RULES OF PRACTICE         CIRCUIT COURT OF ILLINOIS           TWENTIETH JUDICIAL COURT         TABLE OF CONTENTS         RULE            TITLE                                                                                                                                 P AGE     PART 1: ADMINISTRATION OF THE COURT                  1.01    RULES OF THE COURT            1         (A) CIRCUIT COURT RULES          1      (B) EFFECTIVE DATE                   1.02              CHIEF JUDGE                 1   (A) SELECTION OF THE CHIEF JUDGE             1      (B) ACTING CHIEF JUDGE         1     (C) VACANCY     1     1.03   JUDICIAL ASSIGNMENTS     2     (A) ASSIGNMENT      2     (B) REASSIGNMENT      2          1.04   JUDICIAL MEETINGS     2     (A) CIRCUIT JUDGES        2     (B) ASSOCIATE JUDGES        2     (C) SPECIAL MEETINGS       2     1.05   ST. CLAIR COUNTY LAW LIBRARY COMMITTEE             2     1.06   COURT FACILITIES     2     (A) DESIGNATION OF COURT FACILITIES            2     (B) REVIEW OF COURT FACILITIES, PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES                  2     (C) ENFORCEMENT      2     (D) APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL          2     1.07   LIMITATIONS ON CASES UNDER ADVISEMENT           3     (A) DECISIONS WITHIN SIXTY DAYS            3     (B) COMPLIANCE      3     = Page 1 = 1.08   DIVISIONS OF THE ST. CLAIR COUNTY COURT               3     (A) CRIMINAL DIVISION        3     (B) CIVIL DIVISION        3     (C) MISCELLANEOUS REMEDIES DIVISION          3     (D) DOMESTIC RELATIONS, FAMILY AND JUVENILE DIVISION                3     (E) OTHER DIVISIONS        3     (F) SUPERVISING JUDGE        3     1.09   FORMS IN ST. CLAIR COUNTY           3     PART 2: CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY                          2.01   MAINTAINING A DAILY DOCKET SHEET           4     2.02   ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO CIRCUIT CLERK RECORDS VIA THE INTERNET                   4     2.03   GUIDELINES FOR COURT PERSONNEL IN ASSISTING PRO SE LITIGANTS                   4     (A) PRO SE LITIGANTS          4     (B) ADVICE TO PRO SE LITIGANTS PROHIBITED               4     2.04   CUSTODY AND DISPOSITION OF EXHIBITS           4     (A) CUSTODY      4     (B) FAILURE TO REMOVE          4     2.05   CLERKS TO BE PROVIDED         5     2.06   LIMITED FILING OF DOCUMENTS RECEIVED BY FAX OR E MAIL                 -   5     PART 3: SHERIFF          3.01   BAILIFFS TO BE PROVIDED         6     3.02   BUILDING SECURITY IN ST. CLAIR COUNTY             6          PART 4: JURORS         4.01   JURORS IN ST. CLAIR COUNTY            7     (A) GRAND JURORS         7     (B) ASSESSMENT OF COSTS FOR UNNECESSARY CALL OF JURY VENIRE                      7     PART 5: COURT REPORTERS            5.01   CIRCUIT COURT PROCEEDINGS TO BE RECORDED IN ST. CLAIR COUNTY                     8   = Page 2 =      5.02   PREPARATION OF TRANSCRIPTS       8     (A) REQUEST FOR TRANSCRIPT         8     (B) DIGITALLY RECORDED PROCEEDINGS         8     (C) EXPEDITED TRANSCRIPTS       8     (D) DAILY COPY TRANSCRIPTS         8     (E) FREE LANCE COURT REPORTERS   -       8      (F) FAILURE TO ORDER A COPY OF A TRANSCRIPT                   8     (G) PARTIAL TRANSCRIPT ON APPEAL           8        PART 6: CIVIL TRIAL PRACTICE             6.01   MOTION PRACTICE IN ST. CLAIR COUNTY               (A) FILING      9     (B) NOTICE      9     (C) NOTICE BY FAX OR E MAIL TRANSMISSION           -     9     (D) CONTENT OF NOTICE          9     (E) ADVANCE NOTICE OF HEARING           9      (F) SUMMARY JUDGMENT        9     (G) FAILURE OF MOVANT TO CALL FOR HEARING                 9     (H) LENGTH OF WRITTEN ARGUMENT           10      6.02   EMERGENCY AND EX PARTE MOTIONS WHERE NOTICE IS NOT REQUIRED                     10     (A) NOTICE NOT REQUIRED          10      (B) NOTICE AFTER HEARING          10     (C) ORDER UPON DENIAL          10     6.03   MOTIONS FOR CONSOLIDATION       10      6.04   REGULATION OF DISCOVERY        10     (A) DISCOVERY MATERIALS SHALL NOT BE FILED WITH CIRCUIT CLERK                     10     (B) CUSTODIAN OF DISCOVERY MATERIALS           11      (C) FILING OF DISCOVERY FOR MOTIONS RELATED TO DISCOVERY DISPUTES 11                         (D) PREVENTION OF IDENTITY THEFT           11      6.05   LIMITATION ON INTERROGATORIES       11      6.06   REMOTE ELECTRONIC MEANS DEPOSITIONS         11     6.07   CASE MGMT.AND AUTOMATIC STATUS CONFERENCES ST. CLAIR COUNTY                 11     (A) INITIAL STATUS CONFERENCE IN THE MAJOR CIVIL LAW (L) DIVISION                       11     (B) OTHER DIVISIONS SHALL SCHEDULE AUTOMATIC STATUS CONFERENCES 12                     (C) MANDATORY FUTURE COURT DATE           12    = Page 3 =   (D) FAILURE TO APPEAR          12     6.08   PLEADINGS TO BE COMPREHENSIBLE         12      (A) MULTIPLE COUNT PLEADINGS         12        (B) ILLINOIS STATE BAR NUMBER           12      (C) ATTORNEY E MAIL ADDRESS     -     12       6.09   SETTLEMENT PRIOR TO TRIAL          12     6.10   MOTIONS FOR CONTINUANCE       13      6.11   STATEMENT OF THE NATURE OF THE CASE               13     PART 7: MANDATORY ARBITRATION OF CERTAIN CIVIL CASES                    7.01   RULES OF MANDATORY ARBITRATION         14      7.02   ADMINISTRATION OF MANDATORY ARBITRATION         14     (A) SUPERVISING JUDGE        14     (B) ARBITRATION ADMINISTRATOR       14      (C) CLERICAL AND SUPPORT STAFF           14      (D) STATE TO PAY FOR STAFF              14     (E) CONFLICT OF INTEREST          14            7.03   CIVIL ACTIONS SUBJECT TO MANDATORY ARBITRATION (S. CT. RULE 86)                     14     (A) CERTAIN CIVIL ACTIONS ARE SUBJECT TO MANDATORY ARBITRATION                   14     (B) FILING FEES        14     (C) TRANSFER TO MANDATORY ARBITRATION           15     7.04   APPOINTMENT , QUALIFICATION, AND COMPENSATION OF ARBITRATORS                 (S. CT. RULE 87)         15     (A) QUALIFICATION OF APPLICANT         15      (B) CHAIRPERSON      15     (C) ASSIGNMENT OF ARBITRATOR         15      (D) NOTICE TO ARBITRATOR          15      (E) CONFLICT OF ARBITRATOR         15      (F) ARBITRATOR TO TAKE OATH           15      (G) ARBITRATOR TO SUBMIT VOUCHER           15      (H) COMMENT AND CONTACT PROHIBITED           15      (I) PERIODIC REVIEW OF LIST OF ARBITRATORS               16     7.05    SCHEDULING OF HEARINGS (SUP. CT. RULE 88)               16      (A) CALENDAR OF ARBITRATION HEARING DATES             16     (B) COMPLAINT SUMMONS AND ANSWER DATE             16   = Page 4 =   (C) SCHEDULING OF HEARING DATES           16      (D) ADVANCEMENT OR POSTPONEMENT OF HEARING DATE               16     (E) NOTIFICATION UPON SETTLEMENT         16      7.06   LENGTH OF ARBITRATION HEARING         16      7.07   DISCOVERY    17     (A) COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 222           17      (B) COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 222 IN TRANSFER CASES                 17     7.08   CONDUCT OF HEARING        17     (A) SUPERVISING JUDGE        17     (B) STENOGRAPHIC RECORD        17     (C) CHAIRPERSON TO PRESIDE AT HEARING             17      (D) STIPULATIONS AS TO NATURE OF CASE               18      (E) WITNESS AND EXPERT STATEMENTS           18      (F) LANGUAGE INTERPRETER        18     (G) HEARINGS TO PROCEED AT SCHEDULED TIME               18     (H) WITNESS FEES AND COSTS           18   7.09   EXHIBITS MUST BE RETRIEVED         18      7.10   DEFAULT OF A PARTY          18      (A) FAILURE OF A PARTY TO APPEAR               18      (B) DEFAULT ORDER SET ASIDE           18      7.11   AWARD AND JUDGEMENT ON AWARD (SUP. CT. RULE 92)                   19     7.12   REJECTION OF AWARD (SUPREME COURT RULE 93)               19     PART 8: DOMESTIC RELATIONS            8.01                NOTICE OF DISPUTE AS TO CHILD CUSTODY OR ALLOCATION OF PARENTAL 20                                    RESPONSIBILITIES      8.02   FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE STMT OF INCOME, EXPENSES, PROPERTY, DEBT                 20     8.03   POSITION STATEMENT      20     8.04   EMERGENCY MATTERS      20     (A) NOTICE TO OPPOSING PARTY           21      (B) CRITERIA FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF           21      8.05   DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ORDERS OF PROTECTION           21     (A) EMERGENCY ORDER OF PROTECTION           21    = Page 5 =   (B) PENDING DOMESTIC RELATIONS CASES            21      8.06   CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE ST. CLAIR COUNTY             21     (A) DOMESTIC RELATIONS AND FAMILY CASES             21     (B) EARLY COURT INTERVENTION          21      (C) FAILURE TO APPEAR          21     (D) PRE TRIAL CONFERENCES   -      22     (E) UNCONTESTED PROVE UPS     -   22      (F) MANDATORY APPEARANCE       22     (G) TEMPORARY ISSUES        22     (H) PROPER NOTICE        22     (I) FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE         22     (J) SCHEDULING ORDER         22     (K) SANCTIONS      22       8.07   MANDATORY FUTURE COURT DATES         22      8.08   CHILDREN FIRST PROGRAM IN ST. CLAIR COUNTY               23      8.09   CHILDREN FIRST PROGRAM MONROE, PERRY, RANDOLPH,WASHINGTON             23     8.10   CERTIFICATE OF DISSOLUTION       23      8.11   ATTORNEYQUALIFICATION IN CHILD CUSTODY OR ALLOCATION OF                PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES MATTERS 23         (A) ATTORNEY LIST             23    (B) QUALIFICATIONS           23   (C) PAYMENT            24   (D) INDIGENT PARTIES             24   (E) LIST OF APPROVED ATTORNEYS               24   (F) PRO BONO APPOINTMENT ANNUALLY              24   (G) REMOVAL FROM LIST              24       8.12   MEDIATION OF CUSTODY, ALLOCATION OF PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES, 24                    (A) QUALIFIED PERSONS               24      (B) ADDENDUM              24        8.13   UNIFORM ORDER OF WITHHOLDING         24      8.14   JUDGEMENT OF DISSOLUTION REQUIRED PROVISIONS           25     8.15   FORMAL ORDERS      25     8.16   SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS        25     = Page 6 = 8.17   NOTICE OF CLAIM FORBAIL BOND DISBURSEMENT PURSUANT TO A DOMESTIC                                            SUPPORT JUDGEMENT/LIEN     26     8.18   RULE ON ADMISSABILITY OF MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH RECORDS                   26      8.19   MODEL FORMS      26      ADDENDUM A – MEDIATION OF CUSTODY, ALLOCATION OF PARENTAL                   RESPONSIBILITIES, PARENTING TIME       AND VISITATION ISSUES PROGRAM           RULE 1            DEFINITIONS            27   RULE 2     MEDIATION MANDATORY      27   RULE 3     REFERRAL ASSIGNMENT PROCEEDURE       28    RULE 4     APPLICATION OF SAFEGUARDS IN CASE OF IMPEDIMENT               29   RULE 5     CONFIDENTIALITY    29   RULE 6     ATTENDANCE AND TERMINATION OF MEDIATION           30   RULE 7     ENTRY OF JUDGEMENT OR ORDER           31    RULE 8     QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING OF MEDIATORS           32       PART 9: COURT ANNEXED MEDIATION IN ST. CLAIR COUNTY                      9.01   COURT ANNEXED MEDIATION       33      9.02   CIVIL ACTIONS ELIGIBLE FOR MEDIATION           33      9.03   REFERRAL BY JUDGE OR BY STIPULATION FOR ORDER OF REFERRAL                     33     9.04   CASE MANAGEMENT OF CASES FOR MEDIATION             33     (A) CASES IN LAW DIVISION             33      (B) CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE          34      (C) CLERK PROPERLY CODED           34       9.05   DISCOVERY WHILE CASE IS BEING MEDIATED             34     9.06   MEDIATOR QUALIFICATIONS      34     (A) CIRCUIT COURT MEDIATORS         34     (B) MEDIATOR GENERAL STANDARDS         34     (C) MEDIATOR BY AGREEMENT         34     (D) DECERTIFICATION OF MEDIATORS         35     9.07   MEDIATOR CONFIDENTIALITY      35     (A) GENERAL RULE OF MEDIATOR CONFIDENTIALITY             35     (B) EXCEPTIONS TO GENERAL RULE           35     = Page 7 = 9.08   COMPENSATION OF THE MEDIATOR         35      9.09   APPOINTMENT OF THE MEDIATOR         35      (A) APPOINTMENT BY STIPULATION         35      (B) APPOINTMENT BY MOTION         36      (C) APPOINTMENT OF NONCERTIFIED MEDIATOR IN SPECIALIZED CASES                 36            9.10   SCHEDULING AND CONDUCT OF MEDIATION           36     (A) SCHEDULING MEDIATION        36     (B) CONDUCT OF MEDIATION          36     (C) PARTIES TO EXPEND GOOD FAITH EFFORT TO SETTLE                   37     9.11   COMPLETION OF MEDIATION        37     (A) DUTIES OF THE PARTIES AND THE MEDIATOR UPON COMPLETION OF                                               MEDIATION BY SETTLEMENT       37     (B) COMPLETION OF MEDIATION UPON MEDIATOR’S CERTIFICATION OF                 NO AGREEMENT     37     (C) TERMINATION OF MEDIATION BY COURT ORDER               38             (D) MEDIATED AGREEMENT AS A CONTRACT AMONG THE PARTIES                      38     9.12           REPORTS TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF ILLINOIS COURTS                    38     9.13           FORMS             38           PART 10: RESIDENTIAL FORECLOSURE MEDIATION             10.1    PURPOSE    39     10.2   ACTIONS ELIGIBLE FOR MEDIATION         39      10.3   EFFECT OF THE PROGRAM RULES ON PENDING COURT CASE                   39     10.4   MEDIATION PROCEEDURE      39     (1) ADMINISTRATION OF PROGRAM         39      (2) GRANT FUNDING AND FILING FEES             39     10.5   COMPLAINT AND SUMMONS        40     10.6   REQURED DOCUMENTS TO BE PROVIDED AT INITIAL INTAKE CONFERENCE                   41     10.7   PURPOSE AND GOALS OF THE INITIAL INTAKE CONFERENCE, PRE MEDIATION                 -     CONFERENCES AND MEDIATION CONFERENCES         42     10.8   INITIAL INTAKE CONFERENCES       42     = Page 8 = 10.9   PRE MEDIATION CONFERENCES -     43     10.10   MEDIATION CONFERENCES      43     10.11   PARTIES REQUIRED TO ATTEND INITIAL INTAKE, PRE MEDIATION             -      AND MEDIATION CONFERENCES       44     10.12   NUMBER AND DURATION OF CONFERENCES           44     10.13   CONTINUANCES    44     10.14   EXTENSION REQUEST BEYOND THE FOUR CONFERENCES             44       OBLIGATION TO MEDIATE IN GOOD FAITH             45     10.15   TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT AGREEMENTS         45     10.16   FAILURE TO MEDIATE IN GOOD FAITH             46     10.17   TERMINATION OF MEDIATION CONFERENCE         46     10.18   REPORT TO THE COURT AT THE TERMINATION OF MEDIATION                   46     10.19   COURT STATUS DATE POST MEDIATION REPORT             47     (A) TRIAL MODIFICATION        47     (B) UNABLE TO REACH AGREEMENT           47     (C) MEDIATION TERMINATED        47     10.20   JUDICIAL REFERRAL TO MEDIATION AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE SALE                          OF THE RESEIDENCE        47     (A) UNABLE TO ATTEND CONFERENCE           47     (B) LOAN MODIFICATION        47     (C) POSSIBLE LOAN MODIFICATION         47     (D) HOMEOWNER INCOME        47     (E)OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES      47     10.21   TRAINING OF JUDGES, KEY COURT PERSONNEL AND VOLUNTEER                   MEDIATORS    48     (1) JUDGES      48     (2) ADMINISTRATION/KEY COURT PERSONNEL         48     (3) MEDIATORS      48     10.22   MEDIATORS    48     (1) QUALIFICATIONS, APPOINTMENTS, AND COMPENSATION           48   = Page 9 =   10.23   CAPACITY TO PROVIDE LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE           49     10.24   QUARTERLY AND ANNUAL REPORTING TO THE ILLINOIS                 SUPREME COURT      50          PART 11: E FILING       -              11.01   AUTHORITY    51     11.02   DESIGINATION OF ELECTRONIC FILING CASES           51     11.03    DEFINITIONS    51     11.04   AUTHOTIZED USERS      52     11.05   METHOD OF FILING        53     11.06   MAINTAINENCE OF ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS         53      11.07   PRIVACY ISSUES      53     11.08   FORMAT OF DOCUMENTS        54     11.09   SIGNATURES    55     11.10   TIME OF FILING, ACCEPTANCE BY THE CLERK AND ELECTRONIC                    FILING STAMP     55     11.11   SERVICE, CHANGE OF ADDRESS         56      11.12   COLLECTION OF FEES        57     11.13   SYSTEM OR USER ERRORS          57     11.14   VENDOR CONDITIONS      58     PART 12: POST JUDGEMENT PROCEEDINGS             12.01   POST JUDGEMENT NOTICES -       59     12.02   RULE TO SHOW CAUSE FOR FAILURE TO APPEAR                 59     12.03   ORDER OF ATTACHMENT        59   = Page 10 =   12.04   SERVICE UPON PERSONS NOT PARTIES           59      12.05   NOTICE OF EXEMPTION RIGHTS IN BANK ACCOUNTS               59     12.06   AUTOMATIC TERMINATION OF REPRESENTATION AND SERVICE              ON A PARTY       60     PART 13: PROBATE PROCEEDINGS GUARDIANSHIPS FOR MINORS                 13.01   WHO MAY ACT AS TEMPORARY GUARDIAN OF A MINOR                   61     13.02   APPOINTMENT OF TEMPORARY GUARDIAN OF A MINOR               61     13.03   PARENTAL RIGHT TO CUSTODY         62      13.04   ISSUANCE OF LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION           62     13.05   BONDS: PERSONAL SURETIES        62     PART 14: SMALL CLAIMS            14.01   PAYMENT OF FILING FEES          63           14.02   FAILURE TO OBTAIN SERVICE – DISMISSAL             63     14.03   MANDATORY FUTURE COURT DATES         63     14.04   FAILURE TO APPEAR        63                                                                                    = Page 11 =                                   = Page 12 = TWENTIETHJUDICIALCIRCUIT RulesoftheCircuitCourt StClairCountyIllinois October 2017 = Page 13 = PART 1: ADMINISTRATION OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY 1.01 Rules of the Circuit Court of St. Clair County A . Circuit Court Rules. TheserulesarepromulgatedpursuanttoIllinoisSupreme CourtRule21(a)providingthatamajorityofthecircuitjudgesineachcircuitmayadoptrules governing civil and criminal cases consistent with supreme court rules and statutes and pursuanttoSection1104(b)oftheCodeofCivilProcedure735ILCS511049b)providing thatthecircuitcourtmaymakerulesregulatingtheirdocketscalendarsandbusinessand pursuant B . Effective Date. These Local Rules shall become effective when adopted by a majority of the circuit judges and filed with the Director Administrative Office of Illinois CourtsAllpriorrulesoftheTwentiethJudicialCircuitareherebyrepealeduponenactmentof theserulesAdministrativeOrdersconcerningdocketscalendarsandcourtbusinessnotin conflictwiththeseRulesorthelawsoftheStateofIllinoisshallremainineffect 1.02 Chief Judge A . Selection of Chief Judge. OnthesecondMondayinDecember2016andonthe secondMondayinDecembereveryyearthereafterthecircuitjudgesoftheTwentieth JudicialCircuitshallcastsecretballotstoselectacircuitjudgeastheChiefJudgeTheChief Judgeshallbeelectedbyamajorityvoteofthecircuitjudgespresentandshallservefora termoftwo(2)yearsbeginningJanuary1stimmediatelyfollowingthevoteTheChief JudgeservesatthepleasureofthecircuitjudgesTheChiefJudgemayberecalledupona voteofthemajorityofthecircuitjudges B . Acting Chief Judge. OntheoccasionoftheelectionoftheChiefJudgeanActing