I Need to Speak to the Judge in My Chicago Divorce Case, Is that Possible? Learn about the Rules and Laws in Chicago Regarding Communications with Your Chicago Divorce Judge

Seeking a divorce in Chicago can be a challenging matter, especially for those who are not familiar with the system and who do not have an experienced Chicago divorce lawyer on their side. The truth of the matter is that Chicago divorce cases can be not only stressful and complex in terms of dealing with the laws, rules, and the court system, but they can also take an emotional toll on a person as they navigate the end of their marriage and the stresses of divorce litigation. One thing that some individuals who are in the process of getting a divorce in Chicago may wonder, especially when there are heated disagreements about certain key issues in the divorce, is if there is any chance that they can speak to the judge in their case directly to plead their case. A person seeking a divorce in Chicago may be eager to let the judge know their side of the story to see if they can help their case. But what exactly are the laws and rules when it comes to communication with Cook County Judges, and where can individuals in Chicago who are seeking a divorce turn to if they need help with their Chicago divorce case? We answer those questions here.

Ex Parte Contact Not Allowed

At the outset, it is important for individuals in Chicago who are seeking a divorce to know about the legal term “ex parte contact.” “Ex parte” essentially means “from one party” in Latin. In the context of a Chicago divorce case, ex parte contact with a judge means that one party has communicated with the judge in their case without the other party. This is not allowed under Illinois laws. As the Cook County Court explains, “Out-of-court written or oral communications to the judges of the Circuit Court of Cook County regarding pending matters are known as ex parte communications. The Illinois Supreme Court and the Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct do not permit judges to engage in ex parte communications with litigants involving the substance of a pending case. Consequently, you may only speak directly to the judge upon filing a written motion or petition with the court, scheduling a court date, and providing due notice to the other party.”

Getting Legal Help with Your Chicago Divorce Case

One way that you can better protect your rights in your Chicago divorce case, and to better communicate your side of the story to the judge in your Chicago divorce litigation, is to hire an experienced Chicago divorce lawyer to represent you and to be on your side. An experienced Chicago divorce lawyer can help you get your message through to the judge in your case and can fight for your rights under Illinois marriage and divorce laws in Court. The experienced Chicago divorce lawyers at the law firm Arnoux Sharma Standeford LLC are here to help individuals in Chicago with their divorce cases. Contact Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC today and speak with a lawyer about your case now.

Source:

cookcountycourt.org/division/domestic-relations-division/domestic-relations-faq