Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County Document Filing Requirements

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

All motions must be submitted with a proposed order, when applicable.

All motions need to be submitted with a proposed order, when applicable, in WORD format.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

All motions and stipulations must be filed with proposed orders or risk rejection.

ALL motions or stipulations shall be filed with proposed orders. If a proposed order is applicable to the motion, and it is not submitted with the motion, the Court reserves the right to reject your motion until it is accompanied by a proposed form of order.

Applies to

Motion

Evidentiary hearings and trials are presumptively in-person; parties seeking virtual appearance must file a motion detailing the basis for the request.

Evidentiary hearings and trials are presumptively in-person. If a party seeks to appear virtually, or request the entire hearing be conducted virtually, the party must file a motion with the Court detailing the basis for the request.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Motions and stipulations must be filed with proposed orders or the Court may reject them.

Motions or stipulations shall be filed with proposed orders. If a proposed order is applicable to the motion, and it is not submitted with the motion, the Court reserves the right to reject your motion until it is accompanied by a proposed form of order.

Applies to

Pretrial order

Must include

statement of facts

RMC and Pre-Trial/Pre-Hearing Statements are required and must address prior settlements, disputed issues, and current positions.

RMC and Pre-Trial/Pre-Hearing Statements are required, because they are important to the Court. Your statements need to inform the Court of any prior settlements, the issues still in dispute, and the current positions being taken by the parties.

Applies to

Remote appearance request

Counsel must obtain the court's permission before appearing remotely.

Counsel must seek court permission if requesting a remote appearance.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

A proposed order must be provided with motions when applicable.

Please provide a proposed order, when applicable, in WORD format.

Applies to

Motion

The rule or statute authorizing a motion must be cited in the first two pages of the motion.

The rule or statute authorizing supporting a motion shall be cited in the first two pages of a motion (i.e. "Plaintiff seeks summary judgment pursuant to Rule 56, Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure", or "Defendant seeks dismissal for failure to state a claim pursuant to Rule 12(b)(6), Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure").

Applies to

Filing

Incorporation by reference is not allowed; all filings must be fully self-contained.

Incorporation by reference is not allowed, and the incorporated document will be disregarded.

Applies to

Motion

No party may include more than one motion in a single filing or combine a response/reply with a motion.

No party should include more than one motion in a single filing or combine a response and a motion or a reply and a motion in one filing.

Applies to

Pretrial statement

All litigants must submit Joint Pretrial Statements before the trial or evidentiary hearing.

All litigants are expected to submit JOINT Pretrial Statements before the trial/evidentiary hearing.

Applies to

Joint case management report

The Joint Case Management Report must address progress since the last conference, upcoming case preparation, witnesses interviewed and to be interviewed, and pending issues.

This report will inform the court of: 1. The specific progress made since the last Case Management Conference in completing activities previously established by the court and the parties; 2. Specific case preparation to be completed before the next Case Management Conference; 3. Witnesses who have been interviewed in the preceding month; 4. Witnesses who will be interviewed in the upcoming month; 5. Pending issues to be resolved.

Applies to

Joint pretrial statement

Parties must file a Joint Pretrial Statement at least two working days before the Final Trial Management Conference containing the specified information.

At least two working days before the FTMC, the parties shall file a Joint Pretrial Statement including the following information: 1. Charges, sentencing ranges (including any sentence enhancements alleged) and list of aggravating factors to be decided by the jury 2. Settlement status (to be discussed with trial judge) 3. Plea offer: 4. Settlement Conference occurred (Y/N): 5. Are Defendant and State willing to further discuss settlement? 6. Number of trial jurors and alternates: 7. List of witnesses to be called 8. Estimated trial days: 9. Brief statement of case to be read to jury (attach) 10. Special jury voir dire questions (attach) 11. List of Standard Jury Instructions, plus original and one copy of any special Jury Instructions (attach) 12. Other issues

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

A Motion for Complex Case Designation must be accompanied by a proposed order setting forth the factual findings supporting complex designation.

The motion shall be accompanied by a proposed form of order setting forth the factual findings supporting designating the case as complex.

Applies to

Joint pretrial statement

Joint pretrial statements are required and relied upon by the Court.

Joint Pretrial Statements are required and relied upon.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Proposed orders are required for all motions and stipulations and must be lodged separately in Word format.

Please always provide proposed orders for all motions and stipulations (not petitions unless requested). If you are filing a motion or stipulation in e-file, please lodge a proposed order separately in Word format with your filing.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Motions for Temporary Orders Without Notice require a proposed order and a hardcopy or emailed copy delivered to the Division at filing.

If you are filing a Motion for Temporary Orders Without Notice, a proposed order must be provided. Once the motion has been filed, please provide a hardcopy to the Division by personally delivering the motion or emailing a copy of the motion to the Division email.

Applies to

Disclosure

Parties must exchange exhibits and witness lists, including topics and contact information, 30 days before trial.

The rules require that you exchange any exhibits and witnesses with the other party 30 days before your trial. You must include what topics the witnesses are going to discuss, as well as contact information for them.

Applies to

Pretrial statement

A pretrial statement must be timely filed with the Clerk of Court.

Submit a pretrial statement by timely filing it with the Clerk of Court.

Applies to

Proposed order sealing document

The proposed sealing order must identify the document by title and date of lodging and contain the findings required by A.R.Civ.P. 5.4.

The proposed Order sealing the document must specifically identify the document by title and date of lodging and contain the findings required by A.R.Civ.P. 5.4.

Applies to

Filings prepared using AI

Filers using AI must independently verify every citation and legal authority, confirm all facts against record evidence, and seek only real, verifiable citations; irresponsible AI use or knowingly submitting non-existent facts or caselaw is subject to sanctions.

To reduce errors (and minimize the risk of sanctions), the Court expects filers using AI to: 1. Independently and carefully verify every citation and legal authority using official or reliable legal sources. Again, the party using AI is responsible for false citations. 2. Confirm all facts are true and supported by evidence in the record. 3. Tell the AI tool to provide only real and verifiable citations with links to the cases when possible. 4. Remember: AI tools are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice.

Applies to

Joint statement of discovery or disclosure dispute

Must include

certificate of conference

The joint statement must contain a certificate of good faith consultation; a threatening letter or email does not satisfy the personal consultation requirement, and no exhibits may be included with the summaries.

The joint statement must not exceed three pages and must contain a certificate of good faith consultation. A letter or email to the opposing attorney threatening to file a discovery motion if he or she does not respond does not, without more, satisfy the personal consultation requirement under the rules. No exhibits shall be included with the summaries.

Applies to

Joint pretrial statement

The Joint Pretrial Statement must list all claims or causes of action on which a verdict is sought, specifying the cause of action, each party asserting it, and each party against whom it is asserted, with the Rule 16(f)(2)(A)-(C) stipulations-list requirement waived.

The trial-setting order will require the parties to file a Joint Pretrial Statement containing the information required under Arizona Rule of Civil Procedure 16(f)(2), with one material modification. The Court's standard order waives the requirement under Rule 16(f)(2)(A), (B) and (C) to include a list of stipulations, agreed contested issues or other issues considered material. Rather, the order will require the Joint Pretrial Statement to contain a list of all claims or causes of action on which a verdict is sought by any party, specifying (1) the cause of action, (2) each party asserting that cause of action, and (3) each party against whom that cause of action is asserted. The parties also may submit one or more separate stipulations regarding facts, evidence or other matters.

Applies to

Motion

Parties seeking virtual appearance at an evidentiary or contested hearing must file a motion detailing the basis well in advance of the hearing.

Evidentiary or contested hearings are presumptively in-person. If a party seeks to appear virtually, or request the entire hearing be conducted virtually, the party must file far enough in advance of the hearing a motion with the Court detailing the basis for the request so as to allow the opposing party an opportunity to respond.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Every motion must state the relief requested, legal and factual support, and include a proposed order or judgment.

Each motion must clearly state the relief being requested, the factual reasons and legal support for granting such relief and include a proposed form of order or judgment.

Applies to

Opposition

Responses to motions must address the issues raised and provide factual and legal support for a different ruling.

Any response must include position statements aimed at the issues raised in the motion and the factual reasons and legal support for a ruling different than that requested by the party filing the motion.

Applies to

Exhibits

Exhibits must be separately and individually prepared for marking; failure to separate admissible from inadmissible exhibits may result in exclusion.

