dual representation must be signed by an attorney

of record for the party. (c) If a party with dual representation files a motion that is not signed by an attorney of record, the court may, upon its own motion or upon the motion of any party, order that proceedings on the motion be stayed until an attorney of record adopts said motion as if it were signed by that attorney. The attorney may adopt the motion either by filing a notice of such adoption with the court or by making an oral statement to that effect in court on the record. Alternatively, if the party with dual representation affirms to the court that no attorney is actively representing the party with respect to any matters in the case in which the motion was filed, the court may in its discretion order that proceedings on the motion be stayed until the party with dual representation files a new appearance as a self-represented party in lieu of the appearances of any and all attorneys of record for the party. (d) Unless and until a motion filed by a party with dual representation without the signature of the party’s attorney is adopted by the attorney, disposed of, or withdrawn: (1) The party with dual representation shall be solely responsible for the prosecution or litigation of the motion; and (2) An attorney of record for any other party in the case may communicate directly with the party with dual representation, but only with respect to the subject matter of the motion. (e) If two motions of a party with dual represen- tation are scheduled for hearing at the same time, with one or more having been signed or adopted by the party’s attorney and one or more not having been so signed or adopted, the court in its discre- tion may determine the most appropriate method of proceeding with the hearing of the multiple motions. (f) If a party with dual representation files a pleading or paper, other than a motion, which is not signed by the party’s attorney, the court may treat such filing in the same manner as it may treat a motion under this section or in such other manner as in its discretion it deems appropriate under the circumstances. (Adopted June 11, 2021, to take effect Jan. 1, 2022.) COMMENTARY—2022: The above rule is intended to clar- ify the procedures to be followed when parties in family matters file appearances on their own behalf even though they may also have, or intend to have, an attorney who has filed an appearance. The rule recognizes that filing a self-representa- tion appearance may be desirable in order to receive notices from the court. However, the rule is not intended to supersede the requirement of Section 4-2 that a pleading or other paper filed on behalf of a party who is represented by an attorney be signed by the attorney. The rule also acknowledges the possibility that a party will nevertheless file a motion without the attorney’s signature. In that event, it is intended to provide guidance to the parties, attorneys, and the court about how to proceed. In exercising its discretion to stay proceedings on a motion filed by a party without the attorney’s signature, the court may consider any relevant circumstances, including, but not limited to, the emergency nature, if any, of the motion; any time limits imposed by statute or rule on the court’s hearing on the motion; the pendency of another motion filed on behalf of the party which has been signed or adopted by the party’s attorney, or by another party, which concerns the same facts or legal issues; and the likelihood that action by the court on the motion that has not been signed or adopted by the attorney will substantially impact the adjudication of other issues in the case.