Yes! You can use AI to fill out Form MC 264, Order of Disqualification/Reassignment

Users often forget to enter the case number on pages 2 and 3, or they enter it incorrectly. Because this is a multi-page order, missing case numbers can cause pages to be lost or misfiled, delaying the reassignment process. To avoid this, carefully check that the full, correct case number is present in the header of every single page before submission. AI-powered tools like Instafill.ai can automatically populate recurring information like case numbers across all pages of a document, preventing this error.

A frequent error is filling out the wrong section on page 3. Users may complete the 'Internal Reassignment Request' when all judges are disqualified, which actually requires a 'Request for Referral to SCAO', or vice-versa. This mistake leads to incorrect routing and significant delays, as the case is sent to the wrong administrative body for reassignment. It is crucial to determine if any local judges are available before choosing which section to complete.

A judge may check box 9 for 'Other' as the reason for disqualification but fail to provide the mandatory explanation in the space provided. The form explicitly states '(specify)', and failing to do so renders the reason for disqualification incomplete and invalid. This requires the form to be returned for correction, halting the case. Always provide a clear and concise explanation when selecting the 'Other' option.

On page 2, when multiple judges are disqualifying themselves, the form explicitly states that if 'Reason 9' is used, the 'COMMENT' section must be completed. It is common for a judge to enter '9' as the reason but leave the comment field blank, which invalidates their disqualification entry. To prevent rejection, ensure a specific comment is provided for every entry that cites reason 9.

Filers frequently omit the bar numbers for the plaintiff's attorney, defendant's attorney, or the disqualifying judge. The bar number is a unique identifier essential for the court's record-keeping and verification processes. Its absence forces court clerks to look up the information manually, causing unnecessary delays. Using a tool like Instafill.ai can help by saving and auto-filling professional details like bar numbers, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

An order of disqualification is not legally valid without the signature and date of the judge disqualifying themselves. This is a simple oversight that has major consequences, as it invalidates the entire order and stops the case from moving forward until it is properly signed and dated. Always perform a final review to ensure the primary judge's signature and the corresponding date are present on page 1.

The form includes fields for both 'JUDICIAL DISTRICT' and 'JUDICIAL CIRCUIT'. Users sometimes fill in both when only one is applicable for their court, or they enter the information in the wrong field. This ambiguity can cause confusion and potential misrouting of the document within the court system. Before filling, confirm whether the case belongs to a district or circuit court and enter the information only in the correct field.

The form requires the judge to indicate whether the disqualification is 'on motion of' a party or 'on my own motion'. A common mistake is to check both boxes or neither, creating ambiguity about what prompted the action. This can lead to procedural questions and require clarification. The judge must select only one of these two options to clearly state the origin of the disqualification.

Both the SCAO referral and the internal reassignment approval on page 3 require the Chief Judge's signature to be executed. This crucial authorization is often missed, which completely halts the reassignment process as the final step is incomplete. The form cannot be processed until the Chief Judge reviews and signs the appropriate section, making this a critical checkpoint before filing.

The form provides fields for 'Plaintiff' and 'Defendant' as well as a separate field for 'In the matter of'. Users may get confused and fill in the wrong section, for example, using the plaintiff/defendant fields for a probate matter that should be listed under 'In the matter of'. This can cause confusion for court administration regarding the nature of the case. It's important to use the party fields that correctly correspond to the case type.

In courts with many judges, the table on page 2 may not have enough rows for every judge who needs to disqualify themselves. The form instructs users to attach additional sheets, but this step can be overlooked. Failing to do so results in an incomplete record of disqualifications, potentially causing procedural issues later. If more space is needed, always create and clearly label a continuation sheet and attach it to the order.