News Archive

For the first time since 2020, and 2014 before that, Valentine’s Day lands on a Friday, which also happens to be the most popular day for courthouse weddings. 

Judge Diann Marsalek, who presides over marriage court, is predicting a higher-than-usual profusion of lace and flowers next Friday in addition to the typical pink and red decorations.

Marsalek said Friday is typically the busiest wedding day because couples can celebrate over the weekend. On the court’s busiest days, judges can marry between 200 and 250 couples.

Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans has appointed the Hon. Andrea M. Buford to serve as Acting Presiding Judge of the Child Protection Division.

Judge Buford replaces Presiding Judge Robert Balanoff, who retired on Thursday, January 30th.

“Judge Buford has a great deal of experience in this highly sensitive and vital division of the Cook County Circuit Court,” said Judge Evans. “She is known for her compassion, knowledge and hard work, and I am sure she will do an excellent job in her new position.”

Two state agencies with authority over Illinois juvenile detention center operations have given the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC) exemplary reviews in separate reports issued in recent weeks.

The Criminal Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County is expected to resume on schedule Friday morning, Jan. 24., following an investigation into a threat made to the Leighton Criminal Courthouse.

Due to the extremely cold weather predicted for Tuesday, January 21 that may adversely impact the health and safety of court personnel and litigants, the Circuit Court of Cook County is encouraging participants to attend court remotely, if possible, said Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans.

“The Office of the Chief Judge has completed a review of the circumstances surrounding Lacramioara Beldie’s tragic death on Nov. 19. Our office has gathered transcripts and court records from the civil and criminal proceedings against the accused, Constantin Beldie. The decision by the Court not to detain Beldie on Oct.

Cook County court documents should be more accessible this year, thanks to a $17,000 Disability Accessibility Improvement grant awarded by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice.

ABC 7's Leah Hope covered Monday's swearing in of 40 new Cook County judges.

Circuit Court of Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans speaking out on domestic violence cases as 40 new judges sworn in - ABC7 Chicago

CBS 2 coverage of Adoption Day 2024

Ten children join forever families as Cook County celebrates National Adoption Day - CBS Chicago

ABC 7 coverage of Adoption Day 2024

10 children have adoptions made official in Cook County court at Daley Center in Chicago in honor of National Adoption Day 2024 - ABC7 Chicago