Judge Lester Bass
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
Exhibits
- At Least 3 Business Days Before Hearing
- Hand Delivery
Notice Of Motion, Brief, Proposed Order
- Email • Upon Filing
Trial Or Hearing Set Memo
Court-wideAdjournments
- A continuance request must be submitted at least five days before the scheduled court date, and the requesting party ordinarily must sign the motion unless good cause excuses that requirement.
- Parties must give the Family Mediation Unit at least two business days’ notice before canceling mediation because of an emergency, serious illness, or other unexpected event, unless notice is impossible.
Communication
Other Contacts3 contacts
- ada@nassauclerk.com
- astrickland@coj.net
- 904-255-1180
Chambers2 contacts
- acollie@coj.net
- (904)548-4933
Clerk2 contacts
- emjohnson@coj.net
- 904-548-4917
Document Format Requirements12 rules
In a time-sharing case, each party must file and email a proposed parenting plan in Word format at least three business days before the hearing and include it as an exhibit.
If this is a case involving time sharing, each party shall file a proposed parenting plan and email a copy in Word format to astrickland@coj.net least three (3) business days in advance of the hearing. The proposed parenting plan should also be included as an exhibit.
DOCX
All proposed orders must be submitted in Word format.
All proposed Orders must be submitted in Word format.
DOCX
Courtesy copies of case law and other documents must be submitted as PDF or Word documents.
Format: PDF or Word document.
Documentary exhibits must be submitted to the Court Clerk in paper format.
Documentary exhibits must be submitted to the Clerk of the Court in paper format.
Paper
Every exhibit must be tabbed, Bates stamped, and pre-marked using the prescribed format.
All exhibits must be tabbed, Bates stamped, and pre-marked in the following format:
Emailed exhibits must be consolidated into one or few PDFs, include an index and cover sheets before each exhibit, and be clearly identified.
Emailed exhibits should be sent as one PDF file, or as few PDFs as possible, and include an index, cover sheets before each exhibit, and should be easily identified.
The courtesy-copy documents must be sent as one combined PDF document.
The documents should be sent as one pdf document.
Emailed exhibits should use as few PDF files as possible and include an index, a cover sheet for each exhibit, and clear identification.
Emailed exhibits should be sent as one PDF file, or as few PDFs as possible, and include an index, cover sheets before each exhibit, and should be easily identified.
Each party’s Zoom profile must display the party’s legal name for easy identification.
Parties shall name their Zoom profile with their legal names such that they can be easily identified.
A copy of the proposed parenting plan must be emailed in Word format to astrickland@coj.net.
If this is a case involving time sharing, each party shall file a proposed parenting plan and email a copy in Word format to astrickland@coj.net at least three (3) business days in advance of the hearing. The proposed parenting plan should also be included as an exhibit.
The DONE AND ORDERED clause and the Court’s signature line should appear on the same page.
The DONE AND ORDERED clause, along with the Court’s signature line, should be on the same page.
A final page containing only the date and/or judicial signature line must also show the order title and case number.
If the last page contains only the date line and/or Judge’s signature line, it must have the title of the Order and the case number on it also.
Document Filing Requirements26 rules
For a Motion to Set hearing, both counsel and parties must complete the Trial Set Memorandum and email it to the Judicial Assistant at least one business day before the hearing date.
Prior to the hearing for a Motion to Set, a Trial Set Memorandum should be completed by both counsel/parties then emailed to the JA at least one (1) business day before the scheduled date.
Document Type
Trial Set Memorandum
If personal-property issues remain unresolved before the final hearing, each party must submit an asset list describing each asset, the party's interest, any lien balance, and the asset's fair market value or present balance.
If the issue of personal property is not settled prior to final hearing, each party shall submit to the Court a list of assets sought by each party stating the specific description of such asset, the nature of the party’s ===== PAGE 4 ===== interest, the amount of the debt encumbering any asset (i.e., lien balance), and the fair market value or present balance of such asset.
Document Type
Asset List
Each party must provide a financial affidavit as a mandatory exhibit.
