Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Emergency Motion
Emergency Motions, Time Sensitive Motions
Memorandum of Law, Case Law Submission
- At Least 5 Business Days Before Hearing
Notice of Hearing
Communication
Other Contacts6 contacts
Chambers1 contacts
Document Format Requirements9 rules
In addition, a PAPER COPY of all pre-marked evidence, from each side, shall be received by the Court no later than the deadline contained in your specific order, typically 5 business days prior to the hearing date.
- File type
- Paper
- Hearing evidence
Paper copies to be submitted shall be via U.S. Mail, FedEx, etc. sent to our Levy County Office address: 355 South Court Street, Bronson, FL 32621 at least 5 business days prior to the hearing.
- File type
- Paper
- Hearing documentation
Any documentation (i.e. case law, memorandum, etc.) you would like the Court to consider for your hearing must be submitted in paper copy at least 5 business days prior to the hearing with copy to the opposing counsel or pro se’ party.
- File type
- Paper
- Hearing documentation
Proposed Orders and Final Judgments shall be emailed to StephensonT@circuit8.org in Word format.
- File type
- Word
- Proposed order
- Final judgment
All proposed orders and cover letters must be submitted to the judicial assistant, through email to StephensonT@circuit8.org in Word format, only.
- File type
- Word
- Proposed order
- Cover letter
Please clip the envelopes together, along with a sticky note that indicates the case name and case number
Any and all witnesses expected to testify must have video capability activated in order to be sworn.
Please clip the envelopes together, along with a sticky note that indicates the case name and case number.
The preferred method is to send proposed orders and final judgments in Word format, via email to StephensonT@circuit8.org.
- Preferred format
- Word
- Proposed order
- Final judgment
Document Filing Requirements21 rules
Evidence or documents presented at a hearing must be pre-marked for identification.
Court's wording
If you intend to present any evidence or documents to the court at your hearing, you must pre-mark all items for identification (ex. Plaintiff’s A,B,C, etc.) and serve a copy to all parties no less than three (3) business days prior to the hearing.
Each party will need to provide the court with a list of all parties, witnesses, etc. who the party expects to participate in the Zoom hearing, no less than three (3) business days prior to the hearing.
Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.380 requires the movant to provide a certificate of good faith with all discovery motions.
- Document
- Discovery motion
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
Judge DeThomasis does require a written motion/order for Zoom appearance at status conferences or non-evidentiary hearings.
Please provide the Proposed Order or Final Judgment in Word Format, only, through email, including an enclosure letter and a courtesy copy of the Motion.
- Document
- Proposed order submission
Include
- •Proposed order
If a party believes there is a factual basis for setting an emergency hearing, a detailed motion setting forth the following must be filed: (1) the issues to be resolved, (2) reasons why an emergency hearing is necessary, and (3) the amount of time needed for each party’s presentation.
If you are submitting a proposed order or judgment for the Court’s consideration and there are parties who have not consented to use of e-mail service, stamped addressed envelopes must be mailed or hand delivered to the Judicial Assistant, Teresa Stephenson.
Judge DeThomasis will only consider written motions for a witness to appear by Zoom, if all parties consent in writing, as per Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.530(d)(1).
All orders or final judgments shall include a certificate of service at the bottom of the order.
- Document
- Order
Must include
- •Certificate of service
Any pre-marked evidence which is stipulated, should be so noted.
If your office prepares a notice of hearing, it must include language noting who will appear by Zoom and who will arrange the conference call, if applicable.
The subject line must contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter (e.g., 2024 DR 001234 SC – Doe v. Doe – Title of Motion/Document or 2-Hour Hearing Requested.)
Any request for a CMC articulate the reasons for the necessity of the conference.
When scheduling by email, the final email confirming a coordinated hearing date and time should include the case number, style of the case, the motion or motions being set, the attorneys and the amount of time being reserved.
To elect this option, you must complete an Authorization form (available in the Clerk’s office)and file it with the Clerk of the Court.
Please indicate the name of the party who is to receive the order, as well as that party’s e-mail/e-service address OR mailing address, if a hard copy is required.
The subject line in the email which submits your proposed order should provide the following: Proposed Order/Final Judgment, [case number].