Exhibits to be used at any evidentiary or contested hearing shall be separately and individually prepared so that each exhibit may be marked by the Clerk of the Court. Failure to separate otherwise admissible exhibits from inadmissible exhibits may result in the entire exhibit not being admitted and considered by the court.

Applies to

Exhibits

A copy of each exhibit must be provided for the submitting party, the opposing party(ies), and the Court.

There must be a copy of each exhibit for the party submitting the exhibit, the opposing party(ies) and the Court.

Applies to

Motion

A stamped copy of the motion must be delivered to the division.

Deliver a stamped copy of the Motion to this Division.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Motions must include proposed orders and self-addressed stamped envelopes.

Include proposed Orders with your Motion. Also include self addressed stamped envelopes.

Applies to

Ai assisted filing

Filers using AI must independently verify every citation and legal authority, confirm all facts are true and supported by the record, and direct the AI tool to provide only real, verifiable citations.

To reduce errors (and minimize the risk of sanctions), the Court expects filers using AI to: Independently and carefully verify every citation and legal authority using official or reliable legal sources. Again, the party using AI is responsible for false citations. Confirm all facts are true and supported by evidence in the record. Tell the AI tool to provide only real and verifiable citations with links to the cases when possible. Remember: AI tools are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice.

Applies to

Pleadings

Every filer is accountable for the accuracy of filings, and a party who irresponsibly uses AI or knowingly submits pleadings with non-existent facts or caselaw shall be subject to sanctions (inaccurate or fabricated material may also result in denial of relief).

The Court supports responsible use of technology, but every filer is accountable for ensuring the accuracy of what is filed. A party who is irresponsible with the use of these tools, or (worse) knowingly submits pleadings with non-existent facts/caselaw, shall be subject to sanctions.

Applies to

Exhibits

Exhibits must be Bates stamped before submission: Plaintiff uses numbers 1-499, Defendant uses 500-1000.

Prior to submitting any exhibits, the parties are required to bate stamp their records. The Plaintiff is to use numbers 1-499, and the Defendant should use the numbers 500-1000.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Motions and stipulations must be accompanied by a proposed order stating the precise relief requested.

Please provide orders for stipulations and motions: If you have a stipulation to a basic extension or other motion, please submit an order with the motion that sets forth the precise relief you are requesting/stipulating to.

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

Proposed orders must be submitted to the court no less than 5 days before a hearing, by hard copy to the division.

In addition, Probate Rule 15 requires submittal of proposed orders to the court no less than 5 days prior to a hearing, and this must also be done by hard copy to the division.

Applies to

Pretrial statement

A Joint Pretrial Statement or Separate Pretrial Statements must be filed and provided to the Division no later than 5 business days before trial.

The parties shall file and provide this Division with a copy of a Joint Pretrial Statement or Separate Pretrial Statements no later than FIVE (5) business days before trial.

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The Pretrial Statement must include disputed issues, witness list, exhibit list, and objections; failures result in waiver or exclusion.

The Pretrial Statement shall include: a. A description of each disputed issue the court must decide, and a statement of each party's position on that issue. Absent good cause shown, failure to list an issue in the Pretrial Statement will be deemed a waiver of that issue. b. A list of witnesses to be called at the hearing. Absent good cause shown, failure to list a witness will result in that witness being excluded. c. A list of exhibits to be used at the hearing. Absent good cause shown, failure to list an exhibit will result in that exhibit being excluded. d. A list of objections to the other party's exhibits. Any objection not listed in the Pretrial Statement will be deemed waived.

Applies to

Exhibits

Exhibits must be exchanged and hand-delivered to the Division, separated by a colored sheet, no later than 5 business days before the hearing; no duplicate or unexchanged exhibits may be presented for marking.

No less than FIVE (5) business days prior to hearing, the parties and, if represented, counsel shall exchange and provide TO THE CLERK OF THIS DIVISION any exhibits they shall seek to admit into evidence. All exhibits must be clearly identified, SEPARATED BY A COLORED sheet AND hand delivered to this Division NO LATER THAN FIVE (5) BUSINESS DAYS prior to the hearing. All exhibits shall be hand-delivered directly to court staff at this Division's suite. No hearing exhibits shall be presented for marking that have not been previously exchanged. No duplicate exhibits shall be presented for marking.

Applies to

Default judgment

Applications for Entry of Default must include the new specific items required by Arizona Rule of Civil Procedure 55(a), as amended effective January 1, 2026.

In seeking a default judgment, this division encourages the parties to review Rules 54 and 55 of the Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure. Beginning on January 1, 2026, Rule 55(a) was reorganized and amended to include new, specific items required in a rule compliant Application for Entry of Default. Please review these new requirements.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Motions regarding discovery disputes must contain the Rule 37(a)(1) certification or risk summary denial.

If I receive a motion pertaining to a discovery dispute, I first will check to make sure it contains the certification required by Rule 37(a)(1), Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure. If it does not, I generally will summarily deny the motion.

Applies to

Pretrial order

Joint Pretrial Statements are required; separate statements are accepted if the parties cannot agree.

Joint Pretrial Statements are required. Because the information contained in this filing is so important, separate statements are accepted if the parties cannot agree or are unable to work together.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of service

Motions to withdraw as counsel must comply with Rule 5.3; without the client's written consent, the motion must be served on the client and service reflected in the certificate of service.

When filing a motion to withdraw as counsel of record, counsel must comply with Rule 5.3, Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure. Pursuant to those rules, if a matter is pending and counsel has not obtained the client's written consent to counsel's withdrawal, I will not rule on the motion to withdraw until the time for the filing of a response has passed. In addition, if the motion does not bear the client's written consent, counsel must be sure to serve a copy of the motion upon the client and reflect such service in the certificate of service.

Applies to

Preliminary hearing request

Requests for preliminary hearings must be made in writing.

Requests for Preliminary Hearings must be made in writing.

Applies to

Motion to modify release conditions

The Court will not rule on motions to modify release conditions until compliance with victim rights is demonstrated.

Rulings regarding motions to modify release conditions will not be made until compliance with victim rights are demonstrated.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Before filing a motion, counsel must communicate with the other party to obtain their position.

When you file a motion you must communicate with the other party/parties to obtain their position in the motion.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Submit a form of order with each motion.

Submit a form of order with your motion and please ensure you send a copy to my Judicial Assistant via email.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Motions must include a separate good faith certificate showing the movant conferred or attempted to confer with the opposing party in person or by telephone, not merely by letter or email.

Good Faith Certificate: Please remember that when using the procedures under Rule 26(d), or many other Rules governing the filing of motions, resolution of disputes, or seeking of sanctions, the moving party is required to "attach to the motion a separate statement certifying and demonstrating that the movant has tried in good faith to resolve the issue by conferring with, or attempting to confer with – the party against whom the motion is directed. The consultation must be in person or by telephone and not merely by letter or email." Rule 7.1(h), Ariz.R.Civ.P.

Applies to

Motion for attorney fees

Must include

certificate of service

Requests for attorney fees must be supported by a China Doll Affidavit with notice to the opposing party.

Requests for attorney fees must always be supported with a China Doll Affidavit, with notice to the other side.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Motions and stipulations (including basic extensions) must be submitted with an accompanying order setting forth the precise relief requested or stipulated to.

Please provide orders for stipulations and motions: If you have a stipulation to a basic extension or other motion, please submit an order with the motion that sets forth the precise relief you are requesting/stipulating to.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Motions must be accompanied by a proposed order and self-addressed stamped envelopes.

Please include proposed orders with your motion and include self-addressed stamped envelopes.

Applies to

Motion

Motions requiring expedited consideration must include the phrase "expedited consideration requested" to the right of the caption and state the basis for the expedited relief.

If you are filing a motion which is time sensitive or truly requires emergency or expedited consideration, you must include the phrase "expedited consideration requested" to the right of the caption, and you must state in the motion the basis for your request for expedited relief.

Applies to

Plea agreement

Plea agreements must be in writing and signed, though emailed copies are accepted.

Plea agreements must be in writing and signed, but emailed copies will be accepted.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Fully drafted proposed orders must be submitted with all motions and petitions.

Fully drafted proposed forms of order must be submitted with all motions and petitions.

Applies to

Motion in limine

Motions in Limine are prohibited in bench trials without leave, are capped at five per party, and must be limited to extremely prejudicial matters.