17. Exhibits: A. Mandatory financial affidavits of each of the parties.
Document Type
Financial Affidavit
Parties seeking attorney’s fees at or after the final hearing must file verified statements describing the time spent and a detailed list of costs.
NOTE: All parties seeking attorney’s fees at the time of the final hearing or subsequent thereto must file verified statements as to the manner and time spent, along with a detailed list of costs.
Document Type
Attorney Fee Statement
The attorney must certify personal review of the court file and that the relevant pleadings and documents are in the file or will be presented with the form.
I, the undersigned attorney, do hereby certify that I have personally reviewed the above court file and that the above relevant pleadings and documents are contained in the court file or will be presented to the Court with this form.
Document Type
Completed Checklist
Parties seeking attorney’s fees at or after the final hearing must file a verified statement describing the manner of time spent and a detailed list of costs.
NOTE: All parties seeking attorney’s fees at the time of final hearing or subsequent thereto must file a verified statement as to the manner of time spent, along with a detailed list of costs.
Document Type
Attorney Fees Statement
Parties seeking an in-person appearance must notify the clerk at least three business days before the hearing.
However, Zoom will be the default for scheduled hearings, unless the parties file notice with the Clerk of Court that at least one (1) party intends to appear in person at least three (3) business days before the hearing.
Document Type
Notice Of In Person Appearance
Every unrepresented party must designate an email address with the clerk and register for portal email service if not already registered.
All unrepresented parties shall file a designation of email address with the Clerk of Court and register for email service with the Florida Court’s E-filing Portal at www.myflcourtacess.com forthwith, if they have not already done so.
Document Type
Email Address Designation
Financial affidavits on form 12.902(b) or 12.902(c) must be filed under Florida Family Law Rule 12.285.
Financial Affidavits, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure form 12.902(b) or (c), shall be filed in accordance with Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285.
Document Type
Financial Affidavit
Each party in a time-sharing case must file and email a proposed parenting plan at least three business days before the hearing.
If this is a case involving time sharing, each party shall file a proposed parenting plan and email a copy in Word format to astrickland@coj.net at least three (3) business days in advance of the hearing. The proposed parenting plan should also be included as an exhibit.
Document Type
Proposed Parenting Plan
Before a default final hearing, the party seeking default judgment must have filed either proof of service or an affidavit of diligent search.
The party seeking the default judgment must have filed proof of service or an affidavit of diligent search prior to the hearing.
Document Type
Default Judgment Hearing Submission
Before the final hearing in an uncontested dissolution case, one party must provide a completed Consent Final Judgment checklist, proof of Florida residency, and a signed Consent Final Judgment.
Prior to a final hearing in an uncontested dissolution of marriage case, one party must provide the following: (1) a completed checklist for entry of the Consent Final Judgment, (2) proper proof of Florida residency, and (3) a copy of the signed Consent Final Judgment.
Document Type
Consent Final Judgment Hearing Submission
Every notice of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.
All notices of hearing will contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
Notice for a motion seeking to hold an opposing party in contempt must contain the quoted bodily-attachment warning.
Pursuant to Rule 12.615(b), the notice must contain the following language: “FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THE HEARING MAY RESULT IN THE COURT ISSUING A WRIT OF BODILY ATTACHMENT FOR YOUR ARREST. IF YOU ARE ARRESTED, YOU MAY BE HELD IN JAIL UP TO 48 HOURS BEFORE A HEARING IS HELD.”
Document Type
Notice Of Contempt Motion
A publication in a dissolution or paternity case must include the prescribed affidavit of diligent search and proof of searches.
publication must include an affidavit of diligent search, pursuant to Family Law Form 12.913(b) (for dissolution cases) or 12.913(c) (for paternity cases) with proof of searches.
Document Type
Publication
The parties must email the completed Trial Set Memorandum to the Judicial Assistant as an attachment at least 24 hours before the ex parte hearing.
The parties shall complete the form, and submit it as an e-mail attachment to the Judicial Assistant at least 24 hours prior to the ex-parte hearing.
Document Type
Trial Set Memorandum
A proposed order must include a cover letter that either certifies unanimous agreement or identifies any disagreement.
