, the improvements and encumbrances. If a beneficial interest in real estate is an asset of the estate, the name and address of the trustee and other identifying information shall be stated. As to each parcel of real estate listed, the inventory shall state whether the representative is in possession, or if not, the reason the representative is not in possession. (See 755 ILCS 5/20-1, Probate Act)

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

Applies to

Inventory

Inventory descriptions of stock, bonds, debentures, and notes must include specific identifying details.

shall include the number of shares, class of stock, exact corporate title, and state of incorporation if necessary for the purposes of identification. Description of bonds and debentures shall include the total face value, name of obligor, kind of bond or debenture, rate of interest, date of maturity, interest dates, coupons attached or date which interest is paid, and endorsements. Descriptions of notes owed to the decedent shall include the face amount and unpaid balance, date of note, date of maturity, name of maker, interest dates, rate of interest, date to which interest is paid, endorsements, and if secured, a description of the security.

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

Applies to

Inventory

Inventory descriptions of partnership interest must include partnership name, address, and approximate estate interest if known.

Descriptions of partnership interest shall include the partnership name and address and the approximate interest of the estate, if known.

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

Applies to

Inventory

If any property is encumbered, the inventory must include a brief description of the encumbrance and principal balance owing at date of death.

If any real estate or tangible or intangible personal property is encumbered, the inventory shall include a brief description of the encumbrance and the principal balance owing at the date of death.

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

Applies to

Amended inventory

An amended or supplemental inventory is required when property was erroneously described, assets improperly included/excluded, or additional assets discovered; it need not repeat correctly described assets.

An amended or supplemental inventory shall be filed and approved by a judge if: (1) Real or personal property has been erroneously described in a prior inventory; (2) Assets have been improperly included in or excluded from a prior inventory; or (3) Additional assets have been received by the representative or have come to the representative’s knowledge. A supplemental inventory or an amendment to an inventory need not repeat assets correctly described in a prior inventory.

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

Applies to

Account

Each asset in an account must be designated by its inventory number, unless the account uses a mechanized accounting system; distributions need be described only in the first account after the transaction.

Each asset listed in an account shall be designated by the number in the inventory, supplemental inventory or prior account in which it first appears, but this requirement does not apply if the account is prepared and controlled by mechanized accounting system. Distribution of an item or conversion into cash or other disposition need be described only in the first account after completion of the transaction.

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

Applies to

Notice

Notice must include time, place, nature of hearing, and specific binding language.

(iv) The notice shall contain the time, place and nature of the hearing and substantially the following sentence: “If the account is approved by the judge upon hearing, in the absence of fraud, accident or mistake, the account as approved is binding upon all persons to whom this notice is given.”

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

Applies to

Order of discharge

A representative cannot be discharged until an Order of Discharge in the court-prescribed form is entered.

A representative shall not be discharged until the entry of an Order of Discharge in the form prescribed by the Court.

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

Applies to

Guardian account

Guardian/temporary guardian account must state the ward's physical location and physical/mental condition.

An account of a guardian or temporary guardian shall state the physical location of the ward and the ward’s physical and mental condition.

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

Applies to

Consent adoption

Adoption consents must be general in nature; a consenting biological mother must concurrently execute Affidavits of Identification and Non-Support, which must be filed with the Court before entry of Judgment.

(c) All consents not governed by 750 ILCS 50/10(O) (Consent to Adoption in a proceeding under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987), shall be general in nature and be in a form substantially similar to that as provided by statute. In addition, where the consent is executed by the biological mother, she shall also contemporaneously execute an Affidavit of Identification and an Affidavit of Non-Support. Such Affidavit of Identification and Affidavit of Non-Support shall be filed with the Court prior to the entry of Judgment and shall become a part of the Court record.

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

Applies to

Supporting affidavit

Petitioners seeking default based on service by publication must file a supporting affidavit establishing their search efforts to locate the party.

Petitioners seeking to default any necessary party to an adoption proceeding based upon service by publication must file a supporting affidavit establishing factually the action taken that demonstrates honest and well directed efforts to ascertain the whereabouts of the person sought to be defaulted by such service. Said affidavit shall detail search efforts, including, but not limited to, searches of military records, the Illinois Department of Corrections, administrative agencies (i.e., the State Disbursement Unit), and all other search efforts.

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

Applies to

Affidavit of military service status

An affidavit as to military service status must be filed when the identity of a putative father is known.

An affidavit as to military service status of any named person sought to be defaulted must also be filed in all cases where the identity of a putative father has been made known to the Petitioner or any other party to the proceeding.

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

Applies to

Proposed judgment of adoption

Must include

proposed order

Counsel for the Petitioner must submit a proposed Judgment of Adoption to the Court and the GAL two business days before the date for entry of Judgment.

Counsel for the Petitioner shall, two (2) business days prior to the date for entry of Judgment, submit to the Court and the GAL a proposed Judgment of Adoption.

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

Applies to

Motion to vacate

An employer moving to vacate a conditional judgment must file its answer at the same time as the motion to vacate.

When an employer seeks to vacate a conditional judgment, the employer shall file an answer at the time the employer files the employer’s motion to vacate,

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

Applies to

Motion

Each motion and every basis in it must identify the Code of Criminal Procedure section and/or Supreme Court Rule number under which it is brought.

Every motion, and each basis in the motion, brought pursuant to the Code of Criminal Procedure or Supreme Court Rule shall be identified by the Code of Criminal Procedure section and/or the Supreme Court Rule number under which it is brought.

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

Applies to

Search warrant

Every search warrant must be supported by a complaint written on the appropriate approved form, as provided in 725 ILCS 5/108-3 and 5/108-4 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Every search warrant shall be supported as provided in 725 ILCS 5/108-3 and 5/108-4 of the Code of Criminal Procedure by a complaint written on the appropriate approved form.

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

Applies to

Probation certificate

When imposing probation, the Court must set out the terms and conditions on the pre-printed approved Probation Certificate form.

When the Court imposes a sentence of probation under the Code of Criminal Procedure (730 ILCS 5/5-6-1 et seq.), the Court shall set forth on a pre-printed approved Probation Certificate form the terms and conditions of the probation.

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

Applies to

Probation order

For probation imposed under the Cannabis Control Act or Illinois Controlled Substances Act, the Court must set out the terms and conditions on a pre-printed Probation Order.

When the Court imposes probation under the Cannabis Control Act (720 ILCS 550/10), or under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act (720 ILCS 570/410), the Court shall set forth on a pre-printed Probation Order the terms and conditions of the probation.

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

Applies to

Travel approval log

The Senior Supervisor of Adult Division must maintain a log of approved travel absences recording case number, name, departure date, destination, purpose, and return date.

The Senior Supervisor of Adult Division shall maintain a log of approved absences, setting forth the case number, name of the person on probation, date of departure, destination, purpose of travel and date of return.

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

Applies to

Conditional discharge order

A Conditional Discharge order must be completed and signed by both the judge and the defendant.

When the Court enters a sentence of Conditional Discharge under the Code of Criminal Procedure (730 ILCS 5/5-6-1 et seq.), the order shall be completed and signed by the judge and defendant.

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Applies to

Attorney registration

Attorneys practicing before the Court must register with the Clerk and obtain an attorney registration identification number.

Every attorney at law practicing before this Court shall register with the Clerk of the Circuit Court and obtain an attorney registration identification number.

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

Applies to

Pleading

Each electronically filed pleading and document must include case title, case number, and nature of filing.

Additionally, each electronically filed pleading and document shall include the case title, case number and the nature of the filing.

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

Applies to

Exhibit list

At the start of trial, litigants or attorneys must give the courtroom clerk a copy of their exhibit lists.

Litigant/attorney shall provide a copy of their exhibit list(s) to the courtroom clerk at the commencement of the trial.

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

Applies to

Electronic document

Each electronically filed document must include the filer's typed name, email, address, phone number; attorneys must include their DuPage County Attorney Number.

Each electronically filed document shall also include the typed name, email address, address, and telephone number of the attorney or pro se party filing such document. Attorneys shall include their DuPage County Attorney Number on all documents.

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

Applies to

Pleading

Pleadings with multiple counts or affirmative defenses must give each count or defense a short title stating the theory of liability.

If a pleading contains multiple counts or affirmative defenses, each count or defense shall bear a short title concisely stating the theory of liability or

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

Applies to

Motion

Motions to allow additional pages are disfavored and must be supported by an affidavit clearly setting forth specific grounds establishing the necessity for excess pages.

Motions to allow additional pages are not favored, and specific grounds establishing the necessity for excess pages shall be clearly set forth in an affidavit filed in support of the motion.

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

Applies to

Petition

Petitions for Emergency Orders of Protection must be presented before a judge in Court to take effect; merely filing does not grant protection, and failure to present within 60 days may result in dismissal for want of prosecution.

Any party filing a Petition for an Emergency Order of Protection under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, Stalking No Contact Act, Civil No Contact Act, Criminal Protective Order Act, and/or Firearms Restraining Oder Act shall be required to present the Petition before a judge in Court in compliance with all other applicable local rules, statutes, standing orders, and case law governing same. Merely filing a Petition does not grant any party protection without a hearing. If the Petitioner fails to appear in Court and present a Petition to be ruled upon by a judge within sixty (60) days of filing, the case may, at the discretion of the assigned judge, be dismissed for want of prosecution.

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

Applies to

Inventory

The inventory must cover all real, personal and mixed property of the estate and designate property of which the receiver has taken possession or control.

Unless the Court orders otherwise, a receiver shall, as soon as practicable after appointment, but in any event no later than thirty (30) days thereafter, file an inventory of all property – real, personal or mixed – of the estate, designating the property of which the receiver has taken possession or control.

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Applies to

Inventory

A receiver must file a list of known estate liabilities together with the inventory unless the Court orders otherwise.

Unless the Court orders otherwise, the receiver shall file with the inventory required by Rule 11.03(a) a list of the then known liabilities of the estate.

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

Appraisers for receivers may be appointed only by court order or by party agreement with Court approval, and are selected by the Court.

Appraisers for receivers may be appointed only upon order of court or agreement of the parties with the approval of the Court. If appraisers are appointed, they shall be selected by the Court.

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

Applies to

Surety schedule

Bonds with personal sureties require Court approval, and sureties must execute and file schedules of property in a Court-approved form unless excused by the Court.

Bonds with personal sureties shall be approved by the Court. Unless excused by the Court, sureties shall execute and file schedules of property in a form approved by the Court.

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Applies to

Bond

A bond with a licensed surety company is approved only if a current certified copy of the surety's authority is on file with the Clerk and verified powers of attorney or certificates of authority are attached to the bond.

Bond with a corporation or association licensed to transact surety business in this State as surety will be approved only if a current certified copy of the surety’s authority to transact business in the State, as issued by the Director of Insurance, is on file with the Clerk of the Court, and verified power of attorney or certificates of authority for all persons authorized to execute bonds for the surety is attached to the bond.

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

Applies to

Court order

A party seeking an arbitration hearing over two hours must obtain an Order of Court and tender it to the Arbitration Administrator at least ten days prior.

Any party seeking a hearing in excess of two hours must obtain an Order of Court and tender that Order to the Arbitration Administrator at least ten days prior to the arbitration.

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

Applies to

Disclosure statement

Disclosure statements may not be filed with the Clerk except on order of the court.

No disclosure statement shall be filed with the Clerk, except on order of the court.

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Applies to

Witness statement

Witness statements must include the witness's name, address, and telephone number.

Statements of witnesses shall set forth the name, address, and telephone number of the witness.

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Applies to

Mediation referral order

Corporations referred to mediation must be represented by an individual with full settlement authority.

If either of the parties is a corporation, that party must be represented by an individual with full authority to negotiate a settlement on behalf of the party.

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

Applies to

Mediation referral order

The Court's Mediation Referral Order must include instructions on how mediation will proceed, how the case proceeds if an agreement is reached, and how it proceeds if no agreement is reached, including a return-to-court requirement for STATUS or TRIAL.