ChiefJudgeshallbeelectedbyamajorityvoteofthecircuitjudgespresentandshallserve foratermoftwo(2)yearsbeginningJanuary1stimmediatelyfollowingthevoteThe ActingChiefJudgeservesatthepleasureofthecircuitjudgesTheActingChiefJudgemay berecalleduponavoteofthemajorityofthecircuitjudgesIntheeventofavacancya successorActingChiefJudgeistobeelectedinthesamemannertofilltheunexpiredterm ofoffice C . Vacancy. WheneveravacancyintheofficesoftheChiefJudgeoroftheActing ChiefJudgeoccursamajorityofthecircuitjudgesshallselectacircuitjudgetofillthe unexpiredtermofofficeTheelectionshallbeinthesamemannerasdescribedinsection Aaboveandshallbeheldwithinthreeweeksofthevacancyandwithatleastfivedays noticetoallcircuitjudges 1 = Page 14 = 1.03 Judicial Assignments. A . Assignment. AResidentCircuitJudgeshallbeassignedtothecountyofthejudges residenceTheChiefJudgemayassignaCircuitJudgeelectedatlargeoranAssociateJudgeto anycountyordivisionofthecourtoronacasebycasebasis B . Reassignment. UponrecusalorchangeofjudgetheChiefJudgeshallreassignthe casetoanotherjudgeAnotherjudgeuponreassignmentbytheChiefJudgemayhearanycase assignedtoajudge 1.04 Judicial Meetings A . Circuit Judges. TheChiefJudgeshallcallameetingofthecircuitjudgesatleast quarterlyeachyeartodiscussandtakesuchactionasmayberequiredinconnectionwith thebusinessofthecourt B . Associate Judges. TheChiefJudgeorhisdesignateshallmeetwiththeassociate judgesatleastquarterlyineachyeartodiscussandtakesuchactionasmayberequiredin connectionwiththebusinessofthecourt C . Special Meetings. SpecialmeetingsmaybecalledatanytimebytheChiefJudge orbysixcircuitjudgesJointmeetingsofcircuitandassociatejudgesarespecialmeetings Specialmeetingsshallbeconvenedonnolessthanfivedaysnotice 1.05 St. Clair County Law Library Committee. ThepresidentoftheStClairCountyBar AssociationwithadviceandconsentoftheBarAssociationBoardofDirectorsshallnamethe membersofthelawlibrarycommitteeThecommitteeshalladvisethecircuitjudgesastothe operationofthecountylawlibrary 1.06 Court Facilities A . Designation of Court Facilities. TheChiefJudgeshalldesignatewhenandwhere courtshallbeheldwithintheTwentiethJudicialCircuitpursuanttoArticleVISection7(c)of theConstitutionoftheStateofIllinois(1970) B .Review of Court Facilities, Personnel and Resources. TheChiefJudgeshallfrom timetotimeappointacommitteeofjudgestoinspectthecourtfacilitieswithinthecircuitto determineifpersonnelandresourceneedsarecurrentThecommitteeshallreporttheir findingsandanyproposalstotheChiefJudgeTheChiefJudgemaysubmittheproposalsand recommendationstotheappropriatecountyboardforitsconsiderationandaction C . Enforcement. I f s u i t a b l e a c t i o n i s n o t t a k e n b y t h e C o u n t y B o a r d w i t h i n a reasonable time as may be designated by the Chief Judge the Chi e f J u d g e m a y e n t e r a n administrativeorderdirectingthatactionbetakenAproceedingtocompelcompliancewith theadministrativeordershallbepursuanttoSupremeCourtRule21(c) D .Appointment of Counsel. TheChiefJudgemaydesignatealicensedattorneyatlaw ofthisStatetorepresenttheTwentiethJudicialCircuitinanyenforcementproceeding 2 = Page 15 = 1.07 Limitations on Cases under Advisement A . Decisions within Sixty Days. Alljudgesareencouragedtorendertheirdecisions promptlywhenmattersarereadyfordecisionNojudgeofthiscircuitshallkeepamatter underadvisementforinterimrulingorfinaljudgmentforaperiodoftimegreaterthansixty daysfromthedatesuchmatterisreadyfordecision Forthepurposesofthisruleamatteris readyfordecisionatsuchtimeasthecourthasreceivedallwrittensubmissionsandheardall argumentsasmayhavebeenorderedbythecourt B . Compliance. Any case taken under advisement that is then not yet ready for decisionshallbegivenanautomaticstatusdatebytheCircuitClerkThepurposeofthestatus dateisforthecourttoreviewthesubmissionsofthepartiesandtoinsurethatthecaseisthen readyfordecisionIfthepartiesaredelinquentintheirsubmissionsthecourtshalltakesuch stepsthatarenecessarytomakethecasereadyfordecisionAnycasewhichhasnotbeen decidedbythejudgewithinsixtyofbeingreadyfordecisionshallbereportedbythejudgeto the Chief Judge together with an explanation of the reason such decision has not been rendered 1.08 Divisions of the St. Clair County Court A . Criminal Division. ThecourtshallhearallmatterspertainingtoCriminalFelony (CF)CriminalMisdemeanor(CM)Traffic(TR)OrdinanceViolation(OV)andConservation Violation(CV)cases B . Civil Division. ThecourtshallhearallmatterspertainingtothejurytrialofLaw (L)LawMagistrate(LM)SmallClaims(SC)andForcibleEntryandDetainercases C . Miscellaneous Remedies Division. Thecourtshallhearallmatterspertainingto M i s c e l l a n e o u s R e m e d i e s ( M R ) C h a n c e r y ( C H ) N o n j u r y L a w T a x ( TX) Municipal Corporations(MC)EminentDomain(ED)andProbate(P)casesandshallconductmarriages D . Domestic Relations, Family and Juvenile Division. T h e c o u r t s h a l l h e a r a l l matters pertaining to Dissolution of Marriage and Dissolution of Civil Union (D) Legal SeparationInvalidityofMarriageAdoptionsandPaternity(F)andactionsthatariseunder TitleIVDoftheSocialSecurityActandenforcedundertheIllinoisParentageActtheRevised UniformReciprocalEnforcementofSupportActandArticleXoftheIllinoisPublicAidCode E . Other Divisions. Th e Ch i e f J u d g e m a y b y a d m i n i s tra t i v e o rd e rd e s i g n at e o th e r divisionsorredefineexistingdivisionsofthecourt F . Supervising Judge. T h e C h i e f J u d g e m a y a p p o i n t a s u p e r v i s i n g j u d g e t o a n y d i v i s i o n o f t h e c o u r t T h e s u p e r v i s i n g j u d g e s h a l l h a v e a d m i n i s trative authority over that division 1.09 Forms in St. Clair County. TheChiefJudgemayissueadministrativeordersthatrequire litigantstousespecifiedformsorfacsimilesthereofTheChiefJudgebeforeimplementationof anychangemustapproverevisionsandmodificationstoformsItisthedutyofthelitigantto provideandcompletetheappropriateformTheCircuitClerkmayrejectanydocumentthat doesnotconformtotheadministrativeordersoftheChiefJudge 3 = Page 16 = PART 2: CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY 2.01 Maintaining a Daily Docket Sheet. TheCircuitClerkshallmaintainadailydocketsheet foreachjudgeshowingthecasessetbeforethejudgeandthehourofthedayatwhichthey shallbeheardTheclerkshallmakedocketinformationavailabletothepublic 2.02 Electronic Access to Circuit Clerk Records Via the Internet. Pursuant to Section 10000(c)oftheIllinoisSupremeCourtpolicyon Electronic Access for Circuit Court Records of the Illinois Courts (January 1, 2003), anyCircuitClerkwithintheTwentiethJudicialCircuitis authorizedtoprovidewebaccesstoCircuitClerkrecordsinaccordancewithsaidpolicyThis s e c t i o n d o e s n o t r e q u i r e a C i r c u i t C l e r k t o p r o v i d e e l e c t r o n i c access to records via the Internet 2.03 Guidelines for Court Personnel in assisting Pro Se Litigants A. Pro Se Litigants. pro se A litigantisapersonwhodoesnotretainanattorneyand appearsincourtonhisorherownbehalfA pro se litigantunderthelawisheldtothesame standardsanddutiesofanattorney Pro se litigantsareexpectedtoknowwhatthelaw requiresandhowtoproceedinaccordancewithapplicablestatutesandcourtrules B. Advice to pro se litigants prohibited. Intheperformanceoftheirofficialduties courtpersonnelincludingthelawlibrarystaffandthestaffoftheCircuitClerkareprohibited fromofferingadviceorcounsela pro se litigantastoaspecificcaseThisincludesproviding assistancetoa pro se litigantinthecompletionofformsCourtpersonnelhowevermay issuewrittenproceduralguidelinesorinstructionsforgeneraluseasapprovedbytheChief JudgeItshallbethedutyoftheCircuitClerktoenforcetheprovisionsofthisruleamongthe ClerkspersonnelItshallbethedutyoftheChiefJudgetoenforcetheprovisionsofthisrule amongothercourtpersonnel 2.04 Custody and Disposition of Exhibits A . Custody. Anyexhibitbeingmarkedforidentificationandofferedbyapartyfor admissionintotherecordshallbeplacedinthecustodyoftheCircuitClerkExhibitsshallbe retainedbytheCircuitClerkuntilthelastofthefollowingeventsthetimeforappealhas expiredorafterjudgmenthasbeenaffirmedorreversedbutnotremandedThereafterall exhibitsmaybereturnedtothepartiesortheircounselupontheirreceiptwhichshallbefiled inthecause B. Failure to Remove. Ifpartiesortheirattorneysfailtoremoveexhibitsasrequired byparagraph(A)ofthisruletheClerkoftheCircuitCourtshalldisposeoftheexhibitsasthe courtmaydirectIfsoldtheproceedslesstheexpenseofsaleshallbepaidintothecourt andthenpaidovertothecountytreasury 4 = Page 17 = 2.05 Clerks to be provided. TheClerkoftheCircuitCourtshallprovideanadequatenumber ofdeputyclerksforassistanceatallsessionsofcourtandasneededwhenthecourtisnotin session 2.06 Limited Filing of Documents Received by FAX OR E-MAIL. TheClerkoftheCircuit Courtshallacceptforfilingallfacsimileoremailtransmissionsfromanothercourtrelatedto anycaseoriginallyfiledinthisCircuitortransferredorremandedtothisCircuitincludingbut notlimitedtotheIllinoisSupremeCourttheIllinoisAppellateCourtanotherCircuitCourt andtheFederalDistrictCourtTheClerkoftheCircuitCourtshallnotfileotherdocuments receivedbyfacsimileoremailtransmissionunlessorderedtodosobyasittingjudgeIfa partytransmitsafacsimileoremailtotheCircuitClerkwithoutleaveofthesittingjudgethe transmittaldoesnotconstitutefilingofthedocumentwiththecourt 5 = Page 18 = PART 3: SHERIFF 3.01 Bailiffs to be provided. TheSheriffshallprovideabailiffwhenrequestedbyajudge 3.02 Building Security in St. Clair County. TheSheriffofStClairCountyisresponsiblefor assuringsecurityintheStClairCountyBuildingTheSheriffinconsultationwiththeChief JudgemayadoptaprotocoltoassuresecurityinthecourtroomsandotherareasoftheSt ClairCountyBuildingTheSheriffisauthorizedtousewalkthroughandorhandheldmetal detectorsAnyindividualtriggeringthedetectorwillbesubjecttoapatdownsearchAny itemtriggeringthedetectorwillbesubjecttoavisualinspection 6 = Page 19 = PART 4: JURORS 4.01 Jurors in St. Clair County A . Grand Jurors. TheChiefJudgeshallcallGrandJurorsEachGrandJuryandthe members thereof shall serve until the impaneling of the next Grand Jury unless sooner dischargedAfterbeingimpaneledinstructedandswornbythecourttheGrandJuryshallsit atsuchtimeasthecourtmayorderandmayberecessedfromtimetotimetoadaycertainor subjecttorecall B. Assessment of costs for unnecessary call of jury venire. I f f o r a n y r e a s o n attributabletocounselorthepartiesincludingsettlementthecourtisunabletocommencea jurytrialasscheduledandapanelofprospectivejurorshasreportedtotheCourthousefor servicethecourtmayassessagainstcounselorpartiesallorpartofthecostofthepanel 7 = Page 20 = PART 5: COURT REPORTERS 5.01 Circuit Court proceedings to be recorded in St. Clair County. All Circuit Court proceedingsaretoberecordedverbatimbyacertifiedcourtstenographerapprovedbythe ChiefJudgeorbydigitalelectronicrecordingequipmentElectronicDigitalRecordingsremain u n d e r t h e c o n t r o l o f t h e C i r c u i t C o u r t w i t h a c c e s s t o s u c h r e c ordings subject to the regulationspromulgatedbytheAdministrativeOfficeofIllinoisCourtsandanyfurtherorder oftheChiefJudge 5.02 Preparation of Transcripts A . Request for Transcript. Any person ordering an original andor copy of a transcriptofproceedingsshalldosoinwrittenformThisrequestmustcontainthestyleof thecaseincludingcasenumberthedate(s)oftheproceedingsandthenumberofcopies requested Except where the transcript is ordered by the State o r a n y o f i t s p o l i t i c a l subdivisionsadepositoftheestimatedtotalfeeforthetranscriptmustaccompanytheorder Therequestshallbedirectedtothecourtreporterifknownwithacopytothesupervisorof Court Reporting Services If the court reporter is not known ori f t h e p r o c e e d i n g w a s electronically digitally recorded t h e r e q u e s t s h a l l b e m a d e t o t h e s u p e r v i s o r o f C o u r t ReportingServices B. Digitally Recorded Proceedings. Digitalrecordingsarenotavailabletolitigants their attorneys or the public Digitally recorded medium shall only be disseminated by t r a n s c r i p t p r e p a r e d a n d c e r t i f i e d a s t r u e a n d a c c u r a t e a c e r t i f ied court reporter This transcriptistheofficialrecordoftheproceedings C. Expedited Transcripts. Nopartymayrequireacourtreportertoproducean e x p e d i t e d t r a n s c r i p t w i t h o u t l e a v e o f c o u r t T h e c o s t o f a n y e x pedited transcript will be assessedasacourtcostagainstthepartyorattorneyrequestingthetranscriptFullpayment foranexpeditedtranscriptisdueupondeliveryoftheexpeditedtranscript D. Daily Copy Transcripts. Nopartymayrequireacourtreportertoproduceadaily transcriptofacourtproceedingwithoutleaveofcourtInadditiontoobtaindailycopyof courtproceedingsapartymustmakewrittenrequestofthejudgeassignedtothecaseatleast t w e n t y o n e ( 2 1 ) d a y s i n a d v a n c e o f t h e p r o c e e d i n g T h e p a r t y m u s t s e n d a c o p y o f t h e requesttothesupervisingcourtreporterThecostofthetranscriptwillbeassessedasa courtcostagainstthepartyortheattorneyorderingitPaymentforadailytranscriptisdue upondeliveryofadayscopy E. Free-lance Court Reporters. Intheeventthatapartyemploysafreelancecourt reportertoprovideexpeditedordailytranscriptsanofficialcourtreporterwillalsoattend thetrialandwillpreparetheofficialtranscriptoftheproceedings F. Failure to Order a Copy of a Transcript. Uponrequestofatranscriptthecourt reportershalladviseallpartiestotheproceedingthatfailuretoorderacopyatthetimethe original is transcribed may resul t i n i m p o s i t i o n o f o r i g i n a l p r eparation rate if a copy is orderedthereafter G. Partial Transcript on Appeal. Inordertomaintainthecontinuityofthereportof theproceedingsonappealapartialtranscriptmaynotbeincorporatedintotherecord 8 = Page 21 = PART 6: CIVIL TRIAL PRACTICE 6.01 Motion Practice in St. Clair County A. Filing. AllmotionsshallbefiledwiththeCircuitClerkpriortotheirpresentation tothecourtThetitleofeachmotionshallindicatethereliefsoughtandshallindicatethe sectionnumberoftheCodeofCivilProcedureortheSupremeCourtRulepursuantto whichthemotionisbrought B. Notice Writtennoticeofhearingonallmotionsshallbegivenbytheparty requestingthehearingtoallpartieswhohaveappearedandhavenotpreviouslybeen defaultedforfailuretopleadandtoallpartieswhosetimetoappearhasnotexpiredonthe dateofnoticeNoticeshallbegiveninthemannerprescribedinSupremeCourtRule11 NoticethatadditionalreliefhasbeensoughtshallbegiveninaccordancewithSupreme CourtRule105 C. Notice by FAX OR E- MAIL RANSMISSION T . PersonalserviceasprescribedinSupreme CourtRule11(b)(1)maybeeffectedbyserviceoftheNoticeofMotionandotherpertinent d o c u m e n t s t h r o u g h e l e c t r o n i c f a c s i m i l e m a i l i n g ( F A X ) ( 1 1 ( b ) ( 5 ) ) or email transmission ( 1 1 ( b ) ( 6 ) ) I n c a s e o f s e r v i c e b y f a c s i m i l e t r a n s m i s s i o n b y certificate of the person as providedinsection1109oftheCodeofCivilProcedure(735ILCS51109(West2012)who transmittedthedocumentviafacsimilemachinestatingthetimeandplaceoftransmission the telephone number to which the t r a n s m i s s i o n w a s s e n t a n d t h e number of pages transmittedorincaseofservicebyemailbycertificateofthepersonasprovidedinsection 1109oftheCodeofCivilProcedure(735ILCS51109(West2012)whotransmittedthe documentviaemailstatingthetimeandplaceoftransmissiontoadesignatedemailaddress ofrecord D. Content of Notice. Thenoticeofhearingshallcontainthetitleandnumberofthe causeofactionthedatetimeanddesignatedcourtroomforthemotionandshallincludea shortstatementofthenatureofthemotionAcopyofanywrittenmotionandofpapers presentedtherewithorastatementthattheyhavebeenpreviouslyservedshallbeserved withthenotice E. Advance Notice of Hearing. Unlessotherwiseorderedbythecourtnoticeby personalserviceshallbemadenotlessthansevendayspriortothehearingandnoticebyUS Mailshall bemailednot lessthantendays priorto hearing Delivery by FAX or email a u t h e n t i c a t e d a s d e s c r i b e d i n s u b p a r a g r a p h ( c ) a b o v e s h a l l b e deemed personal service Proofofserviceormailingshallbemadeofrecord F. Summary Judgment. Allmotionsforsummaryjudgmentshallbefiledandduly noticedforhearingsuchthatthemotioncomesbeforethecourtforinitialpresentationand entryofabriefingschedulenotlaterthanfortyfive(45)daysbeforethetrialdateexcept b y p r i o r l e a v e o f c o u r t a n d f o r g o o d c a u s e s h o w n o r u n l e s s a d e a d l i n e f o r d i s p o s i t i v e motionsisotherwisespecifiedinthecasemanagementorder G . F a i l u r e o f M o v a n t t o C a l l M o t i o n f o r H e a r i n g . T h e b u r d e n o f o b t a i n i n g a motionsettinginacivilcaseisonthepartymakingthemotionIfthemovingpartydoes 9 = Page 22 = notobtainamotionsettingwithinninetydaysfromthedateitisfiledthecourtmaydeem themotionwithdrawnanddenythereliefrequestedwithorwithoutprejudice H. Length of Written Argument. Unlessthesittingjudgegrantsleavenobriefor m e m o r a n d u m i n s u p p o r t o f o r i n o pposition to any motion shall exceed ten (10) typewrittendoublespacedpages 6.02 Emergency and Ex Parte Motions Where Notice is Not Required A. Notice not required. Emergencymotionsandmotionswhichbylawmaybe made ex parte mayinthediscretionofthecourtbeheardwithoutgivingpriornoticeand withoutcallingthemotionforhearingEmergencymotionsshallsofaraspossiblebe givenprecedenceOrderspursuanttostipulationofthepartiesmaybeenteredwithout givingnotice B. Notice after hearing. Ifamotionisheardwithoutpriornoticeunderthisrule writtennoticeofthehearingofthemotionshowingthetitleandnumberoftheactionthe nameofthejudgewhoheardthemotionthedateofthehearingandtherulingofthecourt thereonshallbeservedbytheattorneyobtainingtheorderuponallpartieswhohave appearedandhavenottheretoforebeenfoundbythecourttobeindefaultforthefailure topleadanduponallpartieswhosetimetoappearhadnotexpiredonthedateofhearing andproofofservicethereofshallbefiledwiththeclerkwithin48hoursafterthehearing NoticeshallbegiveninthemannerandtothepersonsdescribedinSupremeCourtRule11 C. Order upon denial. Ifamotionheardwithoutpriornoticeisdeniedanorderof thedenialshallbeenteredofrecord 6.03 Motions for Consolidation Motionsforconsolidationofcasesshallbepresentedtothejudgetowhomthe oldestnumberedcaseisassignedafternoticetoallpartiesofrecordinallcasesinvolvedin proposedconsolidationUnlessotherwiseorderedbythecourtcasesshallbeconsolidated andfurtherprocessedundertheoldestcasenumberThereaftertheCircuitClerkshallfile anycourtdocumentfiledinanyoftheconsolidatedcasesinthefileunderwhichthecases areconsolidated 6.04 Regulation of Discovery A. Discovery Materials shall not be filed with the Circuit Clerk. Interrogatories andanswersorobjectionstheretorequestsforproductionorinspectionandresponsesor objectionstheretoanddepositionsunlessfiledpursuanttoSupremeCourtRule207and noticesofdepositionsshallbeserveduponopposingcounselorpartiesbut shall not be filed withtheCircuitClerkexceptbyspecialorderofCourtThisruledoesnotapplytoaRequestto AdmitFactorGenuinenessofDocumentspursuanttoIllinoisSupremeCourtRule216and responsesorobjectionsthereto 10 = Page 23 = B. Custodian of Discovery Materials. T h e p a r t y r e s p o n s i b l e f o r t h e s e r v i c e o f discoverymaterialsshallretaintheoriginalsascustodian C. Filing of Discovery Materials for Motions related to Discovery Disputes. Any portionofdiscoverymaterialnecessarytotheconsiderationofapretrialmotionorforafinal orderonanyissueshallbefiledcontemporaneouslywiththemotionorresponsetheretoand attachedasanexhibitthereto