Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Case Law
- At Least 3 Business Days Before Hearing
Demand for Speedy Trial
- Email • Immediately Upon Filing
Document
Exhibits
- At Least 3 Business Days Before Hearing
Adjournments
- A continuance requires good cause; file the motion at least five days before the court date and have the requesting party sign it unless good cause excuses the signature.
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Phone
Clerk
Phone
Clerk
Phone
Clerk
Phone
Chambers
Document Format Requirements14 rules
you must file your objections in writing
NOTE: YOU MUST ANSWER EVERY QUESTION, EITHER BY TYPING OR PRINTING NEATLY IN INK.
For non-jury trials and evidentiary hearings in civil cases, please bring the original exhibits to court with you.
The proposed order must have substantive language of the ruling on same page as judge’s signature line. Orders that contain only the judge’s signature on the last page should be reformatted prior to submission to the judge.
Video exhibits must be placed on a flash drive and delivered to the judge’s office.
Appearance in person at the Pretrial Conference, by trial counsel and all pro se parties, is mandatory.
All proposed orders must be submitted in Word formatand provided to opposing counsel and any pro se litigant.
- File type
- Word
all notices for court proceedings include the following notice (as amended by Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.540) in either Times New Roman or Courier 14 point bold font.
- Font size
- 14 points
All trials, including foreclosure trials and cases in which a default has been entered against a party, will be conducted in person.
All parties and all counsel shall be present in person for all trials, including non-jury trials in foreclosure cases. Remote appearances at a trial will not be permitted for parties or attorneys.
The attached forms may only be completed in their blanks; substantive changes are prohibited, but minor spacing and formatting changes are allowed.
Court's wording
To ensure prompt and efficient management of these cases, no substantive changes shall be made to the attached forms. Other than filling in the blanks, the forms may not be otherwise changed, altered, or modified. However, minor alterations as to spacing and formatting are excluded from this direction.
Name proposed order files using the case number, name, and title of the order.
Court's wording
When saving and naming orders in Word format, please name orders as follows:Case Number, Name, and Title of Order.Examples:22DR1234 Doe - Final Judgment; 22CA2345 Smith - Order Denying SJ; 25CF3456 Jones – Order on Continuance.
Exhibits must be labeled in the following format: “Petitioner/Plaintiff 1” or “Respondent/Defendant A.”
Do not leave a blank for the judge to fill in the order’s signature date.
Court's wording
Do not include blanks for the judge to fill in the date the order is signed. Orders are signed electronically; the date and time the order was signed will appear immediately below the judge’s signature.
Document Filing Requirements35 rules
If the case meets procedural criteria for an uncontested dissolution of marriage as determined by the Family Law Case Manager, the Special Affidavit for Uncontested Dissolution of Marriage with No Hearing and Notice of Filing Special Affidavit for Uncontested Dissolution of Marriage shall be provided to the petitioner and/or counter-petitioner for filing.
In qualifying represented cases, the Special Affidavit and Notice must be filed, and the proposed Final Judgment and Attorney Checklist must be submitted to the assigned judge.
Court's wording
If the case meets procedural criteria for an uncontested dissolution of marriage, the Special Affidavit for Uncontested Dissolution of Marriage with No Hearing and Notice of Filing Special Affidavit for Uncontested Dissolution of Marriage shall be filed and a proposed Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage along with the Attorney Checklist for Uncontested Dissolution of Marriage Without Hearing (Check List) attached hereto as Exhibit “C” shall be submitted to the assigned Circuit Judge according to the Notice and other provisions below.
Before submitting any Final Judgment, the attached Check List must identify every filed document by its Document Identification Number.
Court's wording
Prior to submission for entry of any Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, all documents filed must be reflected on the attached Check List by a Document Identification Number (DIN) to ensure that all documents are available on the Clerk’s progress docket.
The moving party must file the attached Check List with the Court before seeking a Final Judgment without a hearing.
Court's wording
To ensure that the Court is presented with a case procedurally postured for the entry of a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage without a hearing, the moving party shall file the Check List, attached hereto as Exhibit “C” with the Court.
A photocopy of a party’s Florida Driver’s license or in the alternative an Affidavit of Corroboration Witness has been filed.
I, the undersigned, declare under oath and penalty of perjury that I have read this document and the facts stated in it are true.
The undersigned certifies that all documents required for entry of a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage without hearing have been filed with the Clerk of Court.