The Court’s Mediation Referral Order for the Program shall include: (1) Instructions as to where, when, and how the mediation will be expected to proceed and what each side should do to prepare for the same; (2) Instructions as to how the case should proceed in the event an agreement is reached through mediation; and (3) Instructions as to how the case should proceed in the event no agreement is reached, including specifically a requirement that the parties return to court on a date and at a time certain thereafter, either to advise the Court as to the status of their dispute and schedule additional proceedings (if the date scheduled in the referral order is for “STATUS”) or to immediately proceed to trial (if the date scheduled in the referral order is for “TRIAL”).

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

Applies to

Confidentiality agreement

Mediators must require the parties to execute a confidentiality agreement and complete a screening for mediation impediments.

The mediator shall require the parties to execute a confidentiality agreement and complete a screening to determine if an impediment to mediation exists.

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Applies to

Mediation agreement

Any agreement reached in mediation must be reduced to writing and signed by the parties or their agents at the end of the mediation.

If an agreement is reached to resolve the matter in whole or in part, it must be reduced to writing and signed by the parties or their agents at the end of the mediation.

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

Applies to

Mediation report

The mediation Program must submit a Mediation Report to the Court on or before the status date and provide copies to the parties, counsel, CASA, and/or Guardian ad Litem.

On or before the status date, the Program shall submit a Mediation Report to the Court and provide copies to the parties and their legal counsel, CASA and/or the Guardian ad Litem, if applicable.

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Applies to

Mediation report

The mediator must immediately advise the Program, which must immediately inform the Court in writing via a Mediation Report, if mediation is suspended or terminated or a party fails to comply.

The mediator shall immediately advise the Program and the Program shall immediately inform the Court in writing via a Mediation Report if he or she suspends or terminates mediation or in the event that either or both parties fail to comply with the terms of mediation.

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Applies to

Mediation report

The mediator must submit a Mediation Report to the Court, parties, attorneys, and CASA Guardian ad Litem on or before the status date, including the Program Reporting Requirements information.

On or before the status date, the mediator shall submit a Mediation Report to the Court, the parties, attorneys, and the CASA Guardian ad Litem, if applicable, which shall include information listed in this rule under the section entitled "Program Reporting Requirements."

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Applies to

Settlement agreement

Must include

proposed order

Mediated agreements must be reduced to writing, signed by the parties or their agents, and presented to the Court for entry as an Order to be binding.

If an agreement is reached to resolve the matter in whole or in part, it must be reduced to writing and signed by the parties or their agents at the end of the mediation. The mediator shall submit the executed agreement to the Small Claims Mediation Coordinator. It is then the responsibility of the parties to present their agreement to the Court to enter as an Order on the status/trial date. Mediated agreements are not binding unless entered as a Court order as presented by the parties to the case.

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

Applies to

Financial affidavit

The Financial Affidavit must be supported by documentary evidence such as tax returns, pay stubs, and bank and credit card statements.

The Financial Affidavit shall be supported by documentary evidence including, but not limited to, income tax returns, pay stubs, and banking and credit card statements.

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

Applies to

Financial affidavit

Financial Affidavits are not required in Title IV-D cases brought for the State or another State agency, but are required in Title IV-D cases brought for an individual (without the supporting documentary evidence).

A Financial Affidavit shall not be required in any Title IV-D cases where the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services is seeking child support on behalf of the State of Illinois or any other State agency. A Financial Affidavit shall be required in any Title IV-D cases where the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services is seeking child support on behalf of an individual, however supporting documentary evidence shall not be required.

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

Applies to

Petition and motion

Petitions and motions in domestic relations cases must use the approved legal form and begin with a title that accurately describes their contents.

All petitions and motions submitted to the Court in domestic relations cases shall be substantially in the approved form provided by law and shall begin with a title that accurately describes the contents of the petition or motion.

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

Applies to

Pretrial memorandum

The Child Representative must disclose their position in a pretrial memorandum.

To disclose the Child Representative’s position in a pretrial memorandum.

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Applies to

Delay notice

Evaluator must promptly provide written notice to the Court and parties' counsel if the report will not be completed by the status date, stating the reason and the expected completion date.

The evaluator shall immediately advise the Court and counsel for the parties in writing if the report will not be completed by the status date and state the reason for the delay and the expected date of completion.

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Applies to

Evaluation report

The evaluator's report must reference and itemize the fee charged, state whether paid in full and, if not, the outstanding amount owed; the Court may direct payment of any remaining sum and enter judgment.

The evaluator's report shall include reference to the fee charged and itemize the charges, whether that fee has been paid in full, and if not, the outstanding amount owed. The Court may direct the parties to pay any sum that remains due and owing to the evaluator and may enter judgment accordingly.

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Applies to

Pre trial memorandum

A pre-trial memorandum must include the enumerated attorney, party, children, asset/debt, claims, agreement, disagreement, and settlement items.

Whenever practical, both counsel shall prepare a written joint pre-trial memorandum. Absent such a joint memorandum, each counsel shall prepare a pre-trial memorandum that must include the following: (1) Attorneys names, addresses and phone numbers; (2) Parties' names, ages, education levels, employment, health; (3) Children's names, ages, school information, special needs; (4) Assets, debts, and liabilities; including values and characterization of marital vs. non-marital; (5) Notice of Claim of Dissipation of Marital Assets, if any; (6) Statement of areas of agreement; (7) Statement of areas of disagreement; and (8) Suggestions for settlement.

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Applies to

Trial memorandum

Each party must provide a trial memorandum containing contested and uncontested issues, income, assets and liabilities, stipulations, witness list, and probable trial length.

Each party shall tender a trial memorandum to the trial judge and opposing counsel. The trial memorandum shall contain a statement of contested issues, uncontested issues, list of income, assets and liabilities, stipulations on agreed matters, a list of witnesses intended to be called, and probable length of trial.

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Applies to

Withholding order

Withholding orders must use the approved form from the Clerk's office and be accompanied by the Clerk's child support order if payments go through the Clerk.

Maintenance or support payments shall be made by an order of withholding upon a separate order of court providing therefore, using the approved form furnished by the Clerk’s office. If payments are through the Clerk of the Circuit Court, said withholding order shall be accompanied by the Clerk’s form child support order.

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Applies to

Agreed order

Attorneys or parties must submit an agreed order striking all future dates assigned by the Circuit Court Clerk.

The Circuit Court Clerk has already assigned future dates to all affected cases. The attorneys or parties shall also submit an agreed order striking all such future dates.

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

Applies to

Maintenance support order

Orders for maintenance or support payments must be presented in duplicate.

Orders for maintenance or support payments shall be presented to the Court in duplicate.

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Applies to

Memorandum of agreement

Mediation agreements must be memorialized in writing, and any executed Memorandum of Agreement must be tendered to the court for approval, becoming fully enforceable only when the court approves and enters it as an order.

Upon consensus, the mediator shall assist the mediation parties in memorializing their agreement in writing. Any executed Memorandum of Agreement shall be tendered to the court for approval. Only once the court approves and enters the Memorandum of Agreement as an order is it fully enforceable by the court.

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Applies to

Inventory

Inventory items must be numbered consecutively beginning with Arabic 1, with numbers carried forward into later accounts and supplemented for newly added items.

Consecutive item numbers, commencing with Arabic “1,” shall be assigned to each item inventoried and carried forward into each account. Numbers so assigned shall be supplemented by additional consecutive item numbers for items added in subsequent inventories and accounts.

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Applies to

Objection to admission

The objection to admission of an interested person must be filed using the form found in Appendix D.

A witness objecting to the admission of an interested person or agency shall file his or her objection no later the three (3) days before the hearing using the form found in Appendix D.

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Applies to

Order for admission

An order for admission of an interested person or agency must use the form prescribed in Appendix D.

The form of an order for admission of an interested person or agency shall be as prescribed in Appendix D.

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Applies to

Account

Each disbursement in an account must be numbered and supported by a voucher, and vouchers must be ordered, fastened separately, and filed with the account.

Each disbursement stated in an account shall be numbered and supported by a voucher. Vouchers shall be numbered and arranged in the order of the disbursements, securely fastened together under a separate cover, and filed with the account.

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Applies to

Guardian report

Guardians of the Person for minor wards must file a biennial report on the ward's condition, with the first report due within twelve months of appointment.

(a) In all guardianship cases wherein the ward is a minor, the Guardian of the Person shall provide the Court with a biennial report (one report every two years) concerning the condition of the person of the ward, except that the first report after appointment of the Guardian of the Person shall be within twelve (12) months of the entry of the initial order appointing the Guardian. Upon its own motion or at the request of the Guardian, the Court may extend the annual or biennial report to such time as the Court deems appropriate.

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Applies to

Annual accounting

Guardians of the Estate for minor wards must provide the Court with an annual accounting of the ward's finances.

(b) In all guardianship cases where the ward is a minor, the Guardian of the Estate shall provide the Court with an annual accounting concerning the condition of the finances of the ward. Upon its own motion or at the request of the Guardian of the Estate, the Court may extend or excuse the annual accounting as the Court deems appropriate.

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Applies to

Motion

Every Routine Motion should be accompanied by a Notice of Motion, whether or not notice is required, stating the matter will be heard on the Routine Motion Call and the date counsel wishes the order entered.

To facilitate the Court’s business, every Routine Motion should be accompanied by a Notice of Motion, regardless of whether notice is required, stating that the matter is to be heard on the Routine Motion Call and containing the date that counsel wishes to have the order entered.

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Applies to

Consent

Adoption consents (except those governed by 750 ILCS 50/10(O)) must be general in nature and substantially similar in form to the statutory consent.

All consents not governed by 750 ILCS 50/10(O) (Consent to Adoption in a proceeding under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987), shall be general in nature and be in a form substantially similar to that as provided by statute.

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Applies to

Investigative report

Investigative reports prepared by child welfare agencies or the Department of Court Services must comply with the DCFS administrative order format and be dated no later than twelve months before the Petition for Adoption is filed.

All investigative reports prepared by licensed child welfare agencies and the Department of Court Services shall comply with the format for such reports as established by Administrative Order of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and be dated not later than twelve months prior to the date of the filing of the Petition for Adoption.

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Applies to

Affidavit of assets and liabilities

An Affidavit of Assets and Liabilities must be completed and presented to the Court for review when a party seeks appointment of counsel.

If an individual seeks appointment of counsel, an Affidavit of Assets and Liabilities must be completed and presented to the Court for review on the 10:00 a.m. call.

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

Applies to

Petition for adoption

In co-parent adoptions, the petition for adoption must include information about the length, nature, and character of the petitioners' relationship.

In all matters where two unmarried persons seek to adopt a child who is not related to either person (a co-parent adoption), the petitioners shall comply with the provisions of the Adoption Act and this Rule 21 of the Circuit Court for the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit. In addition, the petitioners, in the petition for adoption, shall provide the court with information about the length, nature, and character of the petitioners' relationship.

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Applies to

Petition for adoption

In second parent adoptions, the petition for adoption must include information about the length, nature, and character of the petitioners' relationship.

In matters where a person seeks to adopt the child of another person, and said persons are not married to one another (a second parent adoption), the petitioners shall comply with the provisions of the Adoption Act and this Rule 21 of the Circuit Court for the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit. In addition, the petitioners, in the petition for adoption, shall provide the court with information about the length, nature, and character of the petitioners' relationship.

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

Applies to

Petition for appointment of confidential intermediary

A petition for appointment of a Confidential Intermediary must be accompanied by proof of registration with the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange.

Any person seeking the appointment of a Confidential Intermediary must accompany the Petition filed with the Court with proof of registration with the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange (750 ILCS 50/18.04).

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Applies to

Order

A Traffic Division judge vacating a judgment must state the legal basis in a written order.

When vacating an earlier judgment in the Traffic Division, the Traffic Division judge shall state the legal basis in a written order.

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Applies to

Sentencing order

The Court must enter a written order disposing of a criminal case in accordance with the Unified Code of Corrections.

After the jury or the Court finds a defendant guilty of any criminal or quasi-criminal offense, the Court shall enter a written order disposing of the case in accordance with the Unified Code of Corrections (730 ILCS 5/5-1-1 et seq.).

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Applies to

Notice of appeal

Notices of appeal should be prepared on an approved form supplied by the Clerk.