D. Prevention of Identity Theft. Allpartiesarebarredfromseekinginformation that identifies a persons social security drivers license credit card or other personal identity or account numbers without written leave of court If w r i t t e n l e a v e o f c o u r t i s grantedtodisclosesaidpersonalidentityinformationthepartiesshallsubmitaProtective O r d e r r e g a r d i n g u s e o f t h e i n f o r m a t i o n N o p a r t y s h a l l i n c l u d e said personal identity informationinanypleadingorotherpaperfiledinthecase 6.05 Limitation on Interrogatories Nopartyshallserveonanyotherpartymorethanthirtywritteninterrogatoriesin theaggregateincludingsubsectionsexceptuponagreementofthepartiesorleaveofcourt granteduponashowingofgoodcauseAmotionforleaveofcourttoservemorethan thirtyinterrogatoriesmustbeinwritingandshallsetforththeproposedinterrogatories andthereasonsestablishinggoodcausefortheiruse 6.06Remote Electronic Means Depositions ConsistentwithSupremeCourtRule206(h)(14)anypartymaytakeadeposition bytelephonevideoconferenceorotherremoteelectronicmeansbystatinginthenotice thespecificelectronicmeanstobeusedforthedepositionsubjecttotherighttoobject Suchadepositionisdeemedtakenattheplacewherethedeponentistoanswerquestions Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph the rules govern i n g t h e p r a c t i c e proceduresanduseofdepositionsshallapplytoremoteelectronicmeansdepositions (1)Thedeponentshallbeinthepresenceoftheofficeradministeringtheoathand recordingthethedepositionunlessotherwiseagreedbytheparties (2)Anyexhibitsorotherdemonstrativeevidencetobepresentedtothedeponent byanypartyatthedepositionshallbeprovidedtotheofficeradministeringtheoathand allotherpartieswithinareasonableperiodoftimepriortothedeposition (3)Nothinginthisparagraphshallprohibitanypartyfrombeingwiththedeponent duringthedepositionatthatpartysexpenseprovidedhoweverthatapartyattendinga depositionshallgivewrittennoticeofthatpartysintentiontoappearatthedepositionto allotherpartieswithinareasonabletimepriortothedeposition (4)Thepartyatwhoseinstancetheremoteelectronicdepositionistakenshallpay allcostsoftheremoteelectronicmeansdepositionunlessotherwiseagreedbytheparties 6.07 Case Management and Automatic Status Conferences in St. Clair County A. Initial Status Conference in the major Civil Law (L) Division. Allcasesinthis divisionshallbegivenanInitialCaseManagementConferencedatenolaterthanonehundred 11 = Page 24 = twentydaysfromthedateoffilingThepurposeoftheconferenceistopreventdelayinthe d i s p o s i t i o n o f t h e c a s e b y a c h i e v i n g e a r l y c o u r t i n t e r v e n t i o n i n the case In addition the conferenceistobeutilizedtopromotesettlementtoconsiderreferraltomediationunder Part 9 o f t h e s e R u l e s t o h e a r p e n d i n g m o t i o n s t o s e t d i s c o v e r y l i m i ts and to monitor compliancewithscheduledcourtevents B. Other Divisions shall schedule Automatic Status Conferences. The Arbitration (AR) Division iscontrolledby Part 7 oftheselocalrules PursuanttoIllinoisSupremeCourt Rule218(a)thefollowingdivisionsareexemptfromtheInitialCaseManagementConference requirementsoftheRule218butallsuchcasesaresubjecttouseofanautomaticstatus conferencedatethefirstofwhichshallbesetnolaterthansixtydaysfromthedateoffiling Adoption (A), Chancery (CH), Dissolution (D), Family (F), Law Magistrate (LM), Mental Health (MH), Miscellaneous Remedy (MR), Municipal Corporation (MC), Order of Protection (OP), Probate (P), Small Claim (SC) and Tax (T). C. Mandatory Future Court Date. Atthetimeoftheautomaticstatusconferenceor casemanagementconferenceandthereafteratanydatetowhichthecaseiscontinuedthe courtshallassignafuturecourtdateuntilsuchcaseisclosedThepurposeofanyfuturecourt dateshallbedesignatedbycourteventtype D. Failure to Appear. Failureofcounselor pro se partiestoappearatthestatus conferencecasemanagementconferenceoranydatetowhichthecaseiscontinuedmay result in dismissal for want of prosecution or default upon thec o u r t s o w n m o t i o n A n y motiontosetasideadismissalordefaultforviolationofthisruleshallbedirectedtothejudge thatdismissedthecaseorenteredthedefault 6.08 Pleadings to be Comprehensible A. Multiple Count Pleadings. Ifapleadingcontainsmultiplecountsoraffirmative defenseseachcountordefenseshallbearashorttitleconciselystatingthetheoryofliability ordefenseIfthepleadingisfiledonbehalfoforagainstmultiplepartiesandallsuchparties arenotassertingthesameclaimsordefensesastoallopposingpartiesthetitleofeachcount ordefenseshallalsoconciselydesignatethesubgroupofpartiestowhomitpertains B. Illinois State Bar Number. I n a d d i t i o n t o a l l o t h e r r e q u i r e m e n t s r e g a r d i n g identificationallpleadingsmustcontaintheIllinoisStateBarNumberoftheattorneyfiling thepleading C . A t t o r n e y E - m a i l A d d r e s s . In addition to all other requirements regarding identificationallpleadingsmustcontaintheemailaddressoftheattorneyfilingthepleading 6.09 Settlement Prior to Trial Intheeventofsettlementpriortotrialtheattorneysshallnotifythejudgeassignedto thecaseinwritingthatthecausehasbeensettled 12 = Page 25 = 6.10 Motions for Continuance ItisthepolicyoftheCircuitCourtthateventsoccurontheirscheduleddateNoparty shouldpresumeacasewouldbecontinuedeventhoughallpartiesareinagreementIfa motion to continue is contested the burden is on the movant to obtain a setting for the motionIfthemotionisuncontestedthemotionandproposedordershallrecitetheconsent ofallpartiestocontinuethetrialofthecase 6.11 Statement of the Nature of the Case Priortothecommencementofaciviljurytrialeachpartyshallprepareandsubmitto thecourtandtoeachopposingpartyaStatementoftheNatureoftheCasetobereadtothe jury 13 = Page 26 = PART 7: MANDATORY ARBITRATION OF CERTAIN CIVIL CASES 7.01 Rules of Mandatory Arbitration ThemandatoryarbitrationprogramoftheCircuitCourtofStClairCountyIllinois i s g o v e r n e d b y t h e S u p r e m e C o u r t R u l e s f o r t h e C o n d u c t o f M a n d a tory Arbitration Proceedings (Supreme Court Rules 8695 inclusive) These localr u l e s a r e a d o p t e d pursuanttoSupremeCourtRule86(c)SincearbitrationproceedingsinthisStClairCounty aregovernedbybothsetsofrulesreferenceismadeinthecaptionofeachlocalruletothe SupremeCourtRulegoverningthesamesubject 7.02 Administration of Mandatory Arbitration A. Supervising Judge. T h e C h i e f J u d g e s h a l l a p p o i n t a S u p e r v i s i n g J u d g e f o r ArbitrationinStClairCountywhoshallhavethepowersandresponsibilitiessetforthin theserulesandwhoshallserveatthepleasureoftheChiefJudge B. Arbitration Administrator. T h e C h i e f J u d g e s h a l l a p p o i n t a n A r b i t r a t i o n Administratorwhoshallhavetheauthorityandresponsibilitiessetforthintheserulesand whoshallserveatthepleasureoftheChiefJudge C. Clerical and Support Staff. Clericalandsupportstaffnecessaryfortheeffective administration of the arbitration program shall be appointed by the Chief Judge The Supreme Court shall approve the number of clerical and support p e r s o n n e l a n d t h e compensationpaidtosuchemployeesClericalandsupportpersonnelshallserveatthe pleasureoftheChiefJudgeandmayberemovedbytheChiefJudge D. State to pay for staff. TheamountofcompensationtobepaidanyArbitration AdministratororclericalandsupportpersonnelshallbepaidbytheState E. Conflict of Interest. Noadministrativeclericalorsupportpersonnelreceiving compensationfromanypublicfundsundertheprovisionsoftheserulesshallreceiveany compensationgiftorgratuitywhatsoeverfromanypersonfirmorcorporationfordoing orrefrainingfromdoinganyofficialactinanywayconnectedwithanyproceedingthen pendingoryettobeinstitutedbeforeanycourtorarbitrationpanelViolationofthisrule shallbegroundsforimmediatetermination 7.03 Civil Actions Subject to Mandatory Arbitration (S. Ct. Rule 86) A. Certain Civil Actions are Subject Mandatory Arbitration. Allcivilactionswill be subject to Mandatory Arbitration on claims exclusively for mo n e y i n a n a m o u n t exceeding5000butnotexceeding5000000Thesecivilactionsshallbeassignedtothe ArbitrationCalendaroftheCircuitCourtofStClairCountyatthetimeofinitialcasefiling withtheClerkoftheCircuitCourtStClairCountyIllinois B. Filing Fees Civilactionsseekingmoneydamagesinexcessof500000butnot exceeding1500000requirefilingfeesforcasesofthe“AR”divisionCivilactionsseeking moneydamagesinexcessof1500000butnotexceeding5000000requirefilingfees forcasesfiledoftheLdivision 14 = Page 27 = C. Transfer to Mandatory Arbitration. On the motion of either party by a g r e e m e n t o f t h e p a r t i e s o r b y o r d e r o f c o u r t o n i t s o w n m o t i o n cases not originally assignedtotheArbitrationCalendarmaybeorderedtoarbitrationpursuanttoSupreme CourtRule86(d)whenitappearstothecourtthatnoclaimintheactionhasavaluein excessof5000000irrespectiveofdefensesInsuchcasestherewillbenoadjustmentto thefilingfeepreviouslypaid 7.04 Appointment, Qualification, and Compensation of Arbitrators (S. Ct. Rule 87) A. Qualification of Applicant. Anapplicantshall beeligibleforappointmentto serveasmembersofanarbitrationpanelotherthanaschairpersonsbyfilingwiththe ArbitrationAdministratoranapplicationformcertifyingthattheapplicant (1)Hasattendedamandatoryarbitrationseminarand (2)HasreadandisinformedoftherulesoftheSupremeCourtandtheActrelating tomandatoryarbitrationand (3)IspresentlylicensedtopracticelawinIllinoisand (4)HasengagedinthepracticeoflawinIllinoisforaminimumofthree(3)yearsor isaretiredjudgeand (5)MaintainsalawofficeinStClairCountyIllinois B. Chairperson. Applicantswhofurthercertifyintheirapplicationsthattheyhave engagedintrialpracticeinIllinoisforaminimumoffive(5)yearsorwhoareretired judgesshallbeeligibletoserveaschairperson C. Assignment of Arbitrator. The Arbitration Administrator shall maintain an alphabeticallistofpersonsqualifiedtoserveasarbitratorswhoshallbeassignedona rotatingbasisTheArbitrationAdministratorshallalsomaintainalistofthosepersonswho haveindicatedontheirapplicationawillingnesstoserveonanemergencybasisSuch individualswhenappointedtoserveshallalsobeassignedonarotatingbasis D. Notice to Arbitrator. Except for those persons requested to serve on an emergencybasisallotherpersonsassignedasarbitratorsshallreceivednotlessthansixty (60)daysnoticeofthedatetimeandplaceofservice E. Conflict of Arbitrator Only one member or associate of a firm office or associationofattorneysshallbeappointedtothepanelUponassignmenttoacasean arbitratorshallnotifytheArbitrationAdministerofanyconflictandwithdrawfromthe caseifanygroundsfordisqualificationappeartoexistpursuanttotheIllinoisCodeof JudicialConduct F. Arbitrator to take Oath E a c h a r b i t r a t o r s h a l l t a k e a n o a t h o f o f f i c e i n conformitywiththeformprovidedinSupremeCourtRule94inadvanceofthehearing G. Arbitrator to submit Voucher. Uponcompletionofeachdayofservicethe ArbitrationAdministratorshallprocesstheappropriatevouchersforthepromptpayment ofthearbitrators H. Comment and Contact Prohibited. AnArbitratormaynotbecontactednor publiclycommentorrespondtoquestionsregardingaparticulararbitrationcaseheardby thatarbitratorduringthependencyofthatcase 15 = Page 28 = I. Periodic Review of List of Arbitrators. TheArbitrationAdministratorandthe Chief Judge shall periodically review the eligibility of attorneys currently on the alphabeticallistofpersonsqualifiedtoserveasarbitratorsandmaysuspendorrevoke arbitratorseligibilitywithintheirdiscretionwhennecessary 7.05 Scheduling of Hearings (Sup. Ct. Rule 88) A. Calendar of Arbitration Hearing Dates. OnorbeforethefirstdayofeachJuly the Arbitration Administrator will provide the Clerk of the Circ u i t C o u r t a s c h e d u l e o f availablearbitrationhearingdatesforthenextcalendaryear B. Complaint, Summons and Answer Date. Uponthefilingofacivilactionsubject toManda toryArb it rat i onth eCl e rkofth eC ircu itCou r tsh al l setareturndateforthe summonsnotlessthan21daysnormorethan40daysafterfilingreturnablebeforethe Supervising Judge forArbitration The summons shall requirethat the plaintiff orthe plaintiffsattorneyandalldefendantsortheirattorneysshallappearatthetimeandplace indicatedThecomplaintandallsummonsesshallstateinuppercaseletterontheupper righthandcorner "THIS IS AN ARBITRATION CASE C. Scheduling of Hearing Dates. IftheCourtfindsu ponthereturndateofthe summonsthatallpartieshaveappearedtheCourtshallassignanarbitrationhearingdate ontheearliestavailabledatethereafterprovidedthatnotlessthansixty(60)dayswritten noticeisgiventothepartiesortheirattorneysofrecordWhenacivilactionnotoriginally assignedtotheArbitrationCalendarissubsequentlyassignedtotheArbitrationCalendar the Court shall promptly assign an arbitration hearing date Except by agreement of counselforallpartiesandsubjecttoapprovalbythecourtanyarbitrationhearingdate shallnotbelessthansixty(60)daysnormorethanonehundredeighty(180)daysfrom thedateoftheassignmenttotheArbitrationCalendar D. Advancement or Postponement of Hearing Date. Anypartytoacasemay requestadvancementorpostponementofascheduledarbitrationhearingdatebyfilinga writtenmotionwiththeClerkoftheCircuitCourtrequestingthechangeThenoticeof hearingandmotionshallbeserveduponcounselforallotherpartiesupon pro se parties asprovidedbySupremeCourtRuleandRulesoftheCircuitCourtoftheTwentiethJudicial CircuitandupontheArbitrationAdministratorThemotionshallbesetforhearingonthe calendaroftheSupervisingJudgeforArbitrationThemotionshallbeverifiedcontaina concisestatementofthereasonforthechangeofhearingdateTheSupervisingJudgemay grantsuchadvancementorpostponementupongoodcauseshown E. Notification upon Settlement. U p o n s e t t l e m e n t o f a n y c a s e s c h e d u l e d f o r arbitrationcounselforplaintiffshallimmediatelynotifytheArbitrationAdministratorin writingFailuretodosomayresultintheimpositionofsanctions 7.06 Length of Arbitration Hearing Itisanticipatedthatthemajorityofcasestobeheardbyanarbitrationpanelwill requireamaximumof2hoursforpresentationanddecisionItshallbetheresponsibility o f c o u n s e l f o r t h e p l a i n t i f f t o c o n f e r w i t h c o u n s e l f o r a l l o t h er parties obtain an 16 = Page 29 = approximationofthelengthoftimerequiredforpresentationofthecaseandadvisethe A r b i t r a t i o n A d m i n i s t r a t o r a t l e a s t 1 4 d a y s i n a d v a n c e o f t h e h e aring date as to any additionaltimerequired 7.07 Discovery (Sup. Ct. Rule 89) A. Compliance with Rule 222 All parties shall comply with the provisions of IllinoisSupremeCourtRule222PlaintiffshallfileaninitialRule222Disclosurestatement withtheClerkoftheCourtwiththeinitialpleadingThereafterdefendantorthirdparty defendantifapplicableshallfileaninitialRule222DisclosureStatementwiththeClerkof theCircuitCourtnotlaterthan28daysaftertheirfirstcourtappearanceorasotherwise orderedbythecourtDiscoverymaybeconductedinaccordancewiththeestablished rulesandshallbecompleted(unlessthepartiesotherwiseagree)notlessthanthirty(30) dayspriortothearbitrationhearingNodiscoveryshallbepermittedafterthehearing exceptuponleaveofcourtandgoodcauseshown B. Compliance with Rule 222 in transfer cases Ifacaseistransferredtothe Arbitrationcallbyorderofcourtallpartiesshallcomplywithdisclosurenotlaterthan28 daysafterthedateoftransferFailuretoservethedisclosurestatementasprovidedby rule or as the court allows may result in the imposition of sanctions as prescribed in SupremeCourtRule219(c)andRule222(g)Discoverymaybeconductedinaccordance withtheestablishedrulesandshallbecompleted(unlessthepartiesotherwiseagree)not lessthanthirtydayspriortothearbitrationhearingNodiscoveryshallbepermittedafter thehearingexceptuponleaveofcourtandgoodcauseshown 7.08 Conduct of Hearing. (Sup. Ct. Rule 90) A. Supervising Judge. The Supervising Judge for Arbitration shall have full supervisory powers with regard to questions arising in any arbitration proceeding including the application of these rules The Supervising Judge shall hear all motions relatedtothecaseincludingthosemotionsthatariseafterthecasehasbeenscheduledfor arbitration B. Stenographic Record. Astenographicrecordorarecordingofthehearingshall notbemadeunlessapartydoessoathisherownexpenseIfapartyhasastenographic recordorarecordingmadeacopyshallbefurnishedtoanyotherpartyrequestingitupon paymentofaproportionateshareofthetotalcostofmakingtherecordorrecordings C. Chairperson to preside at hearing. Established rules of evidence shall be followedinallhearingsbeforearbitratorsexceptasprovidedinIllinoisSupremeCourt Rule90(c)and(d)Hearingsaretobeconductedtofacilitatedisclosureofallrelevant e v i d e n c e a n d t o o b t a i n s u b s t a n t i a l j u s t i c e f o r a l l o f t h e p a r t i es The chairperson shall a d m i n i s t e r o a t h s a n d a f f i r m a t i o n t o w i t n e s s e s T h e a r b i t r a t o r s shall determine the admissibilityofevidenceanddecidethelawandfactsofthecaseThechairpersonofthe panelshallmakerulingsonobjectionstoevidenceoronotherissueswhichariseduring thehearing 17 = Page 30 = D. Stipulations as to Nature of the Case. Atthecommencementofthehearingthe attorneysforthepartieswillprovideabriefwrittenstatementofthenatureofthecase whichshallincludeastipulationastoalloftherelevantfactstowhichthepartiesagree Thestipulationshallincludeifapplicablerelevantcontracttermsdatestimesplaces locationoftrafficcontroldevicesyearmakeandmodelofautomobilesofothervehicles equipmentorgoodsandproductswhichareinvolvedinthelitigationandotherrelevant andmaterialfactsThetimedevotedtothepresentationofevidenceshouldbelimitedto thosefactsuponwhichthepartiesgenuinelydisagree E. Witness and Expert Statements. Astatementoraffidavitofawitnesswhich maybepresumptivelyadmissibleunderSupremeCourtRule90(c)and(d)mustinclude thenameandaddressofthewitness F. Language Interpreter. Any party requiring the services of a language interpreterduringthehearingshallberesponsibleforprovidingitAnypartyrequiring theservicesofaninterpreterorotherassistanceforthedeaforhearingimpairedshall notifytheArbitrationAdministratorofsaidneednotlessthanseven(7)dayspriortothe hearing G. Hearings to proceed at scheduled time. Cases should be ready at the scheduledtimeTheArbitrationAdministermayextendthetimeforgoodcauseshownIf nonoticeisgiventotheArbitrationAdministerapartywhodoesnotanswerreadywithin fifteenminutesofthetimecalledwillbefoundtobeindefaultandthehearingwillproceed ex parte IfapartycallstheArbitrationCenterandindicatestheywillbelatethecasewill beheldforareasonabletimeAnytimedelaywillbedeductedfromthepresentationtime ofthepartycausingthedelay H. Witness fees and costs. Witnessfeesandcostsshallbeinthesameamountand shallbepaidbythesamepartyorpartiesasprovidedforintrialsintheCircuitCourtofSt ClairCountyexceptasotherwiseprovidedbyRule90(e) 7.09 Exhibits must be retrieved Thearbitrationadministrationshallnotberesponsibleforstoringexhibitsleftby litigantswiththearbitrationpanelPartieswishingtoretrieveexhibitsareadvisedtodoso atthetimethepaneltenderstheawardtothearbitrationadministrationAllexhibitsnot retrievedonorbeforethedatesetforentryofjudgmentonthearbitrationawardshallbe destroyed 7.10 Default of a Party (Sup. Ct. Rule 91) A. Failure of a Party to Appear. Adefendantwhofailstoappearatthescheduled arbitrationhearingmayhaveanawardenteredagainstthatdefendantuponwhichthe CourtmayenterjudgmentIfadefendantappearsandaplaintifffailstoappearanaward maybeenteredforthedefendantandthecourtmayenterjudgmentontheaward B. Default Order Set Aside. CoststhatmaybeassessedunderSupremeCourtRule 