Can Friends Use Attorney Video Visitation? Understanding Kane County's Professional Visit Rules

Kane County reserves its remote visitation system for attorneys and certain approved representatives. Family and friends can't use it. If you're trying to connect with someone in custody, you'll need the standard visitor options. Attorneys and approved representatives using the professional system pay a vendor fee.

This system exists for professional visits - attorneys and approved non-attorney representatives (like interpreters) who complete registration. For attorneys, registration is documentation-based. You'll need to prove your identity and professional status before gaining access.

If you're a friend or family member, this professional remote visitation system isn't available to you. Kane County's rule is straightforward: family members and friends cannot use the remote visitation system intended for attorneys and representatives.

The attorney/representative remote visitation service comes with a cost. The vendor charges a fee, so attorneys and approved representatives should plan for billing when scheduling or using remote visits.

Want to help your loved one connect with legal counsel? Keep the roles separate. You use standard public visitation options; the attorney (or approved representative) uses the professional system once they've registered. You can't stand in for an attorney through this system, but you can coordinate with counsel to make sure they complete registration and handle the professional visit themselves.

• ✓ If you are an attorney, register for the attorney remote visitation system with a valid State ID and your IARDC/BAR card.
• ✓ If you are family or a friend, use the standard visitation options available to the public (not the attorney/representative remote system).
• ✓ If you’re trying to arrange legal representation, coordinate with the attorney so they can register and use the attorney remote visitation system as a qualified professional visitor.