Notices of appeal should be made on an approved form provided by the Clerk.

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Applies to

Appeal bond

Appeal bonds must be entered on the Clerk's approved form when appropriate.

Appeal bonds, where appropriate, shall be entered on an approved form provided by the Clerk.

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Applies to

Request for media coverage

The request for extended media coverage must use the form prescribed in Appendix C.

The form of a request for extended media coverage shall be as prescribed in “Appendix C.”

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Applies to

Objection

A party's objection to extended media coverage must use the form prescribed in Appendix C.

The form of a party’s objection to extended media coverage shall be as prescribed in “Appendix C.”

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Applies to

Objection

A witness's objection to extended media coverage must use the form prescribed in Appendix C.

The form of a witness’s objection to extended media coverage shall be as prescribed in “Appendix C.”

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Civil cases

Applies to

Petition

A current medical certificate or letter executed by the attending physician stating the nature and extent of the injuries sustained by the minor or ward and the prognosis for the minor or ward, if it exists or if it is requested by the Court. The Court may waive the provisions of this sub-paragraph 4 upon good cause shown.

A current medical certificate or letter executed by the attending physician stating the nature and extent of the injuries sustained by the minor or ward and the prognosis for the minor or ward, if it exists or if it is requested by the Court. The Court may waive the provisions of this sub-paragraph 4 upon good cause shown.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Order

The order approving settlement must provide for distribution of the funds and for filing vouchers evidencing receipt of the funds with the Court within a time the Court prescribes.

The order entered approving settlement shall provide for the distribution of the settlement funds and the filing of vouchers, which evidence receipt of any portion of the fund, with the Court within a time prescribed by the Court.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Pleading

If the incorporation of facts by reference to another pleading or to another part of the same pleading will cause a pleading not to be readily comprehensible, such facts shall be realleged verbatim. Rule 6.03 does not prohibit the incorporation of facts as permitted by Supreme Court Rule 134, provided that the pleading remains readily comprehensible.

If the incorporation of facts by reference to another pleading or to another part of the same pleading will cause a pleading not to be readily comprehensible, such facts shall be realleged verbatim. Rule 6.03 does not prohibit the incorporation of facts as permitted by Supreme Court Rule 134, provided that the pleading remains readily comprehensible.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Pleading

Pleadings must specify the dollar amount claimed for non-personal injury damages; for personal injury, the prayer must indicate damages within specified ranges.

All pleadings wherein money damages are requested for matters other than injury to the person shall be specific as to the dollar amount claimed. In all pleadings where injury to the person is alleged, the prayer for relief must indicate the amount of damages claimed to be as follows: (1) Not greater than $2,500; or (2) Greater than $2,500 and but not in excess of $10,000; or (3) Greater than $10,000 and but not in excess of $15,000; or (4) Greater than $15,000 and but not in excess of $50,000; or (5) Greater than $50,000.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Motion

Each motion's title must indicate the relief sought and the applicable Code of Civil Procedure section.

The title to each motion shall indicate the relief sought and the applicable section of the Code of Civil Procedure.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Notice of motion

Must include

judge name, case number

The notice of hearing or presentment must designate the judge, case title and number, date, time, and courtroom for the motion.

The notice of hearing or presentment shall designate the judge to whom the motion will be presented; shall show the title and number of the action, the date when the motion will be set or presented, the time it will be set or presented, and the courtroom where it will be heard or presented.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Motion

Every motion and each basis must identify the Code of Civil Procedure section and/or Supreme Court Rule number under which it is brought.

Every motion, and each basis in the motion, brought pursuant to the Code of Civil Procedure or Supreme Court Rule shall be identified by the Code of Civil Procedure section and/or the Supreme Court Rule number under which it is brought.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Motion to allow additional pages

Motions for additional pages are disfavored and must be supported by an affidavit clearly stating the grounds establishing the necessity for excess pages.

Motions to allow additional pages are not favored, and specific grounds establishing the necessity for excess pages shall be clearly set forth in an affidavit filed in support of the motion.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Fee affidavit

Upon default, if fees are recoverable, attorney must present an affidavit detailing services, hours, rate, and reasonableness.

When an order of default is obtained, if any fees are recoverable, at the Court’s discretion, the attorney shall present an affidavit stating the nature of the services performed, the number of hours spent, the attorney’s hourly rate, statement of the level of experience and expertise of the attorneys, and that number of hours spent and the hourly rate charged per hour are fair and reasonable according to the standards of the local community.

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Applies to

Attorney registration

Every attorney practicing before the Court must register with the Clerk and obtain an attorney registration identification number.

Every attorney at law practicing before this Court shall register with the Clerk of the Circuit Court and obtain an attorney registration identification number.

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Applies to

Motion

An employer moving to vacate a conditional judgment must file an answer at the time the motion to vacate is filed.

When an employer seeks to vacate a conditional judgment, the employer must file an answer at the time the motion to vacate is filed

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Applies to

Exhibits

Documents or exhibits filed separately due to size limits must be filed with the DuPage Exhibit Cover Sheet (Form 4393); exhibits without the cover sheet may be rejected.

Any documents or exhibits filed separately from their associated pleading, motion, or document due to size limitations, even if (filed in the same transaction), shall be filed with the DuPage Exhibit Cover Sheet, Form 4393. Exhibits tendered without the appropriate cover sheet may be rejected for filing.

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Applies to

Electronic document

Must include

caption, case number

Each electronically filed pleading and document must include the case title, case number, and nature of the filing.

Additionally, each electronically filed pleading and document shall include the case title, case number and the nature of the filing.

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Applies to

Electronic document

Each e-filed document must include the typed name, email, address, and phone number of the filing attorney or pro se party; attorneys must include their DuPage County Attorney Number.

Each electronically filed document shall also include the typed name, email address, address, and telephone number of the attorney or pro se party filing such document. Attorneys shall include their DuPage County Attorney Number on all documents.

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Applies to

Motion

All grounds attacking a pleading or paper must be contained in a single motion, subject to the page limits.

All grounds attacking a pleading or paper shall be contained in a single motion and shall be subject to the foregoing page limits.

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Applies to

Motion

Motions for additional pages are disfavored and must be supported by an affidavit clearly setting forth specific grounds establishing the necessity for excess pages.

Motions to allow additional pages are not favored, and specific grounds establishing the necessity for excess pages shall be clearly set forth in an affidavit filed in support of the motion.

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Applies to

Court document

Must include

caption

After consolidation is granted, all court documents must bear captions of all consolidated cases with the principal case's caption at the bottom and the transferred case's caption at the top.

Once a motion to consolidate has been granted, and for as long as the consolidation is in effect, all court documents concerning said cases shall bear the captions of all consolidated cases with the principal case's caption at the bottom and the transferred case's caption at the top.

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Applies to

Proof of service

Must include

certificate of service

Proof of Service and Notice of Filing for all discovery documents must be filed with the Clerk and include case title and number, service date, parties, and identification of the document.

Proof of Service and Notice of Filing of all discovery documents shall be filed with the Clerk of the Court and shall contain the case title and number, date mailed or personally served, the sending and receiving parties, and adequately identify the particular discovery document being served or answered.

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Applies to

Settlement petition

Settlement petitions must include affidavits from the representative and/or heirs acknowledging and agreeing to the settlement, or an indication that a dependency hearing is required.

(7) Affidavits from the representative and/or heirs acknowledging and agreeing to the settlement or indication that a dependency hearing is required; and

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Applies to

Settlement petition

Must include

proposed order

Settlement petitions must include a proposed order approving the settlement, fees, expenses, liens, and disbursements to the heirs and estate.

(8) A proposed order approving of the settlement, fees, expenses, liens, and disbursements to the heirs and estate.

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Applies to

Receiver appointment petition

A petition for appointment of a receiver must set forth sufficient facts to warrant the appointment; mere conclusions are insufficient, though the defect may be cured at an evidentiary hearing.

(d) A petition for the appointment of a receiver shall set forth sufficient facts to warrant the appointment; mere conclusions will not suffice. However, failure to set forth such facts may be cured if the Court holds an evidentiary hearing on the petition and sufficient facts are adduced at that hearing.

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Applies to

Motion

An attorney for a receiver may be employed only by court order upon written motion of the receiver stating the reasons for the requested employment and naming the attorney.

An attorney for the receiver shall be employed only upon order of the Court upon written motion of the receiver stating the reasons for the requested employment and naming the attorney to be employed.

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Applies to

Summons

Failure to include the mediation notice language or brochure on or with the summons does not affect the court's jurisdiction.

However, consistent with S. Ct. Rule 101(g), failure to include the language or brochure above described on or with the summons shall not affect the jurisdiction of the court.

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Applies to

Settlement order

Upon settlement of a mediation case, plaintiff's counsel must immediately notify the Judge in writing and submit the written settlement or dispositive order by the scheduled mediation conference date.

Upon settlement of any mediation case pending before the Court, counsel for plaintiff shall immediately notify the Judge in writing and submit the written settlement or other dispositive order on or before the scheduled mediation conference date.

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Applies to

Mediation agreement

The parties must present their mediated agreement to the Court for entry as an Order; mediated agreements are not binding unless entered as a Court order.

It is then the responsibility of the parties to present their agreement to the Court to enter as an Order on the status/trial date. Mediated agreements are not binding unless entered as a Court order as presented by the parties to the case.

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Applies to

Mediation report

The mediator must immediately advise the Program, and the Program must immediately inform the Court in writing via a Mediation Report, if mediation is suspended or terminated or a party fails to comply.

The mediator shall immediately advise the Program, and the Program shall immediately inform the Court in writing via a Mediation Report, if he or she suspends or terminates mediation or if either or both parties fail to comply with the terms of mediation.

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Applies to

Mediation report

The mediator must submit a Mediation Report to the Court, the parties, and their attorneys on or before the status date, including the information listed under Program Reporting Requirements.

On or before the status date, the mediator shall submit a Mediation Report, which shall include the information listed in this rule under the section entitled “Program Reporting Requirements,” to the Court, the parties, and their respective attorneys.

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Applies to

Mediation report

After mediation concludes, the mediator must provide the Program with the information needed to complete the court-approved Mediation Report and comply with other reporting requirements.

Following the conclusion of mediation, the mediator shall provide the Program with the information necessary for the Program to complete the court approved Mediation Report. The mediator shall also comply with any other reporting requirements provided for hereunder.

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Applies to

Mediation report

A mediator may not make a report, assessment, evaluation, recommendation, finding, or other communication regarding the mediation to the court, but may disclose whether mediation occurred or terminated, whether a settlement was reached, and attendance.

Pursuant to 710 ILCS 35/7(a), a mediator assigned to a case hereunder “may not make a report, assessment, evaluation, recommendation, finding, or other communication regarding a mediation to a court, administrative agency, or other authority that may make a ruling on the dispute that is the subject of the mediation” but, pursuant to 710 ILCS 35/7(b)(1), a mediator may disclose “whether the mediation occurred or has terminated, whether a settlement was reached, and attendance.”

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Applies to

Petition motion

Petitions and motions in domestic relations cases must be in the approved form and begin with a title accurately describing their contents.

All petitions and motions submitted to the Court in domestic relations cases shall be substantially in the approved form provided by law and shall begin with a title that accurately describes the contents of the petition or motion.

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Applies to

Temporary relief petition

In temporary relief proceedings, the moving party must provide the Financial Affidavit to opposing counsel under Local Rule 15.05.

Except as otherwise provided by law, in all proceedings involving petitions for temporary relief, the moving party shall serve proper notice in accordance with Local Rule 6.04 and provide, to opposing counsel, the necessary Financial Affidavit in accordance with Local Rule 15.05.

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Applies to

Pretrial memorandum

The Child Representative must disclose their position in a pretrial memorandum.

To disclose the Child Representative's position in a pretrial memorandum.

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Applies to

Evaluator report

The evaluator's report must include a reference to the fee charged, itemize the charges, state whether the fee has been paid in full, and if not, the outstanding amount owed.

The evaluator’s report shall include reference to the fee charged and itemize the charges, whether that fee has been paid in full, and if not, the outstanding amount owed.

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Applies to

Maintenance order

Orders for maintenance or support payments must be presented to the Court in duplicate.