Motions in Limine shall not be filed in bench trials without leave of the Court. Absent leave of Court for good cause shown, each party may file no more than five Motions in Limine. Motions in Limine should address only extremely prejudicial matters, which could result in a mistrial. Motions in Limine should not be filed on routine evidentiary matters. Motions in Limine asking the Court to enforce a particular rule of evidence should not be filed.

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

Proposed orders must be provided in WORD format, without the heading 'proposed' and without strikethrough formatting.

Provide a proposed order, when applicable, in WORD format. Do not use the heading "proposed" in your order. Do not use strikethrough format for the Orders - they should be in final format.

Applies to

Motion

Only one motion may be included per filing; responses or replies may not be combined with a motion, including for attorneys' fees or sanctions.

No party should include more that one motion in a single filing or combine a response and a motion or a reply and a motion in one filing. This applies to requests for attorneys' fees or sanctions. Such requests should be made by separate motion.

Applies to

Motion

Only one Motion for Summary Judgment is permitted per party absent leave of Court for good cause shown.

The Court permits only one Motion for Summary Judgment per party absent leave of Court for good cause shown.

Applies to

Pleadings

Must include

ai disclosure

Filers using AI must independently verify all citations and facts; submitting fabricated material may result in sanctions.

The Court is aware that some parties and attorneys use artificial intelligence ("AI") tools (such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, or similar programs) to help prepare pleadings, motions, or other filings. While these tools may assist in drafting or explaining legal concepts, all parties remain fully responsible for the accuracy and truthfulness of their filings. AI tools sometimes generate incorrect or "hallucinated" case citations, statutes, or facts that appear genuine but are not. While these citations look real, they are not. Submitting inaccurate or fabricated material may result in denial of relief, sanctions, or other consequences. To reduce errors (and minimize the risk of sanctions), the Court expects filers using AI to: 1. Independently and carefully verify every citation and legal authority using official or reliable legal sources. Again, the party or attorney using AI is responsible for false citations. 2. Confirm all facts are true and supported by evidence in the record. 3. Remember that AI tools are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice. The Court supports responsible use of technology, but every filer is accountable for ensuring the accuracy of what is filed. A party who is irresponsible with the use of these tools, or (worse) knowingly submits pleadings with non-existent facts/caselaw, will be subject to sanctions.

Applies to

Proposed order

Parties must file a Joint Proposed Scheduling Order covering discovery, motion, and disclosure deadlines.

Counsel and/or the parties shall prepare and file with the Court a Joint Proposed Scheduling Order, for discovery, motion and disclosure deadlines.

Applies to

Notice

Parties must submit a Joint Notice of Statement of the Case within 3 days before the Status Conference.

Within three (3) days prior to the Status Conference, the parties shall submit a written Joint Notice of Statement of the Case, indicating the status of the case, compliance with deadlines, issues that have been resolved, and issues still in need of resolution.

Applies to

Request

Written request for a court reporter is due at least 3 court days before the proceeding.

If a court reporter is required, the Court must receive a written request at least (3) court days before the commencement of the proceeding.

Applies to

Pretrial order

Joint Pretrial Statement is due 5 days before the Final Trial Management Conference.

In accordance with Rule 16(d), A.R.C.P., a Joint Pretrial Statement is due five (5) days before the Final Trial Management Conference.

Applies to

Pretrial order

Parties must appear in person at the Final Trial Management Conference.

Please note the parties must appear in person at the Final Trial Management Conference.

Applies to

Exhibits

Exhibits and exhibit descriptions must be presented to the Clerk at least 10 judicial days before trial.

Counsel shall present all exhibits with a list of exhibit descriptions to the Clerk of the Court no less than ten (10) judicial days before trial.

Applies to

Reply

Reply briefs to responses to motions in limine are not permitted.

There are to be no replies.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Motions must include a separate good faith certificate of conference with the opposing party.

Good Faith Certificate: Please remember that when using the procedures under Rule 26(d), or many other Rules governing the filing of motions, resolution of disputes, or seeking of sanctions, the moving party is required to “attach to the motion a separate statement certifying and demonstrating that the movant has tried in good faith to resolve the issue by conferring with, or attempting to confer with – the party against whom the motion is directed.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Motions and stipulations must be filed with a proposed order in Word format or the Court may reject the filing.

Motions or stipulations shall be filed with a proposed order in Word format. If a proposed order is applicable to the motion, and it is not submitted with the motion, the Court reserves the right to reject the motion until it is accompanied by a proposed form of order.

Applies to

Motion

A written motion or stipulation is required to schedule, reschedule, or vacate hearings; a virtual status conference will be set to schedule substantive hearings not set during a hearing.

The Court requires a written motion or stipulation to schedule, reschedule, or vacate hearings. The Court will not schedule, reschedule, or vacate hearings without the filing of a proper motion. In regard to any substantive evidentiary hearings or oral arguments that are not set during a hearing, the Court will set a virtual status conference in order to schedule a date and time for the substantive hearing.

Applies to

Filing

Must include

ai disclosure

Filers using AI must independently verify all citations and facts, and may be sanctioned for submitting fabricated or inaccurate material.

To reduce errors (and minimize the risk of sanctions), the Court expects filers using AI to: 1. Independently and carefully verify every citation and legal authority using official or reliable legal sources. Again, the party using AI is responsible for false citations. 2. Confirm all facts are true and supported by evidence in the record. 3. Tell the AI tool to provide only real and verifiable citations with links to the cases when possible. 4. Remember: AI tools are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Motions must be in writing and include a proposed order; the Court will not consider contested motions without an opportunity for written response.

Motions should include a proposed form of order. All motion must be made in writing. The Court will not consider a contested motion unless all parties have been given the opportunity to respond in writing.

Applies to

Motion

Combination pleadings are prohibited; each filing must be separate, self-contained, and may not incorporate by reference other filings.

Parties shall not file combination pleadings. All petitions, objections, applications, and motions are to be filed separately and designated as such. No filing will be accepted if filed in combination with another. Additionally, all filings shall be fully self-contained and shall not “incorporate by reference” other separate filings for review and consideration as part of the pending filing.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Discovery motions must include a certification stating the date and method of the meet and confer and the unresolved issues.

Motions must include a certification specifying: the date of the meet and confer, how it took place (telephone, video, or in-person), and the specific issues that remain unresolved.

Applies to

Filing

Must include

ai disclosure

AI tools may be used for drafting and research, but all AI-generated content must meet the same accuracy, relevance, and professionalism standards as other submissions.

Parties and counsel may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in drafting pleadings or conducting legal research. However, any filing that relies on AI generated content must meet the same standards of accuracy, relevance, and professionalism required of all submissions to the Court.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Every motion must be accompanied by a proposed order.

A proposed order must accompany every motion.

Applies to

Pleading

Must include

exhibit list

E-filed pleadings with more than 5 exhibits must contain bookmarks to all exhibits.

All e-filed pleadings, including, but not limited to, summary judgment pleadings, that contain more than 5 exhibits shall contain bookmarks to all exhibits attached to your pleading(s).

Applies to

Motion

Motions must state at the start or end exactly what relief is being requested.

Please start or end your motion telling me exactly what you are requesting.

Applies to

Expedited treatment request

Must include

proposed order

Requests for expedited treatment must state prior efforts to expedite and include a proposed order with a response date or other provision for the other side's right to be heard.

If expedited treatment is requested the request should state what has already been done to attempt to expedite the matter (personal consultation with opposing counsel, email service on opposing party, etc.). It should also include a proposed form of order that provides a response date or deadline or some other provision for the other sides right to be heard.

Applies to

Pleadings

Must include

proposed order

A proposed order must be lodged with the e-filing when applicable.

E-file all pleadings and lodge a proposed order, when applicable, in Word.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Motions must include a separate certificate of good faith conference per Rule 7.1(h); consultation must be in person or by telephone, not merely by letter or email.

the moving party is required to “attach to the motion a separate statement certifying and demonstrating that the movant has tried in good faith to resolve the issue by conferring with, or attempting to confer with – the party against whom the motion is directed. The consultation must be in person or by telephone and not merely by letter or email.” Rule 7.1(h), Ariz.R.Civ.P.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Motions for expedited consideration must include the opposing party's position or an avowal that it was sought but unavailable, or expedited consideration will be denied.