This form must be completed and accompany the proposed Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage which may be submitted to Court electronically after 20 days from that date petition filed.
The undersigned certifies that he/she has reviewed this case, all entries on the above checklist are correct, and this case is procedurally proper for the entry of a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage without the necessity of a hearing.
Below the signature line, include “Copies provided to:” and list recipients’ names and email or mailing addresses as applicable; generic recipient descriptions are insufficient.
Court's wording
Below the judge’s signature line, please include the words “Copies provided to:” and list the names and email addresses of all persons who are to receive a copy of the order through the E-Filing Portal. Please also list the names and mailing addresses of all persons who have been excused from email service or are otherwise required to be provided a copy by regular mail. Merely stating “all parties registered in the e-portal” or “all counsel of record” is not sufficient.
A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must include Judge Clark’s Zoom information (See Section C below).
- Document
- Notice of hearing
Must include
- •Include Judge Clark’s Zoom information
If a party wishes to present testimony through Zoom, the party must file a written motion setting forth good cause and specifically stating whether the opposing party objects.
All attorneys and pro se litigants must bring sufficient copies of each exhibit for the clerk, the court, and each party to review during the hearing or trial.
An emergency-hearing request must be made by a sworn, detailed motion stating the emergency facts, issues, need for emergency hearing, and presentation time for each party.
Court's wording
If a party believes there is a factual basis for setting an emergency hearing, a sworn, detailed motion setting forth the following must be filed: (1) the facts constituting an emergency, (2) the issues to be resolved, (3) reasons why an emergency hearing is necessary, and (4) the amount of time needed for each party’s presentation.
All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.
To request that a case be set for trial, please file a notice for trial and send a courtesy copy to the Judicial Assistant by email (Amanda.Bailey@flcourts1.gov).
A notice of hearing must state the hearing details and duration, identify all matters and relevant filing dates, include specified service information, and include the Okaloosa County ADA notice.
- Document
- Notice of hearing
Must include
- •Certificate of service
Court's wording
The Notice of Hearing shall include: The date, time (Central Time), and location of the hearing. The total amount of time that has been scheduled for the hearing. The full title of the pleading or motion being heard and the filing date. Please list all pleadings/motions being heard, including those filed by the opposing party. If a response to the motion has been filed, include the title of the response and the filing date. A Certificate of Service listing the name and email address of all opposing counsel and pro se parties (not “all parties registered in the e-portal”). If a pro se party has not designated an email address for service of documents, the method of service upon that party and the address(es) must be listed. The required ADA notice for Okaloosa County must be included. The ADA notice is provided at the bottom of this page.
The Florida Rules of Civil Procedure require a final disposition form shall be filed with the Clerk by the prevailing party at the time of the filing of the order or judgment which disposes of the action.
All notices for court proceedings must include the prescribed ADA notice at the end, in 14-point bold Times New Roman or Courier.
Court's wording
all notices for court proceedings include the following notice (as amended by Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.540) in either Times New Roman or Courier 14 point bold font.Please include this ADA notice at the end of all notices of court appearances (e.g., Notice of Hearing):
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an e-mail address to receive signed orders electronically, unless excused. Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.516.
All orders disposing of matters that reopened an action must contain the following, or substantially similar, language: "This disposes of all pending matters.The Clerk is directed to close the action."
A final disposition form must be provided with the proposed order adopting the settlement.
The attorney shall prepare and file a Certificate of Compliance within five business days as proof of the attorney’s service upon the pro se litigant(s).
If a civil or family law action is settled prior to trial or dismissed by the parties, the plaintiff or petitioner shall immediately file a final disposition form with the clerk.
The Family Law Case Manager shall prepare a proposed Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage along with pertinent summary/listing of the documents to submit to the assigned Circuit Judge according to the Notice provision below.
The proposed order should then be provided to the judge with a cover letter or email indicating whether or not opposing counsel has approved the form of the order. Opposing counsel must be copied on the cover letter or email.
These matters can be expedited if the moving party states within the motion itself that he/she has conferred with opposing counsel/party who has no objection, or if opposing counsel/party indicates his or her approval by initialing the proposed order.
Please state “Speedy Trial Demand” in the subject line of the email.
A pro se party may designate an email for service using the Clerk’s form or a signed, legible written filing stating the email address and designation.
