Bates Stamped Document Process

Summary

Bates-stamped documents in Illinois are often used for internal reference and may not be part of the official court record. To include them in an appeal, you can file a motion to supplement the record, request copies from opposing counsel, or provide an affidavit explaining their significance. If legal fees are a concern, explore legal aid services or law school clinics for assistance.

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If an opposing attorney has Bates Stamped discovery disclosure documents that were sent to him by our former attorney, and we need those records in an appeals case, but the documents do not seem to be in the court record of the lower court, how do we proceed to enter those records once the appeal process has started?
To address your situation in Illinois, you might consider the following steps:
- Motion to Supplement the Record: File a motion in the appellate court to supplement the record with the missing documents. You'll need to show why these documents are relevant and necessary for your appeal.

- Contact Opposing Counsel: Request copies of the Bates-stamped documents from the opposing attorney, as they might agree to share them, especially if they are relevant to the case.
- Affidavit or Testimony: Provide an affidavit or testimony explaining the significance of these documents for the appeal.
If you're unsure how to proceed, consulting with an attorney experienced in appellate practice might be beneficial. Do you want assistance in finding a lawyer for your case?
no money for lawyers
It sounds like you're in a tough spot. Here are a few options you might consider:
- Legal Aid Services: Look into local legal aid organizations in Illinois that offer free or low-cost legal assistance. They might be able to provide guidance on your appeal.
- Law School Clinics: Contact nearby law schools to see if they offer legal clinics where students, supervised by licensed attorneys, can help with your case.
- Self-Help Resources: Check out resources at your local courthouse or online for guidance on filing motions and navigating the appellate process on your own.
If you need help finding specific resources, feel free to ask!