For motions seeking expedited consideration, it is the Movant's responsibility to ascertain and include the opposing party's position or an avowal that the opponent's position was sought reasonably in advance of the filing date but was not available at the time the motion was filed. Motions lacking this information will not receive expedited consideration.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Motions and stipulations must be accompanied by a proposed order stating the precise relief requested.

Please provide orders for stipulations and motions: If you have a stipulation to a basic extension or other motion, please submit an order with the motion that sets forth the precise relief you are requesting/stipulating to.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Requests for expedited treatment must state prior efforts to expedite and include a proposed order providing a response date or deadline.

If expedited treatment is requested the request should state what has already been done to attempt to expedite the matter (personal consultation with opposing counsel, email service on opposing party, etc.). It should also include a proposed form of order that provides a response date or deadline or some other provision for the other sides right to be heard. It is not the responsibility of court staff to coordinate an expedited response with the other side.

Applies to

Joint pretrial statement

Joint Pretrial Statement due no later than two weeks before the FTMC and must include a summary of facts to be read to the jury.

Joint Pretrial Statement must be provided no later than two weeks prior to the Final Trial Management Conference, and include a summary of facts to be read to the jury.

Applies to

Jury instructions

Proposed jury instructions due before the FTMC; non-RAJI instructions must include supporting case citations.

Counsel should provide the Court with proposed jury instructions prior to the FTMC. The Court will provide counsel with a draft version of instructions before the jury selection. If an instruction is not a RAJI, the proposed instruction must be accompanied by case citation supporting the instruction requested.

Applies to

Verdict form

Proposed verdict forms due five business days before trial.

Proposed verdict forms are required to be provided to the Court Five (5) business days before trial.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

A Form of Order must be lodged (not filed) with all motions.

You must submit (lodge – not file) a Form of Order with all motions.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

caption

Emergency or expedited motions must include the phrase 'expedited consideration requested' to the right of the caption and state the basis for the expedited relief.

If you are filing a motion which is time sensitive or truly requires emergency or expedited consideration, you must include the phrase "expedited consideration requested" to the right of the caption, and you must state in the motion the basis for your request for expedited relief. Please do not request expedited relief unless there is a genuine need for an expedited ruling.

Applies to

Annual report

Guardians must file an annual report and a medical report every year on the health and well-being of the child(ren).

All guardians are required to file an annual report AND a medical report EVERY YEAR reporting on the health and well-being of the child(ren).

Applies to

Annual report

Failure to timely file the annual report may result in a hearing, and failure to appear and file may result in termination of the guardianship.

If you do not file your annual report in a timely manner, it may necessitate a hearing being set and you will need to appear in court. Failure to appear and file the annual report may result in the guardianship being terminated.

Applies to

Exhibits

The Court will mark a maximum of five exhibits per hearing date and will not take hearing time to mark exhibits.

The Court will limit the number of exhibits to be marked on the date of the hearing to five (5), and will not take time from the hearing to mark exhibits.

Applies to

Order of protection

The Court will not accept stipulations to vacate hearings on Orders of Protection; the Plaintiff must personally appear to request dismissal.

I will not accept a stipulation to vacate the hearing. Please note that if neither party appears for the hearing, the Order will remain in place until the Plaintiff personally appears to request a dismissal.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of service

Requests for court action must be made in writing as a motion filed with the Clerk, with service on all parties; email alone is insufficient.

If you need the Court take action in your case (Continuances, Motions, Rulings: Requests, Modifications or Amendments), these requests must be made in writing in the form of a motion. Motions must be filed with the Clerk of the Court. An email without a filed motion will not result taking action on your request. If your case includes multiple parties (others involved in your case), your motion indicate that it has been sent to all parties.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

A proposed order must be provided with motions when applicable, submitted in Word format.

Provide a proposed order, when applicable, in WORD format.

Applies to

Motion

Motions must state the position of all parties.

Please provide the position of all parties in your Motion/s.

Applies to

Sentencing

At sentencing in cases involving restitution, counsel must be prepared to state whether the client waives appearance for any restitution hearing.

If there is restitution in a plea, at sentencing be prepared to tell me if your client waives their appearance for any restitution hearing.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Motions for telephonic appearance must include a proposed order and state the reason for the request; such motions are not automatically granted, especially for trials and evidentiary hearings.

If you would like to appear telephonically for a hearing, then file a motion requesting that relief, and provide us a proposed form of order. Importantly, in the motion, state the reason for your request. Motions for telephonic appearances are not automatically granted, especially for trials and other evidentiary hearings.

Applies to

Jury questionnaire

Parties must submit proposed jury questionnaires once trial is assigned, as the Court uses an electronic jury questionnaire.

I will use an electronic jury questionnaire. Once your trial is assigned to me, please provide me with your proposed jury questionnaire.

Applies to

Motion

Motions must begin and end by stating exactly what relief is requested.

Please begin and end your motion by telling me exactly what you are requesting.

Applies to

Discovery motion

Discovery disputes may be expedited via a Joint Statement of Discovery Dispute (encouraged), otherwise must commence with a Motion to Compel; hearings will not be set by phone or email request.

Dispute Resolution: If the parties want to expedite the discovery dispute, they may file a Joint Statement of Discovery Dispute similar to what is required by Rule 26(d) of the Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure. The Court strongly encourages the parties to follow this procedure, even in criminal matters. Otherwise, the dispute must commence with a Motion to Compel, or other appropriate discovery or disclosure motion. The Court will not set a discovery dispute hearing based on a telephonic or email request.

Applies to

Settlement conference memorandum

Parties must email a settlement conference memorandum or other materials for review prior to the settlement conference.

Please e-mail a settlement conference memorandum or anything else you want me to review prior to the settlement conference.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

conformed copy

Hand-filed pleadings require a conformed copy placed in the Division's mailbox or emailed to the Division.

If you hand-file a pleading, make sure the Court receives a conformed copy. Otherwise, we may not know that you have filed a motion, and this will contribute to a delay in ruling on your pleading. Please place a conformed copy of your motion in the Division’s mailbox or email a conformed copy to the Division.

Applies to

Motion

Trial objections must be stated as legal objections only, not speaking objections; unduly long speaking objections may result in time assessed.

Objections should be stated only as legal objections (e.g. "hearsay, Rule 403") and not as speaking objections. If the Court needs clarification of an objection, it will ask. If the Court deems the speaking objection to be unduly long, it may assess time against the objecting party.

Applies to

Exhibits

Must include

exhibit list

The Court will not grant blanket admission of exhibits; each relevant exhibit must be separately offered.

The Court will not grant blanket admission of all exhibits, even if you stipulate to their admission. You will need to separately offer any exhibits that are relevant to your case.

Applies to

Exhibits

Must include

exhibit list

For lengthier exhibits, the Court will only consider the specific portions referenced during the hearing or trial.

If the Court admits lengthier exhibits, such as bank statements, medical records, etc., the Court will only consider those specific portions of the exhibits that you reference during the hearing or trial.

Applies to

Motion

Redirect examination is limited to issues raised during cross-examination pursuant to Rule 611(a).

Pursuant to Rule 611(a) of the Rules of Evidence, the Court limits redirect examination of a witness to issues that were raised during cross-examination of that witness.

Applies to

Motion

Individuals under 18 are not allowed in the courtroom except when the minor is scheduled to be interviewed by the Court or their presence is required.

Individuals under the age of 18 are not allowed in the courtroom except in event that the minor is scheduled to be interviewed by the Court in chambers or the minor's presence is required for the court proceeding.

Applies to

Motion

Recording or photographing court hearings without prior Court approval may result in Court security involvement and/or contempt proceedings.

Anyone who records or photographs court hearings without prior approval from the Court may be subject to involvement with Court security and/or contempt proceedings.

Applies to

Motion

Motions must clearly state the relief requested and the authority for the requested relief.

Motions should clearly state the relief requested and the authority of the requested relief.

Applies to

Motion in limine

Each party may file no more than five Motions in Limine absent leave of Court for good cause shown.

Absent leave of Court for good cause shown, each party may file no more than five Motions in Limine.

Applies to

Motion in limine

Motions in Limine should not be filed in bench trials without leave of Court.

Motions in Limine should not be filed in bench trials without leave of Court.