Court's wording
A form that a pro se party may use to designate an email address is available from the Clerk of Court. No specific form is required, however, and a pro se party may file a written, signed document with the Clerk that clearly and legibly lists the party’s email address and states that the party wishes to designate the email address for service of court documents.
Give each proposed order a self-explanatory title; do not title it simply “Order.”
Court's wording
The title of all proposed orders must be self-explanatory (e.g., Order Granting Plaintiff’s Motion to Compel; Order Granting Plaintiff’s Motion for Leave to Amend).No proposed order should simply be titled “Order.”
In the event there is a disagreement as to the form or content of a proposed order, unless directed otherwise by the judge, no later than 5 days after the proposed order is submitted to the judge, the objecting attorney or pro se litigant should submit a redline version of the proposed order or otherwise clearly identify the objection(s) and proposed change(s) to the proposed order, rather than a completing proposed order.
Please email a courtesy copy of any documents filed less than two (2) business days prior to the hearing to the Judicial Assistant and state the hearing date and time in the email.
The Court may reject proposed orders disposing of matters that re-opened an action when the proposed order does not contain language closing the action.
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.
Parties may submit the necessary testimony in place of live testimony by filing the specified Notice and Special Affidavit.
Court's wording
In lieu of presenting live testimony, the necessary testimony for an uncontested dissolution of marriage with or without children may be submitted by filing the Notice of Filing Special Affidavit for Uncontested Dissolution Marriage attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and the Special Affidavit for Uncontested Dissolution Marriage with No Hearing attached hereto as Exhibit “B” as follows:
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
When either or both parties are represented, the attorney must e-file any objection.
If one or both parties are represented by an attorney, the attorney shall e-file any objection
Page 4 | EXHIBIT “A”
Objections may be filed with either listed Clerk of Court location by USPS, hand delivery, or e-filing.
If you disagree with the facts alleged in the attached Special affidavit and/or you desire a hearing before the Court, you must file your objections in writing and file them with the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court, Okaloosa County Courthouse Annex Extension, 1940 Lewis Turner Blvd., Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32547 or the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court, Okaloosa County Courthouse, 101 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview, FL 32536 by regular via USPS, by hand delivery, or by e-filing.
Page 4 | EXHIBIT “A”
The proposed Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage may be submitted electronically after 20 days from the petition filing date.
This form must be completed and accompany the proposed Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage which may be submitted to Court electronically after 20 days from that date petition filed.
Page 11 | ATTORNEY CHECKLIST FOR UNCONTESTED DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE WITHOUT HEARING
Submit proposed orders to the judge through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
All proposed orders must be submitted to the judge through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
Page 1 | Submission of Orders and Judgments
Do not file proposed exhibits in the court file.
Do not file proposed exhibits in the court file.
Page 1 | Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
A Final Judgment may not be submitted until ten days after service of the Notice, unless the respondent has filed an answer waiving further notice.
There shall be a ten (10) day waiting period from the date of service of the Notice of Filing Special Affidavit for Uncontested Dissolution of Marriage before a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage may be submitted to the Court to allow the respondent the opportunity to raise an objection to the entry of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. If an answer waiving further notice of the proceeding has been filed by the respondent, then no ten (10) day waiting period is required.
Page 2 | NOTICE
Objections must be filed within ten days of the notice date.
OBJECTIONS MUST BE FILED WITHIN TEN (10) DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE.
Page 4 | EXHIBIT “A”
The proposed Final Judgment may be submitted after 20 days from the petition filing date.
This form must be completed and accompany the proposed Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage which may be submitted to Court electronically after 20 days from that date petition filed.
Page 11 | ATTORNEY CHECKLIST FOR UNCONTESTED DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE WITHOUT HEARING
Immediately after reserving hearing time, file and serve the notice of hearing and send a courtesy copy to the Judicial Assistant.
A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time. Please send a courtesy copy to the Judicial Assistant.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
In the event there is a disagreement as to the form or content of a proposed order, unless directed otherwise by the judge, no later than 5 days after the proposed order is submitted to the judge, the objecting attorney or pro se litigant should submit a redline version of the proposed order or otherwise clearly identify the objection(s) and proposed change(s) to the proposed order, rather than a completing proposed order.Failure to timely submit a redline version or other form of clearly identified written objection to the proposed order may result in the objection being deemed waived.