All proposed Orders must be accompanied by a cover letter either (1) certifying that all parties agree to the order or (2) containing a statement identifying any disagreement of the parties as to the proposed Order.
Document Type
Proposed Order
A consent order must include “Consent” or “Agreed” in its caption.
All consent Orders shall include the word “Consent” or “Agreed” in the caption of the proposed Order.
Document Type
Proposed Order
A request for an ex parte hearing without notice must state an adequate reason for withholding notice from the other party.
If seeking an ex parte hearing without notice of hearing, you must state an adequate reason why the other party should not be given notice.
Document Type
Emergency Motion
A motion requesting an emergency hearing must state the issues, reasons emergency relief is necessary, and time needed for each party’s presentation.
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.
Document Type
Emergency Motion
Division forms are mandatory for all relevant filings.
• Usage: Division forms must be used for all relevant filings.
Document Type
Relevant Filings
Before the Consent Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage hearing, the movant must complete the consent final judgment checklist.
Prior to the hearing for the entry of a Consent Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, the movant should complete a checklist for consent final judgment.
Document Type
Consent Final Judgment Checklist
Emailed exhibits must include an index.
Emailed exhibits should be sent as one PDF file, or as few PDFs as possible, and include an index, cover sheets before each exhibit, and should be easily identified.
Document Type
Exhibits
A notice of hearing for a remote appearance must include the judge’s Zoom link.
A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance will list the Judge’s Zoom link.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
A proposed order’s title must identify the motion heard, and the first paragraph must state the hearing date.
The title of proposed Orders shall designate the particular motion heard, such as “Order Denying Wife’s Motion to Dismiss” or “Order Granting Husband’s Motion for Contempt,” etc. The date the hearing occurred should be included in the first paragraph of the proposed order.
Document Type
Proposed Order
When opposing counsel cannot agree, both may submit their proposed order to the Court.
If counsel for the parties are unable to agree, then both counsel may submit their proposed Order to the Court.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Unrepresented parties must designate an email address with the Clerk and register for email service through Florida's E-filing Portal.
All unrepresented parties shall file a designation of email address with the Clerk of Court and register for email service with the Florida Court’s E-filing Portal at www.myflcourtacess.com forthwith, if they have not already done so.
Page 1 | Unrepresented parties
Submission materials of 25 pages or fewer should be emailed for Zoom hearings.
Any submissions 25 pages or less should be submitted via email for hearings being conducted via Zoom.
Page 6 | I. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Submission materials exceeding 25 pages should be hand-delivered to the Court.
Any submissions exceeding 25 pages should be hand-delivered to the Court.
Page 6 | I. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
After the required trial-setting submissions, the Court will prepare and electronically file the Trial Order.
The Court will then prepare and e-file the Trial Order.
Page 4 | C. Setting Case for Trial
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Material emailed to the Judicial Assistant for addition to the ex parte calendar must be sent at least one business day before the scheduled date.
To be added to the ex-parte calendar, you should email your material to the Judicial Assistant at least one (1) business day before the scheduled date.
Page 1 | EX PARTE PROCEDURES
Parties must notify the Clerk at least three business days before a scheduled hearing if any party intends to appear in person instead of using default Zoom.
Zoom will be the default for scheduled hearings, unless the parties file notice with the Clerk of Court that at least one (1) party intends to appear in person at least three (3) business days before the hearing.
Page 1 | JUDGE BASS’S ZOOM ADDENDUM FOR CIVIL AND FAMILY PROCEEDINGS
Exhibits, proposed orders, and cited-case copies must be emailed to the judicial assistant and copied to non-defaulted parties at least three business before a Zoom hearing.
For Zoom hearings involving exhibits, proposed orders, or copies of cases cited, the parties are directed to send these to the Court’s judicial assistant, acollie@coj.net, via email at least three (3) business days in advance of the hearing with copies to all parties who have not been defaulted as it custom and required by the Rules.
Page 1 | JUDGE BASS’S ZOOM ADDENDUM FOR CIVIL AND FAMILY PROCEEDINGS
A party objecting to referral to the general magistrate generally must file a written objection within 10 days of service, subject to shorter-hearing and early-service exceptions.