Applies to

Discovery dispute statement

Must include

certificate of conference

A certification of compliance with the meet and confer requirement of Rule 37 must be attached to the Statement of Discovery Dispute.

You should attach a certification of compliance with the "meet and confer" requirement of Rule 37, Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure.

Applies to

Response

Responses and replies must be labeled with the identical title of the motion being responded to.

Please label responses and replies to motions by identifying the IDENTICAL TITLE of the motion being responded to: e.g. "Defendant's Response to Plaintiff's Motion Summary Judgment Re: Vulnerable Adult Abuse claim."

Applies to

Supplemental brief

No party should file supplemental briefing without leave of Court.

No party should file supplemental briefing without leave of Court.

Applies to

Brief

All citations must be in the body of the brief, not in footnotes.

All citations shall be included in the body of the brief and not in footnotes.

Applies to

Motion

Each party is limited to one Motion for Summary Judgment absent prior leave of Court for good cause shown.

Each party shall be limited to one Motion for Summary Judgment, absent prior leave of Court for good cause shown.

Applies to

Filing

Must include

ai disclosure

Filers using AI must verify all citations and facts; false citations may result in sanctions.

To reduce errors (and minimize the risk of sanctions), the Court expects filers utilizing AI to: A. Independently and carefully verify every citation and legal authority using official or reliable legal sources. B. Confirm all facts are true and supported by evidence in the record. C. Tell the AI tool to provide only real and verifiable citations with links to the cases when possible. D. Remember: AI tools are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Motions or stipulations requiring an order must include a proposed order in WORD format.

If you file a motion or stipulation that requires an order, please provide a proposed order, when applicable, in WORD format.

Applies to

Motion

Requests for oral argument must be indicated in the caption, not the body of the filing.

If you think oral argument is necessary, you should indicate that in the caption. I will not look for that request in the body.

Applies to

Joint case management plan

Joint Case Management Plans must address the issues in AO No. 2021-127 (Attachment A) and present a detailed case management plan or they may be rejected.

Please refer to the Initial Pretrial Conference Minute Entry or AO No. 2021-127 (Attachment A) for a list of the issues that must be addressed in the Joint Case Management Plan. The Court expects that the parties will meet and confer and present a detailed plan for the management of the case. Joint Case Management Plans that do not provide a detailed plan may be rejected.

Applies to

Joint case management report

Joint Case Management Reports must address AO No. 2021-127 (Attachment A) issues and detail progress made and activities expected before the next conference, or they may be rejected.

Please refer to AO No. 2021-127 (Attachment A) for a list of the issues that must be addressed in the Joint Case Management Report. The Court expects that the parties will meet and confer and present a detailed report as to (1) the progress made since the last Case Management Conference (or Case Scheduling Conference, as applicable), and (2) the activities expected to be completed before the next Case Management Conference. Joint Case Management Reports that do not provide a detailed description of case activity may be rejected.

Applies to

Motion

Requests for expedited relief must state the opposing party's position.

Any request for expedited relief should state the position of the opposing party.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Motions must state the specific relief requested and include a clear proposed form of order.

Please start or end your motion by telling me exactly what you are requesting, and include a clear proposed form of order.

Applies to

Joint case management plan

The Joint Case Management Plan must expressly address 16 enumerated issues including proposed trial date, discovery schedule, motion schedule, and plea negotiations.

No less than two working days before the first Scheduling Conference, the state and defendant(s) shall file a Joint Case Management Plan expressly addressing the following issues: 1. Proposed trial date; 2. Length of trial and number of witnesses; 3. Final Trial Management Conference date; 4. Brief summary of alleged facts; 5. Discovery production schedule; 6. Witness interview schedule; 7. List of motions needing evidentiary hearing (length of hearing); 8. Schedule for filing motions, responses and replies; 9. Schedule for Motions in Limine; 10. Expert witness issues (dates for defense to disclose experts and opinions, if different date than called for in Rule 15); 11. Special investigative needs; 12. General status of plea negotiations; 13. Plea cut-off date; 14. Settlement conference date; 15. Interpretation, translation, and transcription needs; 16. Schedule of regular Case Management Conferences.

Applies to

Complex case designation order

When a case is designated complex, a minute entry similar to the Complex Case Designation & Case Management Order (Attachment "A") shall be issued.

A minute entry similar to the attached Complex Case Designation & Case Management Order (Attachment “A”) shall be issued when a case is designated as complex.

Applies to

Minute entry

A minute entry containing the Trial Date Setting & Complex Case Management Schedule must be issued at the Scheduling Conference.

A minute entry similar to the attached Trial Date Setting & Complex Case Management Schedule (Attachment “B”) should be issued at the Scheduling Conference.

Applies to

Case management report

Counsel for the state and defendants must file a Joint Case Management Report at least 2 working days before each Case Management Conference.

shall order counsel for the state and defendant(s) to file a Joint Case Management Report at least two (2) working days before each conference.

Applies to

Pretrial statement

Counsel for the state and defendants must file a Joint Pre-Trial Statement at least 2 working days before the Final Trial Management Conference.

shall order counsel for the state and defendant(s) to file a Joint Pre-Trial Statement at least two (2) working days before the Final Trial Management Conference.

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

Proposed orders must be in WORD format, in final form, without a 'proposed' heading or strikethrough.

Provide a proposed order, when applicable, in WORD format. Do not use the heading "proposed" in your order. Do not use strikethrough format for the Orders - they should be in final form.

Applies to

Notice of lodging

File a Notice of Lodging with ASFA after any hearing with an ASFA finding; ASFA orders must be in WORD format and include the hearing date.

ASFAs: File a Notice of Lodging with ASFA after any hearing where the Court makes an ASFA finding. ASFA orders should be submitted in WORD format and include the date of the hearing in which there was an ASFA finding.

Applies to

Motion

Motions requesting expedited consideration must note this in the heading and state the other side's position.

If you are filing a Motion and requesting expedited consideration, please include that information in the heading of your Motion. In addition, communicate with the other side and place their position in your Motion.

Applies to

Motion

Each motion must seek only one form of relief; do not combine multiple motions in a single filing.

Please do not combine two or more motions with a single filing. When requesting different forms of relief in a motion (not a petition), please file a separate and distinct motion to address each form of relief requested.

Applies to

Motion

Requests for expedited or emergency consideration must state prior efforts to expedite and explain in detail why emergency treatment is necessary.

If expedited or emergency consideration is requested for any motion, the request should (1) state what has already been done to attempt to expedite the matter (personal consultation with opposing counsel, email service on opposing party, etc.) and (2) explain in detail why expedited or emergency consideration is appropriate and necessary.

Applies to

Affidavit of financial information

File an Affidavit of Financial Information in cases involving spousal maintenance, child support, or attorney's fees, and update it if information changes.

If a case involves spousal maintenance, child support, or a request for attorney's fees, please always file an Affidavit of Financial Information ("AFI"), and file an updated AFI if any information contained on your original AFI changes while the matter is pending.

Applies to

Pretrial statement

Represented parties must submit a single joint pretrial statement covering uncontested facts, positions on contested issues, witnesses, exhibits, and objections.

If the parties are represented, the Court expects both attorneys to work together to submit a single, joint pre-trial statement that sets forth uncontested facts, their relative positions on each contested issue, lists all witnesses, exhibits, and objections to exhibits.

Applies to

Pretrial statement

Parties litigating property and debt issues must include a joint list of all property and debts with legal descriptions and values as of the service date.

If you are litigating property and debt issues, please include a joint and complete list setting forth all property and debts at issue (whether contested or agreed upon). Please include the legal description for any real property listed as well as the values for each item of property or debt listed as of the service date.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Counsel are strongly encouraged to lodge a proposed form of Order in Word format when filing a motion through the eFile system.

Judge Fox rules on motions through the eFile system when possible. As such, counsel are strongly encouraged to lodge a proposed form of Order in Word format when filing a motion through the eFile system.

Applies to

Exhibits

Exhibit titles in Case Center must use generic descriptions, be appropriately titled, exclude exhibit numbers, and avoid derogatory or prejudicial information (which the Clerk will rename).

Generic descriptions only may be used to describe exhibits in Case Center. Exhibits must be appropriately titled. Any exhibit title containing derogatory or prejudicial information will be renamed by the Clerk. Please do not include exhibit numbers in the exhibit titles.