Orders for maintenance or support payments shall be presented to the Court in duplicate.

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Applies to

Summons

Summons must use an approved form substantially in the form set forth in Supreme Court Rule ̃101(b.

COMPLAINT (a) An approved summons form provided by the Clerk of the Court, substantially in the form set forth in Supreme Court Rule 101(b), shall be served upon each defendant together with a copy of

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Applies to

Complaint

Complaint form must include a statement of claim setting forth the elements provided in Supreme Court Rule ̃282.

of the complaint. (b) The form of complaint to be used in small claims actions shall provide for a statement of claim setting forth the elements provided in Supreme Court Rule 282 on approved forms provided by the Clerk

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Applies to

Order

The court must enter a written order on all admission requests specifying the scope of admission, effective only for the proceedings specified, using the form in Appendix D.

The court will evaluate admission requests on a case-by-case basis outside of the presence of the minor. The court will enter a written order on all requests for admission of an interested person or agency specifying the scope of admission, if any, permitted. An order granting admission shall be effective only for the proceedings specified in the written order. The form of an order for admission of an interested person or agency shall be as prescribed in Appendix D.

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Applies to

Petition for probate

A petition for probate of a handwritten will must be accompanied by a typewritten copy of the will and an affidavit attesting to its correctness.

With a petition for probate of a handwritten will, in addition to a facsimile thereof, petitioner shall file a typewritten copy of the will and an affidavit of the petitioner or the petitioner’s attorney that, to the best of their knowledge, the typewritten copy is correct.

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Applies to

Guardianship account

A guardian's account must state the ward's physical location and school attendance or occupation.

An account of a guardian shall state the physical location of the ward and the fact of attendance at school or occupation.

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Applies to

Guardianship account

A guardian's or temporary guardian's account must disclose any pending suit or proceeding involving the estate, if known.

An account of a guardian or temporary guardian shall disclose pendency of any suit or proceeding, if known, by or against the estate or representative of the estate.

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Applies to

Guardianship account

When presenting an account, the guardian must establish to the judge's satisfaction that the stated assets exist.

At the time of presenting an account, the guardian, conservator or conservator to collect shall establish to the judge's satisfaction the existence of the assets stated.

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Applies to

Order of distribution

If a distributee dies before receiving the full distributive share, evidence of death and other required documents must be presented for the order of distribution, and the order of discharge must state this.

If a distributee of a decedent's estate dies after decedent's death but before receipt of the distributee's entire distributive share, evidence of the distributee's death, and such other documents as may be required for the entry of an order of distribution, shall be presented and the order of discharge shall so state.

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Applies to

Guardianship report

Guardians of the Person of disabled adults must provide the Court a biennial report on the ward's condition, with the first report due within 12 months of appointment; the Court may extend the reporting period.

In all estates wherein the ward is a disabled adult, the Guardian of the Person shall provide the Court with a biennial report (one report every two years) concerning the condition of the person of the ward, except that the first report after appointment of the Guardian of the Person shall be within twelve (12) months of the entry of the initial order appointing the Guardian. Upon its own motion or at the request of the Guardian, the Court may extend the reporting period to such time as the Court deems appropriate.

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Applies to

Guardianship accounting

Guardians of the Estate of disabled adults must provide the Court an annual accounting of the ward's finances; the Court may extend or excuse the accounting.

In all estates wherein the ward is a disabled adult, the Guardian of the Estate shall provide the Court with an annual accounting concerning the condition of the finances of the Ward. Upon its own motion or at the request of the Guardian, the Court may extend or excuse the annual accounting as the Court deems appropriate.

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Applies to

Guardianship report

Guardians of the Person of minor wards must provide the Court a biennial report on the ward's condition, with the first report due within 12 months of appointment; the Court may extend the reporting deadline.

In all guardianship cases wherein the ward is a minor, the Guardian of the Person shall provide the Court with a biennial report (one report every two years) concerning the condition of the person of the ward, except that the first report after appointment of the Guardian of the Person shall be within twelve (12) months of the entry of the initial order appointing the Guardian. Upon its own motion or at the request of the Guardian, the Court may extend the annual or biennial report to such time as the Court deems appropriate.

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Applies to

Guardianship accounting

Guardians of the Estate of minor wards must provide the Court an annual accounting of the ward's finances; the Court may extend or excuse the accounting.

In all guardianship cases where the ward is a minor, the Guardian of the Estate shall provide the Court with an annual accounting concerning the condition of the finances of the ward. Upon its own motion or at the request of the Guardian of the Estate, the Court may extend or excuse the annual accounting as the Court deems appropriate.

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Applies to

Adoption petition

An adoption petition must contain all allegations required by the Illinois Adoption Act.

The petition shall contain all allegations required by the Illinois Adoption Act.

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Applies to

Routine motion

Every routine motion should be accompanied by a Notice of Motion stating it is to be heard on the Routine Motion Call and the date counsel wishes the order entered.

To facilitate the Court's business, every Routine Motion should be accompanied by a Notice of Motion, regardless of whether notice is required, stating that the matter is to be heard on the Routine Motion Call and containing the date that counsel wishes to have the order entered.

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Applies to

Petitioner affidavit

Petitioners' counsel must furnish the appointed GAL with the Petition, Interim Order, consents and surrenders, and deliver a completed background affidavit from each Petitioner (with required exhibits) where the GAL is appointed as investigator.

It shall be the duty of counsel for the Petitioner(s) to furnish the appointed GAL with a copy of the Petition for Adoption, Interim Order, consents and surrenders, and any other material normally provided to the GALs in similar cases. In adoptions where the GAL is appointed as investigator, counsel for the Petitioner(s) shall deliver a completed affidavit from each Petitioner concerning their background, including medical history, religious background, general demographic information, together with any exhibits required.

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Applies to

Petition for award of fees and costs

The GAL must prepare and submit a Petition for Award of Fees and Costs with supporting billing records before entry of Judgment for Adoption.

Prior to the entry of Judgment for Adoption, the GAL shall prepare and submit to the Court a Petition for Award of Fees and Costs, with supporting billing records or invoices.

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Applies to

Motion to certify appeal status

Counsel must prepare a motion, order, and verification statement so the Court may direct the Clerk to certify the status of any appeal.

If the termination proceedings were conducted in the Circuit Court for the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, upon motion, the Court will direct the Clerk of Court to certify the status of any appeal from an order terminating parental rights. Counsel is responsible for preparing an appropriate motion, order and verification statement.

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Applies to

Affidavit of assets and liabilities

An individual seeking appointment of counsel must complete and present an Affidavit of Assets and Liabilities to the Court on the 10:00 a.m. call.

If that person is indigent, the Court is required to appoint counsel. If an individual seeks appointment of counsel, an Affidavit of Assets and Liabilities must be completed and presented to the Court for review on the 10:00 a.m. call.

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Applies to

Petition for fees

Requests for fees must be made by a verified Petition or supported by an affidavit detailing time and work; the petition should also include a copy of the Affidavit of Assets and Liabilities and the order of appointment.

Requests for fees must be made by Petition either verified or supported by an affidavit detailing the time expended and work performed which was necessary in representing the client's interest. To facilitate payment, the petition should also include a copy of the Affidavit of Assets and Liabilities signed by the client and the order of appointment.

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Applies to

Petition

A Petition for appointment of a Confidential Intermediary must be accompanied by proof of registration with the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange.

Any person seeking the appointment of a Confidential Intermediary must accompany the Petition filed with the Court with proof of registration with the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange (750 ILCS 50/18.04).

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Applies to

Motion

Applications for relief must be made by filing a motion, and the title of each motion must indicate the relief sought and the applicable section of the Code of Criminal Procedure or Supreme Court Rule.

Unless otherwise dictated by statute or Supreme Court Rule, any application for an order or other relief shall be made by filing a motion. The title to each motion shall indicate the relief sought and the applicable section of the Code of Criminal Procedure or Supreme Court Rule.

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Applies to

Notice of motion

Every motion not filed in open court must be accompanied by a notice of motion designating the judge and stating the action's title and number, the presentation date and time, the courtroom, and the purpose including the requested relief.

Every motion which is not filed in open court shall be accompanied by a notice of motion. The notice shall designate the judge to whom the motion will be presented for hearing; shall show the title and number of the action, the date when the motion will be presented, the time it will be presented, the courtroom where it will be presented, and the purpose of the motion, including the requested relief.

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Applies to

Petition

Petitions to expunge felony or misdemeanor arrest records must be in writing and brought before the Presiding Judge of the Felony or Misdemeanor Division.

Any petition to expunge records of felony or misdemeanor arrest from official records pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2 or 730 ILCS 5/5-6-3.1 shall be in writing and shall be brought before the Presiding Judge of the Felony Division or of the Misdemeanor Division, respectively, who may, in the Presiding Judge’s discretion, enter an order expunging the record of arrest.

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Applies to

Motion

A request for remote appearance must be made by filing an appropriate motion before the judge presiding over the case.

Any request for remote appearance must be made before the judge presiding over the case by filing an appropriate motion.

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Applies to

Order

An agreed order should have the adjective 'agreed' appear before the word 'order' in its title.

If any order submitted to the Court is agreed, the adjective “agreed” should precede the word “order” in the title.

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Applies to

Petition

The petition should also allege that judgment will not be requested until the death or request of the biological/legal parent(s).

This petition should also allege that a judgment will not be requested until the death or request of the person’s biological and or legal parent(s).

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

Civil cases

Applies to

Motion to consolidate

Motions to consolidate two or more cases must be presented to the judge who is to receive and hear the consolidated case, after notice to all parties of record in all cases.

Motions to consolidate two or more cases shall be presented to the judge who is requested to receive and hear the consolidated case after notice to all parties of record in all cases

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Applies to

Electronic document

Filing an electronic document requiring an original signature certifies that the original signed document exists in the filer's possession.

Anyone filing an electronic document that requires an original signature certifies by so filing, that the original signed document exists in the filing person's possession.

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Applies to

Disclaimer

Self-represented litigants must execute a disclaimer before receiving assistance from the Guardianship Help Desk.

Before receiving assistance from the Guardianship Help Desk volunteer attorney, each self-represented litigant will execute a disclaimer, a copy of which will be provided on the 18th Judicial Circuit Court Website and the DuPage County Circuit Court Website.

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Applies to

Financial affidavit

No Financial Affidavit is required in Title IV-D cases where HFS seeks child support on behalf of the State or another State agency.

A Financial Affidavit shall not be required in any Title IV-D cases where the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services is seeking child support on behalf of the State of Illinois or any other State agency.

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Applies to

Order

Agreed orders should have the adjective 'agreed' precede the word 'order' in the title.

If any order submitted to the Court is agreed, the adjective "agreed" should precede the word "order" in the title.

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Applies to

Written report

The Guardian ad Litem must tender a written report to the Court if ordered.

If appointed as such, the Guardian ad Litem shall tender a written report to the Court, if so ordered.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Applies to

Motion to vacate

When an employer seeks to vacate a conditional judgment, the employer must file an answer at the time the motion to vacate is filed

Summary: An employer moving to vacate a conditional judgment must file an answer at the same time the motion to vacate is filed.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?

Applies to

Exhibit list

Litigant/attorney shall provide a copy means their exhibit list(s) to the courtroom clerk at the commencement of the trial.

Summary: Litigants and attorneys must give a copy of their exhibit list(s) to the courtroom clerk when the trial begins.

We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.CRITICAL?

(a) To settle any cause of action in which a minor or ward will receive any or all of the settlement proceeds, a verified petition shall be filed executed by the legal representative of the minor, ward, or the decedent's estate, and shall recite: (1) A description of the occurrence giving rise to the cause of action. (2) The name and address of the person or entity against whom the cause of action has accrued. (3) The name of the liability insurance carrier, if any, affording coverage to the person or entity against whom the cause of action has accrued, and the monetary limits of the liability insurance policy issued by said insurance carrier in effect at the time of the occurrence. (4) A brief description of the injuries sustained by the minor or ward and a list of hospital and medical expenses incurred on behalf of said minor as a result of the occurrence. (5) The petition shall contain a statement by the petitioner or the attorney for the petitioner as to the fairness of the offer and a recommendation as to whether the offer should be approved or rejected.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Applies to

Notice of rejection of award ?

