The local rules for Illinois 14th Judicial Circuit serving Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, and Whiteside Counties.
Part 9 - Rules Relating to Dissolution and Legal Separation: Mediation is mandatory for all child custody, visitation and removal disputes under this rule. The mediation requirement may be waived if the court determines that an impediment exists that would affect one or both party's ability to participate in mediation. The rule addresses mediator qualifications, assignment and compensation. It also provides guidelines for conducting mediation sessions and confidentiality requirements for communications made during mediation.
Part 24 - Mandatory Arbitration: This rule discusses the actions subject to mandatory arbitration, qualifications to be an arbitrator, procedures for the scheduling of hearings, discovery, conduct of the hearings, default of a party, awards and judgments. It also describes the administration of the mandatory arbitration program.
Part 26 - Rules of Civil Mediation: Under these rules, mediation is voluntary for any civil case valued in excess of eligibility for Court-Annexed Mandatory Arbitration. The rules outline the mediation process from referral to termination, mediator compensation, mediator immunity, communication, sanctions, and confidentiality. They also provide a list of qualifications needed to be placed on the court roster and the duties of the supervising judge.
Admin Order/Rule 26A: Establishes the Circuit's Eviction Diversion Mediation Program.