Applies to

Expedited consideration request

Must include

certificate of conference

Requests for expedited consideration should explain the need for urgency and efforts to confer with opposing counsel.

If expedited consideration is requested, including an explanation of the need for urgency and any efforts made to confer with the other side assists the Court in evaluating the request.

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

Proposed orders should be submitted in final form and accurately reflect the relief requested.

When a proposed order is appropriate, submitting it in final form and ensuring it accurately reflects the relief requested helps the Court process the matter efficiently.

Applies to

Proposed order

Proposed orders must be lodged in eFile as separate Word documents; do not include "Proposed" in the title.

Proposed orders of any kind should be lodged in eFile as separate Word documents related to the filing they accompany; there is no need to include the word "Proposed" on the Word-format order. (Local Rule 2.17)

Applies to

Notice to witness

Counsel must provide witnesses with the Notice to Witness re: Testimony in Remote Hearing.

Counsel preparing witnesses for remote hearings should provide them with the Notice to Witness re: Testimony in Remote Hearing.

Applies to

Order

Lodge a Word format electronic form of order with motions; do not include "Proposed" in the title.

Division 47 can handle most motions via eFile; please lodge a Word format electronic form of order. There is no need to include the word "Proposed" or "[Proposed]" on Word format forms of order; omitting it makes e-filing more efficient for the Division.

Applies to

Brief

Citations must comply with ARCAP 13(f); official Arizona reporter citation is sufficient; non-Arizona citations must use regional/federal reporters.

The Division adheres to ARCAP 13(f) regarding citation to case law and encourages counsel to save space by omitting parallel citations--citation to the volume and page number(s) of the official Arizona reporter, only, is sufficient. Citation of non-Arizona case law must be to the volume and page number of applicable regional or federal reporters.

Applies to

Brief

Citations to electronic databases require a copy/link; strict compliance with Rule 111(c) and (d) for unpublished authorities.

If a case is not available in an official Arizona reporter or in an applicable regional or federal reporter, a party may provide a citation to an electronic database or another source, but should also provide a copy of, or working link to, the case. The Division also requires strict compliance with Arizona Supreme Court Rule 111(c) and 111(d) regarding citation to unpublished authorities. Please do not cite unpublished cases from any jurisdiction without complying with those rules.

Applies to

Motion

Requests for oral argument must be made in the motion.

If you wish to have oral argument, request that in your motion.

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

Proposed orders must be in WORD format, without the heading 'proposed' and without strikethrough formatting.

Provide a proposed order, when applicable, in WORD format. Do not use the heading "proposed" in your order. Do not use strikethrough format for the Orders - they should be in final format.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Motions must state the position of all parties; if a party could not be reached, detail the attempts to contact them.

Please provide the position of all parties in your Motion. If you could not get ahold of a party please indicate how many times you tried to reach them and the dates and times of the contact and the method used for the contact.

Applies to

Motion

Motions requesting expedited consideration must state so in the heading and include the other side's position.

If you are filing a Motion and requesting expedited consideration, please include that information in the heading of your Motion. In addition, communicate with the other side and place their position in your Motion.

Applies to

Exhibits

After Bates stamping, submit exhibits according to the Clerk of Court website instructions.

After the exhibits are bates stamped, Parties should submit their exhibits according to the instructions on the Clerk of Court website at clerkofcourt.maricopa.gov.

Applies to

Exhibits

Parties must confer with opposing counsel regarding stipulating to exhibits before trial.

Please confer with the opposing party regarding stipulating to exhibits prior to the trial.

Applies to

Exhibits

Personal electronics will not be accepted into evidence; content must be printed in hard copy or saved to a thumb drive.

The Court will not accept personal electronics (e.g. cell phone, digital cameras, or personal computers) into evidence. Anything that is captured on a personal electronic device must be printed in hard copy and submitted to the Court as an exhibit or four copies must be made and saved to a thumb drive.

Applies to

Exhibits

Exhibits not provided 5 business days before the hearing may not be marked by the Clerk, and any marking time is deducted from that party's allotted time.

Exhibits not provided to the Division five (5) business days prior to the hearing may not be marked by the Clerk of Court. Additional time required to mark exhibits during the proceeding shall be deducted from the time allotted to the party requesting same.

Applies to

Exhibits

Exhibits must not be filed with the Clerk of Court.

DO NOT FILE EXHIBITS WITH THE CLERK OF COURT.

Applies to

Notice of settlement

The Court will vacate a trial for settlement only upon a filed Notice of Settlement or an on-the-record telephonic conference; oral or voicemail notice is insufficient.

If the parties reach a full settlement before trial, the Court will vacate the trial only if (1) it receives a Notice of Settlement, or (2) the parties inform the Court of the settlement in an on-the-record telephonic conference. Oral notification to court staff or voicemail messages left with the Court are insufficient.

Applies to

Court reporter request

A party desiring a court reporter must submit a written request at least 10 judicial days in advance and pay the fee at least 2 judicial days before the proceeding.

Pursuant to Local Rule 2.22, if a party desires a court reporter for any proceeding in which a court reporter is not mandated by Arizona Supreme Court Rule 30, the party must submit a written request to the assigned judicial officer at least ten (10) judicial days in advance of the hearing, and must pay the authorized fee to the Clerk of the Court at least two (2) judicial days before the proceeding.

Applies to

Conclusions of fact and law request

A written request for conclusions of fact and law must be filed before commencement of the trial or evidentiary hearing.

To request conclusions of fact and law, you must file a written request with the Court before commencement of the trial or the evidentiary hearing. If you make such a written request before the trial or evidentiary hearing, the Court may make conclusions of fact and law as part of the final decision.

Applies to

Joint statement

Must include

certificate of conference

The joint statement must include a certificate of good faith consultation.

The joint statement must not exceed three pages and must contain a certificate of good faith consultation.

Applies to

Brief

Citations in filings must include pin cites to specific pages of supporting authorities.

Citations should be double checked prior to filing and must include pin cites, directing the Court's attention to specific pages of supporting authorities.

Applies to

Motion

Requests for accelerated rulings must be noted under the motion's title with an explanation in the body; no separate motion or order.

When asking for an accelerated ruling on a motion, do not file a separate motion asking for an accelerated ruling and do not lodge a separate form of order granting a request for accelerated ruling. Instead, simply note under the title of the motion that you are requesting an accelerated ruling and, in the body of the motion, briefly explain why an accelerated ruling is necessary.

Applies to

Notice

Settling parties must submit a signed written notice stating they have settled and which court events should be vacated.

If the parties settle before trial, they should not assume that the Court will vacate any upcoming hearings or other court events. The parties should submit a written document, signed by both parties (or their counsel) that, at a minimum, states that the parties have settled and what upcoming court events can be vacated as a result of the settlement.

Applies to

Motion

Motions must attach certifications, financial receipts, or proof of completion of probation terms when applicable.

Additionally, any certifications, financial receipts, or proof that probation terms have been completed should be attached to motions.

Applies to

Motion

The movant must provide an original of the fill-in form to the Court and copies to the other party before the case is called.

Standard fill-in forms are available in the courtroom or the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. The person making the motion should provide an original copy to the Court, and copies to the other party, prior to the case being called. Copies may be made in Suite 2B.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

The form of order submitted with a motion must match the motion's content.

Make sure your form of order matches the content contained in your motion.

Applies to

Discovery motion

Discovery disputes must be raised in writing via a quick motion requesting a virtual hearing.

If you have a discovery dispute please put it in writing--a quick motion will suffice--and ask this Court to set a virtual hearing for me to address the matter.

Applies to

Filing

Must include

ai disclosure

Filers using AI must independently verify every citation and legal authority; false citations may result in sanctions.

To reduce errors (and minimize the risk of sanctions), the Court expects filers using AI to: Independently and carefully verify every citation and legal authority using official or reliable legal sources. Again, the party using AI is responsible for false citations.

Applies to

All filings

Must include

ai disclosure

Filers must independently verify every citation and legal authority in AI-assisted filings; failure to do so may result in sanctions.

To reduce errors (and minimize the risk of sanctions), the Court EXPECTS filers to: 1. Always independently and carefully verify EVERY citation and legal authority using official or reliable legal sources. Again, the party using AI is responsible for any false citations.

Applies to

All filings

Parties must submit a copy of each filed document to the division; the Clerk does not make copies.