A REFERRAL TO A GENERAL MAGISTRATE REQUIRES THE CONSENT OF ALL PARTIES. YOU ARE ENTITLED TO HAVE THIS MATTER HEARD BEFORE A CIRCUIT JUDGE. IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO HAVE THIS MATTER HEARD BEFORE THE GENERAL MAGISTRATE, YOU MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE REFERRAL WITHIN 10 DAYS OF THE TIME OF SERVICE OF THIS ORDER. IF THE TIME SET FOR THE HEARING IS LESS THAN 10 DAYS AFTER THE SERVICE OF THIS ORDER, THE OBJECTION MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE HEARING. IF THIS ORDER IS SERVED WITHIN THE FIRST 20 DAYS AFTER SERVICE OF PROCESS, THE TIME TO FILE AN OBJECTION IS EXTENDED TO THE TIME WITHIN WHICH A RESPONSIVE PLEADING IS DUE. FAILURE TO FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION WITHIN THE APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD IS DEEMED TO BE A CONSENT TO THE ORDER OF REFERRAL.
Page 1 | ORDER OF REFERRAL TO GENERAL MAGISTRATE AND NOTICE OF HEARING
Notice that at least one party will appear in person must be filed with the clerk at least three business days before the hearing.
However, Zoom will be the default for scheduled hearings, unless the parties file notice with the Clerk of Court that at least one (1) party intends to appear in person at least three (3) business days before the hearing.
Page 1 | ZOOM ADDENDUM
The proposed parenting plan and its emailed copy are due at least three business days before the hearing.
If this is a case involving time sharing, each party shall file a proposed parenting plan and email a copy in Word format to astrickland@coj.net at least three (3) business days in advance of the hearing. The proposed parenting plan should also be included as an exhibit.
Page 1 | ORDER OF REFERRAL TO GENERAL MAGISTRATE AND NOTICE OF HEARING
All hearing materials must be received by the court no later than three business days before the hearing.
The Court must receive all materials (printed or otherwise) for a hearing no later than three (3) business days before the hearing.
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Counsel must request a remote appearance no later than five days before the hearing.
Counsel must submit a request for remote appearance to the Court no later than five (5) days prior to the hearing.
Page 4 | E. Remote Appearance
The Trial Set Memorandum must be submitted by email at least 24 hours before the ex parte hearing.
The parties shall complete the form, and submit it as an e-mail attachment to the Judicial Assistant at least 24 hours prior to the ex-parte hearing.
Page 4 | C. Setting Case for Trial
Unless the Court provides otherwise, proposed orders must be submitted within five business days after the hearing.
Unless otherwise provided by the Court, all proposed Orders must be submitted within five (5) business days after any hearing.
Page 5 | F. Submission of Orders and Judgments (“Order(s)”)
All exhibits must be provided to the Court at least three business days before the hearing or trial.
All exhibits must be provided to the Court at least three (3) business days before the hearing/trial.
Page 6 | I. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
When hearing materials exceed 50 pages, hard copies should be supplied to the Court at least three business days before the hearing.
When the number of pages of the hearing materials exceed 50 pages, hard copies should be provided to the Court at least three (3) business days in advance of the hearing.
Page 1 | JUDGE BASS’S ZOOM ADDENDUM FOR CIVIL AND FAMILY PROCEEDINGS
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Unrepresented parties must designate an email address with the clerk and register for email service through the Florida Court’s E-filing Portal.
All unrepresented parties shall file a designation of email address with the Clerk of Court and register for email service with the Florida Court’s E-filing Portal at www.myflcourtacess.com forthwith, if they have not already done so.
Page 1 | Unrepresented Parties
A proposed parenting plan must be emailed to the identified address at least three business days before the hearing.
If this is a case involving time sharing, each party shall file a proposed parenting plan and email a copy in Word format to astrickland@coj.net least three (3) business days in advance of the hearing.
Page 1 | ORDER OF REFERRAL TO GENERAL MAGISTRATE AND NOTICE OF HEARING
Hearing materials must be copied to all parties who have not been defaulted.