In the event there is a disagreement as to the form or content of a proposed order, unless directed otherwise by the judge, no later than 5 days after the proposed order is submitted to the judge, the objecting attorney or pro se litigant should submit a redline version of the proposed order or otherwise clearly identify the objection(s) and proposed change(s) to the proposed order, rather than a completing proposed order.Failure to timely submit a redline version or other form of clearly identified written objection to the proposed order may result in the objection being deemed waived.
Page 1 | Submission of Orders and Judgments
Hearing materials must be received at least three business days before the hearing unless the judge directs otherwise.
All materials for the hearing must be received no later than three (3) business days before the hearing, unless otherwise directed by the judge.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
Submit proposed orders within ten days after a hearing unless the judge directs otherwise.
Proposed orders must be submitted to the judge within 10 days after any hearing, unless otherwise directed by the judge.
Page 1 | Submission of Orders and Judgments
Please ensure that any items being mailed will arrive at least 3 business days prior to the hearing.
Please ensure that any items being mailed will arrive at least 3 business days prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Service and Proof of Service Rules
If the stated notice condition applies, the respondent must be served by mail, email, or hand delivery with copies of the Special Affidavit and Notice.
If the respondent has not filed an answer that waives further notice of the proceeding or a default has been entered, the respondent shall be served by mail, e-mail, or hand delivery with a copy of the Special Affidavit for Uncontested Dissolution of Marriage with No Hearing and Notice of Filing Special Affidavit for Uncontested Dissolution of Marriage.
Page 2 | NOTICE
When both parties are acting pro se, objections must be filed with the Clerk and copied to the other party.
If both parties are unrepresented by counsel and acting pro se, any objections must be filed with the Clerk of Court with a copy provided to the other party.
Page 4 | EXHIBIT “A”
The attorney must provide the other party a copy of any e-filed objection.
If one or both parties are represented by an attorney, the attorney shall e-file any objection and provide a copy to the other party.
Page 4 | EXHIBIT “A”
An unrepresented party must submit the objection to the Clerk and provide a copy to the attorney named in the notice.
If you are not represented by an attorney, you must submit your objection to the Clerk of Court and provide a copy of your objection to the attorney whose name appears below.
Page 4 | EXHIBIT “A”
Immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any pro se litigant when canceling a hearing.
You must cancel hearings by notifying the Judicial Assistant immediately. You must also immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any pro se litigant.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
Pro se parties must designate a primary email address for service unless excused or exempt under Rule 2.516(b)(1)(D).
Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.516 now requires all pro se parties to designate a primary email address for service of documents by email, unless the pro se party is excused or exempt from email service pursuant to Rule 2.516(b)(1)(D).
Page 1 | Service on Pro Se Parties by Email
When both parties are pro se, the Clerk must serve the orders and file a Certificate of Compliance within five business days as proof of service.
In cases wherein both parties are pro se, the Clerk shall have the responsibility to serve copies of any orders on the pro se litigant(s), and shall file a Certificate of Compliance as proof of service within five business days.
Page 1 | Submission of Orders and Judgments
In a case with one pro se party, the attorney must serve portal orders on that party and file a Certificate of Compliance within five business days as proof.
Below the service list, please include the following: PURSUANT TO ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTIVE OCAD 2016-04: In cases with one pro se party, the attorney in the case shall have the responsibility to serve the pro se plaintiff/petitioner or pro se defendant/respondent copies of any orders received from the courts via the Florida Courts e-Filing Portal.The attorney shall prepare and file a Certificate of Compliance within five business days as proof of the attorney’s service upon the pro se litigant(s).
Page 1 | Submission of Orders and Judgments
The Clerk must serve orders on attorneys excused from electronic transmission and file a Certificate of Compliance within five business days as proof.
The Clerk shall have the responsibility to serve copies of any orders on those attorneys excused from electronic transmission pursuant to Rule 2.516, Florida Rules of Judicial Administration and shall file a Certificate of Compliance as proof of service within five business days.
Page 1 | Submission of Orders and Judgments
Provide each proposed order to opposing counsel and any pro se litigant.
All proposed orders must be submitted in Word formatand provided to opposing counsel and any pro se litigant.
Page 1 | Submission of Orders and Judgments
A written motion communicating with Judge Clark must be filed in the court file and served on all parties.
Written motions filed in the court file (with a copy served on all parties); and
Page 1 | Information for Pro Se Litigants
If courtesy copies contain material not previously filed with the Clerk, provide that material to all other attorneys and pro se parties at the same time.
