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Showing posts from March, 2014
Changes to the Family Law Division: As of April 14, 2014, the Paternity Call in Will County will be split in half - now two judges assigned to help with the large growth in paternity cases. The two judges hearing paternity cases are Judge Viola in courtroom 301 and Judge Gavlin in courtroom 300 (Judge Archambeault to be moved to courtroom 313) Thus, as of April 14, 2014 the new case assignments are as follows: Divorce Judges Judge Robert Brumund (Courtroom 312) Judge Dinah Archambeault (Courtroom 313) Judge Matthew Bertani (Courtroom   308) David Garcia (Courtroom   307) Victoria  Kennison (Courtroom 306) Paternity Judges Judge Viola (Courtroom 301) Judge Gavlin (Courtroom 300) **Here is the exact language of the most recent Administrative Order as of April 20145 - However these orders change on a routine basis so do not rely on this information until you have consulted with an attorney or confirmed with the court or clerk's of...

Pro se Pointers - Going to Court Without an Attorney

Everyone has rights to access the court system. Most people use a lawyer to help them get access because the system is a complex process that lawyers spend a lifetime learning. If however, you absolutely cannot afford a lawyer, here are some general ideas for all litigants no matter where you live. In a separate article, I will point out some procedures for Will County family law cases. For all pro se litigants: Wear appropriate clothing. Respect for the judge is not optional and the first sign of respect is what you wear. A suit and tie is not required (never a bad idea) but a general rule would be if your grandmother wouldn’t let you wear it to church, it is probably not appropriate. Use the term “your honor” or at least “sir” or “ma’am”.   Judges are the most powerful persons in our society with the power to put just about anybody in jail. Plenty of rude and disrespectful people have found themselves in jail for contempt of court. Have all your papers ready. It is n...

Illinois Supreme Court overturns eavesdropping law as unconstitutional

          Until March 20, 2014, Illinois had one of the most restrictive eavesdropping laws in the United States. In a landmark decision the Illinois Supreme Court struck down that law and until the state assembly comes up with a new eavesdropping law it would seem Illinois now has little to protect private conversations from being recorded. The law struck down was as follows: (a) A person commits eavesdropping when he: (1) Knowingly and intentionally uses an eavesdropping device for the purpose of hearing or recording all or any part of any conversation or intercepts, retains, or transcribes electronic communication unless he does so (A) with the consent of all of the parties to such conversation or electronic communication...           The Supreme Court did this because it stated the law went too far in its effort to protect individuals’ interest in the privacy of their communications. ...