Communication
Chambers
Document Format Requirements16 rules
All proposed orders must include a cover letter in .pdf format.
- File type
- Cover letter
Proposed orders must be in Word format and have hidden formatting and codes removed; failure to remove them may result in rejection.
Court's wording
All proposed orders must be submitted in Word format. Counsel and parties preparing orders are directed to remove any hidden formatting or codes. Failure to remove hidden formatting may result in the order being rejected.
Proposed orders must use DJCMA format but omit the service portion for the judicial assistant to sign and certify.
Court's wording
All proposed orders must be in DJCMA format (see #6 & 7 below), but counsel/parties are directed to omit the service portion for the judicial assistant to sign and certify service of the order (the M and A portions of the DJCMA format).
Any proposed order not complying with the above instructions will not be entered.
All proposed orders must be in DJCMA format (see #6 & 7 below)
- Proposed order
Formatting
- •DJCMA format
Any proposed order not complying with the above instructions will not be entered.
All proposed orders must include a cover letter in .pdf format.
- File type
- Cover letter
All proposed orders must be submitted in Word format.
DO NOT upload documents as a zip file/folder as the Court will be unable to access them
d. If documents being submitted include exhibits for an evidentiary hearing, please premark the exhibits and identify the party intending to introduce the exhibit.
c. Please label the documents submitted to the drop box so that they can be easily identified
Any case law or other items being submitted should be uploaded as separate .pdf documents.
- File type
Formatting
- •Upload case law and other submitted items as separate documents
If documents being submitted include exhibits for an evidentiary hearing, please premark the exhibits and identify the party intending to introduce the exhibit.
Please label the documents submitted to the drop box so that they can be easily identified.
Counsel should agree on the method for identifying exhibits.
Court's wording
Counsel should agree on the method being used to identify the exhibits (such as one side using numbers and the opposing side using letters or using party ID before the number/letter.
Counsel should agree on the method being used to identify the exhibits (such as one side using numbers and the opposing side using letter or using party ID before the number/letter).
Document Filing Requirements19 rules
For notices, list the location as Judge Jarred Patterson’s Chambers rather than a room number and include Zoom instructions when applicable.
Court's wording
Address: Bay County: 300 E. 4th Street, Panama City, Florida 32401; Gulf County 1000 Cecil G Costin Sr. Blvd, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456. There are no room numbers – just list as Judge Jarred Patterson’s Chambers. Include Zoom instructions (if applicable) in any notices.
Once the final hearing date is confirmed, the counsel/party requesting the final hearing will prepare a proposed order setting final hearing, which will contain proposed disclosure and other deadlines. Obtain opposing counsel’s consent to the form of the order and deadlines included therein.
Include Zoom instructions, if applicable, in any notices for hearing.
- Document
- Hearing notice
Include
- •Include Zoom instructions, if applicable
All proposed orders must include a cover letter in .pdf format. The cover letter should indicate whether the proposed order is agreed to by opposing counsel/party or not.
If a case includes a pro se party not registered for e-portal filings, the proposed order must include the specified service statement as its final paragraph before “DONE AND ORDERED.”
Court's wording
If the case involves a pro-se party who is not registered to receive filings from the e-portal, the proposed order shall include as the last paragraph (before DONE AND ORDERED) the following statement: Counsel who submitted this proposed order to the Court for approval shall serve a copy of this Order on any party not registered to receive service via the Court’s e- portal.
The service portion designated for the judicial assistant must be omitted from proposed orders.
Court's wording
All proposed orders must be in DJCMA format (see #6 & 7 below), but counsel/parties are directed to omit the service portion for the judicial assistant to sign and certify service of the order (the M and A portions of the DJCMA format).
If the parties resolve the issue prior to the Court-Scheduled hearing, they shall submit an agreed upon proposed order more than one (1) business day prior to hearing date to avoid the requirement for appearance at the Court-scheduled hearing.
Thereafter, the non-movant shall file a response within 10 days which shall include at least a brief memorandum of law as part of the response.
The parties may stipulate to having a motion decided without the necessity of a hearing. If such is the case, the movant shall include at least a brief memorandum of law as part of the motion being filed or as a supplemental filing on the motion.
the moving party is required to include a certification in the motion that the movant made a “good faith attempt” to resolve the issue(s) raised in the motion with the opposing counsel or party (whether represented or pro se) prior to filing the motion.
