SPECIAL REPORT: What is Happening to my Case During the Pandemic
As you may have seen in the news, the courts around the country have also been impacted by the pandemic, with many courthouse offices having contacted COVID-19. Here in Chicago, the courts have been proactive with taking protective steps to safeguard the judges, staff, attorneys and the public in general. With some certain exceptions, they have been postponing hearings until a future date, as well as taking further measures. Please note that the rights or deadlines concerning any appeal from any decision of any court in a civil matter is not affected by these orders and all deadlines for filing a notice of appeal in a civil case remain in place and must be followed. Here is a quick summary of some of the measures taken by various courts located in Chicago:
United States District Court Northern District of Illinois
Civil case hearings, bench trials and settlement conferences scheduled on or before May 1, 2020 are stricken and will be reset on or after May 4, 2020. Civil jury trials set on or before May 29, 2020 will be reset to on or after June 1, 2020.
All filing deadlines for civil matters are extended by 28 days.
Emergency motions are being accepted electronically.
Circuit Court of Cook County
First Municipal District
o All matters continued for 30 days. Continued matters to be heard after May 18, 2020 but not later than June 18, 2020.
o Discovery is continuing as scheduled, except depositions may be rescheduled to a date no longer than 60 days after the originally scheduled date.
o Electronic filings are still being accepted.
Law Division
o All matters set for trial prior to May 16, 2020 have been reset and a new trial date will be set.
o All case management dates have been continued for approximately 8 weeks.
o All discovery and filing deadlines have been extended to future 8 week dates.
o Emergency motions are being accepted electronically.
Chancery Division
o All Chancery/Mortgage Foreclosure/Mechanics Lien matters are continued for 30 days.
o Emergency motions are being accepted electronically.
Probate Division
o Except emergency motions, all Probate matters will be continued and reset to a date after May 18, 2020.
o Emergency motions are being accepted electronically. Emergency motions are being conducted remoted via videoconference.
In addition to the courts set forth above, every court throughout Illinois has been impacted the Coronavirus pandemic, and hearing dates and deadlines are being continued throughout the state. We urge you to contact the attorney representing you to address any specific questions you may have about your matter and how court deadlines and dates are being shifted.
As a final note, please be aware that this information is current as of the date of the release. All filing deadlines, discovery deadlines, hearing dates, and trial dates and subject to further court order and changes. If you need information on applicable deadlines for other courts, please contact us.
CONTACT
Robert D. Tepper, Esquire
rtepper@satclaw.com
mobile: (312) 303-3116