Must include

certificate of service ?

Notice is given that ________________ rejects the award of the arbitrators entered in this cause on (date), and hereby requests a trial of this action.

Summary: A notice of rejection of an arbitration award must state that the party rejects the award and requests a trial.

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Applies to

Eviction mediation notice ?

Must include

caption, certificate of service ?

Cases filed after September 20, 2021 are required to provide notice of the eviction mediation program, notice is to be provided in substantially the following form, in a document which includes the caption for the case and otherwise conforms with all other requirements for pleadings filed in this Court (including a certificate of service and notice of filing):

Summary: Eviction cases filed after September 20, 2021 must include a notice of the eviction mediation program in the prescribed form, including a caption, certificate of service, and notice of filing.

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Applies to

Summons

A RESIDENTIAL TENANT NAMED AS A DEFENDANT HEREIN, YOU ARE FURTHER GIVEN NOTICE that there are resources available to assist you, including financial counseling services, legal assistance, and other resources, many of which are identified in the brochure being provided to you herewith (a copy of which may be found at https://www.dupageco.org/courts/ (b) However, consistent with S. Ct. Rule 101(g), failure to include the language or brochure above described on or with the summons shall not affect the jurisdiction of the court.

Summary: Residential eviction summonses must include a notice of available resources and a brochure, but failure to include them does not affect the court's jurisdiction.

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Applies to

Financial affidavit

In all Domestic Relations proceedings involving child support, children’s expenses, college expenses, maintenance, the division of marital and non-marital assets, and attorney fees, each party other than the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall provide the other with a completed Financial Affidavit in the form approved by the Illinois Supreme Court.

Summary: Parties in domestic relations proceedings must provide a completed Financial Affidavit in the Illinois Supreme Court-approved form.

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The Allocation Judgment/Parenting Plan may enter as an Agreed Order following review as presumed to be in the best interest of the minor children if signed by both parties. All mandatory clauses shall be included within the Plan (e.g., mediation provision).

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Applies to

Summons

An approved summons form provided by the Clerk of the Court, substantially in the form set forth in Supreme Court Rule 101(b), shall be served upon each defendant together with a copy of the complaint.

Summary: The summons in small claims actions must be on an approved Clerk-provided form substantially following Supreme Court Rule 101(b).

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Applies to

Sentencing hearing ?

The following document shall be due three (3) days before the hearing: (i) Social investigation report under section 5-701 of the Juvenile Court Act; and (ii) Any court-ordered evaluations.

Summary: Social investigation reports and court-ordered evaluations are due three days before the sentencing hearing.

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Applies to

Recommendation

In all cases, in lieu of an answer, file with the Court a recommendation as to what is in the best interest of the child based upon a review of all available data.

Summary: In all adoption cases, the GAL must file a best-interests recommendation with the Court instead of an answer.

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Applies to

Petition

If no investigative report by a licensed agency has been required by the court or the separate social history investigation has been waived and it comes to the attention of the GAL that a petitioner who is not the biological parent of the adoptee has committed any offense involving sexual abuse of any person, physical abuse or abandonment of a child, or been convicted of any felony offense as defined by the laws of the jurisdiction in which it occurred, the GAL shall petition the Court to order an investigative report prior to the entry of a judgment of adoption.

Summary: The GAL must petition the Court for an investigative report if a non-biological petitioner has known offenses involving abuse or felony conviction.

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Applies to

Petition for fees ?

Prior to the entry of Judgment for Adoption, the GAL shall prepare and submit to the Court a Petition for Award of Fees and Costs, with supporting billing records or invoices.

Summary: The GAL must submit a Petition for Award of Fees and Costs with supporting billing records before entry of the adoption judgment.

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Applies to

Verification ?

In adoption cases where the parental rights of a biological or legal parent have been terminated in a Juvenile Court proceeding, this Court is unable to enter a Judgment of Adoption until the appeal rights of each such parent have been exhausted. This must be established by counsel for the petitioner(s).

Summary: Adoption judgment cannot be entered until appeal rights of each parent are exhausted, which must be established by petitioner’s counsel.

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Applies to

Report or pleading ?

No later than two (2) business days before the date scheduled for entry of Judgment, the GAL shall cause to be delivered to the Court and counsel and/or all parties, either a completed Report of the Guardian ad Litem consenting to the entry of judgment or a pleading stating why judgment should not be entered.

Summary: The GAL must deliver to the Court, counsel, and all parties a completed Report of the GAL consenting to judgment or a pleading stating why judgment should not be entered.

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Applies to

Petition

Petitions seeking a judgment of adoption in accordance with 750 ILCS 50/1S shall file a Petition which alleges the required elements for a judgment of adoption.

Summary: Petitions for standby adoption must allege the required elements for a judgment of adoption.

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Applies to

Notice of motion

Must include

caption, judge name, case number ?

Every motion which is not filed in open court shall be accompanied by a notice of motion. The notice shall designate the judge to whom the motion will be presented for hearing; shall show the title and number of the action, the date when the motion will be presented, the time it will be presented, the courtroom where it will be presented, and the purpose of the motion, including the requested relief.

Summary: Motions not filed in open court must be accompanied by a notice of motion specifying the judge, title and number, date, time, courtroom, and purpose including relief.

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All demands for trial, pursuant to the Code of Criminal Procedure [725 ILCS 5/103-5(b)], shall be made in the following manner: (1) In writing with proper caption and case number signed and dated by the defendant or the defendant’s attorney;

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Applies to

Search warrant

Every search warrant shall be supported as provided in 725 ILCS 5/108-3 and 5/108-4 of the Code of Criminal Procedure by a complaint written on the appropriate approved form.

Summary: Every search warrant must be supported by a complaint written on the approved form.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Proof of service

Must include

caption, case number, certificate of service ?

Proof of Service and Notice of Filing of all discovery documents shall be filed with the Clerk of the Court, and shall contain the case title and number, date mailed or personally served, the sending and receiving parties, and adequately identify the particular discovery document being served or answered.

Summary: A proof of service for discovery documents must state the case title and number, the date of mailing or personal service, the sending and receiving parties, and identify the precise discovery document served or answered.

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Applies to

Motion for substitution of judge for cause

All Motions for Substitution of Judge for Cause must be filed, supported by affidavit, before the judge from whom substitution is sought.

Summary: A Motion for Substitution of Judge for Cause must be filed with a supporting affidavit and submitted to the judge from whom substitution is sought.

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Applies to

Pleading appearance order ?

The first pleading or appearance and all subsequent documents and orders shall contain the name, address and telephone number of the attorney (or party, if pro se) filing said paper, and an attorney shall also include on this an attorney identification number.

Summary: The first pleading, all subsequent documents, and orders must contain the filing attorney's (or pro se party's) name, address, and telephone number, and attorneys must include their identification number.

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Applies to

Appearance

An attorney representing a party in any civil or criminal matter shall file an appearance before addressing the Court.

Summary: An attorney representing a party in any civil or criminal matter must file an appearance before addressing the Court.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Eviction mediation notice ?

Must include

caption, certificate of service, notice of electronic filing ?

Cases filed after September 20, 2021 are required to provide notice of the eviction mediation program, notice is to be provided in substantially the following form, in a document which includes the caption for the case and otherwise conforms with all other requirements for pleadings filed in this Court (including a certificate of service and notice of filing):

Summary: Residential eviction cases filed after September 20, 2021 must include a mediation program notice in the required form, with the case caption, a certificate of service, and a notice of filing.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Mediation referral order

(j) The Court’s Mediation Referral Order shall include: (i) Instructions as to where, when, and how the mediation will be expected to proceed and what each side should do to prepare for the same; (ii) Instructions as to how the case should proceed in the event an agreement is reached through mediation; and (iii) Instructions as to how the case should proceed in the event no agreement is reached, including specifically a requirement that the parties return to court on a date and at a time certain thereafter, either to advise the Court as to the status of their dispute and schedule additional proceedings (if the date scheduled in the order is for “STATUS”) or to immediately proceed to trial (if the date scheduled in the order is for “TRIAL”).

Summary: The Court’s Mediation Referral Order must include mediation logistics and preparation instructions, instructions for proceeding if agreement is reached, and instructions for proceeding if no agreement is reached, including a return-court date for STATUS or TRIAL.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Exhibit

Any documents or exhibits filed separately from their associated pleading, motion, or document due to size limitations, even if (filed in the same transaction), shall be filed with the DuPage Exhibit Cover Sheet, Form 4393. Exhibits tendered without the appropriate cover sheet may be rejected for filing.

Summary: Exhibits filed separately from associated documents due to size limits must include DuPage Exhibit Cover Sheet (Form 4393), or may be rejected.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Electronic document ?

Each electronically filed document shall also include the typed name, email address, address, and telephone number of the attorney or pro se party filing such document. Attorneys shall include their DuPage County Attorney Number on all documents.

Summary: E-filed documents must include typed name, email, address, and phone number of the filer; attorneys must include DuPage County Attorney Number.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Verified petition

(a) To settle a cause of action for personal injuries sustained by a minor or ward, or any other action in which a minor or ward will receive any or all of the settlement proceeds, a verified petition shall be filed executed by the legal representative of the minor, ward, or the decedent’s estate, and shall recite: (1) A description of the occurrence giving rise to the cause of action. (2) The name and address of the person or entity against whom the cause of action has accrued. (3) The name of the liability insurance carrier, if any, affording coverage to the person or entity against whom the cause of action has accrued, and the monetary limits of the liability insurance policy issued by said insurance carrier in effect at the time of the occurrence. (4) A brief description of the injuries sustained by the minor or ward and a list of hospital and medical expenses incurred on behalf of said minor as a result of the occurrence. A current medical certificate or letter executed by the attending physician stating the nature and extent of the injuries sustained by the minor or ward and the prognosis for the minor or ward, if it exists or if it is requested by the Court. The Court may waive the provisions of this sub-paragraph 4 upon good cause shown. (5) The petition shall contain a statement by the petitioner or the attorney for the petitioner as to the fairness of the offer and a recommendation as to whether the offer should be approved or rejected.

Summary: To settle a claim involving a minor or ward, an executed verified petition must be filed by the legal representative reciting the specified five categories of information.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Settlement approval order ?

(f) The order entered approving settlement shall provide for the distribution of the settlement funds and the filing of vouchers, which evidence receipt of any portion of the fund, with the Court. Any time so prescribed by the Court.

Summary: The approval order must include terms addressed to distribution of the settlement funds and require that vouchers of receipt of funds be filed with the Court within a time set by the Court.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Voucher

The voucher from the depository shall acknowledge receipt of the funds and a copy of the order of the Court approving settlement, and for minor’s settlements, shall include the express language that “No withdrawals shall be

Summary: The financial institution voucher must acknowledge receipt of the funds and the Court's approval order, and for minor settlements must include the specific language starting 'No withdrawals shall be'.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Voucher ?

made from this account, unless authorized by order of Court, at any time prior to (date upon which the minor will reach the age of majority).”

Summary: Vouchers for minor's settlements must include express language restricting withdrawals until the minor reaches the age of majority.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Voucher

For ward’s settlements, the vouchers shall include the express language that “No withdrawals shall be made from this account, unless authorized by order of Court until such time as the ward no longer has a guardian.”

Summary: Vouchers for ward's settlements must include express language restricting withdrawals until the ward no longer has a guardian.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Order approving settlement

(i) The order entered approving settlement shall provide for the appointment of a guardian for the minor’s estate and shall require the appointed guardian to file a bond pending proper deposit of the minor’s funds in the financial institution approved by the Court. Upon the filing of the voucher from the financial institution acknowledging receipt of the funds and a copy of the order approving settlement, the bond may be canceled. The requirement of a surety on the bond to be filed by the guardian of the minor’s estate may be waived when the Court finds it is in the best interests of the minor’s estate. In such instances, the attorney representing the interests of the minor shall have personal responsibility for depositing the funds in the approved financial institution in accordance with the order entered.