Provide the following information in the trial request email: a. Attach a copy of the filed notice for trial, if done b. Specify whether it is a jury trial or non-jury trial c. If a jury trial – specify the number of days needed, exclusive of jury selection d. If non-jury trial – specify the amount of time needed. If more than one day, a case management conference is needed.
Use Bay or Gulf County case number and style of case as your subject line.
All proposed orders must include a cover letter in .pdf format. The cover letter should indicate whether the proposed order is agreed to by the opposing counsel/party or not.
If a pro se party is not registered to receive e-portal filings, include the specified service statement as the proposed order’s last paragraph before “DONE AND ORDERED.”
Court's wording
If the case involves a pro-se party who is not registered to receive filings from the e-portal, the proposed order shall include as the last paragraph (before DONE AND ORDERED) the following statement: Counsel who submitted this proposed order to the Court for approval is required to serve a copy of the signed order on any party not registered to receive service via the Court’s e-portal.
Counsel and pro se parties must file a certification agreeing to abide by the Standing Order and Administrative Procedures, substantially in the stated form.
Court's wording
Pursuant to the Standing Civil Case Management Order entered in most cases, counsel for all parties are required to file a certification that they have read and agree to abide by the Standing Order and these Administrative Procedures. The Certification shall be in substantially the following form: I, ____________________, on behalf of myself, my client and my firm, have read the Standing Civil Case Management Order entered in this case as well as the presiding Judge’s Administrative Procedures found on the 14th Judicial Circuit’s website and agree to abide by such requirements, procedures and deadlines. I understand that failure to comply with any of the requirements, procedures or deadlines may result in sanctions against me and/or my client, including, but not limited to, an award of attorney’s fees and costs, denial of motions or hearing time, striking of pleadings, dismissal of claims, finding of contempt or other sanctions. The Certification shall be filed by counsel or pro se parties pursuant to the time periods contained in the Standing Order entered in a case.
The judicial assistant may reject offering hearing time if a motion does not include certification of a “good faith attempt” to resolve the issue(s) in the motion prior to filing the motion.
Include Zoom instructions, if applicable, above in any notices for hearing.
Proposed orders do not need to include the addresses or email addresses of recipients of the order at the end.
It is suggested that a notice of cancellation be filed, and a copy should be sent via email to the judicial assistant.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Proposed orders must be submitted through the e-filing portal.
All proposed orders must be submitted via the e-filing portal.
Page 6 | Family Law – Submission of Proposed Orders
Only the cover letter and proposed order should be submitted through the portal; other materials are excluded except for specified attachments or appendices.
Only the cover letter and proposed order should be submitted via the e-filing portal. Copies of motion, responses, exhibits, case law or other items should not be included with the cover letter or uploaded in the e-filing portal (see Submission of Hearing Materials, infra). The only exception to exclusion of other items pertains to the attachments or appendices that need to be attached to the order, in which case counsel shall either attach such to the order or upload as a judicial exhibit the attachment or appendix to attach to the pretrial stip.
Page 6 | Family Law – Submission of Proposed Orders
Do not email copies of hearing documents to the judicial assistant.
4. DO NOT email copies of hearing documents to the judicial assistant.
Page 8 | Family Law – Submission of Hearing Materials
Submit all proposed orders through the 14th Judicial Circuit’s e-filing portal.
All proposed orders must be submitted via the 14th Judicial Circuit’s e-filing portal.
Civil cases
Page 8 | Civil – Submission of Proposed Orders
Do not submit supporting materials with or through the portal for a proposed order, except that witness and exhibit lists for a Pretrial Stipulated Order may be attached or uploaded as a judicial exhibit.
Only the cover letter and proposed order should be submitted via the e-filing portal. Copies of motions, responses, exhibits, case law, or other items should not be included with the cover letter or uploaded in the e-filing portal (see Submission of Hearing Materials, infra). The only exception to exclusion of other items pertains to the Pretrial Stipulated Order, in which case counsel shall either attach to the order or upload as a judicial exhibit the witness and exhibit lists to attach to the pretrial stip.
Civil cases
Page 8 | Civil – Submission of Proposed Orders
Do not mail hard copies or a binder of case law or other hearing materials unless the judicial assistant specifically directs it.