91ifthedefaultjudgmentontheawardisvacatedorthecomplaintreinstatedmayinclude butarenotlimitedtofilingfeesattorneyfeeswitnessfeesstenographiccostsandany 18 = Page 31 = reasonableoutofpocketexpensesincurredbyanypartyorwitnessforappearingatthe arbitrationhearing 7.11 Award and Judgment on Award (Sup. Ct. Rule 92) Thearbitrationpanelshallrenderitsdecisionandenteranawardonthesameday ofthehearingThechairpersonshallpresenttheawardtotheArbitrationAdministrator whoshallthenfilesamewiththeClerkoftheCircuitCourtTheArbitrationAdministrator hasthediscretiontoFAXoremailtheawardtothepartiestothearbitrationTheClerkof the Circuit Court shall serve a notice of the award upon all parties who have filed an appearance 7.12 Rejection of Award. (Supreme Court Rule 93) RejectionoftheawardoftheArbitratorsshallbeinstrictcompliancewithSupreme CourtRule93Inallcaseswherethearbitrationawardexceeds3000000therejection feeshallbe50000andtheawardshallbemarkedtomakethiscleartoallparties 19 = Page 32 = PART 8 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS 8.01 Notice of Dispute as to Child Custody or Allocation of Parental Responsibilities. If custody allocation of parental responsibilities visitation parenting time relocationoraccesstochild(ren)isindisputeeitherpartyshallinformtheassignedjudge attheinitialcasemanagementconferenceorassoonasadisputeisknowntoexistThe assignedjudgeshallissueamediationorderandsetthecaseforamediationstatuswithin fortyfive(45)days 8.02 Financial Disclosure Statement of Income, Expenses, Property & Debt PursuanttoIllinoisSupremeCourtRule201(c)(2)andotherrelevantSupreme CourtrulesthatmaybeadoptedaswornFinancialDisclosureStatementmustbefiledby thepartiesnolaterthanfortyeight(48)hoursbeforehearingonapleadingseekingto establishmodifyorotherwiseaffectissuesofsupportormaintenanceordispositionof propertywhethertemporaryorpermanentinnatureIfsuchaffidavithasbeenfiledfor purposesofahearingonatemporaryreliefanadditionalaffidavitneednotbefiledprior toahearingforpermanentreliefunlesstherehasbeenachangeinfinancialcircumstances FailuretocomplywiththisrulemayresultinsanctionspursuanttoIllinoisSupremeCourt Rule219(c)ThepartiesmayoptoutoftherequirementsoftheRulebywrittenagreement and with the permission of the court or the court may waive this requirement at the c o u r t s d i s c r e t i o n T h e c o u r t a dopts a uniform financial statement disclosure form a a l b e n h C r u t l r w b i e t v i a l o t e i c i C e k s e s t a httpwwwcircuitclerkcost clairilusDocumentsFormsFamilyDivision 8.03 Position Statement In any disputed case involving property attorneys fees custo d y a l l o c a t i o n o f parental responsibilities parenting time visitation maintenance or child support the attorneysandorprosepartiesshallfileastatementofproposedresolutionofallissues notlessthansevendaysbeforefinalhearingThecourtadoptsaModel803Position Statement and said document is available on the Circuit Clerksw e b s i t e a t httpwwwcircuitclerkcostclairilusDocumentsFormsFamilyDivision Iftheissuesbeforethecourtareonlimitedgroundsitisonlynecessarytosubmit theappropriateattachmentfromtheModel803PositionStatement( i.e. ifdisputedissues concernchildsupportonlythensubmit“AttachmentCChildSupportWorksheet”) 8.04 Emergency Matters Designation of a matter as an “emergency” is an extraordinary me a s u r e T h e proponentofanallegedemergencymattershallhavetheburdenofprovingtheexistence 20 = Page 33 = ofanemergencyMattersdesignated“emergency”shallbeheardatthediscretionofthe Court (A) WithoutnoticetoopposingpartyNolessthantwo(2)businessdaysnotice s h a l l b e g i v e n t o t h e o p p o s i n g p a r t y u n l e s s t h e e m e r g e n c y q u a l ifies for ex partereliefIfnoprior notice is given to opposing party proponent must complywithlocalrule601(B) (B) If the Court determines that the matter does not meet the criteria for emergencyrelief anordersofindingshallbeenteredIfsuchafindingismade thepartyorthepartys counselwhorespondstoamotionpropoundedasbut foundnottobeanemergency may be entitled to reimbursementb y t h e proponentforactualexpensesandattorney feesincurredinrespondingtosaid motion 8.05 Domestic Violence Orders of Protection (EmergencyOrderofProtection A) Petitionsforemergencyordersofprotectionshallgenerallybeheardbythe judgeassignedtotheDomesticViolenceCourtroomPetitionsforemergency ordersofprotectionshallbeheardpromptlyandneednotbescheduledin advanceHearingsonPetitionstodissolveormodifyemergencyordersof protectionshallbegivenprioritybytheCourt (B) PendingDomesticRelationsCases Itisthegoalofthiscircuittohaveallproceedingsrelatedtoachild(ren) conducted by a single judge where possible Therefore when domestic violenceallegationsarisewhileadomesticrelationscaseispendingandall a l l e g a t i o n s o f t h e P e t i t i o n f o r a n E m e r g e n c y O r d e r o f P r o t e c t i o n (EOP) involvecustodyallocationofparentalresponsibilitiesvisitationparenting timerelocationoraccesstoachild(ren)theEOPshallbeheardbythejudge assignedthedomesticrelationscaseifthatjudgeisavailable 8.06 Case Management Conference St. Clair County (A) DomesticRelationsandFamilyCases Theassignedjudgeshallconveneacasemanagementconferenceindomestic relationsandfamilycasesnolaterthansixty(60)daysfromthedateoffiling (B) Thepurposeofthecasemanagementconferenceistopreventdelayinthe dispositionofthecasebyachievingearlycourtinterventionandcompliance withSupremeCourtRule218Inadditiontheconferenceistopromote settlement to determine whether allocation of parental responsibilities custodyparentingtimevisitationrelocationoraccesstochild(ren) isat issue to set discovery limits hear discovery motions and to monitor compliancewithCourtOrdersChildrenFirstandMediation (C) FailuretoAppear 21 = Page 34 = Failure of counsel or pro se parties to appear at the case management conferenceoranyfuturecourtdatescheduledbytheCourtmayresultin dismissalforwantofprosecutionordefaultupontheCourtsownmotion Anymotiontosetasideadismissalordefaultforviolationofthisruleshall beheardbythejudgethatdismissedthecaseorenteredthedefault (D) EffectiveJanuary12012allpretrialconferencesshallbeheldat830am despiteanypreviousorderstating900am (E) Alluncontestedproveupsshallbeheardfrom815830aminthefirst availablecourtroomAnyotheruncontestedproveupsmustbebroughtto therespectiveclerktoconfirmscheduling (F) Thefirstpretrialconferenceisamandatoryappearancefortheattorneysof record(ortheproseParty) (G) Ifanattorneywishestohavetemporaryissuesheardatthefirstpretrial conference this attorney must provide timely notice of the request ( c o n s i s t e n t w i t h t h e l o c a l r u l e s ) w i t h t h e P e t i t i o n f o r D i s s o l u tion or immediatelythereafterTheattorney(ortheprosemovingParty)willbe limitedtoonetemporaryreliefhearingonapretrialdatepercaseunless thecourtentersanordertothecontrary (H) Providedthereispropernoticethepartiesmustbepresentatthepretrial conferenceThecourtwilladdressfinancialissuesrelatedtochildsupport maintenance and other temporary bill payment issues in this morning sessionTheissueoftemporaryparentingtimewiththechildrenmaybe addressedifnecessaryConsistentwithSupremeCourtRulesandtheLocal Rules mediation must occur before anything substantive takes place on parentingorcustodyissuesIfanagreementisnotreachedinthismorning sessionwiththeassistanceofthecourtthetemporaryissueswillbeheard thesamedayintheafternoonwitheachhearingtobelimitedto15minutes (timepermitted) (I) Theattorneysmustbringtothefirstpretrialconferencecurrentpaystubor wage slip information with yeartodate totals a financial disclosure statementproperlyfilledoutandatleasttheprecedingyearstaxreturn (J) A t t h e f i r s t p r e t r i a l c o n f e r e n c e a s c h e d u l i n g o r d e r s h a l l b e entered including but not limited to a date for final hearing if no parenting or custodyissuesexistandalaterdateforafinalhearingthatwouldaddress parentingorcustodyissues (K) I f a n a t t o r n e y e i t h e r d o e s n o t a p p e a r o r i s n o t p r o p e r l y p r e p a r ed to go forwardwiththepretrialconferenceassetforthhereinsanctionsmaybe requestedbytheopposingparty 8.07 Mandatory Future Court Dates Everyactivecaseshallhaveafuturecourtdate 22 = Page 35 = 8.08 Children First Program in St. Clair County P r i o r t o t h e e n t r y o f a f i n a l o r d e r r e g a r d i n g c u s t o d y o r a l l o c ation of parental responsibilitiesthepartiesshallattendtheChildrenFirstProgramasrequiredbySupreme CourtRule924Acertificateofsatisfactorycompletionmustbefilednolaterthansixty (60) days after the initial case management conference A Children First Parenting E d u c a t i o n I n t e r n e t C l a s s i s a v a i l a b l e f o r g o o d c a u s e s h o w n b y a p a r t y w h o c a n n o t physicallyattendtheclassApriorCourtorderisrequiredtousetheInternetversionThis requirementshallnotbewaivedexceptforextremehardshipshown 8.09 Children First Program in Monroe, Perry, Randolph and Washington TheChildrenFirstProgrammaybeusedasdirectedbythepresidingjudgeofthat county 8.10 Certificate of Dissolution, Invalidity of Marriage or Legal Separation No Judgment of Dissolution Invalidity of Marriage or Legal Separation shall be enteredwithoutsimultaneoussubmissionoftheCertificatefromtheIllinoisDepartmentof PublicHealthDivisionofVitalRecords 8.11 Attorney Qualification in Child Custody or Allocation of Parental Responsibilities Matters (A) This circuit shall maintain a list of approved attorneys qualified to be appointedinchildcustodyallocationofparentalresponsibilitiesparenting timeandvisitationmatterscoveredunderSectionIXoftheSupremeCourt Rulesasguardiansadlitemchildrepresentativesorattorneysforchildren (B) Inordertoqualifyfortheapprovedlisteachapplicantforthelistshallmeet thefollowingminimumrequirements 1 EachattorneyshallbelicensedandingoodstandingwiththeIllinois SupremeCourt 2 Eachattorneyshallhaveattendedtheeducationprogramcreatedby theIllinoisStateBarAssociationforeducationofattorneysappointed in child custody or allocation of parental responsibilities cases or equivalenteducationprogramsconsistingofaminimumoften(10) hoursofcontinuinglegaleducationcreditwithinthetwo(2)years priortothedatetheattorneyqualifiestobeappointed 3 Toremainontheapprovedlisteachattorneyshallattendcontinuing legaleducationcoursesconsistingofatleastten(10)hourseverytwo (2)yearperiodandsubmitverificationofattendancetotheOfficeof theChiefJudgeandPresidingDomesticRelationsJudgeatthetimeof attendanceoruponrequestTheten(10)hoursmayincludecourses inchilddevelopmentethicsinchildcustodyorallocationofparental 23 = Page 36 = responsibilitiescasesrelevantsubstantivelawincustodyallocation ofparentalresponsibilitiesguardianshipvisitationorparentingtime issuesdomesticviolencefamilydynamicsincludingsubstanceabuse and mental health issues and education on the roles and responsibilities of guardians ad litem child representatives and attorneys for children Attendance at any additional programs sponsored by this circuit may be included as a portion of this continuingeducationrequirement 4 Each attorney must adhere to the minimum duties and responsibilities of attorneys for minor children as delineated in SupremeCourtRule907 (C) Eachattorneyplacedontheapprovedlistforthiscircuitshallbepaidbythe parties to the litigation as ordered by the judge handling the case or as a g r e e d b e t w e e n t h e p a r t i e s T h e c o u r t m a y e n f o r c e t h e o r d e r s a nd judgments as in other proceedings including but not limited to the i m p o s i t i o n o f s a n c t i o n s o r a l l o w i n g t h e w i t h d r a w a l o f t h e a p p o i nted attorney (D) IftheCourtfindsthatthepartiesarebothindigenttheCourtmayappointan attorneyfromtheapprovedlisttoserveprobono (E) The Chief Judge andor the Presiding Judge of the Family division shall maintainthelistofapprovedattorneysandshallrotatetheappointmentof probonorepresentatives (F) Eachattorneyontheapprovedlistshallonlyberequiredtoacceptone(1) probonoappointmenteachcalendaryear (G) T h e C h i e f J u d g e o f t h i s C i r c u i t m a i n t a i n s t h e a u t h o r i t y t o r e m ove any attorneyfromthelistofapprovedattorneysbaseduponthefailureofany appointedattorneytoperformasprovidedinSupremeCourtRule907 8.12 Mediation of Custody, Allocation of Parental Responsibilities, Parenting Time and Visitation (A) T h i s c i r c u i t s h a l l m a i n t a i n a l i s t o f a p p r o v e d p e r s o n s q u a l i f i ed to be appointed as mediator in child custody allocation of parental responsibilitiesparentingtimeorvisitationmatterscoveredunderArticleIX oftheSupremeCourtRules (B) ThisCircuitCourtexpresslyadoptsandincorporatesbyreferencetheLocal Court Rules for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Mediation of Custody AllocationofParentalResponsibilitiesParentingTimeandVisitationIssues Programconsistingofsix(6)pagesasAddendumAtotheserules 8.13 Uniform Order of Withholding EachorderofchildsupportormaintenanceshallincludeaformUniformOrderfor Support Child Support Data Sheet Child Support Maintenance Worksheet and 24 = Page 37 = OrderNoticetoWithholdIncomeforChildSupportTheUniformOrdershallincludea provisionforpaymentoftheMaintenanceChildSupportClerkCollectionFee Uponexpirationterminationormodificationofsupportthepersonowingsupport hastheresponsibilitytoterminatetheUniformOrderofWithholding 8.14 Judgment of Dissolution Required Provisions EachJudgmentofDissolutionofMarriagemustcontainthefollowingprovisions unlesssuchprovisiondoesnotapplyEachsuchprovisionshallbeseparatelycaptionedto aidtheCourtinreviewoftheproposedjudgment 1 Thebasisforpersonalandsubjectmatterjurisdiction 2 The statutory net income of the parents and the dollar amount of the child support pursuant to the statutory guidelines of 750 ILCS 5505 and any deviationtherefrom 3 Theidentificationoftheparent(s)whoshallcoverthechild(ren)formedical insuranceanduninsuredmedicalexpenses 4 Theprovisionthatmaintenanceiswaivedreservedorawardedifawardedthe typeanddurationofmaintenance 5 Theawardofdecisionmakingresponsibilityeithersolejointoracombination thereofofthechild(ren)alongwithafindingofbestinterestandaparenting timescheduleforeachparent 6 The assignment of nonmarital property award of marital property and allocationofdebt 7 WhereapplicableaQDROorQILDROorotherpensionretirementdocument AnOrdershallbeenteredsettingforthwhoisresponsibleforpreparingsame andafuturestatusdateforitsentryshallbescheduled FailureofcounseltocomplywiththisrulemayresultintheCourtsrefusaltoenter theproposedjudgment 8.15 Formal Orders IfacaseistakenunderadvisementbytheCourtitshallbedecidedwithinsixty(60) daysperLocalRule108Ifthecounselispreparingatypewrittenversionofahandwritten ordertheordershallrecitesameandastatusdateshallbegiventosubmitthetypewritten versionTheOrderisvalidasofthehandwrittenversion 8.16 Social Security Numbers The Circuit Clerk may certify a copy of the document with only the final four numbersoftheSocialSecuritynumberChildsupportdatasheetsshallbefiledwithfull socialsecuritynumbersandplacedundersealSeealsoSupremeCourtRule138 25 = Page 38 = 8.17 Notice of Claim for Bail Bond Disbursement Pursuant to a Domestic Support Judgment/Lien 1Incriminalandtrafficcaseswhereabondhasbeenpostedpursuanttothe provisions of 725 ILCS 51107 and Supreme Court Rule 530 and the Court orders a judgmentandconvictionbeenteredandthebondtobeappliedandwhereaNoticeof Claimforbonddisbursementpursuanttoadomesticsupportjudgmenthasbeenfiledin thecriminaltrafficcasepriortodisbursementofanybondsaNoticesettingthematterfor hearingshallbeprovidedtoallinterestedparties 2ThecourtshallrefertoanyNoticeofClaimforbonddisbursementpursuanttoa domesticsupportjudgmentwhichhasbeenfiledbyaninterestedpartyandorhisorher attorney 3 T h e N o t i c e o f C l a i m f o r b o n d d i s b u r s e m e n t p u r s u a n t t o a d o m estic support judgmentshallbesenttotheprosecutingattorneytheDefendant(anddefenseattorneyof record)andanyotherclaimantsofrecordwithaproofofserviceshowingsendingofsame byUSMailtothelastknownaddressaslistedinthecourtfile 8.18 Rule on Admissibility of Medical and Mental Health Records Mentalhealthrecordsaregovernedbystatuteincludingbutnotlimitedto740ILCS 1101etseq Ifatleast30dayswrittennoticeoftheintentiontoofferthefollowingdocumentsin evidenceisgiventotheopposingpartyaccompaniedbyacopyofthedocumentaparty may offerin evidence withoutfoundation or other proof bills records andreports of hospitalsdoctorsdentistsorthodontistsregisterednurseslicensedpracticalnursesand physicaltherapistsorotherhealthcareproviders If the opposing party objects to the authenticity of such documents produced pursuanttothisrulesuchobjectionshallbefiledinwritingnolaterthan21dayspriorto hearingSaidobjectionshallbeheardpriortothehearingatwhichsaiddocumentsareto be introduced as evidence The court shall have the discretion to apportion costs of provingauthenticityandorfoundation Anyotherpartymaysubpoenatheauthorormakerofadocumentadmissibleunder this rule at that partys expense and examine the author or maker as if under cross examination 8.19 Model Forms ThecourtadoptsasmodelformsforStClairCountythoseavailableontheCircuit ClerksWebsiteathttpwwwcircuitclerkcost clairilusdocumentsFormsFamilyDivision 26 = Page 39 = ADDENDUM A LOCAL COURT RULES FOR THE TWENTIETH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MEDIATION OF CUSTODY, ALLOCATION OF PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES, PARENTING TIME AND VISITATION ISSUES PROGRAM RULE 1. DEFINITIONS A Mediation When the word “mediation” is used herein it means a cooperative process for resolving conflict with the assistance of a trained courtappointed neutralthirdpartywhoseroleistofacilitatecommunicationtohelpdefineissues and to assist the parties in identifying and negotiation fair solutions that are mutuallyagreeableFundamentaltothemediationprocessdescribeshereinare the principles of safety selfdetermination procedural informality privacy confidentialityandfulldisclosureofrelevantinformationbetweentheparties B ImpedimentWhentheword“impediment”isusedhereinitmeansanycondition includingbutnotlimitedtodomesticviolenceorintimidationsubstanceabuseor mentalillnesstheexistenceofwhichinanindividualorinarelationshipmay hindertheabilityofanypartytonegotiatesafelycompetentlyandingoodfaith Theidentificationofformsofimpedimentisdesignednottorequiretreatmentbut toinsurethatonlypartieshaveapresentundiminishedabilitytonegotiateare directedbycourtordertomediateMediationisbasedonafulldisclosureofall factsrelatedtothedisputessothatafairandequitableagreementcanbeachieved bytheparties RULE 2. MEDIATION MANDATORY A MatterssubjecttoMediationThedesignatedjudgeshallordermediationofany contested issue of parental responsibilities custody visitation parenting time guardianshiprelocationoraccesstochildrenarisinginanyactionnototherwise determinedtobeineligiblepursuanttothisprogramThepartiesmaynotproceed toajudicialhearingoncontestedissuesarisingrelatingtocustodyorallocationof parental responsibilities as defined by Supreme Court Rules until the mediation processhasbeenconcludedanditsoutcomehasbeenreportedtothecourtunless byspecificleaveofcourt B Prerequisite to Mediation T h e p a r t i e s r e f e r r e d t o m e d i a t i o n b y t h e c o u r t s h a l l completetheparenteducationprogrampriortostartingmediationorassoonafter startingmediationastheparenteducationprogramsscheduleallows