(a) Any proceeding to obtain, modify, reopen or appeal a civil no contact order shall be governed by the rules of civil procedure of this State. The standard of proof in such a proceeding is proof by a preponderance of the evidence. The Code of Civil Procedure and Supreme Court and local court rules applicable to civil proceedings shall apply, except as otherwise provided by this Act.
     (b) In circuit courts, rape crisis advocates shall be allowed to accompany the victim and confer with the victim, unless otherwise directed by the court. Court administrators shall allow rape crisis advocates to assist victims of non-consensual sexual conduct or non-consensual sexual penetration in the preparation of petitions for civil no contact orders. Rape crisis advocates are not engaged in the unauthorized practice of law when providing assistance of the types specified in this subsection (b). Communications between the petitioner and a rape crisis advocate are protected by the confidentiality of statements made to rape crisis personnel as provided for in Section 8-802.1 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

Terms Used In Illinois Compiled Statutes 740 ILCS 22/204

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • State: when applied to different parts of the United States, may be construed to include the District of Columbia and the several territories, and the words "United States" may be construed to include the said district and territories. See Illinois Compiled Statutes 5 ILCS 70/1.14