DO NOT MAIL HARD COPIES OR A BINDER OF CASE LAW OR OTHER HEARING MATERIALS unless specifically directed by the judicial assistant.
Civil cases
Page 9 | Civil – Submission of Hearing Materials (Pleadings, Memoranda, Exhibits, Case Law)
The OneDrive drop box is the preferred method for advance hearing materials; if it is impossible to use, hard copies may be mailed.
Use of the OneDrive drop box is the preferred method to submit materials to the Court in advance of a hearing. If it is impossible to use the drop box, materials may be submitted in a hard copy format, to be mailed so that the documents are received at least two (2) business days prior to the hearing.
Page 8 | Family Law – Submission of Hearing Materials
OneDrive is the preferred method for submitting hearing materials; do not mail hard copies or binders unless directed, and another submission method may be used if OneDrive is impossible.
In lieu of hard copies of hearing materials, all hearing materials should be submitted via Microsoft OneDrive drop box. DO NOT MAIL HARD COPIES OR A BINDER OF CASE LAW OR OTHER HEARING MATERIALS unless specifically directed by the judicial assistant. 3. Use of the OneDrive drop box is the preferred method to submit materials to the Court in advance of a hearing. If it is impossible to use the drop box, materials may be submitted at least two (2) business days prior to the hearing.
Civil cases
Page 9 | Civil – Submission of Hearing Materials (Pleadings, Memoranda, Exhibits, Case Law)
Either the movant or the party opposing the motion may submit a document to the OneDrive drop box.
b. Either the movant or party opposing the motion may submit document to the drop box.
Page 8 | Family Law – Submission of Hearing Materials
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Do not file a notice of hearing until the judicial assistant confirms by email that the hearing has been set.
DO NOT file a notice of hearing before receiving confirmation email from the judicial assistant confirming that the hearing has been set.
Page 3 | Family Law – Hearing Time
Do not prepare or file a notice of the added motion until the judicial assistant confirms the addition.
Do not prepare and file a notice of the added motion until receipt of the judicial assistant’s confirmation.
Page 3 | Family Law – Hearing Time
Materials a party wants the Court to review and consider at a hearing must be submitted at least two business days before the hearing.
Any documentation being used or relied upon at a hearing that a party would like the Court to review and consider must be submitted at least two (2) business days prior to the date of the hearing. This includes: a. Exhibits b. Memoranda not previously filed with the clerk c. Copies of case law, statutes or other citations d. Any demonstrative aides e. Any other documentation that a party intends to use at the hearing
Page 8 | Family Law – Submission of Hearing Materials
If it is impossible to use the drop box, materials may be submitted in a hard copy format, to be mailed so that the documents are received at least two (2) business days prior to the hearing.
If it is impossible to use the drop box, materials may be submitted in a hard copy format, to be mailed so that the documents are received at least two (2) business days prior to the hearing.
Page 8 | Family Law – Submission of Hearing Materials
An agreed proposed order resolving the issue must be submitted more than one business day before the scheduled hearing.
If the parties resolve the issue prior to the Court-Scheduled hearing, they shall submit an agreed upon proposed order more than one (1) business day prior to hearing date to avoid the requirement for appearance at the Court-scheduled hearing.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Civil – Hearing Time — General Procedures
Do not file a hearing notice until the judicial assistant confirms by email that the hearing is set.
DO NOT file a notice of hearing before receiving a confirmation email from the judicial assistant confirming that the hearing has been set.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Civil – Hearing Time: General Procedures
Do not prepare or file the notice of an added motion until the judicial assistant confirms the addition.
Do not prepare and file a notice of the added motion until receipt of the judicial assistant’s confirmation.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Civil – Hearing Time: General Procedures
All uploaded hearing materials must be completed one business day before the hearing.
All uploaded documents must be completed one (1) business day prior to the hearing.
Civil cases
Page 9 | Civil – Submission of Hearing Materials (Pleadings, Memoranda, Exhibits, Case Law)
Hearing materials must be submitted at least two business days before the hearing, but materials already in the court file generally need not be submitted again.
