(a) The circuit judges of the circuit courts constituting the judicial districts over which they have jurisdiction and preside are empowered and authorized to deliver opinions and make and sign judgments in cases taken under advisement and submitted to that court at a term of court, or by consent and agreement of interested parties in vacation, either in chambers or at the regular place of holding court in the respective counties constituting the judicial district.

(b) By consent of interested parties and counsel, where a jury is waived and a cause is submitted for trial before the court sitting as a jury, the trial and hearing may be held in chambers in the county of the residence of the regular presiding circuit judge.

(c) Consent judgments, ex parte proceedings, and matters not requiring the services of a jury may be made and hearings had in chambers in the county of the residence of the regular presiding circuit judge.

(d) Any opinion, judgment, or order rendered and made under and pursuant to this section shall be signed by the presiding circuit judge. This opinion, judgment, or order shall become effective when entered of record in the county where the action or matter originated or was filed.

(e) The purpose of this section is to better facilitate the disposition of court matters where the services of a jury are not required and to expedite, by consent of interested parties and counsel, legal matters and actions which otherwise would be delayed until the regular convening of a term of court and to save the costs of such regular convening.