Ill. R. Cir. Ct. Lake Cnty. 7-2.03

As amended through September 23, 2024

Rule 7-2.03 - Definitions

A.Lender shall have the same meaning as "Mortgagee" defined at 735 ILCS 5/15 - 1208.

B.Homeowner shall have the same meaning as "Mortgagor" defined at 735 ILCS 5/15-1209.

C.Housing Counseling is a one on one session(s) with the Agency for the purpose of assessing the feasibility of loan modification, informing Homeowners of their options and preparing the loss mitigation package.

D. Authorized Housing Counseling Agency ["Agency"] is a HUD certified housing counseling agency authorized by this Rule, or by the Chief Judge or the Chief Judge's designee, to conduct Housing Counseling for Homeowners. The Affordable Housing Corporation of Lake County and the Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Northern Illinois shall be authorized Agencies.

E.Mediation Notices are the Notice of Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation and a checklist of documents required for Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation.

F.Mediation Program Coordinator ["Coordinator"] refers to the person or persons authorized by the Chief Judge to administer the program.

G.Mediator refers to either:

1. a person approved by the Supervising Judge for Mediation of Mortgage Foreclosure Cases and appointed by the Coordinator to conduct a mediation, or

2. an entity that has contracted with the Chief Judge to facilitate the mediation of cases subject to this Rule.

H. Participant shall refer to the Lender, Homeowner, Third Party or any attorney representing any of those parties.

I.Program Application Packet refers to a questionnaire and a document request designed by the Agency to be fulfilled by the Homeowner for the purpose of providing the Agency with the information necessary to counsel the Homeowner and to determine the loss mitigation options available to the Homeowner.

J.Supervising Judge for Mediation of Mortgage Foreclosure Cases refers to a Judge or Judges appointed by the Chief Judge to act as Supervising Judge for Mediation of Mortgage Foreclosure Cases. In the absence of the appointment of a Supervising Judge for Mediation of Mortgage Foreclosure Cases, the Presiding Judge of the Civil Division shall be assigned the responsibility.

K.Third-Party or Third-Parties refers to any other party to the residential mortgage foreclosure action, including junior lienholders and mechanics lienholders.

L.Introductory Screening is a remote or in person interview where the Agency Representative explains the program to the homeowner and provides information on how to participate in the program. During the Introductory Screening, the homeowner can schedule a housing counseling appointment to opt into the program.

Ill. R. Cir. Ct. Lake Cnty. 7-2.03

Amended effective 10/24/2016.