Courts change for COVID-19

Presently, courts are changing their availability and case processing, which may affect assessment collections and other actions. Cook County has suspended many non-emergency cases for 30 days including all collections, Chancery cases and evictions. Other counties are implementing remote or telephonic appearances and some have yet to make formal statements regarding the change. Cook County has also suspended evictions for 30 days. Keep in mind that other counties will take similar action before the issuance of formal orders, but the prevailing determination we see now is that most court operations, aside from emergency matters or those that affect non-civil matters (e.g. domestic, criminal, custody), will be delayed for the coming month.

Chuhak & Tecson’s attorneys are committed to processing matters as efficiently and as quickly as possible during this delay. Our Condominium & Common Interest Community Association practice team has shifted to fully remote legal services and operations; therefore, all pending matters will be addressed by our attorneys and staff on a remote basis. Simply put, do not hesitate to call or email us as you normally would. During the court suspension collection matters will also be processed and payments from Owners will continue without interruption.

When court operations resume, we anticipate that the chief judges will enter blanket continuance orders and issue rescheduling notices similar to their prior procedures after major weather disruptions, which may delay collection matters that are set for trial. If litigation matters are pending, it’s best to expect rescheduling notices and requests for available dates as courts resume.  We will contact you regarding rescheduling for of contested matters where witnesses will be needed as soon as we receive those requests from the courts.

During this time courts remain available for emergency matters, so do not hesitate to contact a Condominium & Common Interest Community Association attorney to address the matter and present it before a court if necessary. Emergencies may generally include immediate threats to health, safety or structural issues that would not be capable of waiting for judicial action during the suspension. 

This Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. communication is intended only to provide information regarding developments in the law and information of general interest. It is not intended to constitute advice regarding legal problems and should not be relied upon as such.

Client alert authored by: James R. Stevens, Principal