Summary: The order approving settlement must appoint a guardian for the minor's estate and require a bond; the bond may be canceled after the voucher and order are filed, and the surety may be waived in the minor's best interests, in which case the minor's attorney is personally responsible for depositing the funds.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Stipulation dismissal ?

(j) A stipulation dismissing the cause of action shall be filed with the filing of the voucher from the financial institution acknowledging receipt of the funds.

Summary: A stipulation dismissing the cause of action must be filed together with the financial institution's voucher acknowledging receipt of the funds.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Structured settlement agreement ?

(k) Where the agreement involves a structured settlement, the company providing the annuity shall be one which holds a current rating of “A” or better by Best’s Insurance Guide.

Summary: Structured settlement annuity providers must hold a current Best's Insurance Guide rating of 'A' or better.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Petition for approval

10.02 SETTLEMENT IN A WRONGFUL DEATH AND/OR SURVIVAL ACTION (a) To settle a cause of action on behalf of a decedent for personal injuries and/or for the wrongful death of a person, the representative of the decedent’s estate shall file in the court a petition for approval of the settlement of the cause of action. A petition for approval shall recite: (1) A brief description of the occurrence giving rise to the cause of action; (2) A brief description of the injuries sustained and/or facts giving rise to the cause of death of the decedent; (3) A brief assessment by the attorney based upon the facts and the law that the proposed settlement is fair and reasonable; (4) A breakdown and percentage of proposed wrongful death, pecuniary loss, and survival damages along with factual bases to support said proposal; (5) A list of fees, expenses, lien distribution, and overall disbursement to the heirs and estate; (6) A statement as to whether a probate action is pending DuPage County or some other county;

Summary: A petition for approval of a wrongful death or survival settlement must recite six specified items, including descriptions of the occurrence and injuries, attorney assessment of fairness, damages breakdown, fee and disbursement list, and probate action status.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Withdrawal petition ?

(p) A petition for withdrawal from said account for a ward or for a minor prior to the minor reaching the age of majority shall be in writing and shall state the amount in the account at the time of presenting the petition, the annual income available to the minor, the amount and purpose for the withdrawal, and the amount of the last authorization for withdrawal from the account for the same purpose.

Summary: A petition to withdraw funds from a minor's or ward's account must be in writing and state the account balance, the minor's annual income, the amount and purpose of the withdrawal, and the amount of the last authorized withdrawal for the same purpose.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Settlement petition ?

(7) Affidavits from the representative and/or heirs acknowledging and agreeing to the settlement or indication that a dependency hearing is required;

Summary: The settlement petition must include affidavits from the representative and/or heirs agreeing to the settlement or an indication that a dependency hearing is required.

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Civil cases

Applies to

Settlement petition ?

Must include

proposed order

(8) A proposed order approving of the settlement, fees, expenses, liens, and disbursements to the heirs and estate.

Summary: The settlement petition must include a proposed order approving the settlement, fees, expenses, liens, and disbursements to the heirs and estate.

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Applies to

Complaint and summons ?

The complaint and all summonses shall state in upper case letters on the upper right-hand corner: “THIS IS AN ARBITRATION CASE.”

Summary: The complaint and every summons in an Article 13 case must state “THIS IS AN ARBITRATION CASE” in upper case in the upper right-hand corner.

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Applies to

Motion

The motion shall be verified, contain a concise statement of the reason for the change of hearing date, and be subject to Supreme Court Rule 137.

Summary: A motion to change an arbitration hearing date must be verified, state the reason in concise terms, and comply with Supreme Court Rule 137.

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Applies to

Notice of rejection of award ?

Must include

caption, case number ?

Notice is given that ________________ rejects the award of the arbitrators entered in this cause on (date), and hereby requests a trial of this action.

Summary: A notice of rejection of award must be in the prescribed form, state that the party rejects the arbitrators' award, and request a trial.

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Applies to

Judgment order ?

After the jury or the Court finds a defendant guilty of any criminal or quasi-criminal offense, the Court shall enter a written order disposing of the case in accordance with the Unified Code of Corrections (730 ILCS 5/5-1-1 et seq.).

Summary: After a finding of guilt, the Court must enter a written judgment order disposing of the case under the Unified Code of Corrections.

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Applies to

Pre sentence report

A pre-sentence report shall be made in every felony case unless waived as provided by law (730 ILCS 5/5-3-1), and in other cases as ordered by the Court.

Summary: A pre-sentence report is required in every felony case unless waived by law, and in other cases if the Court orders one.

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Applies to

Probation certificate

(a) When the Court imposes a sentence of probation under the Code of Criminal Procedure (730 ILCS 5/5-6-1 et seq.), the Court shall set forth on a pre-printed approved Probation Certificate form the terms and conditions of the probation.

Summary: Probation imposed under the Code of Criminal Procedure must be recorded on the approved pre-printed Probation Certificate form, which must set out the terms and conditions of probation.

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Applies to

Probation order

(b) When the Court imposes probation under the Cannabis Control Act (720 ILCS 550/10), or under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act (720 ILCS 570/410), the Court shall set forth on a pre-printed Probation Order the terms and conditions of the probation.

Summary: Probation imposed under the Cannabis Control Act or Illinois Controlled Substances Act must be recorded on a pre-printed Probation Order setting out the terms and conditions of probation.

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Applies to

Conditional discharge order ?

When the Court enters a sentence of Conditional Discharge under the Code of Criminal Procedure (730 ILCS 5/5-6-1 et seq.), the order shall be completed and signed by the judge and defendant.

Summary: A Conditional Discharge order must be completed and signed by both the judge and the defendant.

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Applies to

Motion for substitution of judge

All Motions for Substitution of Judge for Cause must be filed, supported by affidavit, before the judge from whom substitution is sought.

Summary: Motions for substitution of judge for cause must be filed before the judge from whom substitution is sought and must be supported by affidavit.

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Applies to

First pleading and all documents ?

The first pleading or appearance and all subsequent documents and orders shall contain the name, address and telephone number of the attorney (or party, if pro se) filing said paper, and an attorney shall also include the attorney's identification number.

Summary: First pleadings and all subsequent filings must contain the attorney's (or pro se party's) name, address, and telephone number, and attorneys must also include their attorney identification number.

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Applies to

Notice of appearance ?

All attorneys shall file an appearance with the Clerk before addressing the Court on behalf of any represented party.

Summary: Attorneys must file an appearance with the Clerk before addressing the Court on behalf of any represented party.

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Applies to

Exhibits

Any documents or exhibits filed separately from their associated pleading, motion, or document due to size limitations, even if (filed in the same transaction), shall be filed with the DuPage Exhibit Cover Sheet, Form 4393. Exhibits tendered without the appropriate cover sheet may be rejected for filing.

Summary: Documents or exhibits filed separately because of size limits must use the DuPage Exhibit Cover Sheet (Form 4393), and may be rejected if they lack it.

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Applies to

Electronically filed document ?

It is the responsibility of the filing party or counsel to ensure that documents filed electronically do not disclose previously or statutorily impounded or sealed information or private information defined in Supreme Court Rules 15 and 138.

Summary: Filing parties are responsible for ensuring e-filed documents do not reveal sealed, impounded, or otherwise protected information.

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Applies to

Motion to file under seal ?

The motion must include an explanation of how the document meets the legal standards for filing sealed and that the document in question may not be attached to the motion as an attachment.

Summary: The motion for leave to file under seal must explain the legal standard and must not include the under-seal document as an attachment.

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Applies to

Electronically filed document ?

(a) Social Security Number and Driver’s License Number. If an individual’s social security number or driver’s license number must be included in a document, only the last four digits of the number shall be used.

Summary: When written filings include a social security number or driver's license number, only the last four digits may be used.

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Applies to

Electronically filed document not putting space ?

(b) Names of Minor Children. If the involvement of a minor child must be mentioned, only the initials of that child’s name may be used; but if the minor is a named party to the action, the full name of the minor shall be used, absent leave of Court.

Summary: Minor children are to be identified by initials only in fragments when their full name is required unless they are a named party.

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Applies to

Electronically filed document ?

(c) Dates of Birth. If an individual’s date of birth must be included in a document, only the year shall be used.

Summary: When a date of birth is required in a document, only the year may be included.

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Applies to

Electronically filed document ?

(d) Financial Account Numbers and Debit/Credit Card Numbers. If financial account or Debit/Credit Card numbers are relevant, only the last four digits of these numbers shall be used.

Summary: Financial account numbers and debit/credit card numbers must be redacted to the last four digits when included.

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Applies to

Inventory

Unless the Court orders otherwise, the receiver shall file with the inventory the inventory required by Rule 11.03(a) a list of the then known liabilities of the estate.

Summary: The receiver must file with the inventory a list of the estate's then-known liabilities unless the court orders otherwise.

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Applies to

Notice of motion ?

Must include

judge name, case number ?

The notice of hearing or presentment shall designate the judge to whom the motion will be presented; shall show the title and number of the action, the date when the filing will be set or presented, the time it will be set or presented, and the courtroom where it will be heard or presented.

Summary: A notice of motion hearing or presentment must name the judge, case title and number, date, time, and courtroom.

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Applies to

Motion for emergency relief ?

Each application for emergency relief shall be accompanied by an affidavit by the movant or movant’s attorney stating the reason the requested relief is necessary on an emergency basis, and in cases where the request is without notice, except as permitted by law, said affidavit shall describe the attempts that have been made to notify opposing

Summary: Emergencies applications must be accompanied by an affidavit stating why relief is needed on an emergency basis; if seeking relief without notice, the affidavit must describe the efforts made to notify opposing counsel.

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Applies to

Motion for preliminary approval ?

(iv) the total settlement fund along with an cy pres recipient or reversion of the fund; (v) the amount each class member will receive from the settlement or the anticipated pro rata share; (vi) any injunctive relief and brief analysis as to value or benefit of said injunctive relief to the class or potential future class members; (vii) any specific details as to value of any coupons or vouchers; (viii) settlement administrator information, qualifications, and anticipated cost; (ix) exact specification for how notice will be disseminated to the class; and (x) proposed deadlines with at least fourteen (14) days between the date the motion for attorney’s fees is filed and the deadline for objecting to the settlement.

Summary: A motion for preliminary approval of a class action settlement must include specified settlement details and proposed deadlines.

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Applies to

Motion for preliminary approval

Must include

proposed order ?

A Proposed Preliminary Approval Order shall be submitted as an exhibit to any Motion for Preliminary Approval and shall have proposed specific future dates for notice to be disseminated, claims to be submitted, objections or exclusions to be submitted, final approval briefs and request for attorney’s fees to be submitted, etc.

Summary: Every Motion for Preliminary Approval must attach a Proposed Preliminary Approval Order that includes proposed dates for notice, claims, objections, exclusions, final approval briefs, and fee requests.

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Applies to

Motion for final approval

Must include

proposed order ?

A Proposed Final Approval Order shall be submitted as an exhibit to any Motion for Final Approval.

Summary: Every Motion for Final Approval must attach, as an exhibit, a Proposed Final Approval Order.

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Applies to

Motion for leave ?

If the petitioner is seeking a default by way of publication, the petitioner must first seek leave of court in order to do so.

Summary: A petitioner seeking default by publication must first seek leave of court.

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Applies to

Verified petition

To settle a cause of action for personal injuries sustained by a minor or ward, or any other action in which a minor or ward will receive any or all of the settlement proceeds, a verified petition shall be filed executed by the legal representative of the minor, ward, or the decedent’s estate, and shall recite: (1) A description of the occurrence giving rise to the cause of action. (2) The name and address of the person or entity against whom the cause of action has accrued. (3) The name of the liability insurance carrier, if any, affording coverage to the person or entity against whom the cause of action has accrued, and the monetary limits of the liability insurance policy issued by said insurance carrier in effect at the time of the occurrence. (4) A brief description of the injuries sustained by the minor or ward and a list of hospital and medical expenses incurred on behalf of said minor as a result of the occurrence. A current medical certificate or letter executed by the attending physician stating the nature and extent of the injuries sustained by the minor or ward and the prognosis for the minor or ward, if it exists or if it is requested by the Court. The Court may waive the provisions of this sub-paragraph 4 upon good cause shown. (5) The petition shall contain a statement by the petitioner or the attorney for the petitioner as to the fairness of the offer and a recommendation as to whether the offer should be approved or rejected.

