Domestic Violence Division

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

Main Location & Contact Information
Domestic Violence Courthouse
555 W. Harrison St.
Chicago, Illinois 60607
Main
(312) 325-9000
Fax
(312) 325-9017
Office of the Presiding Judge - Suite 4400

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

This section provides a short list of judges serving in the Domestic Violence Division together with their courtroom location, room number, and telephone number. Click into each judge’s page to view their standing orders (if the judge has a standing order). Click “view all judges” to see a list of all Judges assigned to the Domestic Violence Division.
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

Skokie Courthouse
5600 Old Orchard Road
Skokie, Illinois 60077
Main Phone
(847) 470-7675
Rolling Meadows Courthouse
2121 Euclid Avenue
Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008
Maywood Courthouse
1500 Maybrook Drive
Maywood, Illinois 60153
Bridgeview Courthouse
10220 S. 76th Avenue
Bridgeview, Illinois 60455
Markham Courthouse
16501 S. Kedzie Parkway
Markham, Illinois 60428

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.