C CommencementofMediationThemediationprocessshallcommenceasprovided bySupremeCourtRule923(a)(3)Innoeventshallmediationoccurbeforeacase hasbeenscreenedforeligibilitypursuanttosafetyprotocolsformediatorsThe designatedjudgeshallbeadvisedbycounselandorthepartiesconcerning 27 = Page 40 = 1 ImpedimentofthepartiesasdefinedhereinReasontobelievethatan impediment may exist should result in referrals that may address the impediment(s)tomediation 2 Other circumstances exist which would unreasonably interfere with mediation 3 Mediationshallnotberequiredifthecourtdeterminesuponmotionofa p a r t y t h a t a c a s e i s i n e l i g i b l e f o r m e d i a t i o n S a i d m o t i o n s h all be supportedbyaffidavitsettingforthspecificfactsdetailingwhymediation wouldbeinappropriate D Discovery Discovery may continue through the mediation unless otherwise orderedbytheCourt RULE 3. REFERRAL ASSIGNMENT PROCEDURE A Uponthecourtsorderforthepartiestoparticipateinmediationamediatormaybe selectedbyagreementofthepartiesfromthelistofqualifiedmediatorsmaintained bytheChiefJudgeorhisherdesigneeAbsentanagreementthetrialjudgeshall selectthemediatorandassignthemediatora45daystatusdateontheissueof progressofthemediationThemediatorsshallbecompensatedbythepartiesatthe rateagreedtobythepartiesandthemediator 1 TheCourtshalldesignateinitsorderwhatpercentageofthemediation feeshouldbepaidbythepartyandorwhetherthecaseisareducedfee case 2 Thepartiesshallcontactthemediatorwithinsevendaysafterthereferral orderissignedforthepurposeofsettinganappointment 3 TheattorneysshallencouragethepartiestomediateingoodfaithThe partiesshallparticipateinmediationingoodfaith 4 O n o r b e f o r e t h e s t a t u s d a t e s e t b y t h e c o u r t f o r p a r t i e s w h o a re participatinginmediationthemediatorshallsubmitareporttothecourt and the parties legal counsel which shall include the information requiredbytheseRules B ConflictofInterest 1 Ifth e m edi atorap p oi nted h aso rh ada nyp ossib l econfl icto finterest includingbutnotlimitedtoacurrentorprevioustherapeuticpersonal oreconomicrelationshipwithmotherfatherchildsiblingstepparent g r a n d p a r e n t h o u s e h o l d m e m b e r c o u n s e l o r a n y o n e e l s e d i r e c t l y involvedinthecaseheorsheshalldeclinetheappointmentordisclose thatrelationshiptotheattorneysandmayberemovedforthatreasonIf there is a conflict the parties may select or the court shall appoint anothermediator 2 A m e d i a t o r w h o i s a m e n t a l h e a l t h p r o f e s s i o n a l s h a l l n o t p r o v i d e counselingortherapytothepartiesortheirchildrenduringorafterthe mediationAnattorneymediatormaynotrepresenteitherpartyinany 28 = Page 41 = matterduringthemediationprocessorinadisputebetweentheparties afterthemediationprocess C EthicalConductInclusionofamediatorintheTwentiethJudicialCircuitapproved mediators list indicates explicit agreement by that mediator tom a i n t a i n h i g h standards of ethical practice Failure to comply may result inr e m o v a l o f t h e mediatorsnamefromtheapprovedlist RULE 4. APPLICATION OF SAFEGUARDS IN CASE OF IMPEDIMENT A . Duty to AssessW h i l e m e d i a t i o n i s i n p r o g r e s s t h e m e d i a t o r s h a l l a s s e s s continuouslywhether the parties manifest any impediments affecting their ability to mediatesafely competentlyandingoodfaith B SafetyIfanimpedimentaffectingsafetyarisesduringthecourseofmediationthe mediator shall adjourn the session to confer separately with the parties may implement appropriatesafeguardssuchasarrangingfuturemediationsinacourtfacility with security mediating with th e p a r t i e s i n s e p a r a t e r o o m s o r making referrals to community serviceprovidersThemediatormay 1 Terminatemediationwhencircumstancesindicatethatprotectivemeasures areinadequatetomaintainsafetyor 2P r o c e e d w i t h m e d i a t i o n a f t e r c o n s u l t i n g s e p a r a t e l y w i t h e a c h p a r t y a n d determiningwhethermediationinsomeformatshouldcontinue C . CompetencyorGoodFaithIfanimpedimentaffectingcompetencyorgoodfaith b u t n o t s a f e t y a r i s e s d u r i n g t h e c o u r s e o f m e d i a t i o n t h e m e d iator may make any appropriate referralstocommunityserviceprovidersandeither 1 Suspend mediation when there is a reasonable likeliho o d t h e i m p a i r e d conditionofanaffectedpartyisonlytemporaryor 2 Terminatemediationwhencircumstancesindicateanaffectedpartysability tonegotiatecannotbeadequatelyrestored D Effect of TerminationN o m e d i a t i o n t e r m i n a t e d s h a l l p r o c e e d f u r t h e r u n l e s s orderedby theCourtuponmotionofapartyIntheabsenceofsuchanorderthecase shallbe returnedtothedocket foradjudicationinthemannerprescribedbylaw including possible mediation by a judge rather thana private mediator toenhance safetyandthe abilityofeachpartytomediateonanappropriatebasis RULE 5. CONFIDENTIALITY. A Privacy of Sessions Mediation sessions shall be private Except as otherwise providedintheseRulesthemediatorshallhaveauthoritytoexcludeallpersons otherthanthepartiesfromsessionsatwhichnegotiationsaretooccur B Confidentiality E x c e p t a s o t h e r w i s e p r o v i d e d b y l a w a l l w r i t t e n a n d v e r b a l communicationsmadeinamediationsessionconductedpursuanttotheserulesare confidentialandmaynotbedisclosedbythemediatororanyotherparticipantor observerofthemediationexceptthatthepartiesmayreportthesecommunications t o t h e i r a t t o r n e y s o r c o u n s e l o r s P r i o r t o t h e c o m m e n c e m e n t o f mediation all 29 = Page 42 = participantsinthemediationshallsigntheconfidentialityagreementprescribedby theseRules C 1 Limitation of Disclosure Admissions representation statements and other communicationsmadeordisclosedinconfidencebyanyparticipantinthecourseof mediation session shall not be admi s s i b l e a s e v i d e n c e i n a n y c o urt proceeding E x c e p t a s i d e n t i f i e d h e r e i n a m e d i a t o r m a y n o t b e c a l l e d a s a witness in any proceedingbyanypartyorbythecourttotestifyregardingmattersdisclosedina mediation session nor may a party be compelled to testify regarding matters disclosed during a mediation ses s i o n a s t o p r i v i l e g e d c o m m u n i c a tions These r e s t r i c t i o n s s h a l l n o t p r o h i b i t a n y p e r s o n f r o m o b t a i n i n g t h e s ame information independentofthemediationorfromdiscoveryconductedpursuanttolaworcourt rule 1 ExceptionsAdmissionsrepresentationsstatementsandothercommunications arenotconfidentialif a Allpartiesconsentinwritingtothedisclosureor b Thecommunicationrevealseitheranactofviolencecommittedagainst anotherduringmediationoranintenttocommitanactthatmayresultin bodilyharmtoanotheror c Thecommunicationrevealsevidenceofabuseorneglectofachildor d Nonidentifyinginformationismadeavailableforresearchorevaluation purposesapprovedbythecourtor e Thecommunicationisprobativeevidenceinapendingactionalleging negligenceorwillfulmisconductofthemediator RULE 6. ATTENDANCE AND TERMINATION OF MEDIATION A AttendanceThepartiesshallattendthemediationsession(s)andshallattenda minimumoffour(4)hoursofmediationFurtherparticipationmaybeextendedby o r d e r o f c o u r t o r a g r e e m e n t o f t h e p a r t i e s M e d i a t i o n m a y b e t erminated or suspendedpriortocompletionofthefour(4)hoursuponresolutionofallmediated issues B TerminationorSuspensionThemediationmaybeterminatedorsuspendedatthe optionofthemediatororthecourt C NoticetoCourtThemediatorshallimmediatelyadvisethecourtinwritingifheor shesuspendsorterminatesmediationorintheeventthateitherorbothpartiesfail tocomplywiththetermsofthisRule D SanctionsforFailuretoAppearIfapartyfailstoappearwithoutgoodcauseata previouslyagreeduponmediationconferenceoramediationconferenceorderedby t h e c o u r t t h e c o u r t u p o n m o t i o n m a y i m p o s e s a n c t i o n s i n c l u d i n g a n a w a r d o f mediatorandattorneyfeesandothercostsagainstthepartyfailingtoappear E TerminationwithAgreementWhenagreementsorpartialagreementsarereached bythepartiesduringmediationthemediatorshallprovideawrittenaccountofthe agreementstothepartiesandtheirattorneys(ifany)butthemediatorshallnot 30 = Page 43 = providethiswrittenaccounttothecourtThemediatorshalladviseeachpartyto obtainlegalassistanceindraftingorreviewinganyfinalagreementsThemediator shalladvisethepartiesthatagreementsreachedduringmediationwillnotbelegally bindinguntiltheyarereviewedbythecourtandsignedbythejudge F Termination without an Agreement Upon termination without agreement the mediatorshallfilewiththecourtafinalmediatorreportstatingthatthemediation hasconcludedwithoutdisclosinganyreasonsforthepartiesfailuretoreachan agreement G ReportingProcedures 1 MediatorsReportThemediatorshallprepareareportontheprescribed formwithintendaysoftheterminationofthelastmediationsession ThesereportswillbefiledwiththeCircuitClerk 2 StatisticsThemediatorshallprepareastatisticalreportforeachcaseon theprescribedformandfilethematleastquarterlywiththetrialcourt administrator 3 ReportstotheSupremeCourtThetrialcourtadministratororhisher designee shall provide for the maintenance of records of mediations conductedpursuanttotheseRulesTheinformationshallincludethe numberormediationsconductedthenumberormediationsresultingin an agreementand those resulting in noagreement Such information shallbefurnishedtotheSupremeCourtthroughitsadministrativeoffice onceayearoratsuchotherintervalasmaybedirected H Appointment of a Child RepresentativeGuardian ad litem I f t h e m e d i a t o r h a s concernsforthewelfareorsafetyoftheminorchild(ren)orfeelsthatitisinthe bestinterestsoftheminor(s)themediatorshallrecommendtothecourtinthe reportthatachild(ren)representativeorguardianadlitembeappointedforthe minor(s) RULE 7. ENTRY OF JUDGMENT OR ORDER A PresentationofOrderEachmediatedagreementshallbepresentedbytheparties ortheirattorneys(ifany)totheCourtwithinthirty(30)daysfollowingthefilingof thefinalMediatorsReport B ApprovalbyCourtThecourtshallexaminethepartiesastothecontentandintent oftheagreementandshallrejecttheagreementinanyofitsprovisionsarefoundby thecourttobeunconscionableorcontrarytothebestinterestsofaminorchild UnlesstheagreementisrejectedtheCourtshallenteranappropriatejudgmentor orderstatingitsfindingsandshallincorporateeitherexplicitlyorbyreferencethe agreementsothetermsorsuchagreementarealsothetermsofthejudgmentor order 31 = Page 44 = RULE 8. QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING OF MEDIATORS A Requirements Mediators in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit must meet all oft h e followingrequirements 1 FormaleducationAmediatormustpossessadegreeinlaworamastersor o t h e r a d v a n c e d d e g r e e i n a f i e l d t h a t i n c l u d e s t h e s t u d y o f p s y chiatry p s y c h o l o g y s o c i a l w o r k h u m a n d e v e l o p m e n t f a m i l y c o u n s e l i n g o r other behavioral science substantially related to marriage and familyi n t e r p e r s o n a l relationshipsorarelatedfieldorotherdegreeprogramapprovedbytheChief JudgeorhisherdesigneeIfengagedinalicenseddisciplinethemediatormust maintainsaidlicenseinfullforceandeffect 2 TrainingAmediatormustcompleteaspecializedtraininginfamilymediation consistingofacircuitapprovedcourseofstudyorcertificationconsistingofat least40hoursincludingthefollowingareas a Conflictresolution b Psychologicalissuesinseparationdissolutionandfamilydynamics c Issuesandneedsofchildrenindissolution d Mediationprocessskillsandtechniquesand e Screeningforandaddressingdomesticviolencechildabusesubstance abuseandmentalillness 3 InsuranceCourtapprovedmediatorsmustsecureandmaintainprofessional liabilityinsurancewhichcoversthemediationprocessandprovideevidenceof insurancetotheChiefJudgeannually B ContinuingEducationApprovedmediatorsarerequiredtocompleteten(10)hours of circuitapproved continuing education every two (2) years ofw h i c h t w o ( 2 ) hoursmustcoverdomesticviolenceissuesandprovideevidenceofcompletionofto theChiefPresidingJudgeeverytwo(2)years C EstablishmentofListTheJudicialCircuitshallestablishalistofcourtapproved mediators All applicants for inclusion on the list shall possess the minimum qualificationssetoutinthiscircuitRuleTheChiefJudgeorhisherdesigneein hisherdiscretionmayrequireanybiographicalorotherrelevantinformationfrom anapplicantinordertodeterminetheapplicantsqualificationsforinclusiononthe listForgoodcauseshowntheChiefJudgeorhisherdesigneereservestherightto rejecttheapplicationofanypersonwhoappliesandtoremoveanymediatorfrom thelistInclusiononthelistbythecourtshallnotbeconsideredawarrantythat suchmediatorcansuccessfullymediateanyspecificdispute D DenialRemovalfromListAnapplicantdeniedinclusiononorremovedfromthe courtapprovedlistmayappealthedecisioninwritingwithinten(10)daystothe ChiefJudgeorhisherdesigneeTheChiefJudgeorhisherdesigneeshalldecide theappealafteranopportunityfortheapplicantormediatortobeheard E Pro Bono Requirement Each circuitapproved mediator shall agree to mediate cases for a reduced fee as assigned by the Court The Court will rotate the assignmentofreducedfeecasessoasnottounreasonablyburdenanyindividual mediator 32 = Page 45 = Part 9: COURT-ANNEXED MEDIATION IN ST. CLAIR COUNTY 9.01 Court-annexed Mediation Inanefforttoprovideanexpeditiousandexpensesavingalternativetotraditional litigationintheresolutionofcontroversiesthereisherebyestablishedaprogramofcourt annexedmediationwhichshalloperateincasespendingintheLawDivisionoftheCircuit CourtofStClairCountyInordertofurtherthispurposethereisapresumptioninfavorof courtannexedmediationforallcaseseligibleundertheserulesMediationpursuanttothis Ruleinvolvesaconfidentialprocessbywhichaneutralmediatorselectedbythepartiesor selectedbyorwiththeassistanceoftheCourtassiststhelitigantsinreachingamutually a c c e p t a b l e a g r e e m e n t T h e r o l e o f t h e m e d i a t o r i s t o a s s i s t i n identifying the issues reducingmisunderstandingsexploringandclarifyingthepartiesrespectiveinterestsand prioritiesandidentifyingandexploringpossiblesolutionsthatwillsatisfytheinterestsof allpartiesandtherebyresolvesomeoralloftheissuesindisputeAnyagreementreached b y t h e p a r t i e s i s t o b e b a s e d o n the autonomous decisions of the parties and not the decisionsofthemediatorPartiesandtheirrepresentativesarerequiredtomediateingood faithbutarenotcompelledtoreachanyagreementApersonapprovedbytheCourttoact a s a m e d i a t o r u n d e r t h i s R u l e s h a l l p u r s u an t t o S u p r e m e C o u r t Rule 99 have judicial immunityinthesamemannerandtothesameextentasajudge 9.02 Civil Actions Eligible for Mediation All civil actions seeking claimse x c l u s i v e l y f o r m o n e y d a m a g e s in an amount in excessofeligibilityforMandatoryArbitrationunderPart7oftheseRulesshallbeeligible forcourtannexedmediation Inallcivilactionseligibleforcourtannexedmediationthe complaintandallsummonsesshallstateinuppercaselettersontheupperrighthand corner "THIS CASE IS ELIGIBLE FOR COURT-ANNEXED MEDIATION." Allfilingsmustbe incompliancewithLocalRules 9.03 Referral by Judge or by Stipulation for Order of Referral The presiding judge may order any contested civil matter pending i n t h e L a w D i v i s i o n t o m e d i a t i o n b y e n t e r i n g a n O r d e r o f R e f e r r a l A n O r d e r of Referral may be enteredbythepresidingjudge sua sponte oruponthemotionofanypartyStandardcase managementordersshallincludeasectionaddressingwhenthematterwillbeconsidered formediationInadditionthepartiestoanysuchmattermayfileawrittenstipulationto mediateanycaseorissuebetweenthematanytimeAnystipulationshallbeincorporated intotheOrderofReferral 9.04 Case Management of Cases for Mediation A. InallcasesfiledintheLawDivisionthepresidingjudgeshallusetheinitialor s u b s e q u e n t c a s e m a n a g e m e n t c o n f e r e n c e s u n d e r I l l i n o i s S u p r e m e C ourt Rule 218 to 33 = Page 46 = consultwiththepartiesregardingentryofanOrderofReferraltomediationReferralsto mediationshouldoccurattheearliestpossibletime B. Ifthecaseisreferredtomediationthepresidingjudgeshallscheduleacase managementconferenceinorderaudittheoutcomeofthemediation C. TheClerkoftheCircuitCourtshallassurethatacasereferredtomediationis properly coded to reflect the referral the result of mediationo f t h e c a s e a n d t h e continuationofthecaseforanynecessaryfuturecourtdates 9.05 Discovery While Case Is Being Mediated DiscoveryshallproceedasinallothercivilactionsWheneverpossibletheparties areencouragedtodesigndiscoverytodevelopinformationnecessaryforthepartiesto evaluatetheircaseandtofacilitateanearlyreferraltocourtannexedmediation 9.06 Mediator Qualifications A. Circuit Court Mediators. TheChiefJudgeshallmaintainalistofmediatorswho havebeencertifiedbythecourtandwhohaveregisteredforappointmentForcertification asmediatortheapplicantmust th (1)CompleteamediationtrainingprogramapprovedbytheChiefJudgeofthe20 JudicialCircuitand (2)BeamemberingoodstandingoftheIllinoisBarwithatleasteight(8)yearsof trialpracticeorbearetiredjudgeand (3)HavenopendingARDCandJIBsanctionsand (4)SubmitanapprovedapplicationformwiththeChiefJudgeSuchapplicantshall certifythatheorsheislicensedtopracticelawintheStateofIllinoisthathisorher licenseisingoodstandingandthatheorshehasengagedinlitigationfornotless thaneight(8)yearsandthatheorshehasfiledproofoflegalmalpracticeinsurance B. Mediator General Standards Ineachcasethemediatorshallcomplywithsuch generalstandardsasmaybeestablishedandpromulgatedinwritingbytheChiefJudgeof th the20 JudicialCircuitTheChiefJudgemayrevisetheseRulesbyadministrativeorderto includecontinuedlegaleducationforallcertifiedmediators C. Mediator by Agreement. NotwithstandingsectionA(1)abovethepresiding judgemayappointamediatornominatedbyagreementofallthepartiesifthenomineeby virtueofexperienceortraininghasskillsthatareparticulartothenatureofthecase TheJudgeretainshisorherdiscretiontoselectanalternativemediatorfromtheapproved mediatorlist 34 = Page 47 = D. Decertification of Mediators. The Chief Judge may periodically review the eligibilityofeachmediatortoretainthestatusofacertifiedmediatorFailuretoadhereto theseRulesmayresultinthedecertificationofthemediator 9.07 Mediator Confidentiality A. General Rule of Mediator Confidentiality. Alloralandwrittencommunications made during the mediation process at any time other than executed settlement agreementsshallbedeemedconfidentialandprivilegedinaccordancewiththeprovisions of the Uniform Mediation Act 710 ILCS 35199 (2004) As identified in Form 2 Confidentiality Agreement and Nonrepresentation Acknowledgement All such communicationsaresubjecttoanevidentiaryprivilegeandshallbeexemptfromdiscovery and inadmissible as evidence in any action or proceeding However evidence that is otherwiseadmissibleorsubjecttodiscoverydoesnotbecomeinadmissibleorprotected fromdiscoverysolelybyreasonofitsuseinamediationsession B. Exceptions to General Rule of Mediator Confidentiality. Thegeneralruleof confidentialitydoesnotapply 1InsituationswhereprofessionalmisconductreportingrulessuchastheRulesof ProfessionalConductrequirereportingofamediationcommunication 2 A s n e c e s s a r y t o d e f e n d a g a i n s t a l a w s u i t o r c l a i m f o r m a l p r a ctice or other misconductor 3Inthecaseofthreatofaprospectivecrimeorofseriousimminentharmtoany personInsuchcircumstancesthereportingpartymaytestifytoorreportonlythe necessary information to the appropriate authorities The mediator shall not be c o m p e l l e d t o p r o v i d e e v i d e n c e o f a m e d i a t i o n c o m m u n i c a t i o n i n a n y l a w s u i t o r claimagainstanattorneyorpartyparticipatinginthemediation 9.08 Compensation of the Mediator Unlessotherwiseagreedinwritingthemediatorshallbecompensatedattherateof 200perhourwitheachpartyresponsibleforaproportionateshareofthetotalfeesofthe mediator The mediators fee shall be subject to appropriate order or judgment for enforcement Each courtcertified mediator shall agree to mediate one case without compensationwhenaCourthasdeterminedthatmediationmightbebeneficialandthat noneofthepartieshastheresourcestocompensateamediator 9.09 Appointment of the Mediator A. Appointment by Stipulation. WithinfourteendaysoftheOrderofReferralthe partiesaretomakeagoodfaithefforttoagreeuponamediatortakenfromcourtcertified listofmediators 35 = Page 48 = B. Appointment by Motion. Ifthepartiescannotagreeuponamediatorfromthe courtcertifiedlistofmediatorsthepartiesshalljoininamotiondirectedtothepresiding judgewhoshallappointamediatorfromthecourtcertifiedlistofmediators C Appointment of Noncertified Mediator in Specialized Cases. Thepresiding judgemayappointalicensedattorneywhodoesnotmeetthecertificationrequirementof R u l e 9 0 6 i f b y t r a i n i n g o r e x p e r i e n c e t h e a t t o r n e y h a s s p e c i alized qualifications to mediatesomeoralloftheissuesintheparticularcase 9.10 Scheduling and Conduct of Mediation A. Scheduling Mediation. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court the first mediationsessionshallbeheldwithinsixty(60)daysofthedateofentryoftheOrderof ReferralWhenthedatetimeandplaceoftheinitialmediationsessionhavebeenagreed upon the mediator shall send writ t e n c o n f i r m a t i o n o f t h e d a t e time and place to the ProgramAdministratortheCircuitClerksOfficeallpartiesandtheCourt B Conduct of Mediation [1] Parties to Prepare Pre-Mediation Submission. Atleastten(10)daysbefore thesessioneachsideshallpresenttothemediatorabriefwrittensummaryofthecase containingalistofissuesastoeachpartyunlessthemediatorhasrequestedadifferent proceduretobefollowedIftheattorneyfilingthesummarywishesitscontentstoremain confidentialsheheshouldadvisethemediatorinwritingatthesametimethesummaryis deliveredtothemediatorThesummaryshallincludethefactsoftheoccurrenceopinions on liability all damage and injury information and any offers or demands regarding settlementNamesofallparticipantsandtheirrelationshiptothepartiesinthemediation shallbedisclosedtothemediatorinthesummarypriortothesession [2] Mandatory Appearance. Allpartiesattorneysrepresentativeswithsettlement authorityandotherindividualsnecessarytofacilitatesettlementofthedisputeshallbe presentateachmediationconferenceunlessexcusedbycourtorderorbythemediatorA partyisdeemedtoappearatamediationconferenceifthefollowingpersonsarephysically present (a)Thepartyoritsrepresentativehavingfullauthoritytosettlewithoutfurther c o n s u l t a t i o n a n d i n a l l i n s t a n c e s t h e p l a i n t i f f m u s t a p p e a r a t the mediation conferenceand (b)Thepartyscounselofrecordifanyand (c)Arepresentativeoftheinsurancecarrierforanyinsuredpartywhoisnotsuch carriersoutsidecounselandwhohasfullauthoritytonegotiateandrecommend settlementstothelimitsofthepolicyorthemostrecentdemandwhicheveris lowerwithoutfurtherconsultationand (d)Ifapartyisapublicentitythatpartyshallbedeemedtoappearatamediation sessionbythephysicalpresenceofarepresentativeofthepartywithfullauthority 36 = Page 49 = tonegotiateonbehalfofthepartyandtorecommendsettlementtotheappropriate decisionmakingbodyandthepartyscounselofrecord [3] Failure to appear. Ifapartyfailstoappearatmediationsessionwithoutgood causetheCourtuponmotionmayimposesanctionsagainstthepartyfailingtoappear S u c h s a n c t i o n s m a y i n c l u d e a n a ssessment against the party failing to appear of the attorneysfeesincurredbytheotherpartiesinpreparingforandattendingthemediation sessionandthefeesofthemediatorforpreparingforandattendingthemediationsession [4] Communication with Parties. T h e m e d i a t o r m a y d u r i n g t h e c o u r s e o f t h e mediationspeakprivatelytooneormoreofthepartiesoutsidethepresenceofother parties [5] Counsel. Parties and their respective counsel shall be permitted to confer privatelyatanytime [6] Adjournments. Themediatormayadjournthemediationsessionatanytime andmaysettimesforreconveningtheadjournedsessionThemediatormaysuggestthat specificadditionaldiscoverybecompletedonanexpeditedscheduleinordertoaidin arrivingatasettlementofsomeoralloftheissuesThemediatorshallconfirminwriting anystipulationregardingadditionaldiscoveryandconfirmtoallpartiesthedatetimeand placeforreconveningtheadjournedsessionMediationshallbecompletedwithinninety ( 9 0 ) d a y s o f t h e f i r s t m e d i a t i o n s e s s i o n u n l e s s e x t e n d e d b y o r d er of the court or by stipulationoftheparties C. Parties to Expend Good Faith Effort to Settle. The parties and their representativesarerequiredtomediateingoodfaithbutarenotcompelledtoreachan agreementSettlementagreementmustresultfromthepartiesassentandnotastheresult ofthemediatorsdecisionorcoercion 9.11 Completion of Mediation A. Duties of the Parties and the Mediator upon Completion of Mediation by Settlement Ifagreementisreacheditshallbereducedtowritingbythepartiesandsigned b y e a c h o f t h e p a r t i e s F o l l o w i n g e x e c u t i o n o f t h e w r i t t e n s e t t lement agreement by all partiesthepartiesshallfilewiththeCourtaMemorandumofAgreementThemediator shall file a Mediator Report with the Office of Court Administrator 10 Public Square BellevilleIL622201623andwiththepresidingjudgeofthecase B. Completion of Mediation upon Mediator’s Certification of No Agreement. If thepartieshavereachednoagreementandthemediatorconcludesthatfurthermediation wouldnotbelikelytoresultinagreementthemediatorshallfileaMemorandumofNo AgreementandaMediatorReportwiththepresidingjudgeThepresidingjudgeshallthen callthematterforcasemanagementconference 37 = Page 50 = C. Termination of Mediation by Court Order. Uponthemotionofapartythe CourtmayenteranorderterminatingmediationupongoodcauseshownThepresiding judgeshallthencallthematterforcasemanagementconference D. Mediated Agreement as a Contract Among the Parties. I n t h e e v e n t o f a breachorfailuretoperformunderthewrittensettlementagreementthepresidingjudge may impose sanctions including costs attorneys fees or other appropriate remedies including entry of judgment on the agreement The mediator may only testify to the existenceorlackofexistenceofafullyexecutedwrittensettlementagreementandshall n o t a g r e e t o o r b e c o m p e l l e d t o t e s t i f y a s t o a n y m e d i a t i o n c o m munication or give interpretationofanymediationcommunication 9.12 Reports to the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts The Circuit Court of St Clair County through the Office of theC h i e f J u d g e s h a l l submitreportasrequiredandorrequestedbytheAOIC 9.13 Forms Thefollowingshallbeusedinconjunctionwithcourtannexedmediation Form1 COURT-ANNEXED MEDIATION REFERRAL ORDER Form2 CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT AND NONREPRESENTATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Form3 MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT/NO AGREEMENT Form4 MEDIATION AGREEMENT Form5 MEDIATOR REPORT O t h e r f o r m s m a y b e p r o m u l g a t e d b y t h e C h i e f J u d g e t o a i d i n r e porting on or evaluatingthemediationprocessasrequiredbySupremeCourtRule99 38 = Page 51 = PART 10. RESIDENTIAL FORECLOSURE MEDIATION 10.1PURPOSE: TheForeclosureMediationProgram(Program)isdesignedtoalleviatetheburdenofcosts and expenses to lenders borrowers and taxpayers caused by residential mortgage foreclosures The Program aims to keep families in homes and prevent vacant and abandonedhomesthatnegativelyimpactpropertyvaluesanddestabilizeneighborhoods TheProgramalsopromotesgreaterefficiencyintheadministrationofjusticebyreducing thebacklogofcourtcasesinthelengthyforeclosureprocess 10.2ACTIONS ELIGIBLE FOR MEDIATION: TheProgramismandatoryandlimitedtoowneroccupiedresidentialpropertythat servesasthehomeownersprimaryresidenceForeclosuresofnonresidential investmentorcommercialpropertiesarenoteligiblefortheProgram 10.3 EFFECT OF THE PROGRAM RULES ON PENDING COURT CASE Theborrowermustfileananswerandappearanceintheforeclosureactionifheorshe wishestolitigatethecaseTheborrowerdoesnothavetofileananswerandappearance toparticipateinthemandatorymediationprogramNodispositivemotionsincluding motionfordefaultjudgmentshallbealloweduntilmediationiscompletedInaddition unlessotherwiseorderedbythecourtnodiscoveryshalltakeplaceuntilafterthe mediationiscompleteIfthecaseissubjecttomandatorymediationbothpartiesare requiredtosubmitdocumentsandprovideinformationnecessaryforthemediation processandrequiredbythemediationrules IfaborrowerfailstoappearfortheInitialIntakeConferenceformandatorymediationall motionsshallbeallowedincludingbutnotlimitedtoamotionfordefaultjudgment Thecourtretainsjurisdictiontohearanyandallmotionsrelevanttomediation 10.4 MEDIATION PROCEDURE: 1) ADMINISTRATION OF PROGRAM/KEY COURT PERSONNEL: TheMediationProgramwillbemanagedbyanAdministratorTheAdministratorrefersto anindividualororganizationfundedtooverseetheprojectorifnosuchpersonexiststo theCircuitClerk 2) GRANT FUNDING AND FILING FEES: FundinghasbeensecuredfromtheAttorneyGeneraltoprovidemediatorfeesand administrativefeesforaperiodofthreeyearsThestartdateofthegrantis05012013 39 = Page 52 = A) FILING FEES: TheeffectivedateoftheincreasedfilingfeewillbeuponnotificationbytheIllinois SupremeCourtthattheseRuleshavebeenadoptedAsof07012013thebasefilingfee is30200plusanadditional5000feetofundtheForeclosurePreventionProgram FundThereisasecondfeerangingfrom500025000or50000pursuantto735 ILCS51515041Thusthetotalfilingfeewouldrangefrom40200to85200The additional10000filingfeewouldraisetheoverallfilingfeerangetoarangeof50200 to95200 B) MEDIATORS' FEES: CombinedfundingfromgrantfundsandadditionalfilingfeesTheAttorneyGeneralgrant willfund100casesformediationpergrantyearat25000percasemediatedAsthere areapproximately1000foreclosuresfiledinStClairCountyeachyearadditionalfunding mustbeavailabletoensureallhomeownersoptingintotheprogramscanhavetheircase mediatedToensurecontinuationofmediatorsfeesafter100mediationshavebeen heardincountieswheretheprogramisimplementedtheCircuitClerkshallchargean additional10000filingfeeonresidentialforeclosurefilingsAnyunusedfeeswillbe keptinreservetosupplementthe100mediationsforeachremainingyearofthegrant Afterthecompletionofthegrantremainingfundswillbeusedtoindependentlyfundthe mediationprogram C) ADMINISTRATION COSTS TheAttorneyGeneralgrantwillfundtheAdministrationMediationCoordinatorposition foraperiodofthreeyearsToensuresustainabilityoftheadministrationforthisposition afterthegrantexpiresitistheintentoftheprogramthatanyreservesfromtheadditional 10000filingfeeoncomplaintsfiledtoforeclosearealestatemortgagewillbeusedto supportthecostofadministration 10.5 COMPLAINT AND SUMMONS : 1] COMPLAINT AND ATTACHMENTS: TheComplaintshallclearlydesignatewhetherthecaseissubjecttomediationBeneath thecaptiontitle“Complaint”theplaintiffshallinclude“SubjecttoMandatoryMediation” or“NotSubjecttoMandatoryMediation”Allhomeowneroccupiedresidential foreclosuresaresubjecttomandatorymediation Aftertheforeclosurecomplaintisfiledthehomeownerisservedwiththesummons noticeofmandatorymediationandtheforeclosuremediationprograminitial questionnaireThenoticeofmandatorymediationshalladvisetheborrowertobring certaindocumentstotheInitialIntakeConferencecontainalistofhousingcounselors certifiedbytheHousingandUrbanDevelopmentthatmaybeavailabletoassistthe borrowersinforeclosureadvisetheborroweroffreelegalassistanceinthearea 40 = Page 53 = specificallyLandofLincolnLegalAssistanceFoundationandadvisetheborrowerthata languageinterpreterisavailablewithoutcostuponcontactingtheAdministrator IncasessubjecttomandatorymediationinadditiontotheformsrequiredbytheIllinois SupremeCourtRulesplaintiffshallusethefollowingformsSummons(ExhibitA)Notice ofMandatoryMediation(ExhibitB)andForeclosureProgramInitialQuestionnaire (ExhibitC) 2] SUMMONS: InallmandatorymediationcasestheplaintiffshallselectadateandtimefortheInitial IntakeConferencefromalistofdatesissuedbytheCircuitCourttobeincludedinthe SummonsThedateshallbeatleastthirty(30)daysfromtheissuanceoftheSummons IfserviceisbyPublicationtheplaintiffshallpickadatefromtheCircuitCourtlistatleast sixty(60)daysfromthedateoffirstpublication TheCircuitClerkwillsetthecasetotheInitialIntakeConferencecalendaronthedate selectedonthesummonsortheaffidavitforpublicationbothofwhichshallcontainan InitialIntakeConferencedate Wherethereismorethanonehomeownersubjecttothemortgageandatleastone o f t h e h o m e o w n e r s a p p e a r s a t t h e i n i t i a l i n t a k e c o n f e r e n c e t h e Mediation Administrator(Administrator)shallacceptthecaseintotheProgramwhichshall includeeachhomeownersubjecttothemortgage 10.6 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO BE PROVIDED AT THE INITIAL INTAKE CONFERENCE AND PRE-MEDIATION CONFERENCES: 1] Initial Intake Conference: Thelenderoritsrepresentativeshallprovidethefollowingatorbeforetheinitial intakeconference ThelenderscurrentloanmodificationpacketandinformationontheloanThe plaintiffmaymailanassistancepacketdirectlytothehomeownerandsendacopy totheAdministratorortheplaintiffmaysendanassistancepackettothe AdministratortoprovidetothehomeownerattheInitialIntakeConferenceThe plaintiffwillprovidealistofsupportingdocumentsandtheplaintiffcounsels informationforsubmissionsbyemailormailTheplaintiffshallnotifythe Administratorwhoistheowneroftheloanandifthereareanyissuesthatprevent aloanmodificationornonretentionoption 41 = Page 54 = 2] Pre-Mediation Conference: Thelenderoritsrepresentativeshallprovidethefollowingatthefirstpre mediationconference A) ProofofthePlaintiffsstandingtofiletheforeclosure B) Proofofthemortgageholdersstandingandstatusastherealpartyininterest C) Anypoolingandservicingagreement D) Loanoriginationdocuments E) Appraisalatthetimeoftheloanoriginationandanysubsequentappraisal F) Paymenthistoryrecordswithrespecttothemortgageincludingallfeesand costsincurred G) Anitemizationoftheamountsneededtocureandpayoffthemortgage Thehomeownershallprovidethefollowingatthefirstpremediationconference A) Proofofincomeegpaystubsorbenefitstatements 10.7 PURPOSE AND GOALS OF THE INITIAL INTAKE CONFERENCE, PRE-MEDIATION CONFERENCES AND MEDIATION CONFERENCES: ThepurposeoftheseconferencesandtheProgramitselfistoassisthomeownerstoreach mutuallyacceptablesolutionswithlendersregardingtheirhomesSolutionsincludebut arenotlimitedtoaloanmodificationorotheroptionsthatmaybeavailableinlieuof foreclosure 10.8 INITIAL INTAKE CONFERENCES: TheCircuitClerkandtheAdministratorshallworktogethertocompilealistofavailable datesforInitialIntakeConferencesTheCircuitClerkshallnotifytheAdministratorwhen InitialIntakeConferencesarescheduled ThelocationoftheInitialIntakeConferenceswillbeincludedintheSummonsandwillbe heldintheStClairCountyCourthouseLawLibraryunlessotherwisenoted TheInitialIntakeConferencewillnotcountforthepurposesofRule7slimitationonthe numberofpremediationconferences DuringtheInitialIntakeConferencethehomeownerandtheAdministratorwilldiscuss optionsavailablefortheborrowerthroughtheProgramIfthehomeowner(s)failsto attendtheInitialIntakeConferenceandhavebeenproperlyservedunderthemediation rulethemediationcasewillbeterminatedHomeownerswhoarecurrentlyin bankruptcyorarenotresidingintheresidenceofwhichthemortgageisbeingforeclosed cannotproceedwithmediationWhenpossiblehousingcounselingandlegalservice agencieswillbepresenttopresentinformationtotheborrowersscreenthehomeowner 42 = Page 55 = toseeiftheyqualifyfortheservicestheagencyprovidesandanswerquestionsonthe foreclosureprocessIftheAdministratorbelievesaloanmodificationordignifiedexit optionisfeasibletheAdministratorshallgivetheassistancepacketprovidedbythe plaintiffpriortotheconferencetothehomeownerifthehomeownerdoesnothaveone andthehomeownerwillbegiventimetosubmitthepackettotheplaintiffscounselThe Administratorshallsetafirstpremediationconferencebetweentheplaintiffplaintiff counselandthehomeownerwithin45daysoftheInitialIntakeConferenceandthe Administratorwillsendnoticeofthefirstpremediationconferencetotheplaintiffand homeowner 10.9 PRE-MEDIATION CONFERENCES: Atthefirstpremediationconferencethelenderwillprovidethehomeownerwithallthe requireddocumentsaslistedintherulesThehomeownerwillprovidetheinformation availableregardingproofofincomeifanyIfthedefendantdidnotsubmittheassistance packetbeforethepremediationconferencethemediationmaybeterminatedunless otherwiseagreedtobythepartiesTheAdministratorwillinquireastothestatusofthe assistancepacketAdditionalpremediationconferencestoreviewthestatusofthecase willbescheduledaccordingtoRules78and9orasagreedtobythepartiesThetime periodbetweenpremediationconferenceswilldependontheoptionsforwhichthe defendantisbeingreviewedwhichmayincludealoanmodificationadeedinlieuof foreclosureaconsenttoajudgmentwaivinganydeficiencyjudgmentagainstthe homeownerashortsaleoranyotheragreementorsettlementresultinginadignified exitfromtheresidence Iftheinformationprovidedbytheborrowerindicatesasubstantiallossofincomeso severethataloanmodificationcouldnotbefeasibleandthehomeownerdesirestokeep thehouseandwillnotacceptanotheroptionresultinginadignifiedexitfromthe residenttheAdministratorshallterminatethepremediationandremandthecasebackto court AsnotedinRules10and12itisnotacceptableforalenderasamatterofthelenders policiestorefusetoofferanoptionotherthanaloanmodificationorotherworkoutIfa lenderrefusestoofferanotheroptiontheAdministratorwillsetthecaseformediation Themediatorwillinquirefurtherastowhyanotherfeasibleoptionisnotavailable Ifapremediationconferenceresultsinatemporaryagreementorapermanent agreementtheAdministratorwillnotsendthecasetomediationbutfollowthestepsas outlinedinRule11 10.10 MEDIATION CONFERENCES: Amediatorcansetsubsequentmediationconferences30or45daysapartdependingon theprogressofmediationandthelikelihoodthatthecasewillberesolvedbymediation 43 = Page 56 = Atanytimeduringtheseconferencesthemediatormayreferaborrowertoahousing counselingagencyanorganizationprovidingmortgageassistancelawyerreferralagency orthelocallegalaidoffice 10.11 PARTIES REQUIRED TO ATTEND INITIAL INTAKE, PRE-MEDIATION AND MEDIATION CONFERENCES: Thefollowingpersonsmustappearattheinitialintakeconference Thehomeowner Thefollowingpersonsmustparticipateinthepremediationandmediationconferences Thehomeownerand Thehomeownersattorneyifany Thelender(inpersonorbytelephone)and Thelendersattorneywithactualsettlementauthority Additionalparties Themediatormayincludeinthemediationanypersonthemediatordetermineswould assistinthemediation 10.12 NUMBER AND DURATION OF CONFERENCES Thereisalimitoftwopremediationconferencesandtwomediationconferencesunless oneextensionisgrantedasprovidedintheserulesEachconferenceislimitedtotwo hoursbutcanbeextendedbeyondthetimelimitifthemediatorbelievesanagreement appearsimminent 10.13 CONTINUANCES UnlessatemporaryagreementhasbeenreachedasoutlinedinRule11apartymayupon goodcauseshownrequestacontinuanceofonepremediationoronemediationIfa partyisrequestingacontinuancetherequestmustbesenttoallpartiesandthe