Any documents being used or relied upon at a hearing that a party would like the Court to review and consider must be submitted at least two (2) business days prior to the date of the hearing. This includes: a. Exhibits b. Memoranda not previously filed with the clerk c. Copies of case law, statutes, or other citations d. Any demonstrative aides e. Any other documentation that a party intends to use at the hearing However, additional copies of motions, memoranda already filed with the clerk or other documents which are already in the court file (unless attached to or incorporated in other filing and not easily accessible or identifiable) DO NOT need to be submitted again prior to the hearing.
Civil cases
Page 9 | Civil – Submission of Hearing Materials (Pleadings, Memoranda, Exhibits, Case Law)
A OneDrive drop-box request must be made at least two business days before the hearing.
Any counsel or party that desires to provide hearing materials shall contact the judicial assistant and request a OneDrive drop box for the case at least two (2) business days prior to the hearing.
Civil cases
Page 9 | Civil – Submission of Hearing Materials (Pleadings, Memoranda, Exhibits, Case Law)
The certification must be filed within the time periods specified in the Standing Order entered in the case.
The Certification shall be filed by counsel or pro se parties pursuant to the time periods contained in the Standing Order entered in a case.
Civil cases
Page 11 | Civil – Certification Regarding Standing Order And Administrative Procedures
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Counsel who receives an entered order must serve a copy of the signed order by mail or email on any party not registered for e-portal service.
Counsel receiving the served copy of an order entered is then charged with responsibility for serving (via mail or email) a copy of the signed order on any party not registered to receive service via the e-portal.
Page 6 | Family Law – Submission of Proposed Orders
A copy of the signed order will be served through the e-portal on counsel and parties registered for service there.
A copy of the signed order will be served on all counsel/parties registered for service via the e-portal.
Page 6 | Family Law – Submission of Proposed Orders
Counsel responsible for serving an entered signed order on a party not registered for e-portal service must do so by mail or email; the judge’s office will not mail order copies.
Counsel receiving the served copy of an order entered is then charged with responsibility for serving (via mail or email) a copy of the signed order on any party not registered to receive service via the e-portal. The judge’s office will not mail out copies of any orders.
Civil cases
Page 8 | Civil – Submission of Proposed Orders
The judge’s office will not mail copies of orders.
The judge’s office will not mail out copies of any orders.
Page 6 | Family Law – Submission of Proposed Orders
Counsel are encouraged to file and serve a hearing-cancellation notice and email a copy to the judicial assistant upon filing.
It is suggested that counsel file and serve a notice of cancellation of a hearing, and upon filing, send a copy via email to the judicial assistant.
Civil cases
Page 10 | Civil – Cancellations
Providing the filed notice to opposing counsel or a party, especially an opposing self-represented party, is recommended as professional and courteous.
Filing a notice and providing such to any opposing counsel or party (especially in the case of opposing pro se parties) is considered good professionalism and courtesy.
Page 9 | Family Law – Final Hearing Dates
The signed order will be served through the e-portal on counsel and parties registered for service there.
A copy of the signed order will be served on all counsel/party registered for service via the e-portal.
Civil cases
Page 8 | Civil – Submission of Proposed Orders
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Counsel must redact all confidential information from documents to be offered into evidence.
Respective counsels are responsible for redacting ALL confidential information on any document that will be offered into evidence.
Civil cases
Page 9 | Civil – Submission of Hearing Materials (Pleadings, Memoranda, Exhibits, Case Law)
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
When the parties stipulate to a decision without a hearing, the motion and response follow the stated briefing sequence, with the non-movant’s response due within 10 days.
The parties may stipulate to having a motion decided without the necessity of a hearing. If such is the case, the movant shall include at least a brief memorandum of law as part of the motion being filed or as a supplemental filing on the motion. Thereafter, the non-movant shall file a response within 10 days which shall include at least a brief memorandum of law as part of the response.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Civil – Hearing Time: General Procedures
The certification is not required for dispositive, qualifying emergency, or post-trial or post-judgment motions, but technical motions to dismiss likely to result in leave to amend still require a good-faith attempt.
The only circumstances where a “good faith attempt” certification is not required is for dispositive motions (motions to dismiss with prejudice, motions for judgment on the pleadings, motions for summary judgment, etc.), emergency motions where the movant is not able to attempt contact because of the circumstances (however, delaying filing a motion that could be filed earlier is not considered an emergency just because the deadline is approaching), and post-trial or post-judgment motions (such as motions for rehearing or reconsideration). For motions to dismiss that raise primarily technical issues which, under applicable law would likely result in the pleading party being given leave to amend, the movant shall make a “good faith attempt” to resolve the issue(s) before filing the motion (e.g., where a party omits a copy of a contract or document from the complaint in an action for breach of contract).