It is the party's responsibility to make sure that a copy of each document filed is submitted to the division. The Clerk of Court does not make copies for the divisions.

Applies to

Motion for summary judgment

Only one Motion for Summary Judgment per side is permitted without leave of court.

No more than ONE Motion for Summary Judgment per side without leave of court.

Applies to

Motion to withdraw

Motions to withdraw filed within two weeks of a hearing must include a statement that opposing counsel or party was notified of the intent to withdraw.

Attorney requests to withdraw filed within two weeks of a hearing must include a statement that the moving attorney notified the opposing counsel or opposing party of his/her intent to withdraw.

Applies to

Proposed order

In probate cases, additional information about the impact of a proposed order on the ward is required in compliance with the Sleeth case.

In a probate cases, additional information about the impact of your proposed order on the ward will be required in compliance with the Sleeth case.

Applies to

Motion

A request for oral argument on a motion must be noted in the caption of the motion.

If you request oral argument on a motion, please note your request in the caption of the motion.

Applies to

Motion

All motions must be made in writing.

All motions should be made in writing.

Applies to

Pretrial order

Parties must provide the court with proposed questions for a digital questionnaire at the final trial management conference.

Please provide the court with proposed questions for a digital questionnaire at the final trial management conference.

Applies to

Motion in limine

Do not file motions in limine that simply ask the court to comply with the Rules of Evidence.

Please do not file motions in limine that simply ask the court to comply with the Rules of Evidence, e.g., a motion in limine requesting that the court exclude impermissible, self-serving hearsay with no applicable exception or exemption.

Applies to

Objection

Speaking objections are not permitted in the presence of the jury; counsel may state "objection" and cite the relevant rule.

Judge Beresky does not permit speaking objections in the presence of the jury. You may state the word "objection" and state the legal basis by citing the relevant rule, e.g., "Objection, Rule 403."

Applies to

Motion

Each filing may contain only one motion or petition; responses and replies may not be combined with motions, except for true cross-motions for summary judgment.

No party should include more than one motion/petition in a single filing or combine a response/objection and a motion/petition or a reply and a motion in one filing (with the exception of a true cross-motion for summary judgment). This applies to requests for attorneys' fees or sanctions. A separate petition/application/motion should make such requests.

Applies to

Motion

Motions must state the specific relief requested at the start or end or they are likely to be denied.

Please start or end your motions by telling me EXACTLY what you would like the Court to order. Often, the Court receives motions that do not ask for specific relief and just ask for the Court to do what it thinks is appropriate. The Court is likely to deny these motions.

Applies to

Joint pretrial memo

A meaningful joint pre-trial memo drafted by all parties together is required; separate pre-trial statements are generally unacceptable.

The Court expects a meaningful joint pre-trial memo drafted by all parties together. Separate joint pre-trial statements are generally unacceptable as they do not encourage the parties to work together to find common ground and narrow disputed issues.

Applies to

Motion

Motions requesting expedited consideration must state so in the heading and include the other side's position.

If you are filing a Motion and requesting expedited consideration, please include that information in the heading of your Motion. In addition, communicate with the other side and place their position in your Motion.

Applies to

Exhibits

Parties must confer about stipulating to exhibits before trial.

Confer regarding stipulating to exhibits prior to the trial.

Applies to

Brief

Supplemental briefing may not be filed without leave of Court.

No party should file supplemental briefing without leave of Court.

Applies to

Motion in limine

Motions in Limine are prohibited in bench trials without leave of Court.

Motions in Limine should not be filed in bench trials without leave of Court.

Applies to

Other

Counsel calling remote witnesses must ensure the witness has a working web camera, microphone, quiet location, and high-speed internet; equipment testing is available by appointment.

Counsel or parties calling witnesses to testify remotely are responsible for ensuring the witness has the ability to appear with a working web camera and microphone from a quiet location with a device and a sufficient highspeed internet connection so that the witness can be seen and heard clearly while testifying remotely. Counsel and parties can make an appointment to test the connection with their witness by calling or emailing division prior to the hearing or trial.

Applies to

Other

When the Rule of Exclusion is invoked, counsel must inform witnesses of its meaning and ensure no witnesses enter or link into the courtroom while others testify.

When the Rule of Exclusion, Ariz. R. Evid. 615, has been invoked, all counsel should inform their party's witnesses of its invocation and meaning, and all counsel and parties should be vigilant to assist the Court in ensuring that no witnesses enter the courtroom, or dial-in or link-in to the courtroom telephonically or otherwise, while other witnesses are testifying, which would be in violation of the rule.

Applies to

Settlement conference memo

A Settlement Conference Memo must be submitted to the specified court staff email addresses.

Please submit a Settlement Conference Memo to McKenna Soha at McKenna.Soha@jbazmc.maricopa.gov and Samantha Burns at samantha.burns@jbazmc.maricopa.gov.

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

Proposed orders must be provided in WORD format, without the word "proposed" in the heading, and in final format without strikethrough.

Provide a proposed order, when applicable, in WORD format. Do not use the heading "proposed" in your order. Do not use strikethrough format for the Orders - they should be in final format.

Applies to

Motion

Motions requesting expedited consideration must state so in the heading and include the other side's position.

If you are filing a Motion and requesting expedited consideration, please include that information in the heading of your Motion. In addition, communicate with the other side and place their position in your Motion.

Applies to

Motion

Motions must address a single subject rather than being omnibus filings.

Motions should be single subject over omnibus.

Applies to

Motion

Parties relying on out-of-state cases must provide copies to the Court.

If motions contain out of state cases, that party shall provide the Court with copies of those cases.

Applies to

Jury instructions

Parties must file proposed voir dire questions and proposed jury instructions.

The parties should also file proposed voir dire questions, and proposed jury instructions.

Applies to

Motion

Attorney withdrawal requests filed within two weeks of a hearing must include a statement that the moving attorney notified opposing counsel or the opposing party of the intent to withdraw.

Attorney requests to withdraw filed within two weeks of a hearing must include a statement that the moving attorney notified the opposing counsel or opposing party of his/her intent to withdraw.

Applies to

Motion for leave to exceed page limit

Motions for leave to exceed page length must state specific reasons or risk denial.

If you file a motion for leave to exceed the page length of a pleading, you will need to provide specific reasons. A generic statement that you need more pages may result in denial of your motion.

Applies to

Exhibits

All exhibits must be provided to the Clerk in a timely manner.

All exhibits must be provided to the Clerk in a timely manner.

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

Proposed orders must be lodged in eFile as separate Word documents without the word 'Proposed' in the filename.

Proposed orders of any kind should be lodged in eFile as separate Word documents related to the filing they accompany; there is no need to include the word “Proposed” on the Word format order. (Local Rule 2.17)

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Motions must be filed via eFile with a Word format electronic form of order, without the word 'Proposed'.

This division handles most motions via eFile; please lodge a Word format electronic form of order. Please do not include the word “Proposed” or “[Proposed]” on Word format forms of order; omitting it makes e-filing more efficient for the Division.

Applies to

Brief

Supplemental briefing requires leave of Court.

No party should file supplemental briefing without leave of Court.

Applies to

Brief

Citations must be in the body of the brief, not in footnotes.

All citations shall be included in the body of the brief and not in footnotes.

Applies to

Exhibits

Only cited excerpts from lengthy documents should be included; condensed transcripts are preferred.

Please only include cited excerpts from lengthy documents (i.e., deposition transcripts). This Court prefers condensed transcripts to be attached to motions or fact statements rather than the full-size transcripts.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Lodging an electronic form of proposed order is strongly encouraged for motions.

Judge Hernandez handles most motions through e-File, so lodging an electronic form of order is strongly encouraged.

Applies to

Motion

Requests to extend a dismissal date must specify the new requested dismissal date in the draft order.

For requests to extend a dismissal date, please specify the new dismissal date you’re requesting in the draft order.

Applies to

Motion

Motions to compel seeking attorney's fees under ARFLP 65 must state total expenses incurred and may attach redacted billing statements.

For motions to compel seeking attorney’s fees under ARFLP 65, please state the total expenses incurred relating to the motion and consider attaching redacted billing statements or other material to support the claim.

Applies to

Motion

Motions to compel must comply with Maricopa County Local Rule 3.2(h), which requires detailed information about the alleged deficiency.

Please also ensure that a motion to compel complies with Maricopa County Local Rule 3.2(h) (requiring detailed information about alleged deficiency).