AdministratorTheAdministratorwillcontinuetheconferenceandprovidetheparties andmediator(ifapplicable)withanewdate 10.14 EXTENSION REQUEST BEYOND THE FOUR CONFERENCES UnlessatemporaryagreementhasbeenreachedasoutlinedinRule11apartymayfor goodcauseshownrequestoneextensionoftheconferencesresultinginatotalof5 conferencesThepartymustsupporttherequestforextensionwithsubstantialfactsthat themediatorbelieveswillresultinasuccessfulmediation 44 = Page 57 = 10.14 OBLIGATION TO MEDIATE IN GOOD FAITH: Each mediation party or authorized representative of a mediation party shall make a good faith effort to mediate all issues including production of all documentsoutlinedintheserulestobeproduced AmediationpartyshallcooperatewiththeAdministratorandmediatortoproducethe informationrequestedtopermitthemediationprocesstofunctioneffectively Agoodfaithefforttomediaterequiresthelendertoconductthefollowinglossmitigation analysis A) Evaluateth eborrower(s)eligibilityforalternativestoforeclosureincluding butnotlimitedtoreinstatementloanmodificationforbearanceshortsaleand deedinlieuofforeclosure B) Offertheborroweraloanmodificationatthebesttermsavailableforaloan modificationiftheborrower(s)iseligibleforone C) Ifthelenderdoesnotreachaloanmodificationwiththeborrower(s)during the mediation the lender shall provide a written analysis of its position demonstratingthatthenetpresentvalueofreceivingpaymentspursuanttoa modified mortgage loan is less than the anticipated net recovery following foreclosure D) I f t h e l e n d e r r e j e c t s a p r o p o s e d s e t t l e m e n t t h a t o f f e r s a n a l t e rnative to the foreclosureotherthanaloanmodificationorotherrenegotiatedtermsofthe residentialmortgagethatwouldresultinalowercostthanforeclosuretothe lenderthelendershallprovideawrittenexplanationfortherejectionofthe proposal 10.15 TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT AGREEMENTS AtemporaryorpermanentagreementmaybereachedduringmediationAtemporary agreementmayincludebutisnotlimitedtoatrialloanmodificationadeferment agreementoraforbearanceagreementDuringthistimethemediationcaseremains pendingandisnotremandedbacktocourt Ifatemporaryagreementhasbeenreachedandsuchagreementwillresultinalonger p e r i o d b e t w e e n c o n f e r e n c e s t h a n g e n e r a l l y a l l o w e d b y t h e s e r u l e s t h e p a r t i e s c a n extendthemediationconferencedateouttoadatethatincorporatestheendofthetrial period The Administrator or the mediator will file with the court notice that a temporaryagreementhasbeenreachedthetermsoftheagreementandthedateofthe nextconference IfapermanentagreementisreachedaSummaryofAgreementoutliningthetermsof theagreementshallbedraftedbythemediatororthelenderifthemediatordirects The agreement shall be signed by the homeowner the homeowners attorney or 45 = Page 58 = representativethelender(anattorneycansignforthelender)thelendersattorney andfiledinthemediationfileandwiththecourtasoutlinedinRule14 10.16) FAILURE TO MEDIATE IN GOOD FAITH: Eithermediationpartywillbedeemedtonotbeactingingoodfaithiftheparty A)Failstoprovidetheinformationanddocumentationasrequiredby theserules B)Failstoattendapremediationormediationasscheduledbythe mediator Alenderandorthelendersattorneywithactualsettlementauthority willbedeemedtonotbeactingingoodfaithifthelender A) Failstomakeagoodfaithefforttoevaluatetheborrowerforarenegotiationof thetermsoftheresidentialmortgageincludingaloanmodificationasoutlined intheserules B) Failstoprovideawrittenexplanationoftherejectionofanypossible renegotiationofthetermsoftheloan C) Failstomakeagoodfaithefforttoevaluatetheborrowerforotheralternatives availabletothehomeownersuchasdeedinlieuorashortsaleor D) Failstoprovideawrittenexplanationoftherejectionofotherpossible alternativesavailabletothehomeowner 10.17) TERMINATION OF MEDIATION CONFERENCE AmediatormayterminatetheMediationatanytimeduringthemediationprocessforthe followingreasons A) Apermanentagreementhasbeenreachedbetweentheparties B) Inthemediatorsopinionnopurposewouldbeservedbycontinuingthe Mediationor C) Apartyhasfailedtomediateingoodfaith 10.18) REPORT TO THE COURT AT THE TERMINATION OF MEDIATION TheAdministratororamediatorwillfilewiththetrialcourtacertificateindicatingthe following A)Thepartiescametoapermanentagreementandthenatureofthat agreement B)ThereisnopurposeservedbycontinuingwiththeMediationor C)Apartydidnotmediateingoodfaithandthenatureofthefailuretomediatein goodfaith 46 = Page 59 = 10.19) COURT STATUS DATE POST MEDIATION REPORT Theforeclosurecaseshallbesetforastatusdatewithin21daysaftertheAdministrators ReportorthemediatorsreportissubmittedtothecourtIfthepartieswereabletoreach anagreementthroughthemediationprocesstheforeclosurecaseshallbedismissedat thestatusdateunlesstheagreementincludesatrialmodification A) I f t h e a g r e e m e n t i n c l u d e s a t r i a l modification the court will retain jurisdiction and the case will be set for review at the end oft h e t r i a l periodIfahomeownerhassuccessfullycompliedwithallrequirements forthemodificationorlossmitigationworkoutatthetimeofreviewthe foreclosurecaseshallbedismissed B) Ifthepartiesmediatedingoodfaithbutcouldnotreachanagreementand thereisnopurposeincontinuingwithmediationthecourtshallissuean orderterminatingmediationandallowinglitigationtogoforward C) Ifthemediationwasterminatedforfailuretomediateingoodfaiththe courtshallreviewthenatureofthemediatorscomplaintThecourtmay ordersanctionsincludingbutnotlimitedtothefollowingThecourtmay imposeafineagainstthelenderorderthecasebacktomediationorder the terms of a settlement agreement to be honored dismiss the foreclosureactionagainstthehomeownerandorwaiveallcostsassessed bythelenderagainsttheborrowerintheforeclosureaction 10.20 JUDICIAL REFERRAL TO MEDIATION AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE SALE OF THE RESIDENCE: Duringtheforeclosurecaseifitcomestothecourtsattentionthattherearefacts thatwarrantmediationthecourtcanstaytheforeclosureproceedingsfurtherand remandthecasetotheProgramFactstoconsidermayinclude A) ThehomeownerhadnoopportunitytoattendanInitialIntakeConference becauseservicebypublicationorpersonalservicewasbeforethe implementationofthemediationprogramasupdated B) Thehomeownerhasbeenworkingwiththelenderandhasbeenplacedina loanmodificationbutthecasehascontinuedtomovethroughtheforeclosure process C) Thehomeownerhasactivelyengagedthelenderwiththepossibilityofaloan modificationbuthasmetwithinsurmountablebarrierssuchasbeingadvised thedocumentshavebeenlostmisplacedornotreceived D) Thehomeownernowhasincomewithwhichtoenterintoaloanmodification E) Othercircumstancesthecourtfindpersuasive 47 = Page 60 = 10.21 TRAINING OF JUDGES, KEY COURT PERSONNEL AND VOLUNTEER MEDIATORS 1) JUDGES TheChiefJudgeshallselectAssociateandCircuitJudgestobetrainedintheTwentieth JudicialCourtForeclosureMediationProgram(ForeclosureMediationSeminar) 2) ADMINISTRATIONKEYCOURTPERSONNEL TheAdministratorshallreviewtheForeclosureMediationProgramRulesandwill developandimplementaprocessforforeclosuremediationAfterdevelopmentand implementationtheAdministratorwillpresentontherelevantportionatthe ForeclosureMediationSeminar InadditiontheCircuitClerkshallassignindividualclerkstoattendtheForeclosure MediationSeminar 3) MEDIATORS Unlessaretiredjudgeorpreviouslycertifiedmediatorallindividualswantingto participateasmediatorsmustattendacourtapprovedmediationskillsprogramto becomecertifiedInadditionallindividualsmustattendtheForeclosureMediation Seminar 10.22 MEDIATORS 1)QUALIFICATIONSAPPOINTMENTANDCOMPENSATION Applicantsshallbeeligibleforappointmenttoserveasmediatorsbyfilingwiththe ProgramAdministratoranapplicationformcertifyingthefollowing A) Isaretiredjudgeor B) IsacertifiedmediatorinanyIllinoisCircuitCourtmediationprogramorany federalmediationprogramand C) HasattendedamandatoryForeclosureMediationSeminarand D) HasreadandisinformedoftherulesofSupremeCourtrelatingtoMediation ProgramsandtheForeclosureMediationProgramRulesoftheTwentieth JudicialCircuit EachapplicationmustbereviewedandapprovedbytheChiefJudgeorhisorher designee 48 = Page 61 = TheAdministratorshallmaintainanalphabeticallistofpersonsqualifiedtoserveas mediatorswhoshallbeassignedonarotatingbasis Mediatorsshallbecompensated25000foreachcasethatissubjecttomediation Uponcompletionofthemediationprocessthemediatorwillfileavoucherwiththe AdministratorTheAdministratorshallprocessthevouchersforpaymenttothe mediators 2) CONFIDENTIALITY Unlessotherwiseauthorizedbythepartiesalloralorwrittencommunicationsmadein thecourseofmediationotherthanwrittenagreementsbetweenthepartiesand documentsfiledofrecordshallbeexemptfromdiscoveryandshallbeconfidentialand inadmissibleasevidenceintheunderlyingcauseofaction 3) IMMUNITY Anypersonapprovedtoactasamediatorundertheseruleswhileactingwithinthescope ofhisorherdutiesasamediatorshallhavejudicialimmunityinthesamemannerandto thesameextentasajudgeintheStateofIllinoisasprovidedinIllinoisSupremeCourt Rule99 4) IMPARTIALITY Amediatorshallconductmediationinanimpartialmannerandavoidconductthatgives theappearanceofpartialityMediatorsshallnotactwithpartialityorprejudicebasedon anyparticipantspersonalcharacteristicsbackgroundvaluesandbeliefsoranyother reasonIfatanytimeamediatorisunabletoconductmediationinanimpartialmanner themediatorshallwithdraw 5)CONFLICTOFINTEREST Amediatorshallavoidaconflictofinterestortheappearanceofaconflictofinterest duringthemediationprocessAmediatorshallnotmediateaforeclosurecasewithout bothpartiesconsentifthemediatorhasanypastorpresentpersonalorprofessional relationshipwitheitherpartyinvolvedinthemediationthatreasonablyraisesaquestion ofamediatorsimpartialityAmediatorshalldiscloseassoonaspossibleallactualand potentialconflictsofinterestthatarereasonablyknowntothemediatorandcould reasonablybeseenasraisingaquestionaboutthemediatorsimpartialityAfter disclosureifallpartiesagreethemediatormayproceedwiththemediation 10.23 CAPACITY TO PROVIDE LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE ForthoseindividualswhoseprincipallanguageisnotEnglishorforindividualsthatare hearingimpairedtheJudicialCaseCoordinatorwillprovideassistanceusingeitherlocal languageinterpretersorlevelfivecertifieddeafinterpreters 49 = Page 62 = 10.24 QUARTERLY AND ANNUAL REPORTING TO THE ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT TheAdministratorwillcapturespecificcaseinformationoneachresidentialforeclosure filedinStClairCountyThisinformationwillincludethenumberofhomeownersthat enteredintothemediationprogramandtheoutcomeofthemediation TheinformationwillbesubmittedtotheSupremeCourtonaquarterlybasisThereport istobereceivedbythe30thdayfollowingthemonththequarterhasended AnannualreportwillbesubmittedtotheSupremeCourtbythe31stdayofJanuary followingtheendofthepreviousfiscalyear 50 = Page 63 = PART 11.00: E-FILING 11.01 Authority ABytheissuanceofOrderNumberMR18368theIllinoisSupremeCourthasapproved electronicfilingforCircuitCourtsinthestateofIllinoisTheOrderdatedOctober242012 waseffectiveJanuary12013Electronicfilingshallrunpursuanttothe Electronic Filing Standards and Principles setoutintheSupremeCourtOrder BSpecificauthorityforelectronicsignaturestimeofelectronicfilingandelectronicservice hasbeengrantedbySupremeCourtOrderMR18368filedOctober242012andamended onSeptember142014 11.02 Designation of Electronic Filing Case Types AThisCourtherebyauthorizescivilandcriminalcasetypes(includingcitations)thatare originallyfiledassuchaspermissibleelectronicfilingcasetypesFromtimetotimethe Court may authorize by written Administrative Order additional types of cases to be processedviaelectronicfilingTheCircuitCourtClerkshalldirectthephasinginofinitial implementation BOnoraftertheeffectivedateeachnewcaseshallbecomeanefilecasesubjecttothese ruleswhenaPlaintiffortheStatesAttorneyfilesacomplaintelectronicallyoraDefendant filesananswerelectronically CAllappellateandpostjudgmentenforcementproceedingdocumentsandnoticesshallbe filedandservedintheconventionalmannerandnotbymeansofefilingincludingbutnot limitedtothenoticeofappealandnoticetoprepare DDocumentsandnoticesinentirelyimpoundedsealedexpungedorconfidentialcases shallbefiledintheconventionalmannerandnotbymeansofefilingDocumentsand notices involving impounded sealed expunged or confidential documents within an otherwiseopencaseshallalsobefiledintheconventionalmannerandnotbymeansofe fil in gE l ec tro nic al l yf i l eddo c u mentssu b se q u entl yim p o u ndedseal edo re xp u ngedb y orderoftheCourtshallbesubjecttothesamerulesandrestrictionsaspapercopiesoffiled documentsretainedbyattorneysorotherofficersoftheCourtsubsequentlyimpounded sealedorexpunged EDocumentsrequiredtobemaintainedintheiroriginalformpursuanttothe Manual on Recordkeeping in the Circuit Courts orotherruleorstatueareexcludedfromelectronic filing 11.03 Definitions Thefollowingtermsintheserulesaredefinedasfollows ConventionalmanneroffilingThefilingofpaperdocumentswiththeClerkasisdonein casesthatarenotefilecases AttorneyAccountAnaccountestablishedbyanattorneyinagreementwithClerkofthe Courtfromwhichfilingfeescanbeapplied 51 = Page 64 = ElectronicDocument(“edocument”)Anelectronicfilecontaininginformationaltext ElectronicFiling(“efiling”)AnelectronictransmissionofinformationbetweentheClerk oftheCircuitCourtandavendorforthepurposesofcaseprocessing ElectronicImage(“eimage”)Anelectronicrepresentationofadocumentthathasbeen transformedtoagraphicalorimageformat PDFAfileformatthatpreservesallfontsformattingcolorsandgraphicsofanysource documentregardlessoftheapplicationplatformused SubscriberOnecontractingwithaVendortousetheefilingsystem VendorAcompanyororganizationthathasanexecutedElectronicInformationProject Agreement with theClerk of theCircuitCourt to provideefiling servicesfor the 20th JudicialCircuit 11.04 Authorized Users A T h e C o u r t a n d t h e C l e r k o f t h e C i r c u i t C o u r t s h a l l p r o v i d e a l i s t o f s t a f f m e m b e r s designatedtooperatetheefilingsystemwithinthescopeoftheirdutiesandthenamesof anyotherindividualsasdeemednecessarybytheCourtTheCircuitClerkshallmaintaina c u r r e n t l i s t c o n t a i n i n g t h e n a m e s a n d c o n t a c t i n f o r m a t i o n f o r a ll Vendors approved to provideefilingserviceswithintheCountyTheVendororVendorsshallassignconfidential useridentificationsandpasswordstotheClerkwhichwillbeusedbythelistedindividuals toaccesstheVendorsproductservicesNousershallknowinglyauthorizeorpermitthe Clerksconfidentialuseridentificationsandpasswordstobeusedbyanyoneotherthan staffmembersdesignatedbytheCourtortheClerkoftheCourt B U p o n r e c e i p t b y t h e V e n d o r o f a properly executed Efile Subscriber AgreementRegistrationandnotificationtotheClerkoftheCircuitCourtinwritingthe vendorshallassigntotheSubscriberconfidentialuseridentificationandpasswordThe Subscriber shall use this confidential user identification and password to file serve receivereviewandretrieveelectronicallyfiledpleadingsordersandotherdocumentsin anassignedcaseNoconfidentialuseridentificationandpasswordholdershallknowingly authorizeorpermithisorherconfidentialuseridentificationandpasswordtobeusedby a n y o n e o t h e r t h a n a u t h o r i z e d a t t o r n e y s o r e m p l o y e e s o f t h e a t t o r n e y s l a w f i r m o r designatedcocounselwhereithasbeenestablishedinwritingbytheconfidentialuser identificationandpasswordholderthatdesignatedcounselmayfiledocumentsonbehalf oftheassigningcounsel C W i t h o u t c h a r g e d u r i n g n o r m a l b u s i n e s s h o u r s t h e C l e r k o f t h e Circuit Court shall provideattorneysandpartiesinefilecasesaccesstoanefilecomputerworkstationAny attorneyorpartyofadesignatedefilecasewhoisnotasubscriberthatrequeststofilea documentshallbegivenatemporaryconfidentialuseridentificationandpasswordand allowedtospendareasonabletimeattheworkstationinconnectionwithefilingcases DWhenavailablecourtpartneragenciesshallnotberequiredtoregisterindividually whileusingintegratedsystems 52 = Page 65 = 11.05 Method of Filing ATheCircuitCourtherebyauthorizeselectronicfilingineachofthedesignatedcasesas identifiedinRule1102aboveOnceacasebecomesanefilecasetheClerkoftheCircuit CourtmayacceptsubsequentfilingselectronicallythroughanapprovedVendoronlineor throughtheClerkscomputerworkstationhereafter BAtnotimeshalltheabilitytofileelectronicallypreventorexcludetheabilitytofileany valid pleading with the Clerk of the 20th Judicial Circuit Court in conventional paper formatTheClerkshallscanconventionallyfileddocumentsintotheelectronicfile CPhysicalitemsforwhichaphotographmaybesubstitutedmaybeelectronicallyimaged andefiledItemsnotconducivetoelectronicfilingsuchasdocumentsundersealand physicalexhibitsforwhichanimagewillnotsufficeshallbefiledintheirphysicalformat theClerksOfficeorintheCourtroomasdirectedbyorderoftheCourtTheMotionand N o t i c e o f M o t i o n f o r p e r m i s s i o n t o f i l e a n y o f t h e s e p h y s i c a l i t e m s m a y b e d o n e electronicallyinefilecasesTheCourtinitsdiscretionmaydeemthatcertaindocuments maybefiledinaconventionalmanner DElectronicdocumentscontaininglinkstomaterialeitherwithinthefileddocumentor externaltothefileddocumentarenotconsideredpartofthefilingortheofficialcourtfile ETheCourtthroughtheClerkoftheCourtmayissueefilingnoticesandotherdocuments electronicallyinanefilecase 11.06 Maintenance of Original Documents AAnyonefilinganelectronicdocumentthatrequiresanoriginalsignaturecertifiesbyso filingthattheoriginalsigneddocumentexistsinthefilingpersonspossessionUnless otherwiseorderedbytheCourtthefilingpartyshallmaintainandpreservealldocuments containingoriginalsignaturesthatarefiledelectronicallyThefilingpartyshallmakethose signedoriginalsavailableforinspectionbytheCourttheClerkoftheCourtorbyother counselinthecaseuponfive(5)daysnoticeAtanytimetheClerkoftheCourtmay requestfromthefilingpartyahardcopyofanelectronicallyfileddocumentwhichshallbe providedwithinfive(5)businessdaysuponreasonablenotice BAlldocumentsthatarerequiredtobemaintainedandpreservedmustbekeptbythe filingpartyforoneyearaftertheappellateprocessperiodhasbeenexhaustedwhenafinal mandateoftheappellatecourthasbeenissued 11.07 Privacy Issues Easyaccesstoelectronicdocumentsraisesmanyprivacyissuessomeofwhichhavebeen addressedinthe“ElectronicAccessPolicyforCircuitCourtRecordsoftheIllinoisCourts” Revision effective April 1 2004 While the Electronic Access Policy allows for greateraccessofelectronicdocumentsbyattorneysofrecordandlitigantsefilingusers must be sensitive to confidential and personal information not filed under seal even t h o u g h e l e c t r o n i c a l l y f i l e d d o c u m e n t s w i l l b e e x c h a n g e d t h o u g h a secure transmission OncethedocumentisfiledelectronicallyitbecomespartoftheOfficialCourtRecordand 53 = Page 66 = wouldbeopenforpublicinspectionattheClerksofficeunlessotherwiseorderedbythe CourtItistheresponsibilityofcounselandthepartiestobesurethatallpleadingsdonot disclosepreviouslystatutorilyimpounded or sealed informationorprivateinformation definedinSupremeCourtRule15(SocialSecurityNumberseffectiveApril262012)and SupremeCourtRule138(PersonalIdentityInformationeffectiveJuly12013) In addition persons filing electronically shall exercise extrem e c a u t i o n w h e n f i l i n g documentsthatcontainsthefollowing 1Personalidentifyingnumbers 2Medicalrecordssuchastreatmentanddiagnosis 3Employmenthistoryinformation 4Individualfinancialinformation 5Proprietaryortradesecretinformation 