Overview
The Domestic Violence Division is established pursuant to Part 22 of the Local Rules of the Circuit Court of Cook County.
For Court Forms, visit the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County's website
Chicago, Illinois 60607
Case Types
The Domestic Violence Division hears matters concerning:
- Civil orders of protection
- Criminal actions involving relationships defined by the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, including:
- All matters through the preliminary hearing or indictment in which the most serious offense charged is a Class 1, 2, or 3 felony
- Class 4 felonies
- Misdemeanors
- Aggravated stalking
- Civil no-contact orders
- Stalking no-contact orders
Judges Information
| Judge | Assignment | Primary Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice, Judith C. Circuit Judge Presiding |
Domestic Violence Division | Domestic Violence Courthouse
|
(312) 325-9000
|
| Ammendola, Marina E. Associate Judge |
Domestic Violence Division | Domestic Violence Courthouse
Courtroom 304
|
(312) 325-9000
|
| Bahena, Hilda Associate Judge |
Domestic Violence Division | Domestic Violence Courthouse
|
(312) 325-9000
|
| Bertucci-Smith, Laura Associate Judge |
Domestic Violence Division | Domestic Violence Courthouse
Courtroom 301
|
(312) 325-9000
|
| Callahan, Jennifer Circuit Judge |
Domestic Violence Division | Domestic Violence Courthouse
Courtroom 4400
|
(312) 325-9000
|
| Corbin, Torrie L. Associate Judge |
Domestic Violence Division | Domestic Violence Courthouse
|
(312) 325-9000
|
| Ebersole, Sabra L. Associate Judge |
Domestic Violence Division | Domestic Violence Courthouse
Courtroom 201
|
(312) 325-9000
|
Additional Locations
Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008
Maywood, Illinois 60153
Bridgeview, Illinois 60455
Markham, Illinois 60428
General Administrative Orders
Court Locations
The Domestic Violence Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County centralizes the administration of domestic violence court proceedings and related court services throughout Cook County. Domestic Violence Division judges are assigned to the Domestic Violence Courthouse in Chicago and in each of the five suburban municipal district courthouses.
Criminal actions involving family and household members pursuant to the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 are heard at all six courthouses based on the location in which the arrest took place. Requests for protective orders are also heard at each courthouse.
In addition, non-profit agencies providing domestic violence victim services and offender/defendant services are available at all six courthouses.
Courthouse Hours
Regular in-person hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Regular remote court hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
After-Hours Remote Hearing for a Civil Emergency Order of Protection (EOP):
- Outside of regular court hours, remote hearings are available at the following times (excluding all National and Legal Court Holidays):
- Monday - Friday 9:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.
- Saturday - Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Only during the hours above, request a Civil EOP hearing by visiting Illinois Legal Aid Online at:
- After-hours hearings are conducted remotely via Zoom, for Remote Court Proceeding tips click here.
- For Domestic Violence Advocacy or Assistance with After-Hours Petitions and Hearings - Please call the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline at (877) 863-6338 [(877)-TO END DV]
U Visa Certification
The U Visa is an immigration benefit that can be sought by victims of certain crimes who are currently assisting or have previously assisted law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of a crime, or who are likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.
For additional information on U Visas, visit Illinois Legal Aid Online.
Note that the court’s issuance of a U Visa certification does not guarantee the U.S. government will issue a U-1 nonimmigrant visa or grant U-1 nonimmigrant status.
Please direct all requests for a U Visa certification to the Presiding Judge’s Office in the Domestic Violence Division. MAIL A HARD COPY TO:
Administrator
Presiding Judge’s Office, Domestic Violence Division, Circuit Court of Cook County
555 W. Harrison St., Suite 4400, Chicago IL 60607
Please include the following:
- Cover letter which includes the requestor’s contact information (full name, phone number, mailing address, email) and the nature of the request
- Self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE)
- Completed Form I-918, Supplement B, U Nonimmigrant Status Certification (for a link to the form and more information about the process, visit https://www.uscis.gov/I-918)
- Copies of any applicable supporting documentation (e.g., petition for an order of protection, order of protection, police reports, etc.)
The Presiding Judge’s staff will contact the requestor to verify any questions or omissions in the form.
Please expect a response to the request within two weeks. You may contact the Presiding Judge’s Office with questions at (312) 325-9001 or (312) 325-9000.