From: Judge Michael B. Barrett-Circuit Court of Cook County

On behalf of the Markham judges, we hope you and yours are all healthy and well and continue to be so.

As you may be aware, on May 1, 2020, Chief Judge Evans extended the Covid-19 Order requiring the court to operate on a limited basis though May 31, 2020.  It is our expectation that the courts will "reopen" on June 1, 2020.  A copy of Chief Judge Evans' Order may be found here (http://www.cookcountycourt.org/Portals/0/5_1_20%20GAO.pdf?ver=2020-05-01-115729-743).  Of course, if the June 1, 2020, date changes Judge Evans will issue a subsequent order.

With the support of Presiding Judge Brewer, the judges who hear civil cases in Markham established an Order which reschedules dates for cases which fell within the time period court operations were significantly scaled back (March 17, 2020 through May 29, 2020).  Additionally, the Order discusses the opportunities and procedures for conducting hearings, pretrials and other similar matters while the courts remain under limited operations.

During the ongoing period of limited court operations, we will continue to accept dismissal orders, special process server orders and other "routine" orders via email.  Please be aware that you will only receive a stamped copy of the approved order rather than a signed copy.  You should also be aware that since the clerk's office is operating in a limited capacity as well, any orders which are approved, stamped and returned to you will not be entered in the clerk's docket until the clerk's office is able to return.

Judge Bates prepared an order which applies to cases in Markham Room 102 and may be found here (http://www.cookcountycourt.org/Portals/0/6th%20Municipal%20District/Standing%20Orders/JUDGE%20BATES%20CALENDAR%2086%20SPECIAL%20EMERGENCY%20ORDER%20NO_%202020-04.pdf?ver=2020-05-01-152534-287).

As we move toward a reopening of the courts, Chief Judge Evans will issue a statement or an order providing the operating protocols for the courts, litigants, attorneys, clerks, security personnel, etc.  We strongly encourage you to review the protocols which will be in place once court operations resume.  All orders affecting the Cook County courts may be found here (http://www.cookcountycourt.org/).

Because I do not have email addresses for all attorneys and litigants who appear in Markham, please pass this message and attachment to all attorneys and litigants who you feel should be aware of the Markham Civil Orders, including your opponents.

We are mindful of the challenges we all face when the courts reopen.  We are also mindful that we do not yet know all of the challenges we all will face when the courts reopen. However, we are determined to return to court prepared to move forward - together.