6NamesofMinorChildren 7Anysimilarinformationordata Efileddocumentswhichcontainanyoftheaboveinformationmaybeimmediately sealedbytheassignedjudgewitharedactedcopyplacedinthefilewithnoticeprovidedto partieswithinten(10)daysofthesealingAnyobjectiontothesealingshallbeheard pursuanttomotionsrequestingsame 11.08 Format of Documents A All electronically filed documents shall to the extent practicable be formatted in accordance with the applicable rules governing formatting of paper documents Additionallyeachelectronicallyfiledpleadinganddocumentshallincludethecasetitle casenumberandthenatureofthefiling BEachelectronicallyfileddocumentshallalsoincludethetypednameemailaddress address and telephone number of the attorney filing such document Attorneys shall include their ARDC Number and attorney or firm suspense accountn u m b e r o n a l l documents CBulkfilingsofmultiplecaseswithinasingleelectronicfilingtransactionwillnotbe acceptedDocumentswithdifferentcasenumbersmustbeelectronicallyfiledindividually Individual pleadings motions affidavits addendums and otherwise distinct court documentswithinacasemaybefiledinasingletransaction DBulkfilingsofmultiplecaseswithinasingleelectronicfilingtransactionwillbeaccepted whenfileddirectlyfromthelawenforcementagency E Any electronically filed document must be unalterable by the vendor (sealed text searchablePDFformat)andbeabletobeprintedwiththesamecontentsandformatsasif p r i n t e d f r o m i t s a u t h o r i n g p r o g r a m T h e E f i l i n g v e n d o r i s r e q u ired to make each electronicallyfileddocumentthatisnotinfectedbyavirusavailablefortransmissiontothe ClerkimmediatelyaftersuccessfulreceiptandviruscheckingofthedocumentTheClerk 54 = Page 67 = willdigitallystoreapprovedunalterabledocumentsinaTIFFformatconvertedfromthe sealedPDF FIfproposedordersaresubmittedelectronicallytheproposedordersmustbeinPDF format GIndividualelectronicfilingtransactionsmustnotexceed5MBHoweverthefilercan dividethedocumentintomultipletransactionsunderthemaximumfilesizeforelectronic filingofdocumentsexceedingthemaximumfilesize HDocumentsfiledthatdonotcomplywiththeformatspecifiedbytheapplicablestatute orrulemayberejected 11.09 Signatures AEachelectronicallyfileddocumentincludingallpleadingsmotionspapersetcthat require an original signature when conventionally filed shall b e a r a f a c s i m i l e o r typographicalsignatureoftheattorneyauthorizingsuchfiling(eg“sAdamAttorney”) andshallbedeemedtohavebeensignedinpersonbytheindividualidentified BIntheabsenceofafacsimileortypographicalsignatureanydocumentelectronically filedwithauseridentificationandpasswordisdeemedtohavebeenpersonallysignedby theholderoftheuseridentificationandpassword CDocumentscontainingsignaturesofthirdpartiesornonelectronicfilersmaybefiled electronicallyandshallbearafacsimileortypographicalsignature D A n y d o c u m e n t e l e c t r o n i c a l l y s i g n e d b y t h e c o u r t p u r s u a n t t o this section satisfies SupremeCourtRulesandstatutesregardingoriginalsignaturesoncourtdocuments ETheChiefJudgesofficewillmaintainanelectronicfileofallpresidingjudgessignatures forverificationorauthenticationThejudicialesignaturewillbeauthenticatedwhenthe judicialofficercompletesasecuresignonprocesstogainaccesstotheefilevendors system FOrdersissuedbythePresidingJudgeshallbearatypographicorelectronicsignatureand anofficialefilingcourtstampandshallbeefiledandservedThedateoftheofficialcourt stampshallconstitutethedateofentryoftheorder GSignaturesasdefinedinthissectionsatisfySupremeCourtRulesandstatutesregarding signaturesandgiverisetotheapplicationofavailablesanctionswhenappropriate HTheoriginalsigneddocumentthathasbeenelectronicallyfiledpursuanttothissection shallbemaintainedandpreservedasrequiredbyRule1106 IWhereaClerkisrequiredtoendorseadocumentthetypednameoftheClerkshallbe deemedtobetheClerkssignatureonanelectronicdocument 11.10 Time of Filing, Acceptance by the Clerk and Electronic Filing Stamp AAnydocumentfiledelectronicallyshallbeinthecustodyoftheClerkoftheCircuitCourt uponreviewandacceptanceThetransmissiondateandtimeshalldeterminetheClerks electronicfilingstampElectronicfilingisavailabletotheusertwentyfourhoursseven daysaweekDocumentselectronicallyfiledbeforemidnightonadaythecourthouseis o p e n s h a l l b e d e e m e d f i l e d t h a t d a y I f f i l e d o n a d a y t h e c o u rthouse is not open for 55 = Page 68 = businessshallbefilestampedthenextbusinessdayAlldocument(s)shallbecapableof beingprintedwithouttheneedformodificationbytheClerkinconformancewiththe followingstandardsandasrequiredfordocumentsconventionallyfiled 1 Electronic documents should print on individual sheets measuring 85 inches by 11 inches 2ThetextofdocumentsfiledelectronicallyshallusethecolorblackSignaturesanddates shallalsobeblackincolor 3Theelectronicdocumentshallhaveacleanmarginofatleastone(1)inchonthetop bottomandeachsideMarginsmaybeusedfornonessentialnotationsthatwillnotaffect thevalidityofthedocumentincludingbutnotlimitedtoformnumberspagenumbersand customernotations 4Thefirstpageoftheelectronicdocumentshallcontainablankspacemeasuringatleast 3inchesby5inchesfromtheupperrightcornertoprovidespacefortheapplicationofthe Clerksfilestamp BApersonwhofilesadocumentelectronicallyshallhavethesameresponsibilityasa personfilingadocumentintheconventionalmannerforensuringthatthedocumentis completereadableandproperlyfiled CUponreceiptbytheVendorandsubmissionofanelectronicdocumenttotheClerkthe VendorshallissueaconfirmationtotheSubscriberTheconfirmationshallindicatethe timeanddateofreceiptandserveasproofthatthedocumenthasbeensubmittedtothe ClerkAsubscriberwillreceiveemailnotificationfromtheVendorifadocumentisnot acceptedbytheClerksofficeInthateventtheSubscribermayberequiredtorefilethe documenttomeetnecessaryfilingrequirements DEachdocumentreviewedandacceptedforfilingbytheClerkofCourtshallreceivean electronicfilestampThestampshallbeendorsedinthenameoftheCircuitClerkbythe deputyclerkacceptingthefilingandshallincludetheidentificationofthecourtofficial timeanddateoffilingandcontaintheword“ELECTRONICALLYFILED”Thisfilestamp shallbemergedwiththeelectronicdocumentandshallbevisiblewhenthedocumentis printed and viewed online Electronic documents are not officia l l y f i l e d w i t h o u t t h e electronic filing stamp Filings so endorsed shall have the same force and effect as documentstimestampedintheconventionalmanner 11.11 Service, Changes of Address A Electronic filing is not capable of conferring jurisdictionD o c u m e n t s t h a t r e q u i r e personalservicetoconferjurisdictionasamatteroflawmaynotbeservedelectronically throughanefilevendorbutmustbeservedintheconventionalmannerPartiesshall continuetoprovideservicebymailorasotherwiseasprovidedbySupremeCourtRule12 foralldocumentsfiledelectronically BAllSubscribersandotherparticipantsmustimmediatelybutnotlaterthantenbusiness dayspriortowhensuchachangetakeseffectnotifyotherpartiestheClerkandtheefiling Vendorofanychangeoffirmnamedeliveryaddressfaxnumberoremailaddress C A means of electronic service on registered attorneys in criminal cases may be establishedaspartoftheefilingsystemWhenserviceisrequiredbytheclerktheclerkof 56 = Page 69 = thecourtmayserveelectronicallytotheattorneyandshallrecordintheofficialcourt recordtheeffectivedateandtimeofserviceServiceofdocumentsincriminalcasestoa p r o s e d e f e n d a n t w h o i s n o t r e p r e s e n t e d b y c o u n s e l s h a l l u n l e s s waived be made as otherwiseprovidedbyruleorstatute 11.12 Collection of Fees ATheefilingofdocumentsrequiringpaymentofastatutoryfilingfeetotheClerkofthe Courtinordertoachievevalidfilingstatusshallbefiledelectronicallyinthesamemanner asanyotherefiledocument B Co p ieso fanydo c u m ento rc e rti fic at io no fsam em ayb ep ro vided conventionally or electronicallyandshallbeavailabletotherequestingpartyatareasonablecostincluding allfeesassetbystatutesruleorlaw CByagreementwiththeClerkSubscribersmaydepositfundsintoaccountsestablishedby t h e C l e r k i n a d v a n c e o f a c t u a l f i l i n g s U p o n e f i l i n g d o c u m e n t s requiring payment of s t a t u t o r y f i l i n g f e e s t h e C l e r k s h a l l a p p l y f u n d s f r o m t h e s e a ttorney or firm suspense accountstowardthepaymentofthesefeesTheCircuitCourtClerkshalloverseethese accountsandprovideanaccountsummaryreporttotheChiefJudgeuponrequest DWhentheelectronicfilingincludesarequestforthewaiveroffeesbyapetitionfor indigencepaymentoftherequisitefilingfeesshallbestayeduntilthecourtrulesonthe petition EFeeschargedtoefilingSubscribersbytheVendorforVendorservicesaresolelythe propertyoftheVendorandareinadditiontoanystatutoryfeesassociatedwithstatutory filingfees FAnyVendorprovidingefilingservicesshallbesubjecttoaudittoensurethatproposed andcollectedfeesarereasonableandinthepublicinterest 11.13 System or User Errors ATheCourtandClerkoftheCircuitCourtshallnotbeliableformalfunctionorerrors occurringinelectronictransmissionorreceiptofelectronicallyfiledorserveddocuments B If the electronic filing is not filed with the Clerk becauseo f ( 1 ) a n e r r o r i n t h e transmissionofthedocumenttotheVendorwhichwasunknowntothesendingparty(2) afailuretoprocesstheelectronicfilingwhenreceivedbytheVendor(3)rejectionbythe CircuitCourtClerk(4)othertechnicalproblemsexperiencedbythefiler(5)thepartywas erroneouslyexcludedfromtheservicelistor(6)forgoodcauseshowntheCourtmay uponsatisfactoryproofenteranorderpermittingthedocumenttobesubsequentlyfiled effectiveasofthedatefilingwasfirstattempted CAnyoneprejudicedbythecourtsordertoacceptasubsequentfilingeffectiveasofthe datefilingwasfirstattemptedshallbeentitledtoanorderextendingthedateforany responseortheperiodwithinwhichanyrightdutyorotheractmustbeperformed DTheDataProcessingDepartmentshallatleastquarterlyorasadditionallydirectedby theChiefJudgeorCircuitClerktestthebackupandrecoveryprocessforelectronically imageddocumentsDataProcessingshallverifythatallelectronicallyimageddocuments 57 = Page 70 = arebackedupandrecoverableandnotifytheChiefJudgeandCircuitClerkinwritingof eachtestresult 11.14 Vendor Conditions AEFilingVendor(s)withElectronicInformationProjectAgreementsexecutedwiththe ClerkoftheCircuitCourtareherebyappointedtobetheagentoftheClerkoftheCircuit Courtregardingelectronicfilingreceiptandorretrievalofanypleadingordocumentvia theefilingVendorsystem BTheefilingVendorshallmakeelectronicallyfileddocumentsavailabletosubscribers and the designated court authorized users through the efiling Vendors system in accordance with the current contract between the Clerk and the efiling Vendor and consistentwiththeSupremeCourtsElectronicAccessPolicyforCircuitCourtRecordsof theIllinoisCourts CTheefilingVendorshallprovideamethodforauthenticationofjudicialofficeactions DOwnershipofthedocumentsandaccesstothedataassociatedwithallefileddocuments remainswiththeCourt E T h e e f i l i n g V e n d o r m a y r e q u i r e p a y m e n t o f a f e e o r i m p o s e o ther reasonable requirementsbycontractwithaSubscriberasconditionsforprocessingelectronicfilings PursuanttocontracttermstheefilingVendormustprovideservicesbutisnotpermitted torequirepaymentofafeeforgovernmentusersorpartiesdeemedindigentbytheCourt FFilingsinitiatedbycourtpartneragenciesincriminalcases(egStatesAttorneyPublic DefenderAttorneyGenerallawenforcement)shallbeexemptedfromthepaymentoffiling feesandvendorfeeswhenappropriate GTheVendorshallhaveadisasterrecoveryplantorestoreefilingoperationswithina reasonabletimeframeduetofailurecausinganinterruptioninservice HTheChiefJudgeoftheCourtorhisherdesigneeincoordinationwiththeClerkofthe CourtshallreviewandapprovethetermsoftheSubscriberAgreementTheVendorshall provideatleast30daysnoticepriortotheeffectivedateofanySubscriberAgreement changes 58 = Page 71 = Part 12: POST-JUDGMENT PROCEEDINGS 12.01 Post-Judgment Notices Noticesofhearingstodiscoverassetspetitionsforadjudicationofcontemptandany otherhearingwhereawarrantofarrestmayissueforapartysfailuretoappearafterreceipt ofnoticeshallincludethetimedateandplaceofhearingandthefollowingwordsinbold typeorunderlined "YOUR FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THIS HEARING MAY RESULT IN YOUR ARREST." 12.02 Rule to Show Cause for Failure to Appear UponrespondentsfailuretoappearpursuanteitheranoticeofaCitationtoDiscover Assetsororderofcourtthecourtmayorderadatetimeandcourtroomforrespondents appearancetoshowcausewhyheshouldnotbeheldincontemptofcourtforfailureto appearascommandedbyaCitationtoDiscoverAssetsororderofcourtARuletoShow Causeissuedpursuanttothisruleshallbeservedpersonallyuponrespondentasprovidedby CivilPracticeAct2202andshalladvisetherespondentoftheconsequencesoffailureto appearasrequiredbyRule1001above 12.03 Order of Attachment IftherespondentfailstoappearafterproperserviceofaRuletoShowCausethecourt mayordertheCircuitClerktoissueanorderofattachmentwithbondtohavethedefendant appearbeforethejudgeissuingtheordertoshowcausewhyheshouldnotbeheldincivil contemptofcourtIftherespondentisunabletomakebondheshallbebroughtforthwith beforethecourtsittingtohearmattersofarraignment 12.04 Service upon Persons not Parties Serviceofruleororderuponapersonnotapartytotheactionshallbemadeby personalserviceorbycertifiedmailwithreturnreceiptrequestedanddeliverytoaddressee onlyNoattachmentagainstapersonnotapartytotheactionshallissuewithoutpersonal serviceoftheruleororder 12.05 Notice of Exemption Rights in Bank Accounts ThejudgmentcreditorisdirectedtosendtheNoticeofRightsinBankAccountinthe formapprovedbyadministrativeordertoallindividualnonbusinessjudgmentdebtorsin NonWageGarnishmentproceedingswithinfive(5)daysfromthedatethatthegarnishment s u m m o n s i s s e r v e d o n g a r n i s h e e T h e r e a f t e r i f w i t h i n t e n ( 1 0 ) d a y s o f t h e N o t i c e t h e j u d gm en t de b to r sh al l f i l e an a nsw e r to c l a im an e x em p t io n th eCi r c u i t Cl er ksh al l s e ta hearingdateontheclaimofthedebtorIfnoanswertoclaimexemptionisfiledwithinten 59 = Page 72 = (10)daysorifthejudgmentdebtorfailstoappearthejudgmentcreditormayobtainanorder topayoverthegarnishedfunds 12.06 Automatic Termination of Representation and Service on a Party Noattorneyshallberequiredtofileamotiontowithdrawhisorherappearancefora partyassetforthinSupremeCourtRule13inordertoterminaterepresentationofthatparty afteraperiodofthirty(30)dayshaselapsedfromtheentryofafinaljudgmentServiceofany pleadingsfiledinacauseofactionafterthirty(30)daysfollowingfinaljudgmenthasbeen enteredshallbemadeonthenamedpartyandnotupontheformerattorneyofrecord 60 = Page 73 = PART 13. PROBATE PROCEEDINGS GUARDIANSHIPS FOR MINORS 13.01 WHO MAY ACT AS TEMPORARY GUARDIAN OF A MINOR Apersonisqualifiedtoactastemporaryguardianofthepersonofaminorifthecourtfinds thattheproposedtemporaryguardianiscapableofprovidinganactiveandsuitableprogram ofguardianshipfortheminorandthattheproposedguardian (1) hasattainedtheageof18years (2) isaresidentoftheUnitedStates (3) isnotofunsoundmind (4) isnotanadjudgeddisabledpersonasdefinedintheProbateActand (5) has not been convicted of a felony unless the court finds appointment of the personconvictedofafelonytobeintheminorsbestinterestsandaspartofthe bestinterestdeterminationthecourthasconsideredthenatureoftheoffensethe dateoftheoffenseandtheevidenceoftheproposedguardiansrehabilitationNo personshallbeappointedtemporaryguardianwhohasbeenconvictedofafelony involvingharmorthreattoachildincludingafelonysexualoffense 13.02 APPOINTMENT OF TEMPORARY GUARDIAN OF A MINOR (a)TheCourtmayappointatemporaryguardianofthepersonofaminoruponashowing byclearandconvincingevidencethenecessitythereforefortheimmediatewelfaresupport and protection of the person of the minor In determining the necessity for temporary guardianship the immediate welfare and protection of the person minor shall be of paramountconcernandtheinterestofthepetitioneranycareprovideroranyotherparty shallnotoutweighorconflictwiththeinterestoftheminorThetemporaryguardianshall h a v e a l l o f t h e p o w e r s a n d d u t i e s o f a p l e n a r y g u a r d i a n o f t h e p e r s o n w h i c h s h a l l b e specificallyenumeratedbycourtorderThecourtordershallstatetheactualharmidentified bythecourtthatnecessitatestemporaryguardianshiporanyextensionthereof ( b ) D o c u m e n t s a n d i n f o r m a t i o n n ecessary to aid the court in its clear and convincing determinationincludebutisnotlimitedtopolicereportsphysiciansstatementsorhospital recordsdeathcertificatesornotarizedconsentsfromparents (c)Thetemporaryguardianshipshallexpireafter30daysoftheappointmentorwhenevera plenaryguardianisregularlyappointedwhicheveroccursfirstIfthehearingonthepetition forplenaryguardianisscheduledafterthetemporaryguardianshipexpireshoweverthe t e m p o r a r y g u a r d i a n s h i p w i l l r e m a i n i n e f f e c t u n t i l t h e s c h e d u l e d plenary guardianship hearingoranycontinuationthereofunlessitisdeterminedbythecourtthatitisnotinthe bestinterestoftheminorforthetemporaryguardianshiptoensue 61 = Page 74 = 13.03 PARENTAL RIGHT TO CUSTODY Thecourtlacksjurisdictiontoproceedonapetitionfortemporaryguardianshipofaminoror plenaryguardianshipifitfindsthat(1)theminorhasalivingparentadoptiveparentor adjudicatedparentwhoseparentalrightshavenotbeenterminated(2)whosewhereabouts a r ek no w na nd ( 3) wh ois w il l ing and abl et o m ak ea nd c ar r y outdaytodaychildcare decisionsconcerningtheminor 13.04 ISSUANCE OF LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION WhenapersondiesintestateLettersofAdministrationwillnotbeissuedbeforeahearing dateisscheduledandthepetitionerhasnotifiedeachpersonnamedinthepetitionwhose postofficeaddressisstatedandwhoisentitledeithertoadministerortonominateaperson toadministerequallywithorinpreferencetothepetitionerLettersofOfficemaybeissued withoutahearingonthepetitionif(1)thepetitioneristhesurvivingspouseofthedecedent (2)istheonlylivingheirofthedecedentor(3)thepetitionerhasobtainedconsentsfrom eachpersonnamedinthepetition 13.05 BONDS: PERSONAL SURETIES Ifabondwithpersonalsuretiesisproffereditmustbeaccompaniedbyanacknowledgement bythesuretiesthattheyarefinanciallycapableofmeetinghisherstatutoryobligationas suretyunlessthefilingofsaiddocumentisexcusedbytheCourtupongoodcauseshownor withtheconsentofallheirsandorlegateesinadecedentsestateNeitherbondnorsureties arerequiredwhenanestateissurvivedbyalonebeneficiarywhoisalsotherepresentativeof theestate 62 = Page 75 = PART 14: SMALL CLAIMS 14.01 PAYMENT OF FILING FEES UnlessanApplicationtoSueorDefendasaPoorPersonhasbeengrantednocomplaintor otherfilingshallbeacceptedbytheCircuitClerkwithouttheappropriatefee 14.02 FAILURE TO OBTAIN SERVICE – DISMISSAL Iftherehasbeennoserviceonthedefendantbythedatethecaseissetforfirstappearance thecaseshallbecontinuedforaperiodofsix(6)monthsforthepurposeofobtainingservice onthedefendantIfattheendofsixmonthsitappearsthatthedefendanthasnotbeen servedthecaseshallbedismissedwithoutprejudice 14.03 MANDATORY FUTURE COURT DATES T h e C o u r t s h a l l a s s i g n a c o u r t d a t e i n a l l c a s e s T h e p u r p o s e o f t h e c o u r t d a t e s h a l l b e designatedbycourteventtype 14.04 FAILURE TO APPEAR Failureofcounselor pro se partiestoappearatanycourtdatemayresultindismissalfor wantofprosecutionordefaultupontheCourtsownmotionAnymotiontosetasidea dismissalordefaultforviolationofthisRuleshallbedirectedtothejudgewhodismissedthe caseorenteredthedefault 63 = Page 76 =