- Document
- Proposed order submission email
Should include
- •Proposed Order/Final Judgment, [case number]
It is the responsibility of attorneys and self-represented litigants to update their contact information using Form 2.603 any time there is a change in the e-mail account registered for electronic service.
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an e-mail address to receive signed orders electronically, unless excused.
Any pre-marked evidence which is stipulated, should be so noted.
The certificate of service should include the specific email address to be served and should not generally include “counsel of record”.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Emergency and time-sensitive motions should be filed electronically through the eportal.
Emergency and time sensitive motions should be filed through the eportal
Page 1 | Emergencies/Delays
An emergency motion must be e-filed with the Clerk and served on opposing counsel.
A copy of any “Emergency” motion e-filed with the Clerk of Court and served upon opposing counsel should be provided to the Judge’s office for review via email to StephensonT@circuit8.org.
Page 1 | Emergency Motions
Please do not send Proposed Orders, Motions, or supporting documentation by United States Mail.
Please do not send Proposed Orders, Motions, or supporting documentation by United States Mail.
Page 1 | Attorneys: Proposed Orders and Judgments
The Levy County Clerk does not accept proposed orders or final judgments through e-filing.
Proposed Orders and Final Judgments are NOT accepted via e-filing by the Levy County Clerk of Court.
Page 1 | Attorneys: Proposed Orders and Judgments
Paper filings submitted by attorneys will be refused without processing.
All paper filings by attorneys will be refused without processing.
Page 1 | Attorneys: Proposed Orders and Judgments
Motions should continue to be e-filed with the Clerk’s Office.
Motions should continue to be e-filed with the Clerk’s Office.
Page 1 | Submissions of Orders and Judgments
Do not file proposed orders with the Clerk or through the e-portal.
Proposed orders should NOT be filed with the Clerk of Court or filed through the e-portal.
Page 1 | Submissions of Orders and Judgments
Unrepresented parties who have not consented to e-service or cannot electronically serve orders may submit proposed orders and final judgments by mail or hand delivery to the stated courthouse address.
Parties not represented by counsel and who have not consented to e-service or do not have the ability to electronically serve orders, may provide proposed orders and final judgments in paper format either by mail or hand-delivery to the Levy County Courthouse, Attn: Judge DeThomasis, 355 South Court Street, Bronson, FL 32621.
Page 1 | Unrepresented Parties/Pro-Se Parties: Proposed Orders and Judgments
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Submit the paper evidence packet by the deadline set in the specific order, typically five business days before the hearing.
In addition, a PAPER COPY of all pre-marked evidence, from each side, shall be received by the Court no later than the deadline contained in your specific order, typically 5 business days prior to the hearing date.
Page 1 | Hearings — Presentation of Evidence
Submit documentation for the Court’s consideration at least five business days before the hearing.
Any documentation (i.e. case law, memorandum, etc.) you would like the Court to consider for your hearing must be submitted in paper copy at least 5 business days prior to the hearing with copy to the opposing counsel or pro se’ party.
Page 2 | Documents for Hearings
Submit proposed orders within 30 days after a hearing unless the Court instructs otherwise at the hearing.
Proposed orders must be submitted within 30 days after any hearing, unless instructed otherwise by the Court at the hearing.
Page 1 | Deadline for Submissions
Request Zoom appearance at a case management conference only after timely e-filing the written compliance statement required by the Case Management Order.
Requests to appear by Zoom at case management conferences should only be made after the written compliance statement has been timely e-filed as required by the Case Management Order.
Page 1 | Case Management Conference
The Court must receive a paper copy of each side’s pre-marked evidence by the deadline in the specific order, typically five business days before the hearing.
In addition, a PAPER COPY of all pre-marked evidence, from each side, shall be received by the Court no later than the deadline contained in your specific order, typically 5 business days prior to the hearing date.
Page 1 | Presentation of Evidence
Submit the proposed order only after e-filing the motion and any supporting documentation through the e-portal.
This should be done ONLY after you have e-filed the motion and supporting documentation (if any), through the e-portal.
Page 1 | Attorneys: Proposed Orders and Judgments
Provide the Zoom hearing participant list at least three business days before the hearing.
Each party will need to provide the court with a list of all parties, witnesses, etc. who the party expects to participate in the Zoom hearing, no less than three (3) business days prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | Appearance of Witnesses and Parties
The Court will not enter an order until the motion has been docketed and imaged by the Clerk.