Civil cases
Page 5 | Civil – Good Faith Certification for Motions
A movant may begin conferral by email, but if there is no response to an email or initial phone call, the movant must call opposing counsel’s office or the opposing party at least twice before certifying a good-faith attempt.
Movant may initiate the “good faith attempt” via email. However, if no response is received, the movant shall call the opposing counsel’s office or party at least twice if no response is received to an email or initial phone call before certifying that the movant has made a “good faith attempt” to resolve the issue(s) raised in the motion.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Civil – Good Faith Certification for Motions
Before filing most motions, the moving party must make a good-faith attempt to resolve the issues with opposing counsel or a self-represented opposing party.
For most motions (other than truly dispositive motions), the moving party is required to include a certification in the motion that the movant made a “good faith attempt” to resolve the issue(s) raised in the motion with the opposing counsel or party (whether represented or pro se) prior to filing the motion. This Court’s requirement of conferral is broader than that included in Rule 1.202, Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Civil – Good Faith Certification for Motions
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A hearing or final hearing set by court order cannot be cancelled unless a court order is entered.
A hearing or final hearing set by Court order may not be cancelled without entry of a Court order.
Page 9 | Family Law – Final Hearing Dates
A hearing unilaterally set by the Court may not be canceled without a Court order.
If the Court unilaterally sets the matter for hearing, the hearing may not be canceled without a Court order.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Civil – Hearing Time — General Procedures
Requests to adjust deadlines in the trial-setting order may be submitted by stipulated order and will be permitted if they do not appear to affect trial preparation.
If the parties need to adjust any of the deadlines contained in the order setting trial, such can be submitted by stipulated order and will be permitted if they do not appear to affect preparation for trial.
Civil cases
Page 6 | Civil – Setting Trials
Chambers Communication Rules
Do not call the Judge’s office to request hearing time.
DO NOT call the Judge’s office to request hearing time.
Page 2 | Family Law – Hearing Time
Request hearing time by emailing Judge Patterson’s assistant at dixond@jud14.flcourts.org and copying opposing counsel.
Email request for hearing to Judge J. Patterson’s assistant, Dani Dixon, and CC opposing counsel. These requests should be made via email to dixond@jud14.flcourts.org.
Page 2 | Family Law – Hearing Time
Email the judicial assistant only to request or confirm hearing dates, and do not include the assistant in counsel or staff email chains.
Only email the judicial assistant to request dates and confirm the hearing date. DO NOT include the judicial assistant in email chains between counsel and/or staff to clear dates (or anything else).
Page 3 | Family Law – Hearing Time
After filing, email the judicial assistant a copy of every hearing notice.
Email the judicial assistant a copy of all notices for hearing once filed.
Page 3 | Family Law – Hearing Time
An additional motion may not be added to a previously scheduled hearing unless it is cleared with the judicial assistant and opposing counsel and sufficient hearing time has been reserved.
Additional motions may not be piggybacked on a previously scheduled hearing time without being cleared with the judicial assistant and opposing counsel, and provided sufficient time has been reserved.
Page 3 | Family Law – Hearing Time
A noticed motion will not be heard unless it has been specifically scheduled with the judicial assistant.
Any motions noticed, but not specifically scheduled with the judicial assistant, will not be heard.
Page 3 | Family Law – Hearing Time
To add a motion to a scheduled hearing, first obtain opposing counsel’s consent, then email the judicial assistant and wait for confirmation that the motion has been added.
To add a motion to a previously scheduled hearing, obtain opposing counsel’s consent to the addition, then email the judicial assistant about adding the motion to the hearing. The judicial assistant will confirm the addition of the motion to the hearing time.
Page 3 | Family Law – Hearing Time
Do not request a case management conference to obtain final hearing dates unless the parties cannot agree on the dates or the time needed.
DO NOT request a case management conference to obtain final hearing dates, unless parties cannot agree on the dates or the amount of time needed.
