PITTSFIELD, Ill. – The Eighth Judicial Circuit Court, which serves numerous counties in Illinois, has announced temporary procedures in response to COVID-19.

Chief Judge J. Frank McCartney signed a resolution on Tuesday, March 17. The release notes the unprecedented circumstances regarding COVID-19 warranted administrative action to protect the general public, litigants, attorneys and courthouse staff.

The following court matters will be postponed:
• civil matters including jury trials
• traffic cases (with certain exceptions)
• ordinance violations
• misdemeanor cases
• probate
• small claims
• family court

• child support
• law magistrate
• juvenile court
• marriages
• criminal felony and payment reviews

Individuals with pending legal matters should receive notification on postponement and rescheduling by mail. People are urged to contact the circuit courts in their counties to make sure mailing addresses are accurate and current.

Individuals are further instructed to file all pleadings, petitions and motions electronically. Presiding judges will have discretion to conduct hearing by phone or video conference in lieu of postponement.

The following court proceedings will be held as scheduled with appearances except for all litigants, unless travel or health exemptions apply.
• all matters with individuals in custody, including bond court
• criminal felony matters (except probation/payment reviews)
• juvenile temporary care (shelter care)
• juvenile detention hearings
• petitions for emergency orders of protection
• hearings for plenary orders of protection
• emergency hearings on family matters (D and F cases) as scheduled by court
• statutory summary suspension hearings
• mental health hearings
• any other emergency hearing as scheduled by the assigned judge

Individuals should not enter the court if they have:
• visited, or been in contact with anyone who as visited, the following countries – China, South Korea, Italy, Japan or Iran in the past 21 days
• have been directed to quarantine, isolate or self-monitor at home by a medical provider
• have been diagnosed, or been in contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19
• have flu-like symptoms including fever, cough or shortness of breath.

Contact the circuit court office with any questions or concerns.