For Zoom hearings involving exhibits, proposed orders, or copies of cases cited, the parties are directed to send these to the Court’s judicial assistant, acollie@coj.net, via email at least three (3) business days in advance of the hearing with copies to all parties who have not been defaulted as it custom and required by the Rules.
Page 1 | JUDGE BASS’S ZOOM ADDENDUM FOR CIVIL AND FAMILY PROCEEDINGS
The in-person appearance notice must also be emailed to the Court and, if possible, to all other parties.
Said notice shall also be provided to the Court via email to acollie@coj.net., and to all other parties by email, if possible.
Page 1 | JUDGE BASS’S ZOOM ADDENDUM FOR CIVIL AND FAMILY PROCEEDINGS
Unrepresented parties must register for email service through the Florida Court’s E-filing Portal unless already registered.
All unrepresented parties shall file a designation of email address with the Clerk of Court and register for email service with the Florida Court’s E-filing Portal at www.myflcourtacess.com forthwith, if they have not already done so.
Page 1 | All unrepresented parties
The in-person appearance notice must be emailed to the court and, if possible, to all other parties.
Said notice shall also be provided to the Court via email to astrickland@coj.net and to all other parties by email, if possible.
Page 1 | ZOOM ADDENDUM
A timely written objection must be served on all parties, the division judge, and the general magistrate.
If a timely objection is filed by either party, the objecting party must serve a copy of the objection on all parties, the division judge and the general magistrate.
Page 1 | ORDER OF REFERRAL TO GENERAL MAGISTRATE AND NOTICE OF HEARING
The opposing side must receive notice of every default final hearing.
The opposing side must be noticed for all default final hearings.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after hearing time is reserved.
A notice of hearing will be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A motion for rehearing or reconsideration must be filed with the Clerk and electronically served on the judge’s assistant.
Motions for rehearing and/or reconsideration must be filed with the Clerk and a copy e-served to the Judge’s Assistant.
Page 4 | D. Motions for Rehearing
The Notice of Ex Parte Hearing must be served on all parties.
(2) serve the Notice of Ex Parte Hearing on all parties (out-of-town attorneys may appear by zoom by requesting to do so)
Page 4 | C. Setting Case for Trial
All exhibits must be received in chambers and provided to the opposing party at least 48 hours before the evidentiary proceeding.
All exhibits must be received in chambers and provided to the opposing party at least 48 hours before the evidentiary proceeding.
Page 6 | I. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Filing Fees and Waivers
Each party must pay one-half of the mediation costs in advance of or at the start of mediation unless the court orders otherwise.
Unless it is otherwise ordered, each party shall be responsible for payment of one-half of all mediation costs assessed by the Family Mediation Unit. The costs shall be paid in advance of or at the commencement of mediation.
Page 1 | MANDATORY PAYMENT OF MEDIATION COSTS
A party who files the required certificate or court order establishing indigence is not assessed mediation costs.
Any party who files a Clerk’s certificate of indigence or a Court order determining indigence in compliance with section 57.081, Florida Statute, shall not be assessed mediation costs.
Page 1 | MANDATORY PAYMENT OF MEDIATION COSTS
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Parties must provide hard copies of exhibits and cited cases at least three business days before a Zoom hearing.
For Zoom hearings involving exhibits, and/or copies of cases cited, the parties are directed to provide hard copies at least 3 business days in advance of the above-referenced hearing.
Page 1 | ZOOM ADDENDUM
Courtesy copies must reach the Court at least three days before the hearing, with simultaneous copies provided to all other parties.
Courtesy copies must be delivered to the Court at least three (3) days prior to the hearing with copies provided to all other parties at the same time.
Page 5 | G. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Courtesy copies must be submitted electronically.
Courtesy copies shall be submitted via electronic submission.
Page 5 | G. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide enough copies of each exhibit for the Clerk, Court, and every party.
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide sufficient copies of each exhibit for the clerk, the Court, and each party to review during the hearing or trial.
Page 6 | I. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Courtesy copies of notices of hearing and relevant documents, together with any proposed orders, must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant upon filing.
Courtesy copies of all notices of hearing and relevant documents should emailed to acollie@coj.net upon filing, along with any proposed orders.