Summary: A verified petition to settle a minor's or ward's claim must be filed by the legal representative and must recite the occurrence, defendant, insurance coverage, injuries/expenses, a medical certificate, and a fairness recommendation; the medical certificate requirement may be waived for good cause.

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Applies to

Settlement approval order ?

The order entered approving settlement shall provide for the distribution of the settlement funds and the filing of vouchers, which evidence receipt of any portion of the fund, with the Court within a time prescribed by the Court.

Summary: The settlement approval order must provide for distribution of funds and require filing of receipt vouchers with the Court within a prescribed time.

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Applies to

Voucher

For ward’s settlements, the vouchers shall include the express language that “No withdrawals shall be made from this account, unless authorized by order of Court until such time as the ward no longer has a guardian.”

Summary: Vouchers for ward's settlements must include express language prohibiting withdrawals without court order until the ward no longer has a guardian.

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Applies to

Order approving settlement ?

The order entered approving settlement shall provide for the appointment of a guardian for the minor’s estate and shall require the appointed guardian to file a bond pending proper deposit of the minor’s funds in the financial institution approved by the Court.

Summary: The order approving a minor's settlement must appoint a guardian for the minor's estate and require the guardian to file a bond pending deposit of the funds.

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Applies to

Inventory

If no appraisers are appointed, the receiver shall investigate the value of the property of the estate and show in the inventory the value of the several items listed as disclosed by the investigation.

Summary: If no appraisers are appointed, the receiver must investigate and show in the inventory the value of each item listed.

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Applies to

Petition for withdrawal

A petition for withdrawal from said account for a ward or for a minor prior to the minor reaching the age of majority shall be in writing and shall state the amount in the account at the time of presenting the petition, the annual income available to the minor, the amount and purpose for the withdrawal, and the amount of the last authorization for withdrawal from the account for the same purpose.

Summary: A petition to withdraw funds from a ward's or minor's account must be in writing and state the account balance, annual income, amount and purpose of withdrawal, and last authorization for the same purpose.

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Applies to

Petition for approval of settlement ?

To settle a cause of action on behalf of a decedent for personal injuries and/or for the wrongful death of a person, the representative of the decedent’s estate shall file in the court a petition for approval of the settlement of the cause of action. A petition for approval shall recite: (1) A brief description of the occurrence giving rise to the cause of action; (2) A brief description of the injuries sustained and/or facts giving rise to the cause of death of the decedent; (3) A brief assessment by the attorney based upon the facts and the law that the proposed settlement is fair and reasonable; (4) A breakdown and percentage of proposed wrongful death, pecuniary loss, and survival damages along with factual bases to support said proposal; (5) A list of fees, expenses, lien distribution, and overall disbursement to the heirs and estate; (6) A statement as to whether a probate action is pending DuPage County or some other county;

Summary: The representative of a decedent's estate must file a petition for approval of a wrongful death/survival settlement, and the petition must recite the occurrence, injuries, attorney's fairness assessment, damages breakdown, fees/expenses/disbursements, and probate action status.

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Applies to

Petition to approve settlement ?

(7) Affidavits from the representative and/or heirs acknowledging and agreeing to the settlement or indication that a dependency hearing is required; and

Summary: Petitions to approve settlements must include affidavits from the representative and/or heirs acknowledging and agreeing to the settlement, or an indication that a dependency hearing is required.

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Applies to

Petition to approve settlement ?

Must include

proposed order

(8) A proposed order approving of the settlement, fees, expenses, liens, and disbursements to the heirs and estate.

Summary: Petitions to approve settlements must include a proposed order approving the settlement, fees, expenses, liens, and disbursements to the heirs and estate.

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Applies to

Petition for receiver appointment ?

A petition for the appointment of a receiver shall set forth sufficient facts to warrant the appointment; mere conclusions will not suffice.

Summary: A petition for appointment of a receiver must state sufficient facts to warrant the appointment; mere conclusions are insufficient.

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Applies to

Inventory

an inventory of all property – real, personal or mixed – of the estate, designating the property of which the receiver has taken possession or control

Summary: The receiver's inventory must cover all estate property, real, personal or mixed, and designate the property the receiver has taken possession or control of.

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Applies to

Order appointing receiver ?

If the Court is satisfied that the best interests of the estate would be served, an individual or corporation otherwise disqualified under Section (a) of Rule 11.01 may be appointed as receiver by an order specifically setting forth the reasons for departure from the general rule.

Summary: An order appointing an otherwise disqualified receiver must specifically set forth the reasons for departing from the general rule.

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Applies to

Surety schedule ?

Unless excused by the Court, sureties shall execute and file schedules of property in a form approved by the Court.

Summary: Personal sureties must execute and file schedules of property in a court-approved form unless excused.

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Applies to

Bond

Bond with a corporation or association licensed to transact surety business in this State as surety will be approved only if a current certified copy of the surety’s authority to transact business in the State, as issued by the Director of Insurance, is on file with the Clerk of the Court, and verified power of attorney or certificates of authority for all persons authorized to execute bonds for the surety is attached to the bond.

Summary: Surety company bonds require a current certified copy of the surety's authority on file with the Clerk and verified power of attorney or certificates of authority attached.

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Applies to

Bond

Bond with a civil surety will be approved only if a current, certified copy of the surety’s license (issued under the Illinois Insurance Code or the Illinois Bail Bond Act) is on file with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, and a verified power of attorney or certificate of authority for each person authorized to execute bonds for the surety is attached to the bond.

Summary: Civil surety bonds require a current certified copy of the surety's license on file with the Clerk and a verified power of attorney or certificate of authority attached.

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Applies to

Petition for authorization

To obtain authorization to act as a civil surety in the Court, the applicant shall file a verified petition for authorization stating that the petitioner has complied with all applicable laws and regulations. There shall be attached to the petition: (1) A certified copy of the license issued to the petitioner, attested by the Director of Insurance; (2) A verified statement of its assets and liabilities at the close of business on the 31st day of December of the preceding year or at any subsequent date prior to the filing of the petition; (3) Power of attorney or certificates of authority for all persons authorized to execute bonds for the petitioner in the Court, in a form approved by the Court; (4) A verified schedule of all actions pending in any court against the petitioner at the time of the filing of the petition upon bonds executed by it in the courts of record in Illinois; the schedule shall state the title and number of the action, the names of the attorneys of record, the amount claimed, the nature of the claim, and the reasons for contesting the claim; and (5) A verified schedule of all claims of liability, not the subject of any pending action, which have been made against the petitioner and are undischarged at the time of the filing of the petition, upon bonds executed by the petitioner in the court of record in Illinois; the schedule shall state the name of the claimant, the amount claimed, the nature of the claim and the reasons for contesting the claim.

Summary: Civil surety authorization requires a verified petition stating compliance, with specified attachments including license, financial statement, powers of attorney, and schedules of pending actions and claims.

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Applies to

Mediation referral order

The Court’s Mediation Referral Order shall include: (1) Instructions as to where, when, and how the mediation will be expected to proceed and what each side should do to prepare for the same; (2) Instructions as to how the case should proceed in the event an agreement is reached through mediation; and (3) Instructions as to how the case should proceed in the event no agreement is reached, including specifically a requirement that the parties return to court on a date and at a time certain thereafter, either to advise the Court as to the status of their dispute and schedule additional proceedings (if the date scheduled in the order is for “STATUS”) or to immediately proceed to trial (if the date scheduled in the order is for “TRIAL”).

Summary: The Court's Mediation Referral Order must include instructions on mediation logistics, procedure if an agreement is reached, and procedure if no agreement is reached (including a return-to-court date for STATUS or TRIAL).

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Applies to

Settlement order ?

Upon settlement of any mediation case pending before the Court, counsel for plaintiff shall immediately notify the Judge in writing and submit the written settlement or other dispositive order on or before the scheduled mediation conference date. The counsel for plaintiff shall also notify the mediator and the Eviction Mediation Program Coordinator that the mediation conference will not take place as scheduled.

Summary: Upon settlement, plaintiff's counsel must immediately notify the judge in writing, submit the written settlement or dispositive order by the scheduled mediation conference date, and notify the mediator and program coordinator.

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Applies to

Settlement order ?

Upon settlement or withdrawal of any mediation case pending before the Court, the parties shall immediately notify the Judge in writing and submit the written settlement or other dispositive order on or before the scheduled mediation conference status date.

Summary: Upon settlement or withdrawal of a mediation case, parties must immediately notify the Judge in writing and submit the written settlement or dispositive order by the scheduled mediation status date.

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Applies to

Complaint

In all newly filed cases seeking dissolution or declaration of invalidity, if there are one or more minor children of the marriage at the time of filing, the complaint shall be designated “Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Minor Children,” and the Clerk of the Circuit Court shall maintain such designation.

Summary: Newly filed dissolution or declaration of invalidity cases with minor children must designate the complaint as 'Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Minor Children.'

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Applies to

Financial affidavit

In all Domestic Relations proceedings involving child support, children's expenses, college expenses, maintenance, the division of marital and non-marital assets, and attorney fees, each party other than the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall provide the other with a completed Financial Affidavit in the form approved by the Illinois Supreme Court. The Financial Affidavit shall be supported by documentary evidence including, but not limited to, income tax returns, pay stubs, and banking and credit card statements.

Summary: Parties in Domestic Relations proceedings involving financial issues must provide a completed Financial Affidavit in the Supreme Court-approved form, supported by documentary evidence.

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Applies to

Certificate of compliance

Must include

certificate of service ?

At the time the Financial Affidavit is tendered to the other party, the tendering party shall immediately file with the Clerk of the Circuit Court certificate of compliance and proof of service, certifying that a completed Financial Affidavit was served upon those parties entitled to notice.

Summary: When tendering a Financial Affidavit, the party must immediately file a certificate of compliance and proof of service with the Clerk.

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Applies to

Affidavit of due diligence

A party seeking the entry of a default judgment must file an affidavit of due diligence of service attempts.

Summary: A party seeking default judgment must file an affidavit of due diligence of service attempts.

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Applies to

Financial affidavit

Each party in pre-judgment Domestic Relations proceedings shall tender an updated Financial Affidavit thirty (30) days before trial.

Summary: Each party in pre-judgment Domestic Relations proceedings must tender an updated Financial Affidavit 30 days before trial.

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Applies to

Prove up

The necessary prove-up documents are: (1) Judgment of Dissolution (2) Marital Settlement Agreement (3) Final Allocation Judgment – Allocation of Parental Responsibilities and Parenting Plan (if applicable) (4) Child Support Calculation (if applicable) (5) Certificates of Completion of Caring and Coping Class (if applicable) (6) Certificate of Dissolution

Summary: The necessary prove-up documents include Judgment of Dissolution, Marital Settlement Agreement, Final Allocation Judgment, Child Support Calculation, Certificates of Completion, and Certificate of Dissolution.

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Applies to

Motion

All petitions and motions shall include a recitation of the statutory or case law basis for said relief. Filings that fail to comply with this requirement may be stricken on the court’s motion.

Summary: Petitions and motions must recite the statutory or case law basis for the relief sought; non-compliant filings may be stricken.

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Applies to

Order

An appropriate order must be presented to the court scheduler at the time a change in court date is scheduled. The order shall include a paragraph striking the existing date from the call.

Summary: When scheduling a court date change, an order must be presented to the court scheduler and must include a paragraph striking the existing date from the call.

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Applies to

Temporary relief petition ?

Except as otherwise provided by law, in all proceedings involving petitions for temporary relief, the moving party shall serve proper notice in accordance with Local Rule 6.04 and provide, to opposing counsel, the necessary Financial Affidavit in accordance with Local Rule 15.05.

Summary: In temporary relief proceedings, the moving party must serve proper notice and provide the opposing counsel with the necessary Financial Affidavit.

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Applies to

Rule to show cause

No Rule to Show Cause shall issue except upon proper Notice and Motion, and except upon a prima facie showing of contempt by verified pleading.

Summary: A Rule to Show Cause will not issue without proper notice and motion and a prima facie showing of contempt by verified pleading.