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Lodging an electronic form of order with motions is strongly encouraged.

Judge Warner handles most motions through eFile, so lodging an electronic form of order is strongly encouraged.

Applies to

Motion for telephonic appearance

Motions for telephonic appearances must be filed in advance of the hearing.

Motions for telephonic appearances must be filed in advance.

Applies to

Filing

When a Minute Entry or Order directs filing, the document must be filed by the required date and copies emailed to the division and provided to the other party at the time of filing.

When a Minute Entry or other Order directs the parties to file a document, the Court expects that the document will be filed by the required date. Copies must be emailed to this division and provided to the other party at the time of filing.

Applies to

Joint filing

Documents required to be filed jointly must be filed jointly; a party may file separately and notify the Court if the opposing party fails to participate in good faith.

When a rule requires a document to be filed jointly, or the Court so orders, the document must be filed jointly. If an opposing party fails to participate in the joint filing in good faith, a party may file the document separately and notify the Court of the opposing party’s conduct or inaction that necessitated the separate filing.

Applies to

Motion for summary judgment

Parties filing or responding to summary judgment motions must comply with Rule 56(c)(3) regarding statements of fact.

When filing or responding to a motion for summary judgment, carefully read and comply with Rule 56(c)(3) regarding the form and substance of supporting and opposing statements of fact.

Applies to

Jury questionnaire

Parties must notify the Court at the trial setting conference if they want jury questionnaires, and provide a proposed questionnaire two weeks before the FTMC.

Please notify the Court at the trial setting conference if you want of utilize jury questionnaires. Additional court hearings will be necessary to accomplish the tasks involved in jury questionnaires. Because questionnaires tend to take longer than in court voir dire, this tool will be permitted on a limited basis. A copy of your proposed questionnaire should be provided to the Court two weeks before the final trial management conference.

Applies to

Settlement statement

Parties must provide the Court with a statement of facts outlining party positions before a settlement conference.

Parties should provide the Court with a statement of the facts, outlining party positions, in advance of a settlement conference.

Applies to

Joint filing

Documents required to be filed jointly must be filed jointly; a party may file separately and notify the Court if the opposing party fails to participate in good faith.

When a Rule requires a document to be filed jointly, or the Court so orders, the document must be filed jointly. If an opposing party fails to participate in the joint filing in good faith, a party may file the document separately and notify the Court of the opposing party's conduct or inaction that necessitated the separate filing.

Applies to

Motion

Virtual appearances require a motion explaining why a virtual appearance is necessary and why the Court should deviate from its in-person requirement.

Virtual appearances may be permitted after the proper filing of a motion requesting such an appearance if deemed appropriate by the given facts. Please provide information outlining why you believe a virtual appearance is necessary to explain why the Court should deviate from its in-person requirement.

Applies to

Proposed order

Proposed orders must state the exact title of the motion being ruled upon and must not include mailing certificates.

Please be specific in your proposed orders by specifically stating the exact title of the motion being ruled upon. Do not attach mailing certificates to proposed orders as we do not distribute orders in the same manner that you serve motions.

Applies to

Adoption petition

Adoption petitions must satisfy all legal requirements or the Court will request an amended petition.

When filing an adoption petition, please make sure that all of the legal requirements have been met. If a required element is missing, the Court will request an amended petition and give you time to file it.

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

Proposed Adoption Orders must be reviewed for correctness before submission.

Please make sure that all proposed Adoption Orders are correct.

Applies to

Publication

Publication requires court permission and must include the Court date, time, location, and Court Connect information.

Publication: Publication requires permission of the Court. If publication is authorized, please make sure to include the Court date, time and location and, if applicable during COVID, the Court Connect information and tiny URL within the publication.

Applies to

Notice of address change

Guardians must notify the court of any change of address.

Guardians are required to advise the court of any change of address.

Applies to

Petition for termination

Guardianships may not be changed without a court order; parties may file a Petition for Termination of Guardianship.

Parties cannot just end a guardianship themselves. Guardianships MAY NOT be changed without further order of the court BEFORE any change is made. Parties can file a Petition for Termination of Guardianship if they wish to end the guardianship.

Applies to

Exhibits

Evidence from personal electronic devices must be printed in hard copy; personal electronics will not be accepted into evidence.

The Court will not accept personal electronics (e.g. cell phones, digital cameras) into evidence. Anything that is captured on a personal electronic device must be printed in hard copy, and submitted to Court as an exhibit.

Applies to

Motion

Motions must be addressed to the attention of Commissioner Morton's Division.

Please make sure that motions are addressed to the attention of Commissioner Morton's Division

Applies to

Interpreter request

Court reporters and interpreters must be requested in advance; failure to appear for a hearing with a secured interpreter may result in sanctions.

Proceedings are recorded on the courtroom's FTR system. As a result court reporters and/or interpreters must be requested in advance of a hearing. Interpreter proceedings will be given priority. If a party does not appear for a hearing in which an interpreter has been secured, sanctions may be imposed.

Applies to

Motion

Motions should state the position of all parties, if at all possible.

Please provide the position of all parties in your Motion, if at all possible.

Applies to

Motion

Motions requesting expedited consideration must state that request in the motion heading and, after communicating with the other side, include their position in the motion.

If you are filing a Motion and requesting expedited consideration, please include that information in the heading of your Motion. In addition, communicate with the other side and place their position in your Motion.

Applies to

Motion

Motions should state the position of all parties when possible.

Please provide the position of all parties in your Motion, if at all possible.

Applies to

Petition

Litigants are encouraged to file petitions verified by a witness with personal knowledge of the facts.

Litigants are encouraged to file petitions verified by a witness with personal knowledge of the facts, which generally enables the court to conduct hearings more efficiently for all parties.

Applies to

Exhibits

Parties must bring their own equipment to use and display digital exhibits at trial or hearing.

For the trial or hearing, you must bring your own equipment to use and display the digital exhibit.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Lodging an electronic form of order with motions is strongly encouraged.

Forms of Order. Judge Blanchard handles most motions through eFile, so lodging an electronic form of order is strongly encouraged.

Applies to

Exhibits

No separate bench copy of exhibits is required; all exhibits should be timely provided to the court clerk.

A separate bench copy of exhibits is not necessary. All exhibits should be timely provided to the court clerk.

Applies to

Bench memorandum

Bench memoranda outlining evidentiary issues are permitted but do not replace a motion in limine.

Judge Beresky permits a bench memorandum outlining any evidentiary issues; however, a bench memorandum is not a replacement for a motion in limine.

Applies to

Motion

Motions should state the position of all parties when possible.

Please provide the position of all parties in your Motion if at all possible.

Applies to

Exhibits

Exhibits must be submitted according to the Clerk of Court website instructions.

Parties should submit their exhibits according to the instructions on the Clerk of Court website at clerkofcourt.maricopa.gov

Applies to

Other

Counsel must communicate with virtual witnesses about when to connect to the proceeding.

When calling a witness to testify virtually during a trial or hearing, please ensure you or your co-counsel are in communication with the witness so they are aware of when to connect to the virtual proceeding.

Applies to

Motion

Motions should state the position of all parties when possible.

Please provide the position of all parties in your Motion if at all possible.

Applies to

Rule 26d statement

Discovery disputes follow the Rule 26(d) procedure; parties wanting more fulsome briefing must say so in their Rule 26(d) statement.

Judge Warner follows the Rule 26(d) procedure for discovery disputes. If you believe more fulsome briefing is needed, please say so in your Rule 26(d) statement.

Applies to

Oral argument request

Oral argument is not set unless requested, and a request for oral argument should include additional information beyond what was already presented.

The Court normally will not set oral argument unless it is requested. If it is requested, the Court will expect any additional information and probably not what has already been presented.

Applies to

Request for oral argument

Oral argument is not set unless requested; a request should provide additional information beyond what has already been presented.

Oral Argument: The Court normally will not set oral argument unless it is requested. If it is requested, the Court will expect any additional information and probably not what has already been presented.

Applies to

Exhibits

Audio recordings may be played via the courtroom sound system, and a saved copy should be provided to the Court as an exhibit to preserve the record.

If the Court is able to play and capture an audio recording of good sound quality via the courtroom's sound system, it may be added to the record. However, if parties wish to preserve the record further, then a saved copy of the recording should be provided to the Court as an exhibit.