Orders will not be entered until the motion has been docketed and imaged by the Clerk.
Page 1 | Unrepresented Parties/Pro-Se Parties: Proposed Orders and Judgments
The Court must receive a paper copy of each side’s pre-marked evidence by the deadline in the specific order, typically five business days before the hearing.
A PAPER COPY of all pre-marked evidence, from each side, shall be received by the Court no later than the deadline contained in your specific order, typically 5 business days prior to the hearing date.
Page 1 | Deadline for Submissions
Parties appearing by Zoom must join the meeting by the scheduled hearing time.
Parties appearing by Zoom must enter the meeting by the time of the scheduled hearing.
Page 1 | Status Conferences/Non-Evidentiary Hearings
Service and Proof of Service Rules
When a case includes pro se parties, serve them a copy of the pre-marked evidence by U.S. Mail no later than ten days before the hearing.
If there are any pro se parties involved in your case, a copy of the pre-marked evidence shall be served on them, via US Mail, no later than ten (10) days prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | Hearings — Presentation of Evidence
If you intend to present any evidence or documents to the court at your hearing, you must pre-mark all items for identification (ex. Plaintiff’s A,B,C, etc.) and serve a copy to all parties no less than three (3) business days prior to the hearing.
If you intend to present any evidence or documents to the court at your hearing, you must pre-mark all items for identification (ex. Plaintiff’s A,B,C, etc.) and serve a copy to all parties no less than three (3) business days prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | Hearings — Presentation of Evidence
Provide opposing counsel or the pro se party a copy of documentation submitted for the hearing.
Any documentation (i.e. case law, memorandum, etc.) you would like the Court to consider for your hearing must be submitted in paper copy at least 5 business days prior to the hearing with copy to the opposing counsel or pro se’ party.
Page 2 | Documents for Hearings
Serve an e-filed emergency motion on opposing counsel.
A copy of any “Emergency” motion e-filed with the Clerk of Court and served upon opposing counsel should be provided to the Judge’s office for review via email to StephensonT@circuit8.org.
Page 1 | Emergency Motions
Pre-mark hearing evidence for identification and serve copies on all parties at least three business days before the hearing.
If you intend to present any evidence or documents to the court at your hearing, you must pre-mark all items for identification (ex. Plaintiff’s A,B,C, etc.) and serve a copy to all parties no less than three (3) business days prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | Presentation of Evidence
Comments or requests must be filed in writing with the Clerk and served on all other parties.
If you have a comment or request to make, please file it in writing with the Clerk’s Office and serve a copy on all other parties.
Page 1 | Ex parte Communications
When a case includes a pro se party, serve that party pre-marked evidence by U.S. Mail at least ten days before the hearing.
If there are any pro se parties involved in your case, a copy of the pre-marked evidence shall be served on them, via US Mail, no later than ten (10) days prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | Presentation of Evidence
Unrepresented parties may elect to receive Court orders by email.
Parties not represented by counsel can elect to receive orders from the Court by electronic mail.
Page 1 | Unrepresented Parties/Pro-Se Parties: Proposed Orders and Judgments
Courtesy Copy Requirements
a courtesy copy emailed to Shea Hagan (HaganS@circuit8.org).
a courtesy copy emailed to Shea Hagan (HaganS@circuit8.org).
Page 1 | Emergencies/Delays
Mail or hand deliver binders of memoranda or case law submissions to the judge’s office at least five business days before the motion hearing; email is prohibited.
Any binders containing Memorandum of Law and/or Case Law Submissions must be mailed (however NOT via email) or hand delivered to the judge’s office at least five (5) business days before the hearing date on your motion.
Page 1 | Memorandum of Law/Case Law Submissions
After e-filing and serving an emergency motion, email a copy to the judge’s office for review.
A copy of any “Emergency” motion e-filed with the Clerk of Court and served upon opposing counsel should be provided to the Judge’s office for review via email to StephensonT@circuit8.org.
Page 1 | Emergency Motions
A courtesy copy of the Notice of Hearing should be emailed to the judicial assistant.
A courtesy copy of the Notice of Hearing should be emailed to the judicial assistant.