If the courtesy copies contain anything that has not previously been filed with the Clerk, you must provide them to all other attorneys and pro se parties at the same time.
Page 1 | Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
If a pro se party has not designated an email address in writing, serve motions, notices, and other documents under Rule 2.516(b)(2).
If a pro se party has not filed a written designation of an email address for service of documents, service of all motions, notices, or other documents must be made in accordance Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.516(b)(2).
Page 1 | Service on Pro Se Parties by Email
When preparing a proposed order after a hearing, an advance copy should be provided to opposing counsel to determine whether there is an objection as to form or content prior to submitting the proposed order to the judge.The proposed order should then be provided to the judge with a cover letter or email indicating whether or not opposing counsel has approved the form of the order. Opposing counsel must be copied on the cover letter or email.
When preparing a proposed order after a hearing, an advance copy should be provided to opposing counsel to determine whether there is an objection as to form or content prior to submitting the proposed order to the judge.The proposed order should then be provided to the judge with a cover letter or email indicating whether or not opposing counsel has approved the form of the order. Opposing counsel must be copied on the cover letter or email.
Page 1 | Submission of Orders and Judgments
The certificate form lists regular U.S. mail, e-mail, and hand delivery as methods for furnishing a copy to the respondent or the respondent’s attorney.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a copy of the foregoing has been furnished by: ( ) regular U.S. mail ( ) e-mail ( ) hand delivery on {date}__________________, 20____ to the following: Respondent Name: _______________________________________________ Respondent Attorney Name (if applicable): ___________________________________
Page 5 | CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
Courtesy Copy Requirements
For remote hearings, mail or hand-deliver original exhibits to the judge’s office at least three business days before the hearing.
For hearings conducted remotely (Zoom), original exhibits must be mailed or hand-delivered to the judge’s office no later than three (3) business days prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Email the Judicial Assistant a courtesy copy of any document filed less than two business days before a hearing and include the hearing date and time in the email.
Please email a courtesy copy of any documents filed less than two (2) business days prior to the hearing to the Judicial Assistant and state the hearing date and time in the email.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
Immediately upon filing a Demand for Speedy Trial, email a courtesy copy to the Judicial Assistant with “Speedy Trial Demand” in the subject line.
A courtesy copy of any Demand for Speedy Trial must be provided to the Judicial Assistant via email (Amanda.Bailey@flcourts1.gov) immediately upon filing. Please state “Speedy Trial Demand” in the subject line of the email.
Page 1 | Setting Case for Trial
If you wish to provide Judge Clark with a courtesy copy of Motions, Memoranda, Trial/Hearing Notebooks, case law, or other hearing materials, please do so at least three (3) business days before the hearing or trial.
If you wish to provide Judge Clark with a courtesy copy of Motions, Memoranda, Trial/Hearing Notebooks, case law, or other hearing materials, please do so at least three (3) business days before the hearing or trial.
Page 1 | Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Email the Judicial Assistant a courtesy copy of the notice for trial.
To request that a case be set for trial, please file a notice for trial and send a courtesy copy to the Judicial Assistant by email (Amanda.Bailey@flcourts1.gov).
Page 1 | Setting Case for Trial
Send the Judicial Assistant a courtesy copy of the notice of hearing after reserving hearing time.
A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time. Please send a courtesy copy to the Judicial Assistant.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
If the transcript exceeds 20 pages, a hard (paper) copy should be provided at least three (3) business days prior to the hearing.
If the transcript exceeds 20 pages, a hard (paper) copy should be provided at least three (3) business days prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Courtesy copies that exceed a total of 20 pages should be mailed or hand-delivered to the judge’s office.Judge Clark and her Judicial Assistant, Ms. Bailey, cannot receive documents through “drop box” or other online links.
Courtesy copies that exceed a total of 20 pages should be mailed or hand-delivered to the judge’s office.Judge Clark and her Judicial Assistant, Ms. Bailey, cannot receive documents through “drop box” or other online links.
Page 1 | Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Copies of case law intended for argument are appreciated but not required; if provided, submit them at least three business days before the hearing if possible.
Electronic or hard copies of the cases cited in your motion, response, memorandum of law, etc., upon which you intend to argue at the hearing are appreciated, but not required.If you will be providing copies of case law, please do so at least three (3) business days prior to the hearing, if possible.
Page 1 | Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Courtesy copies of filed documents are not required unless the document does not appear on the Clerk’s online docket.