Page 4 | Family Law – Final Hearing Dates
A final-hearing request email must use the county case number and case style as its subject and identify the pending pleadings to be addressed and the time needed.
Use Bay or Gulf County case number and style of case as your subject line. Include any and all pending pleadings that will be addressed at the final hearing (e.g, initial petition, answer and counter-petition, etc.), and the amount of time needed.
Page 4 | Family Law – Final Hearing Dates
Request a final hearing by emailing Judge Patterson’s assistant at the stated address and copying opposing counsel.
Email request for final hearing to Judge J. Patterson’s assistant, Dani Dixon, and CC opposing counsel. These requests should be made via email to dixond@jud14.flcourts.org.
Page 4 | Family Law – Final Hearing Dates
Email the judicial assistant only to request dates or confirm the selected final date, and do not include the assistant in counsel or staff email chains.
Only email the judicial assistant to request dates and confirm the final date selected. DO NOT include judicial assistant in email chains between counsel and/or staff to clear dates (or anything else).
Page 4 | Family Law – Final Hearing Dates
Email the judicial assistant only to request dates or confirm a hearing date, and do not include the assistant in email chains between counsel or staff.
Only email the judicial assistant to request dates and confirm the hearing date. DO NOT include the judicial assistant in email chains between counsel and/or staff to clear dates (or anything else).
Civil cases
Page 2 | Civil – Hearing Time — General Procedures
A hearing-time request email must identify the motions, requested argument time, movant’s first available date, attending attorneys, and attach the motions.
Provide the following information in the hearing time request email: a. Type of motion(s) to be heard b. Actual amount of time needed for counsel to argue motion(s) c. First date movant is available for hearing (see #7 below) d. Names of attorneys that will attend hearing e. Attach copy of the motion(s) to the email
Civil cases
Page 2 | Civil – Hearing Time — General Procedures
Request hearing time by email to the judicial assistant, copy opposing counsel, and use the Bay or Gulf County case number and case style as the subject line.
Email any request for hearing time to Judge J. Patterson’s assistant, Dani Dixon, and CC opposing counsel. These requests should be made via email to dixond@jud14.flcourts.org. Use Bay or Gulf County case number and style of case as your subject line.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Civil – Hearing Time — General Procedures
A motion will not be heard unless it is specifically scheduled with the judicial assistant.
Any motions noticed, but not specifically scheduled with the judicial assistant, will not be heard.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Civil – Hearing Time: General Procedures
Adding a motion to a scheduled hearing requires opposing counsel’s consent, notice to the judicial assistant, and sufficient reserved time; if the needed time is unavailable, the motion must be reset.
Additional motions may not be piggybacked on a previously scheduled hearing time without being cleared with the judicial assistant and opposing counsel, and such motions may only potentially be added if sufficient time has been reserved. To add a motion to a previously scheduled hearing, obtain opposing counsel’s consent to the addition, then email the judicial assistant about adding the motion to the hearing and advise if additional time is required. The judicial assistant will confirm the addition of the motion to the hearing time. If additional time is required but not available, the request to piggyback a motion will be denied and the motion will need to be reset at a different date and time.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Civil – Hearing Time: General Procedures
After the response is filed, movant’s counsel must contact the judicial assistant, report the filings, and provide copies of the motion and response.
Upon filing of the response, the movant’s counsel shall contact the judicial assistant and advise that a non-hearing motion and response have been filed and provide copies of the filed motion and response.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Civil – Hearing Time: General Procedures
A multi-day non-jury trial may be set without a CMC if the parties agree on the dates and duration; otherwise, they must set a CMC.
Multi-day non-jury trials may be set using the below procedures without the need for a CMC, unless the parties cannot agree on the dates for trial or the amount of time needed, in which case they must set a CMC to have the matter set for trial.
Civil cases
Page 6 | Civil – Setting Trials
Do not request a CMC to set a trial unless the jury trial will take longer than one week or the parties cannot agree on a trial date.
DO NOT request a case management conference (CMC) to set a case for trial, unless: a. Setting a jury trial that will take longer than one week b. The parties cannot agree on a trial date
Civil cases
Page 6 | Civil – Setting Trials
If necessary, email a request to set a CMC to Judge J. Patterson’s assistant, Dani Dixon, and CC opposing counsel. The request should be sent via email to dixond@jud14.flcourts.org.
