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We at the 16th Judicial Circuit are committed to providing equal access to a fair and impartial system of justice that fosters public trust and confidence.
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The 16th Judicial Circuit's seasonal newsletter for Kane County residents.
Release date 2-25-2026
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From the Chambers of Chief Judge Robert K. Villa
Welcome to our Kane Courts Quarterly Winter edition. Highlights in this issue include the launch of the first two videos in our new series, Bridging the Kane County Court System to the Community; guidance on what to do if your child gets a traffic ticket; an invitation to sophomores and juniors to enter our 2nd Annual Law Day Essay Contest (open to Kane County high school students); and a spotlight on The NEST (Neutral Exchange Supervised Time), a new family center coming soon to Kane County.
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Introducing Our New Video Series, Bridging the Kane County Court System to the Community
| | What to Do If Your Child Gets a Ticket in Kane County | | The 2nd Annual Law Day Essay Contest is Here! | | |
The Office of the Chief Judge announces the second annual Law Day Essay Contest. The contest is open to all Spring 2026 Sophomores and Juniors attending high school in Kane County, and is accepting applications beginning March 2 to 4:30 p.m. on April 10.
In addition to strengthening a college application, the Kane County Bar Foundation has generously donated a $500 first place prize and $250 second and third place prizes for the winners in each category, Sophomore and Junior.
READ MORE ABOUT THE ESSAY CONTEST
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The Kane County Bar Foundation is proud to announce the launch of a major capital campaign to fund the development of the NEST Family Center, a new specialized facility designed to support families across Kane County.
The NEST Family Center will serve as a vital community resource, providing a safe and neutral environment for families navigating transitions.
READ MORE ABOUT THE NEST
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22nd Annual Family Reading Night With the Judges
The Kane County Law Library, in cooperation with the 16th Judicial Circuit, hosted its 22nd Annual Family Reading Night with the Judges on November 19, 2025. This beloved community event, designed for children in second grade and younger accompanied by their families, takes place each year the week before Thanksgiving.
Guest readers Judges Kevin Busch (ret.), Lark Cowart, and Keith Johnson (photo, left to right) from the 16th Judicial Circuit shared their favorite bedtime stories, while handlers from the Kane County Child Advocacy Center and Hope Animal-Assisted Crisis Response introduced therapy dogs Captain and Moose, adding a paw-some touch to the evening.
Family Reading Night is a statewide program sponsored by the Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian, Alexi Giannoulias, and the Illinois Center for the Book. For information about the 2026 Family Reading Night With the Judges, contact the Kane County Law Library & Self-Help Legal Center at (630) 406-7126.
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Judge Reginald Campbell Presents the Too Good for Drugs Program
16th Judicial Circuit judges volunteer countless hours to the community, especially in local schools. Judge Reginald Campbell recently took part in a Too Good for Drugs program at a St. Charles middle school, supporting students’ commitment to healthy choices and civic engagement.
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Kane County Associate Judge Julia Yetter is Appointed to Circuit Judge
Justice Elizabeth M. Rochford and the Illinois Supreme Court have appointed Associate Judge Julia Ann Yetter as an At-Large Circuit Judge for the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, Kane County.
Judge Yetter will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Kevin T. Busch (1/29/2026). Judge Yetter's appointment is effective 2/2/2026 through 12/04/2028.
First appointed as a Kane County Associate Judge in 2018, Judge Yetter most recently served in the Felony and Special Court Division. She previously served as an Assistant Public Defender in Kane County and earned her J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law.
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Geneva's Courthouse Receives Renovations to Benefit Kane County Attorneys
The Kane County Courthouse (also known as the 3rd Street Courthouse) has dedicated recently renovated Room 230 for Kane County Bar Association members to complete work and hold meetings while attending to court business.
Available amenities include comfortable seating, a collaborative conference table, a counter with wireless printer, coffee station and water fridge, and two private side rooms for confidential client conversations or virtual hearings.
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Divorce and Family Law Help Programs
Free Family Law Help Available Weekly
Family law lawyers volunteer to answer brief divorce and family law questions for self-represented litigants with Kane County cases.
Mondays 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
This is a Walk-In Service
Kane County Law Library & Self Help Legal Center
Kane County Judicial Center, 2nd Floor
37W777 IL RT 38, St. Charles, IL
Spanish interpreters are available
Thursdays 11:00 a.m. - Noon (12:00 p.m.)
This is a Call-In Service
(630) 406-7126
No Spanish interpreters are available
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Lawyer in the Lobby, Kane County Courthouse Lobby
Free Civil Law Help Available Every Friday
100 S. Third Street, Geneva, IL
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
If you are a self-represented litigant (representing yourself in court without a lawyer) who is experiencing a civil law issue in Kane County, there is a weekly opportunity to speak to a lawyer for 15 minutes for FREE every Friday at the Kane County Courthouse in Geneva.
Lawyers will help with civil matters such as landlord/tenant, eviction, foreclosures, name changes, small claims, estates/wills, and guardianships.
For more information, visit the Public Resources page of the Kane County Bar Association's website.
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