When Required: Courtesy copies of pleadings, motions, responses, and other documents that have been filed with the Clerk are not required unless the document does not appear on the Clerk’s online docket.
Page 1 | Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Paper courtesy copies are appreciated when the courtesy-copy materials exceed twenty pages total.
Paper copies are appreciated for courtesy copies exceeding a total of 20 pages.
Page 1 | Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Courtesy copies that do not exceed a total of 20 pages may be emailed to the Judicial Assistant at Amanda.Bailey@flcourts1.gov, mailed to the judge’s office, or hand-delivered.
Courtesy copies that do not exceed a total of 20 pages may be emailed to the Judicial Assistant at Amanda.Bailey@flcourts1.gov, mailed to the judge’s office, or hand-delivered.
Page 1 | Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
The moving party must schedule a hearing; the motion must first be filed with the Clerk, and filing alone does not calendar it before the judge.
Merely filing a motion or petition with the Clerk does not bring the matter before the judge.It is the moving party’s responsibility to schedule the motion for a hearing with the judge’s office.Prior to contacting the judge’s office to schedule a hearing, the motion must be filed with the Clerk.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
Attorneys and pro se litigants must attend a case management conference unless excused by the Court in advance.
Unless excused by the Court in advance, attendance at a CMC is mandatory for attorneys and pro se litigants.
Page 1 | Pretrial Procedures and Conferences
When a party is represented, only the attorney is required to appear at a case management conference.
If a party is represented by an attorney, only the attorney is required to appear at a CMC.
Page 1 | Pretrial Procedures and Conferences
A party may request a case management conference when the case requires one.
Any party may request a case management conference (CMC) when a case requires.
Page 1 | Pretrial Procedures and Conferences
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Only the scheduling party may cancel a hearing; a court-ordered hearing requires Judge Clark’s authorization unless the entire action is settled and a Notice of Settlement is filed and emailed to the Judicial Assistant.
Only the party who scheduled the hearing has the authority to cancel the hearing.If the hearing was scheduled by court order, the hearing will not be cancelled or rescheduled without authorization by Judge Clark unless the parties have reached a settlement of the entire action and have filed a Notice of Settlement (with a copy emailed to the Judicial Assistant).
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
A continuance requires good cause; file the motion at least five days before the court date and have the requesting party sign it unless good cause excuses the signature.
Continuances are disfavored and will be granted only upon good cause shown. A motion for continuance must be filed at least five days prior to the scheduled court date. Except for good cause shown, the motion must be signed by the party requesting the continuance, as required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.545(e).
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
Chambers Communication Rules
After filing an objection with the Clerk, the party must immediately call the Family Law Case Manager.
Upon filing the objection with the Clerk of Court you must immediately contact the Family Law Case Manager at (850) 651-7700.
Page 4 | EXHIBIT “A”
Communications with Judge Clark about assigned cases may occur only through written motions filed and served on all parties or through court hearings.
Communication with Judge Clark regarding cases assigned to her can only take two forms: Written motions filed in the court file (with a copy served on all parties); and Court hearings (including final hearings and trials).
Page 1 | Information for Pro Se Litigants
Communications concerning pending or impending proceedings must comply with Canon 3, which bars ex parte and other outside-the-parties communications unless law authorizes them.
All communications with the judicial office must comply with Canon 3 of the Code of Judicial Conduct, which prohibits a judge from initiating, permitting, or considering ex parte communications and from considering other communications outside the presence of the parties concerning a pending or impending proceeding, unless authorized by law.
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office
Communications to the judicial office must be emailed to the stated address with the case number, case name, and relevant matter in the subject line.
All communications to the judicial office must be submitted by e-mail to Amanda.Bailey@flcourts1.gov. The subject line must contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter (e.g. ,2024 DR 001234 – Doe v. Doe - 2-Hour Hearing Requested.)
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office
Ms. Bailey may not discuss the issues in a pending case with anyone.
Ms. Bailey is not permitted to engage in discussions regarding the issues in any pending case with anyone for any purpose.
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office
If the court finds an emergency, it will schedule the hearing unilaterally, and all parties must be available absent exigent circumstances.
If the court determines that an emergency exists, a hearing will be scheduled unilaterally by the court. All parties shall make themselves available for the emergency hearing, barring exigent circumstances.