If necessary, email a request to set a CMC to Judge J. Patterson’s assistant, Dani Dixon, and CC opposing counsel. The request should be sent via email to dixond@jud14.flcourts.org.
Civil cases
Page 6 | Civil – Setting Trials
Email the judicial assistant only to set a CMC or confirm the selected trial date; do not include the assistant in counsel or staff email chains to clear dates or for other purposes.
Only email the judicial assistant to set a CMC or confirm the trial date selected. DO NOT include the judicial assistant in email chains between counsel and/or staff to clear dates (or anything else).
Civil cases
Page 6 | Civil – Setting Trials
Do not email copies of hearing documents to the judicial assistant.
DO NOT email copies of hearing documents to the judicial assistant.
Civil cases
Page 9 | Civil – Submission of Hearing Materials (Pleadings, Memoranda, Exhibits, Case Law)
A counsel or party seeking to provide hearing materials must request a case OneDrive drop box from the judicial assistant at least two business days before the hearing and include the email addresses of everyone needing access.
Any counsel or party that desires to provide hearing materials shall contact the judicial assistant and request a OneDrive drop box for the case at least two (2) business days prior to the hearing. Please be sure to include the email addresses of all parties/counsel who require access.
Civil cases
Page 9 | Civil – Submission of Hearing Materials (Pleadings, Memoranda, Exhibits, Case Law)
A trial or hearing scheduled by court order cannot be canceled merely by filing a notice; court approval is required.
Counsel and parties may not cancel a trial or hearing scheduled by Court Order by simply filing a notice of cancellation without obtaining approval of the Court.
Civil cases
Page 10 | Civil – Cancellations
The hearing-time request email subject line must include the Bay or Gulf County case number and case style.
Use Bay or Gulf County case number and style of case as your subject line.
Page 2 | Family Law – Hearing Time
The judicial assistant will reply all with available dates, times, and instructions; read the entire email.
Judicial assistant will “reply all” to the email with available dates, times and instructions. READ ENTIRE EMAIL.
Page 2 | Family Law – Hearing Time
A hearing-time request email must state the matters to be heard, the actual argument time needed except for matters covered in item 6, the movant’s first available hearing date, and the names of attending attorneys or parties.
Provide the following information in the hearing time request email: a. Type of petition(s)/motion(s) to be heard b. Actual amount of time needed for counsel to argue petition(s)/motion(s) – other than matters specified under #6 below c. First date movant is available for hearing d. Names of attorneys/parties that will attend hearing
Page 2 | Family Law – Hearing Time
Read the judicial assistant’s entire reply, which will provide available dates and instructions.
Judicial assistant will “reply all” to the email with available dates and instructions. READ ENTIRE EMAIL.
Page 4 | Family Law – Final Hearing Dates
A counsel or party wishing to provide hearing materials must email the judicial assistant to request a case drop box and copy all other counsel or parties; the assistant will email the link to all parties.
a. Any counsel or party that desires to provide hearing materials shall contact the judicial assistant and request a OneDrive drop box for the case. The email request shall be copied to all other counsel or parties. The judicial assistant will send out an email to all parties with a link to the drop box.
Page 8 | Family Law – Submission of Hearing Materials
When a hearing is cancelled, notify the judicial assistant as promptly as possible.
In the event of a cancellation of a hearing, please notify the judicial assistant as promptly as possible to open the time for other cases.
Page 9 | Family Law – Final Hearing Dates
Notify the judicial assistant when a case set for final hearing settles or is dismissed, but if settlement depends on agreement to the document's form, wait until all parties agree on its language before requesting removal from the docket.
In the event of a settlement or dismissal of a case set for a final hearing, please notify the judicial assistant that the matter has settled or been dismissed so that it can be removed from the final hearing docket, even if there are still matters remaining to be concluded (filing of signed settlement agreement, entry of final judgment, etc.). However, if a settlement is contingent upon the agreement to the form of an agreement, please wait until the language of the agreement is agreed to by all parties prior to requesting a matter be removed from the final docket.
Page 9 | Family Law – Final Hearing Dates
Notices to the judicial assistant of a cancellation, settlement or dismissal should be sent via email.
Notices to the judicial assistant of a cancellation, settlement or dismissal should be sent via email.
