How to Appear In DuPage County Family Court

The DuPage County Family Court has embraced technology to make court appearances more accessible. Virtual hearings via Zoom have become a standard practice, allowing attorneys and litigants to attend court proceedings from the comfort of their homes or offices.

This guide helps self-represented parties and attorneys who may not be familiar with the process of appearing in DuPage County Family Court via Zoom or in person and provides general information about court proceedings.

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General Information About the DuPage County Circuit Court

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DuPage County Circuit Court

505 N. County Farm Road,

Wheaton, Illinois 60187

Business Hours:

Monday - Friday

8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Civil Division Phone Number:

(630) 407-8700

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The DuPage County Circuit Court is also known as the 18th Judicial Circuit Court.

In Illinois, County Circuit Courts are managed and operated by the County Circuit Court Clerk. The position of a Circuit Court Clerk is an elected position for each Illinois county. The DuPage County Circuit Court Clerk is elected every four years. Candice Adams is the current Circuit Court Clerk for the 18th Judicial Circuit Court after being elected in 2020.

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Items Prohibited Inside the Courthouse

For the safety and security of everyone, the following items are strictly prohibited from being brought into the DuPage County Courthouse:

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• Any type of cameras or video recording devices, including phones with camera functions

• Knives, blades, or any sharp objects

• Non-operational electronic devices, such as stereo faceplates

• Aerosol cans, flammable substances, or any caustic chemicals

• Silverware, razors, or hazardous materials

• Tools of any kind

• Firearms, explosives, or any other weapons

• Any item deemed a security threat by Court Security personnel

Storage Options: Small electronic devices can be stored in lockers located on the first floor of the 509 parking garage.

Exceptions for Attorneys: Attorneys may bring cell phones and laptops equipped with cameras into the Judicial Office Facility. To do so, they must present a valid photo ID along with their ARDC card.

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Ask Your DuPage County Family Lawyer For Information First​

If you have legal representation, your first step should be to contact your attorney for guidance on court appearances and how you should appear. Different judges may have varying preferences for in-person or Zoom hearings and the way in which litigants may need to appear can change based on the type of proceeding or general administrative orders issued by the DuPage County Circuit Court. Your attorney will have the most up-to-date information on how your specific case will be handled and how you should appear in court.

Remember, your attorney is your primary source of information about your case. Your family lawyers guidance is crucial to your case. Your family law attorney should be familiar with the judge's preferences, local court rules, standing orders, general administrative orders, and the specifics of your case.

Always follow your attorney's legal advice regarding court appearances, whether they're virtual or in-person. Following your family attorney's legal advice ensures you're in compliance with court expectations, and it positions you best for success in your case.

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If you have an attorney, do not read further since you should talk to your lawyer first about appearing in court and the process.

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Assistance From The DuPage County Court

If you are a self-represented litigant and have difficulty logging in or other technical-related matters, you should call the DuPage County courthouse for options to appear or ask them for technical guidance. If you have to ask the DuPage County Clerk for assistance, please be aware that they assist many individuals daily, and there may be a wait to speak with someone.

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Court Orders Must Be Followed

The court order that is entered with the court outlines the manner in which people must appear and what must be accomplished by the next court appearance. It is important for self-represented litigants to follow what the judge says and what is written on the court order.

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Failure to abide by the court orders or what the judge states at the status or hearing may result in contempt of court which can bring severe consequences and penalties.

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What Types of Cases Does the DuPage County Domestic Relations Division Hear?

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The DuPage County Domestic Relations Division handles a wide range of family law-related issues, including divorce, child custody, modification of child custody, child support, legal separation, annulments, and other family law cases.

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The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, the Illinois Parentage Act, the Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, and the Illinois Child Support Payment Act cover the vast majority of issues that are heard by the DuPage County Domestic Relations Division.​

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How Can I Represent Myself In Court?

Self-represented litigants have become more common throughout counties in Illinois since the start of the pandemic and the ability to appear online is utilized more often. Self-representation comes with its own risks. since many people cannot afford attorneys, but it is important to know that although representing yourself has become more common since the pandemic, self-representation is not a substitute for having an experienced lawyer represent you in court.

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Rules for Appearing By Zoom in the DuPage County Domestic Relations Division

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It is important to remember that appearing by zoom for court hearings and statuses is the same as appearing in person in court.

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• Dress appropriately.

• Address the court and others with courtesy, respect, and professionalism.

• If you have an attorney, let the attorney represent you.

• Patiently wait for your case to be called.

• Remain muted until your case is called.

• Appear on time for your Zoom call.

• Do not drive or participate in other risky behavior while appearing by Zoom.

• Children should not be on the Zoom call while you are appearing in court.

• You are not allowed to record the proceeding without express permission by the court.

• Only one party should be speaking at a time.

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Rules for appearing in court by zoom are also outlined by DuPage County's Circuit Court. The Rules of Conduct are publicly posted. You can review the rules of conduct carefully within the Rules of Conduct link.