Page 1 | Emergency and Other Urgent Matters
Copy all parties on emails to the judicial office unless law authorizes an ex parte communication.
All parties must be copied on any e-mail directed to the judicial office, unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office
Represented parties must file court documents through counsel and communicate with the judge’s office through counsel or counsel’s staff.
If a party is represented by an attorney, all court documents must be filed by the party’s attorney.Likewise, all communication with the judge’s office must be through the party’s attorney or the attorney’s staff.
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office
When a case settles, each party’s attorney must immediately notify the Court by email and phone and identify any scheduled hearing dates and times.
In the event the case settles, the attorney for each party shall notify the Court immediately by email to Amanda.Bailey@flcourts1.gov and by phone at (850) 609-5415. Please include the date and time of any scheduled hearings.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
Immediately notify the Judicial Assistant of a hearing cancellation and file and serve a cancellation notice on opposing counsel and any pro se litigant.
You must cancel hearings by notifying the Judicial Assistant immediately. You must also immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any pro se litigant.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
Do not seek to discuss a pending case with Judge Clark outside a hearing or send a case-related message through Ms. Bailey.
Judge Clark will not discuss pending cases with any party outside of a hearing. Ms. Bailey cannot give a message pertaining to a pending case from a litigant or other person to Judge Clark.
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office
A party in a case where each party is self-represented must advise the Family Law Case Manager when the filing is made.
The party shall advise the Family Law Case Manager of the filing.
Page 2 | CASES WHERE EACH PARTY IS PRO SE
If no hearing date is available on OnceHub, the scheduling party should email the Judicial Assistant and copy opposing counsel and any pro se litigants.
If parties are unable to identify a hearing date and time on OnceHub, the scheduling party should e-mail the Judicial Assistant, copying opposing counsel and any pro se litigants, to coordinate the scheduling of the hearing.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
Before calling the Judicial Assistant to schedule, attorneys should conference call with opposing counsel and call from the same line.
Before calling the Judicial Assistant, please conference call with the opposing attorney so that both attorneys are calling in on the same line.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
Request an interpreter from the Court Interpreter at least three business days before the hearing or trial by phone or email.
If an interpreter is needed for a hearing or trial, please contactLorena Cardenas, Court Interpreter, at (850) 226-8926 or Lorena.Cardenas@flcourts1.gov at least three (3) business days prior to the hearing or trial.
Page 1 | Interpreter Requests
The moving party must schedule a case management or status conference using the stated scheduling procedures.
The moving party must schedule the CMC or status conference pursuant to the procedures noted under the above Scheduling Procedures.
Page 1 | Pretrial Procedures and Conferences
Schedule hearings requiring more than one hour with the Judicial Assistant.
Any hearing requiring more than 1 hour is scheduled with the Judicial Assistant.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
The court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties, and parties must follow the stated communication procedures.
Unsolicited communications from non-parties will not be considered by the court. Parties may only contact the judicial office in accordance with these practices and procedures.
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office
Schedule criminal hearings over three hours with the Judicial Assistant and all other criminal hearings with the Clerk of Court.
Criminal hearings requiring more than 3 hours are scheduled by contacting the Judicial Assistant. All other criminal hearings are scheduled with the Clerk of Court.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
Contact the ADA liaison at least seven days before the appearance, or immediately upon receiving the notice if fewer than seven days remain; hearing- or voice-impaired persons should call 711.
at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.
Page 1 | ADA Notice
Schedule civil hearings of one hour or less through the court’s OnceHub platform.
Civil Hearings requiring 1 hour or less must be scheduled using the court’s online scheduling platform, OnceHub: https://go.oncehub.com/Judgeclark.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
After a motion is filed or a matter is ready to be set, counsel or a litigant may contact Ms. Bailey about scheduling and potential hearing dates.
Once a motion is filed or the matter is ready to be set for a hearing or trial, the lawyer or litigant may contact Ms. Bailey to schedule a hearing.Ms. Bailey may communicate regarding potential dates and times for hearings.
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office
Have the case number, pleading names, and requested hearing time ready when calling to schedule.
Have ready the case number, name of the pleading(s), and the amount of time requested.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
In a family-law case where both parties are pro se, contact the Family Law Case Manager about case status or scheduling a hearing.
In a family law case, if both parties are pro se, please contact the Family Law Case Manager at (850) 609-5495 regarding the status of your case and scheduling a hearing.
Page 1 | Information for Pro Se Litigants