Page 9 | Family Law – Final Hearing Dates
When a case involves a pro se party, counsel should attempt to coordinate the hearing date and time with that party.
If a pro se party is involved in the case, an attempt should be made to coordinate the hearing date and time with the pro se party.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Civil – Hearing Time — General Procedures
Do not call the judge’s office to request hearing time.
DO NOT call the Judge’s office to request hearing time.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Civil – Hearing Time — General Procedures
Counsel should accurately estimate the hearing time needed because insufficient time may result in denial or continuation of the hearing.
Please be as accurate as possible in the amount of time needed for the hearing. Failure to have sufficient time for the hearing may result in the motion or request being denied or the hearing continued.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Civil – Hearing Time — General Procedures
Read the judicial assistant’s entire scheduling email and account for the different time zones for Bay and Gulf Counties.
The judicial assistant will “reply all” to the email with available dates, times and instructions. READ ENTIRE EMAIL. Be aware that Bay County in the central time zone and Gulf County is in the eastern time zone.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Civil – Hearing Time — General Procedures
Email the judicial assistant a copy of each hearing notice after filing it.
Email the judicial assistant a copy of all notices for hearing once filed.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Civil – Hearing Time: General Procedures
After coordinating with the self-represented party for two business days, counsel may set the hearing unilaterally.
coordinate with the pro se party after two (2) business days, counsel may unilaterally set the hearing.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Civil – Hearing Time: General Procedures
To schedule a motion-calendar hearing, counsel must follow the general procedures, including emailing the judicial assistant, clearing the time with opposing counsel, confirming the date, and providing the hearing notice; slots are assigned first come, first confirmed.
Follow the procedures contained in the General Procedures on Page 2 (to include emailing the judicial assistant for available motion calendar dockets, clearing the hearing time with opposing counsel, confirming the date and providing a copy of the notice of hearing). Slots on each motion calendar docket are limited. Slots on a particular motion calendar docket will be given on a first come, first confirmed basis.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Civil – Hearing Time Motion Calendar Docket
Read the judicial assistant’s entire reply email containing available dates and instructions.
The judicial assistant will “reply all” to the email with available dates and instructions. READ ENTIRE EMAIL.
Civil cases
Page 6 | Civil – Setting Trials
Appearance by Zoom or in person should be confirmed with Judge J. Patterson’s judicial assistant.
Appearance by Zoom or in person should be confirmed with Judge J. Patterson’s judicial assistant.
Civil cases
Page 7 | Civil – Zoom Instructions
Notices to the judicial assistant of a cancellation, settlement or dismissal should be sent via email.
Notices to the judicial assistant of a cancellation, settlement or dismissal should be sent via email.
Civil cases
Page 10 | Civil – Cancellations
Upon filing a hearing-cancellation notice, counsel are encouraged to email a copy to the judicial assistant.
It is suggested that counsel file and serve a notice of cancellation of a hearing, and upon filing, send a copy via email to the judicial assistant.
Civil cases
Page 10 | Civil – Cancellations
Notify the judicial assistant when a trial-set case settles or is dismissed even if related matters remain, but wait until the agreement or release language is agreed upon if the settlement is contingent on that agreement.
In the event of a settlement or dismissal of a case set for trial, please notify the judicial assistant that the matter has settled or been dismissed so that it can be removed from the trial docket, even if there are still matters remaining to be concluded (filing dismissal, signing of agreed upon settlement agreement, exchange of payment, etc.). However, if a settlement is contingent upon the agreement to the form of an agreement and/or release, please wait until the language of the agreement and/or release is agreed to by all parties prior to requesting a matter be removed from the trial docket.
Civil cases
Page 10 | Civil – Cancellations
If a hearing is canceled, notify the judicial assistant as promptly as possible so the time can be made available for other cases.
In the event of the cancellation of a hearing, please notify the judicial assistant as promptly as possible to open the time for other cases.
Civil cases
Page 10 | Civil – Cancellations
You may attach a copy of the petition or motion to the hearing-time request email.
You may attach a copy of the petition(s)/motion(s) to the email
Page 2 | Family Law – Hearing Time
If a proposed-order form is needed, you may contact Judge Patterson’s assistant to request one.
If you need a form of the proposed order, contact Judge J. Patterson’s assistant to request.
Page 4 | Family Law – Final Hearing Dates