Page 1 | EX PARTE PROCEDURES
Exhibits may be delivered by hand to the Justice Center for Magistrate Wallace.
The exhibits should be organized pursuant to the instructions set forth in Judge Fahlgren’s division procedures, and should be hand delivered or mailed to Robert M. Foster Justice Center at Magistrate Wallace’s attention.
Page 1 | ZOOM ADDENDUM
Voluminous courtesy copies must be delivered to the Court on a thumb drive with permission for the Court to destroy them after filing with the Clerk.
If voluminous, parties must place courtesy copies on a thumb drive and deliver it to the Court with permission for the Court to destroy as these copies have been filed with the Clerk.
Page 5 | G. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Filing Bundling Requirements
Exhibits should be organized under Judge Fahlgren’s division procedures and delivered by hand or mail to the Justice Center for Magistrate Wallace.
The exhibits should be organized pursuant to the instructions set forth in Judge Fahlgren’s division procedures, and should be hand delivered or mailed to Robert M. Foster Justice Center at Magistrate Wallace’s attention.
Page 1 | ZOOM ADDENDUM
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
A party must fully comply with First Administrative Order 88-2 before filing a motion to compel under Rule 1.380 or Rule 12.380.
Before filing a Motion to Compel pursuant to Rule 1.380 or Rule 12.380, the moving party must fully comply with First Administrative Order 88-2.
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Parties must meet and confer before filing a motion, and the filing party must state that conferral occurred without resolution or that the other party could not be contacted after due diligence.
Parties shall meet and confer prior to the filing of motions. In the event that a motion is required, the party filing the motions shall indicate that the parties met and conferred, and no resolution was reached or that the other party was unable to be contacted after due diligence.
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A continuance request must be submitted at least five days before the scheduled court date, and the requesting party ordinarily must sign the motion unless good cause excuses that requirement.
Continuances are disfavored and will be granted only upon good cause shown. A request for continuance must be submitted at least five (5) 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 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Parties must give the Family Mediation Unit at least two business days’ notice before canceling mediation because of an emergency, serious illness, or other unexpected event, unless notice is impossible.
If, because of an emergency, serious illness, or other unexpected event, it becomes necessary to reschedule the mediation, the parties (or, if the parties are represented by counsel, their counsel) shall provide the Family Mediation Unit at least two business days’ notice of the cancellation, unless it is impossible to give such notice (as, for example, where an unrepresented party is unexpectedly hospitalized).
Page 1 | RESCHEDULING OF MEDIATION CONFERENCE
Chambers Communication Rules
The Judicial Assistant must receive the completed Trial Set Memorandum by email at least one business day before the Motion to Set hearing.
Prior to the hearing for a Motion to Set, a Trial Set Memorandum should be completed by both counsel/parties then emailed to the JA at least one (1) business day before the scheduled date.
Page 1 | EX PARTE PROCEDURES
All parties must be copied on judicial-office emails unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.
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 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must use Form 2.603 whenever their registered electronic-service email changes.
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.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an email address for electronic delivery of signed orders unless excused.
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an e-mail address to receive signed orders electronically, unless excused.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
All communications to the judicial office must be emailed to acollie@coj.net with a subject line identifying the case number, case name, and relevant matter.
All communications to the judicial office must be submitted by e-mail to acollie@coj.net. The subject line of the email must contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter (e.g., 2024 DR 001234 – Doe v. Doe - 2-Hour Hearing Requested).
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Default final hearings must be coordinated with the Judicial Assistant.
Default Final Hearings must be coordinated with the Judicial Assistant.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A party requesting a hearing on a pending motion must contact the Judicial Assistant by telephone with all other parties present or by email to acollie@coj.net.
The party requesting a hearing on any pending motion shall contact the Judicial Assistant with all other parties on the line or by email at acollie@coj.net.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
After a hearing is set, no party may add or notice additional matters for that time without the express consent of every party.
Once a hearing time is set, no party may add or notice additional matters for that time without the express consent of all parties.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Only the party that set a hearing may cancel it, must email notice to the Judicial Assistant with a copy to opposing counsel, and must obtain confirmation from the Judicial Assistant.