Page 1 | Scheduling/Hearing Requests
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
A witness’s driver’s license number may be redacted except for its last four digits, and the month and day of birth may be redacted while the year remains visible.
The driver’s license number (except the last 4 digits) may be redacted. The month and day of birth (but not the year) may also be redacted.
Page 1 | Appearance of Witnesses and Parties
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Before scheduling a discovery-motion hearing, moving counsel must confer with opposing counsel and contemporaneously file a certificate describing the good-faith effort and its unsuccessful result.
More specifically, prior to scheduling any hearings on discovery motions, including, but not limited to, motions to compel, motions for protective orders, motions for sanctions, motions for extensions of time, etc., counsel for the moving party shall confer with counsel for the opposing party and thereafter file with the Clerk of the Court, contemporaneously with the discovery motion, a statement certifying that counsel has personally conferred with opposing counsel in a good faith effort to resolve by agreement the issues raised, without court intervention, and that counsel have been unable to do so.
Page 1 | Discovery Motions
The office will not provide hearing dates for a motion lacking a certificate of good faith filed with or separately from the motion.
Our office is unable to provide you with any hearing dates on your Motion if your Motion does not contain (or you have not filed separately) a certificate of good faith as required by the rules.
Page 1 | Discovery Motions
Before the hearing, confer with all parties about stipulations to the admissibility of evidence.
Please confer with all parties prior to the hearing to determine whether there are any stipulations as to the admissibility of evidence.
Page 1 | Presentation of Evidence
Hearing dates for a discovery motion are available after counsel has conferred by telephone or in person and filed a certificate of good faith.
If you are unable to resolve this issue after you have personally conferred, by telephone or in person, with opposing counsel and have filed a certificate of good faith, then our office will be happy to provide you with hearing dates.
Page 1 | Discovery Motions
Chambers Communication Rules
Parties must confirm that the Court received any emergency motion.
Parties shall confirm the Court’s receipt of any “emergency” motions.
Page 1 | Emergency and Other Urgent Matters
Suggested hearing dates are not held, and a hearing is not scheduled until the office or judicial assistant confirms it.
Our office does not hold suggested dates for hearings and a hearing is not scheduled on the Court’s calendar unless you receive confirmation from our office/judicial assistant.
Page 1 | Scheduling/Hearing Requests
When filing an emergency motion and proposed order, email the judicial assistant immediately after filing the motion.
If you are filing an Emergency Motion and Proposed Order, please also send an email to the Judicial Assistant immediately upon filing the motion.
Page 1 | Emergency Orders
A party seeking Zoom appearance must confirm approval with the judicial assistant at least ten days before the hearing, notify all other parties, and offer to include them in a conference call to the Court.
Any party who wishes to appear via Zoom must confirm approval to do so with his judicial assistant at least 10 days prior to the hearing, and must notify all other parties and offer to include them in a conference call to the Court.
Page 1 | Status Conferences/Non-Evidentiary Hearings
Share Zoom hearing information only with anticipated third-party participants and do not publish it publicly.
The Zoom hearing information shall be provided only to third parties who are anticipated to participate in the hearing and shall NOT be publicly published.
Page 1 | Appearance of Witnesses and Parties
Communications to the judicial office must be sent by email to the stated address.
All communications to the judicial office must be submitted by e-mail to stephensont@circuit8.org.
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office
Do not call or email the Court expecting to speak with a judge about a case.
Please do not call or email the Court expecting to speak with a Judge about any case.
Page 1 | Ex parte Communications
Do not call the Court expecting to speak with a judge about a case.
Please do not call the Court expecting to speak with a Judge about any case.
Page 1 | Judge Craig C. DeThomasis
Do not deliver packages or mail to the Alachua County Family & Civil Justice Center.
Alachua County Family & Civil Justice Center (no deliveries)
Page 1 | Office
The Court considers only arguments made in court and documents filed by actual parties, not other opinions or arguments, and does not give legal advice.
Please keep in mind that the Court is only allowed to consider arguments made in court and documents filed by actual parties to the case. They cannot ethically read or consider any other opinions or arguments about the case, and they cannot give legal advice.
Page 1 | Judge Craig C. DeThomasis
All packages and mail should be delivered to the Levy County Courthouse.
All packages and mail should be delivered to the Levy County Courthouse.
Page 1 | Office
Mail comments to the Clerk’s Office in the appropriate county.
If you have a comment to make, please mail it to the Clerk’s Office in the appropriate county.
Page 1 | Judge Craig C. DeThomasis
In addition, attorneys should call Court Administration (352) 374-3648 to alert them to the filing of the emergency motion. Messages to Court Administration should only be left concerning emergency/time-sensitive motions.
In addition, attorneys should call Court Administration (352) 374-3648 to alert them to the filing of the emergency motion. Messages to Court Administration should only be left concerning emergency/time-sensitive motions.
Page 1 | Emergencies/Delays
Email the Zoom hearing participant list to the stated address.
This information shall be provided via email to StephensonT@circuit8.org.
Page 1 | Appearance of Witnesses and Parties
Emails coordinating hearings should be limited to the attorneys’ offices and should not include the judicial assistant.
Email communications to coordinate hearings should only be between the attorneys’ offices and should not include the judicial assistant.
Page 1 | Scheduling/Hearing Requests
If multiple parties will appear by Zoom, the first party to seek Zoom appearance must coordinate the conference call unless the parties agree otherwise.
If multiple parties will be appearing by Zoom, the party who first seeks Zoom appearance must coordinate the conference call unless otherwise agreed.
Page 1 | Status Conferences/Non-Evidentiary Hearings
Contact Court Interpreting at the stated email address if an interpreter is needed for a hearing or trial.
If an interpreter is needed for a hearing or trial, please contact Court Interpreting at interpreter@circuit8.org
Page 1 | Interpreter Requests
The Court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties.
Unsolicited communications from non-parties will not be considered by the court.
Page 1 | Unsolicited Communications
Contact the ADA Coordinator at the stated address and number at least seven days before the appearance, or immediately upon notice if fewer than seven days remain.
Please contact the ADA Coordinator, Alachua County Family and Civil Justice Center, 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601 (352-337-6237) at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving notification of a hearing if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days.
Page 1 | ADA Accommodations
Do not contact the Circuit Judge’s office about foreclosure matters.
Please do not contact the Circuit Judge’s office for any Foreclosure matter.
Page 1 | Levy County Foreclosure
The attorney or party requesting a third party’s attendance must provide that person the Zoom information and arrange their appearance.
The attorney or party requesting that third parties attend the hearing will be responsible for sharing the Zoom hearing information with that third party and for making arrangements for their appearance.
Page 1 | Appearance of Witnesses and Parties
Direct foreclosure inquiries to the Foreclosure case manager.
Please direct your inquiry to the Foreclosure case manager.
Page 1 | Levy County Foreclosure
When required by the case-specific order, email the judicial assistant a copy of each prospective testifying witness’s driver’s license and copy opposing counsel.
In some cases, you may need to email the judicial assistant (and cc the other side) with a copy of the driver’s license of each witness who you may call to testify.
Page 1 | Appearance of Witnesses and Parties
Once a date has been agreed upon, an email should be sent to the judicial assistant confirming the date is still available on the Court’s calendar.
Once a date has been agreed upon, an email should be sent to the judicial assistant confirming the date is still available on the Court’s calendar.
Page 1 | Scheduling/Hearing Requests
Do not contact the Circuit Judge’s office about guardianship matters assigned to the General Magistrate.
Please do not contact the Circuit Judge’s office for any Guardianship matters assigned to the General Magistrate.
Page 1 | Levy County Guardianship
Email the Foreclosure case manager at the stated address; email is the preferred contact method.
Email: foreclosures@circuit8.org (preferred)
Page 1 | Levy County Foreclosure
The Foreclosure case manager may be contacted by phone at the stated number.
Phone: 352-384-3093
Page 1 | Levy County Foreclosure
A judicial assistant may not provide legal advice.
A judicial assistant is not authorized to provide legal advice.
Page 1 | Response to Inquiries
Hearing dates and times may be requested from the judicial assistant by phone or email.
Hearing dates and times are provided by the JA, either by phone or by e-mail request.
Page 1 | Scheduling/Hearing Requests
Hearing- or voice-impaired individuals should call the Florida Relay Service at the stated number.
If you are hearing or voice-impaired, call 1-800-955-8770 via Florida Relay Service.
Page 1 | ADA Accommodations