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Applies to

Emergency motion ?

The proponent of an alleged “emergency” matter shall have the initial burden of proving the emergency which burden shall include, at a minimum: (1) Prior notice to the opposing party and a supporting affidavit pursuant to Local Rule 6.08; (2) Inability to obtain an assignment on the regularly scheduled call within a reasonable time given the circumstances for which or from which relief is sought; and (3) That immediate and irreparable injury, loss or damage will result if the relief is not granted.

Summary: The proponent of an emergency matter must prove the emergency by providing prior notice to the opposing party, a supporting affidavit, inability to obtain a regular assignment, and immediate irreparable injury.

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Applies to

Mediation report ?

The mediator shall, on a Court approved form, report to the Court on the progress of mediation within ten (10) days of the termination of the last mediation session, but in no event after the assigned status date.

Summary: Mediation progress report must be submitted on a Court approved form.

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Applies to

Plan

All mandatory clauses shall be included within the Plan (e.g., mediation provision).

Summary: The Plan must include all mandatory clauses, such as a mediation provision.

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Applies to

Marital settlement agreement

With respect to the Marital Settlement Agreement, setting of child support and maintenance shall reference calculation pursuant to statute (i.e., income and duration, income sharing) and/or specify the basis for deviation and/or waiver or reservation of the same. Disproportionate distribution of marital property (assets and liabilities), if any, shall also be explained.

Summary: The Marital Settlement Agreement must address statutory support/maintenance calculations and any deviations or waivers, and explain disproportionate property divisions.

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Applies to

Notarized affidavit

The parties shall both sign and submit a notarized affidavit containing the following:

Summary: The parties must sign and submit a notarized affidavit containing the full enumeration required by the agreement.

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Applies to

Agreed order

The Circuit Court Clerk has already assigned future dates to all affected cases. The attorneys or parties shall also submit an agreed order striking all such future dates.

Summary: The attorney or parties must submit an agreed order striking all future dates already assigned by the Clerk.

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Applies to

Withholding order ?

Maintenance or support payments shall be made by an order of withholding upon a separate order of court providing therefor, using the approved form furnished by the Clerk's office.

Summary: Maintenance or support payments must be made through an order of withholding obtained on a separate court order using the Clerk's approved form.

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Applies to

Withholding order

If payments are through the Clerk of the Circuit Court, the withholding order shall be accompanied by the Clerk's form child support order.

Summary: Where payments are made through the Circuit Court Clerk, the withholding order must be accompanied by the Clerk's child support order form.

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Applies to

Maintenance support order ?

Orders for maintenance or support payments shall be presented to the Court in duplicate.

Summary: Orders for maintenance or support payments must be presented to the Court in duplicate.

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Applies to

Summons

An approved summons form provided by the Clerk of the Court, substantially in the form set forth in Supreme Court Rule 101(b),

Summary: The summons must be on and approved form provided by the Clerk and substantially in the form set forth in Supreme Court Rule 101(b).

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Applies to

Complaint

The form of complaint to be used in small claims actions shall provide for a statement of claim setting forth the elements provided in Supreme Court Rule 282 on approved forms provided by the Clerk of the Court.

Summary: Small claims complaints must include a statement of claim setting forth the elements required by Supreme Court Rule 282, using the Clerk's approved forms.

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Applies to

Motion temporary custody hearing ?

Any motion for a temporary custody hearing filed by the Department of Children and Family Services in the case of an alleged abused, neglected or dependent minor, must be accompanied by an affidavit signed by a representative of the Department of Children and Family Services setting forth the efforts taken by the Department of Children and Family Services to ensure to eliminate the necessity of removal of this minor from his or her home. This affidavit must be attached to the motion at issue.

Summary: A DCFS temporary custody motion must attach a signature to demonstrate the reasonable efforts it has been taking to prevent or eliminate the need to remove the minor.

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Applies to

Shelter care hearing tender ?

At the hearing, DCFS shall tender the following: (i) Any prior indicated reports; (ii) A reasonable efforts report; (iii) A visitation plan (to be provided within 10 days); (iv) A Family Finding and Relative Engagement Report; (v) A case/service plan (within 45 days of placement);

Summary: At the shelter care hearing, DCFS must tender specified reports including prior indicated reports, a reasonable efforts report, a visitation plan, a Family Finding and Relative Engagement Report, and a case/service plan.

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Applies to

Access request juvenile proceeding ?

Any interested person or agency shall, no later than seven (7) days before the hearing, make a request for access to the juvenile proceeding using the form found in Appendix D.

Summary: Requests for access to a juvenile proceeding must be made on the form specified in Appendix D.

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Applies to

Objection to access juvenile proceeding ?

A party objecting to the admission of an interested person or agency shall file its objection no later than three (3) days before the hearing using the form found in Appendix D.

Summary: An objection to access must be filed using the form specified in Appendix D.

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Applies to

Admission order interested person agency ?

The form of an order for admission of an interested person or agency shall be as prescribed in Appendix D.

Summary: The order granting admission to an interested person or agency must use the form prescribed in Appendix D.

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Applies to

Petition for probate of handwritten will ?

With a petition for probate of a handwritten will, in addition to a facsimile thereof, petitioner shall file a typewritten copy of the will and an affidavit of the petitioner or the petitioner's attorney that, to the best of their knowledge, the typewritten copy is correct.

Summary: A petition for probate of a handwritten will must include a typewritten copy and an affidavit attesting to its correctness.

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Applies to

Petition for probate will foreign language ?

(b) With a petition for probate of a will in language other than English, in addition to a facsimile thereof, petitioner shall file a translation by a qualified translator who shall certify that the translation is correct.

Summary: Petitions to probate a will written in a foreign language must include a facsimile plus a translation certified by a qualified translator.

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Applies to

Petition for ward expenditure ?

A petition of a guardian to apply any part of the ward’s estate for the comfort, suitable support or education of the ward or other persons entitled to support from the ward, or for any other purpose for the best interests of the ward, shall be in writing and shall state the value of the estate at the time of presenting the petition, the annual income available to the ward, and the amount of the last authorization for an expenditure on behalf of the ward for the same purpose.

Summary: Petitions for guardian expenditure of a ward's estate must be in writing and state the estate's value, available annual income, and the last authorized amount for the same purpose.

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Applies to

Petition for guardian investment ?

A petition of a plenary guardian or guardian of the estate to invest the ward’s property shall identify the category of investment under 755 ILCS 5/21-2.01 through 5/21-2.14 in which the proposed investment falls and shall state that the proposed investment complies with the limitations applicable to that category.

Summary: Petitions by plenary guardians or guardians of the estate to invest ward property must identify the statutory investment category and state that the investment complies with that category's limitations.

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Applies to

Petition for guardian investment ?

If the proposed investment is to be purchased directly or indirectly from the guardian or from any firm or corporation in which the guardian or conservator has an interest or of which the guardian or conservator is an officer or director, the petition shall so state.

Summary: Petitions for guardian investments must disclose any direct or indirect purchase from the guardian or from a related firm/corporation in which the guardian has an interest or role.

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Applies to

Inventory

Each inventory and amended or supplemental inventory shall be presented to the judge for filing and approval.

Summary: Every inventory, amended inventory, or supplemental inventory must be presented to the judge for filing and approval.

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Applies to

Adoption consent ?

All consents not governed by 750 ILCS 50/10(O) (Consent to Adoption in a proceeding under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987), shall be general in nature and be in a form substantially similar to that as provided by statute.

Summary: Adoption consents must be general in nature and substantially follow the statutory form unless 750 ILCS 50/10(O) applies.

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Applies to

Affidavit of identification and affidavit of non support

In addition, where the consent is executed by the biological mother, she shall also contemporaneously execute an Affidavit of Identification and an Affidavit of Non-Support. Such Affidavit of Identification and Affidavit of Non-Support shall be filed with the Court prior to the entry of Judgment and shall become a part of the Court record.

Summary: A biological mother executing an adoption consent must execute an Affidavit of Identification and an Affidavit of Non-Support, both filed before entry of Judgment.

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Applies to

Affidavit of identification or location efforts ?

In order to make such a showing, the Court will require, at a minimum, an Affidavit of Identification and/or an Affidavit showing factually what steps have been taken to locate and notify the absent biological parent.

Summary: To obtain an interim custody order when the other biological parent's whereabouts are unknown, the court requires an Affidavit of Identification and/or an Affidavit detailing the location efforts.

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Applies to

Petitioner background affidavit ?

In adoptions where the GAL is appointed as investigator, counsel for the Petitioner(s) shall deliver a completed affidavit from each Petitioner concerning their background, including medical history, religious background, general demographic information, together with any exhibits required.

Summary: When the GAL serves as adoption investigator, each Petitioner must provide an affidavit covering background, medical history, religious background, demographics, and required exhibits.

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Applies to

Petition

Any person seeking the appointment of a Confidential Intermediary must accompany the Petition filed with the Court with proof of registration with the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange (750 ILCS 50/18.04).

Summary: A petition seeking appointment of a Confidential Intermediary must be accompanied by proof of registration with the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange.

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Applies to

Motion

Every motion, and each basis in the motion, brought pursuant to the Code of Criminal Procedure or Supreme Court Rule shall be identified by the Code of Criminal Procedure section and/or the Supreme Court Rule number under which it is brought.

Summary: Motions must identify the Code of Criminal Procedure section and/or Supreme Court Rule number for each basis.

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Applies to

Speedy trial demand ?

Must include

caption, case number ?

All demands for trial, pursuant to the Code of Criminal Procedure [725 ILCS 5/103-5(b)], shall be made in the following manner: (1) In writing with proper caption and case number signed and dated by the defendant or the defendant's attorney;

Summary: Speedy trial demands must be in writing with proper caption and case number, signed and dated by the defendant or attorney.

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Applies to

Appearance

An attorney representing a defendant in any felony or misdemeanor case shall file a written appearance and serve same upon the prosecution before addressing the Court.

Summary: Attorneys in felony/misdemeanor cases must file a written appearance and serve it on the prosecution before addressing the Court.

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Applies to

Search warrant

Every search warrant shall be supported as provided in 725 ILCS 5/108-3 and 5/108-4 of the Code of Criminal Procedure by a complaint written on the appropriate approved form.

Summary: Every search warrant must be supported by a complaint written on the appropriate approved form.

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Applies to

Order vacating judgment ?

When vacating an earlier judgment in the Traffic Division, the Traffic Division judge shall state the legal basis in a written order.

Summary: A Traffic Division order vacating a prior judgment must include the legal basis in writing.

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Applies to

Pre sentence investigation report ?

(3) Any record of prior offenses; (4) Family history; (5) Residential history; (6) Educational background; (7) Religion (optional); (8) Interests and activities; (9) Health and health history; (10) Employment history; (11) Military history; (12) Financial resources; (13) Impressions and summary; (14) Recommendations if requested by the Court; (15) Status or disposition of co-defendants.

Summary: The presentence investigation report must cover the enumerated categories including prior offenses, family history, residence, education, health, employment, military history, finances, and co-defendant status.

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Applies to

Probation certificate

(a) When the Court imposes a sentence of probation under the Code of Criminal Procedure (730 ILCS 5/5-6-1 et seq.), the Court shall set forth on a pre-printed approved Probation Certificate form the terms and conditions of the probation.

Summary: Probation imposed under the Code of Criminal Procedure requires the terms and conditions to be recorded on the pre-printed approved Probation Certificate form.

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Applies to

Probation order

(b) When the Court imposes probation under the Cannabis Control Act (720 ILCS 550/10), or under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act (720 ILCS 570/410), the Court shall set forth on a pre-printed Probation Order the terms and conditions of the probation.

Summary: Probation imposed under the Cannabis Control Act or Illinois Controlled Substances Act requires the terms and conditions to be set forth on a pre-printed Probation Order.

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Applies to

Out of state travel authorization ?

(c) When the Probation Certificate permits the defendant to leave the state, the Senior Supervisor of Adult Division or the Senior Supervisor of Adult Division’s designee may authorize up to thirty (30) days of out-of-state travel. All authorizations shall be in writing.

Summary: Out-of-state travel authorizations under a Probation Certificate must be in writing.

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