Only the party setting a hearing may cancel it. Notification of cancellation must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant with a copy to opposing counsel. Cancellation of a hearing MUST be confirmed with and by the Judicial Assistant.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A proposed order must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant with copies sent to all parties.
Proposed Orders must be submitted to the Judicial Assistant via e-mail with copies to all parties.
Page 5 | F. Submission of Orders and Judgments (“Order(s)”)
Emergency motions should be emailed to the Judicial Assistant or delivered to the Judge’s chambers for review.
Emergency motions should be emailed to the Judicial Assistant or delivered to the Judge’s chambers for review.
Page 6 | H. Emergency and Other Urgent Matters
A person needing an accommodation must contact the ADA Coordinator at least seven days before the court appearance, or immediately if fewer than seven days remain.
REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the ADA Coordinator Michelle Watson, Robert M. Foster Justice Center, 76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, FL 32097, Telephone 904-548-4917, email ADA@nassauclerk.com 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 | REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
The judicial assistant's court email may be used to provide the required in-person appearance notice.
Said notice shall also be provided to the Court via email to acollie@coj.net., and to all other parties by email, if possible.
Page 1 | JUDGE BASS’S ZOOM ADDENDUM FOR CIVIL AND FAMILY PROCEEDINGS
A person needing a disability accommodation should contact the ADA Coordinator by phone at least seven days before the court appearance, or immediately if fewer than seven days remain.
REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the ADA Coordinator Michelle Watson, Robert M. Foster Justice Center, 76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, FL 32097, Telephone 904-548-4917, email ADA@nassauclerk.com 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 | REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Judicial-office communications must comply with Canon 3, which generally prohibits communications outside the presence of all parties unless authorized by law.
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 all parties concerning a pending or impending proceeding, unless authorized by law.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
The Court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties, and parties must follow the stated contact procedures.
Unsolicited communications from non-parties will not be considered by the Court. Parties may only contact the judicial office according to these practices and procedures.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
A proposed hearing date or time is not secured until the Court sends confirmation.
Hearing dates/times are not secured until confirmation is sent from the Court.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Ex parte proceedings must be scheduled with the Judicial Assistant for a definite date and time.
Ex Parte proceedings are scheduled with the Judicial Assistant for a date and time certain.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
After the Court agrees that a case management conference is appropriate, the moving party may schedule it by emailing the Judicial Assistant.
If the Court agrees that a CMC is appropriate, the moving party may schedule the CMC by emailing the Judicial Assistant.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A hearing lasting one hour or less may be requested from the Judicial Assistant by email copying the opposing side and stating the case number, motion title, and requested hearing duration.
Hearings lasting one hour or less may be set by contacting the Judicial Assistant. Please copy the opposing side on the email and include the case number, the title of the motion to be heard, and the amount of time needed for the hearing.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Zoom is the default hearing format unless a party gives at least three business days’ notice of an in-person appearance to the clerk, the court, and other parties.
unless the parties file notice with the Clerk of Court that at least one (1) party intends to appear in person at least three (3) business days before the hearing. Said notice shall also be provided to the Court via email to astrickland@coj.net., and to all other parties by email, if possible.
Page 1 | ZOOM ADDENDUM
When the Judicial Assistant is absent for more than one day, an automatic reply to received emails provides further instructions for the request.
If the Judicial Assistant is out of the office for more than a day, an automatic reply will be sent to all received emails providing further instruction for the emailed request.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Parties may not treat communications with the Judicial Assistant as legal advice because the Judicial Assistant is not authorized to provide it.
The Judicial Assistant is not authorized to provide legal advice.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
When both parties are pro se, they may email Michele Johnson at emjohnson@coj.net to schedule.
If both parties are pro se they may contact the Family Court Services Case Manager, Michele Johnson at emjohnson@coj.net to schedule.
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
When at least one party is represented by counsel, counsel may email the Judicial Assistant at acollie@coj.net to schedule a temporary-needs or post-judgment hearing before the Magistrate.
You may contact the court’s Judicial Assistant at acollie@coj.net to schedule temporary needs and/or post judgment hearing before the Magistrate if a party is represented by counsel.
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures