Judge Virginia B. Norton
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
Emergency Pleading
- 1 copy • Email
Exhibits
- For Review During Hearing Or Trial
Filings > 30 pages
Adjournments
- Continuances are disfavored, require good cause, and must be requested at least five days before the scheduled court date; absent good cause, the requesting party must sign the motion.
Communication
Chambers, Clerk
Phone
Chambers
Phone
Court-wideDocument Format Requirements6 rules
Every proposed order must be submitted in Word format.
All proposed orders must be submitted in Word format.
DOCX
Exhibits must be submitted to the Foreclosure Case Management Office in paper format.
Paper
Exhibits must use the prescribed petitioner/plaintiff or respondent/defendant labeling format.
Exhibits must be labeled in the following format: “Petitioner/Plaintiff 1” or “Respondent/Defendant A”.
Counsel must have presentation technology set up and ready for each trial or hearing.
Counsel is responsible for having any technology set-up and ready to use during the trial or hearing without causing unnecessary delay.
Documents exceeding 30 pages, including attachments, may not be emailed to chambers and must be delivered by hand, U.S. mail, or overnight mail.
However, any large documents (more than 30 pages, including attachments) must NOT be emailed. They will need to be provided via hand delivery, U.S. mail or overnight mail.
All exhibits must be pre-marked with exhibit stickers.
All exhibits shall be pre-marked with exhibit stickers.
Document Filing Requirements33 rules
Proposed orders and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Judicial Assistant no later than ten days before the scheduled hearing.
All matters must be properly coordinated and noticed for hearing. Proposed orders and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Judicial Assistant at againers@coj.net no later than ten (10) days prior to the scheduled hearing date.
Document Type
Uncontested Matters Hearing Submission
A Notice of Hearing involving a remote appearance must list the judge’s Zoom credentials.
A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance will list the Judge’s Zoom credentials.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
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 must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
A consent proposed order must include either “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
Every proposed order must include a cover letter certifying unanimous agreement or identifying any party 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 motion requesting an emergency hearing must detail the issues, the reasons emergency treatment is necessary, and each party’s required presentation time.
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 Hearing Motion
A Suggestion of Bankruptcy must be filed in the court file when any party files for federal bankruptcy protection.
Bankruptcy: Should any party file for federal bankruptcy protection, a Suggestion of Bankruptcy MUST be filed in the Court file.
Document Type
Suggestion Of Bankruptcy
Counsel must immediately notify the court of settlement or dismissal and submit a stipulation for an order of dismissal.
Settlement: All counsel shall immediately notify the Court in the event of settlement or dismissal and shall submit a stipulation for an order of dismissal.
Document Type
Stipulation For Order Of Dismissal
To set a case for trial, the requesting party must file a Motion to Set Case for Trial, complete a Trial Set Memorandum, agree on a trial date, and email the motion, memorandum, and agreed date to the judicial assistant.
(1) File a Motion to Set Case for Trial (whether jury or non-jury) when case is at issue. (2) Complete a Trial Set Memorandum. (3) Choose and agree on a Trial date. (4) Email the Motion to Set, Trial Set Memo, and agreed upon Trial date to JA.
Document Type
Motion To Set Case For Trial
When a trial is continued, the plaintiff’s attorney must prepare any amended trial orders.
If the trial is continued, it is the responsibility of the Plaintiff’s attorney to prepare any Amended Trial Orders.
Document Type
Amended Trial Order
The requesting party must complete the Trial Set Memorandum form available in the hearing room and on the court’s website.
Complete Trial Set Memorandum form located in hearing room and on the Court’s Website.
Document Type
Trial Set Memorandum
When an unrepresented party does not use e-Portal, the proposed order must be submitted in writing with enough copies for the court and each non-ePortal party.
If there is an unrepresented party involved in the case not using e-Portal, the proposed Order must be submitted to the Court in writing, with sufficient copies for an original to be entered by the Court and a copy for each party not using ePortal.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Every proposed order submitted after a hearing must include a cover letter identifying the order and confirming that the same materials were provided to all opposing counsel or unrepresented parties, including whether they agree with the proposed language.
ALL PROPOSED ORDERS PRESENTED FOLLOWING HEARING, whether submitted to the Court in writing or via email as contemplated supra, MUST INCLUDE A COVER LETTER INDICATING: 1. What the Order is for (i.e. the case, the motion heard, including date and time, the title of the Order, etc.); and 2. That all opposing counsel/unrepresented parties have been provided with the same materials being provided to the Court, and whether the parties agree with the language of the proposed Order.
Document Type
Proposed Order
After scheduling a non-jury trial in Division FC-D, the requesting party must submit an order to the court and provide sufficient copies with addressed stamped envelopes for unrepresented parties who do not receive e-filings.
An Order for Non-Jury Trial must be submitted to the Court after scheduling the non-jury trial. Sufficient copies of the order are to be provided along with addressed, stamped envelopes for unrepresented parties not receiving e-filings.
Document Type
Non Jury Trial Order
The plaintiff’s expert-witness notice must state each witness’s name and address, areas of expertise, expected subject matter, the facts and opinions expected, and the grounds supporting the opinions.
No later than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference, Plaintiff(s) shall serve on all opposing counsel and file with the Court a Notice containing the following information regarding each expert witness who will testify at trial on behalf of Plaintiff(s): (a) the name and address of the witness; (b) the area(s) of expertise of the witness; (c) the subject matter of the expected testimony of the witness; (d) the substance of the facts and opinions about which the witness is expected to testify; and (e) a summary of the grounds on which each of the opinions of the witnesses will be based.
Document Type
Expert Witness Notice
An expert not listed in the required notice may testify only if the court orders otherwise.
Any expert witness not included on the Notice as provided herein will not be allowed to testify without an order of the Court.
Document Type
Expert Witness Notice
Typed proposed jury instructions and verdict forms must be filed at the pretrial conference and may be supplemented before the jury instruction conference.
Typed proposed jury instructions and verdict forms shall be filed with the Court at the Pretrial Conference and may be supplemented prior to the Jury Instruction Conference.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Each party must file a copy of its exhibit list at the final pretrial conference.
A copy of each party’s Exhibit List shall also be filed at the Final Pre-Trial Conference.
Document Type
Exhibit List
Counsel must discuss pending motions in limine at the required pretrial meeting, and the court will not hear a motion unless all counsel participated in that discussion.
At the pre-trial meeting between counsel required herein, the parties shall discuss pending Motions in Limine in an attempt to resolve any evidentiary disputes. The Court will not hear any Motion in Limine about which all counsel have not held such a discussion.
Document Type
Motion In Limine
A motion in limine may address only anticipated evidentiary issues specific to the case, and the court will not consider a non-case-specific motion absent a stipulated order.
Unless otherwise allowed by the Court, any such motion shall (1) address only anticipated evidentiary issues which are (2) specific to this case. No Motion in Limine will be considered by the Court if it is not case specific, except by Stipulated Order.
Document Type
Motion In Limine
Counsel must deliver the exhibit list and exhibits to the clerk before evidence is presented, pre-mark all exhibits with exhibit stickers, and file a copy of the exhibit list at the final pretrial conference.
Prior to the presentation of evidence, counsel shall deliver to the Clerk of the Court an Exhibit List along with all exhibits to be introduced. All exhibits shall be pre-marked with exhibit stickers. A copy of each party’s Exhibit List shall also be filed at the Final Pre-Trial Conference.
Document Type
Exhibit List
The pretrial stipulation must list all trial exhibits, state any objections, and specify the evidentiary status and grounds for any objection for each exhibit.
The Pre-Trial Stipulation shall contain a list of all exhibits which may be offered in evidence at trial, together with a statement of objections, if any, to exhibits offered by the opposing party. With respect to each item, the Pre-Trial Stipulation shall reflect whether or not the evidence will be stipulated into evidence, stipulated as to authenticity, with objection reserved for relevancy and materiality, or objected to in its entirety and the ground therefor.
Document Type
Pretrial Stipulation
The defendant’s expert-witness notice must contain the same required witness, testimony, opinion, and supporting-ground information as the plaintiffs’ notice.
No later than ninety (90) days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference, each Defendant shall serve on all other counsel and file with the Court a Notice containing the same information regarding each expert witness who will testify at trial on behalf of that defendant.
Document Type
Expert Witness Notice
Counsel must prepare and file a pretrial stipulation at the conference containing the specified factual statement, admissions, disputed issues, pleading amendments, witness list, deposition and exhibit objections, and undisposed matters.
Counsel shall prepare a Pre-Trial Stipulation which shall be filed with the Court at the Pre-Trial Conference and shall contain the following: (a) a concise factual statement of the nature of the action, which shall include the date and place of accrual, identity of the parties as they relate to the action, and a brief general statement of each party’s case or contention. The statement shall be in such form and contain such necessary information for the Court to read to and apprise the jury of the claims to be tried, including any Counter-Claims, Cross-Claims, or Third-Party Claims; (b) a concise statement of those facts which are admitted and will require no proof at trial; (c) a concise statement of those issues or fact which remain to be litigated; (d) any proposed amendments to the pleadings; (e) a complete list of witnesses, including anticipated impeachment witnesses, specifying the name and address of each from whom testimony may be presented at trial; (f) a statement reflecting objections to specific portions of video depositions, testimony, or video exhibits which may be offered in evidence at trial; and (g) a list of any undisposed matters to be heard at the Pre-Trial Conference.
Document Type
Pretrial Stipulation
A Notice of Hearing should identify each motion and its docket line and be e-filed and served immediately after hearing time is reserved.
The Notice of Hearing should list all motion(s) and the docket line of the motion, e-filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
The trial set memorandum must be completed before it is presented to the court.
(PLEASE COMPLETE BEFORE PRESENTING TO COURT)
Document Type
Trial Set Memorandum
Stamped, addressed envelopes are required only when pro se parties are involved in the trial-setting matter.
Stamped, addressed envelopes are only needed if there are pro se parties involved.
Document Type
Trial Set Memorandum
The proposed order's service list must include e-filing addresses for opposing counsel or an unrepresented party.
The proposed Order service list must contain E-filing addresses for opposing counsel/unrepresented party.
Document Type
Proposed Order
A proposed order submitted without a hearing may be accompanied by a cover letter copied to all opposing counsel or unrepresented parties, and a courtesy copy of the related motion, stipulation, or other document must be provided.
Proposed Orders without a hearing may be submitted to the Court with a cover letter, which must be copied to all opposing counsel/unrepresented parties. A courtesy copy of the motion, joint stipulation, etc. related to the proposed Order must be provided.
Document Type
Proposed Order
The cover letter must state that opposing counsel or the unrepresented party received the same materials and whether they agree with the proposed order language, and the order's service list must include their e-filing addresses.
The letter must state that opposing counsel/unrepresented party has been provided with the same materials being provided to the Court and whether opposing counsel/unrepresented party agrees with the language of the proposed Order. The service list on the Order must contain e-filing addresses for opposing counsel/unrepresented parties.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Every proposed consent order must include either “Consent” or “Agreed” in its caption.
C. All consent Orders shall include the word “Consent” or “Agreed” in the caption of the proposed Order.
Document Type
Proposed Order
A foreclosure scheduling email must include the case number, requested duration, motion or hearing type, and counsel’s name and phone number.
Please include the case number, amount of time needed, type of motion/hearing and information for Plaintiff’s and Defendant’s counsel: name and phone number.
Document Type
Scheduling Email
Every exhibit objected to in the pretrial stipulation must be brought to the pretrial conference.
All exhibits which are the subject of any objection raised in the Pre-Trial Stipulation shall be brought to the Pre-Trial Conference.
Document Type
Exhibits
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
A Notice of Hearing must be e-filed immediately after hearing time is reserved.
The Notice of Hearing should list all motion(s) and the docket line of the motion, e-filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Proposed orders must be submitted through the E-Portal, with copies provided to all parties.
Proposed orders must be submitted to the Court via the E-Portal with copies to all parties.
Page 3 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
If counsel lacks an email address for an unrepresented party, counsel must mail or hand-deliver the proposed order, cover letter, and all attachments to the court.
If counsel does not have an email address for an unrepresented party, counsel must mail or hand-deliver the proposed Order, cover letter and all attachments to the Court consistent with the instructions above.
Page 4 | Proposed Orders Without A Hearing
When all parties use e-Portal, the proposed order may be emailed to the court in Microsoft Word format.
If all parties before the Court are using e-Portal, the proposed Order may be emailed to the Court in Microsoft Word format.
Page 3 | Proposed Orders After A Hearing
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The submission of proposed orders and supporting documentation is due no later than ten days before the scheduled hearing date.
Proposed orders and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Judicial Assistant at againers@coj.net no later than ten (10) days prior to the scheduled hearing date.
Page 1 | UNCONTESTED MATTERS DOCKET
A proposed order must be submitted within 10 days after the hearing.
Proposed orders must be submitted within ten (10) days after any hearing.
Page 3 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Motions to cancel sales, including emergency motions, must be submitted as early as possible to permit adequate review and action.
Motions (and emergency) to Cancel Sales shall be provided at the earliest possible time to allow adequate time for review and action.
Page 4 | F. Emergency and Other Urgent Matters
All exhibits must reach the Foreclosure Case Management Office three days before the evidentiary proceeding.
All exhibits must be received by the Foreclosure Case Management Office three (3) days before the evidentiary proceeding.
Page 4 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Plaintiffs must serve and file an expert-witness notice at least 120 days before the pretrial conference containing the required witness and opinion information.
No later than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference, Plaintiff(s) shall serve on all opposing counsel and file with the Court a Notice containing the following information regarding each expert witness who will testify at trial on behalf of Plaintiff(s): (a) the name and address of the witness; (b) the area(s) of expertise of the witness; (c) the subject matter of the expected testimony of the witness; (d) the substance of the facts and opinions about which the witness is expected to testify; and (e) a summary of the grounds on which each of the opinions of the witnesses will be based.
Page 1 | EXPERT WITNESSES
Unless good cause is shown, motions in limine must be filed at least 14 days before the final pretrial conference.
Absent good cause shown, all Motions in Limine shall be filed no later than fourteen (14) days before the final Pre-Trial Conference.
Page 1 | PRE-TRIAL MOTIONS
Discovery must be completed before the pretrial conference unless counsel extend it in writing or the court orders an extension.
Discovery shall be completed prior to the Pre-Trial Conference unless otherwise extended by written agreement of counsel or by Order of the Court.
Page 1 | DISCOVERY
Each defendant must serve and file an expert-witness notice at least 90 days before the pretrial conference containing the same required information as the plaintiffs’ notice.
No later than ninety (90) days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference, each Defendant shall serve on all other counsel and file with the Court a Notice containing the same information regarding each expert witness who will testify at trial on behalf of that defendant.
Page 1 | EXPERT WITNESSES
At least seven days before the pretrial conference, counsel for each party must meet to address settlement, stipulations, exhibits, witnesses, video materials, proposed jury instructions and verdict form, and other matters that will expedite the conference and trial.
No later than seven (7) days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference, attorneys for each party shall meet together by agreement instigated by counsel for the Plaintiff(s), to discuss the possibility of settlement; stipulate to as many facts and issues as possible; examine all exhibits and documents which may be used at trial; furnish opposing counsel the names and addresses of all witnesses who may testify at trial; review all video depositions or exhibits to be used at trial; agree to the extent possible on the use of jury instructions and verdict form at trial; and complete all other matters which may expedite both the Pre-Trial Conference and the Trial of this case.
Page 1 | REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCE
Absent good cause, a motion to exclude expert testimony must be scheduled at least 14 days before the pretrial conference, and the moving party must coordinate the hearing setting.
Absent good cause shown, all motions seeking to exclude expert witnesses testimony shall be scheduled for hearing no fewer than fourteen (14) days before the Pretrial Conference. The moving party shall coordinate the setting of the hearing.
Page 1 | PRE-TRIAL MOTIONS
The court may require the parties to appear in person when a proposed order is submitted after the deadline.
The Court may require the parties to appear in person for any order submitted beyond the deadline.
Page 3 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Service and Proof of Service Rules
A Notice of Hearing must be served immediately after hearing time is reserved.
The Notice of Hearing should list all motion(s) and the docket line of the motion, e-filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Plaintiffs’ counsel must prepare a complete set of proposed instructions and verdict form and serve them on other counsel no later than the pretrial conference.
Counsel for the Plaintiff(s) shall be responsible for preparing a complete set of instructions, and verdict form, and serving the same upon other counsel at or before the Pretrial Conference contemplated by paragraph 3 hereof.
Page 1 | JURY INSTRUCTIONS AND VERDICT FORMS
Plaintiffs must serve the required expert-witness notice on opposing counsel at least 120 days before the pretrial conference.
No later than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference, Plaintiff(s) shall serve on all opposing counsel and file with the Court a Notice containing the following information regarding each expert witness who will testify at trial on behalf of Plaintiff(s)
Page 1 | EXPERT WITNESSES
All trial exhibits must be provided to opposing counsel before the pretrial conference.
All exhibits intended to be offered at trial shall be exhibited to all opposing counsel prior to the Pre-Trial Conference.
Page 1 | TRIAL EXHIBITS
Counsel must deliver an exhibit list and all intended exhibits to the court clerk before presenting evidence.
Prior to the presentation of evidence, counsel shall deliver to the Clerk of the Court an Exhibit List along with all exhibits to be introduced.
Page 1 | TRIAL EXHIBITS
Each defendant must serve the required expert-witness notice on all other counsel at least 90 days before the pretrial conference.
No later than ninety (90) days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference, each Defendant shall serve on all other counsel and file with the Court a Notice containing the same information regarding each expert witness who will testify at trial on behalf of that defendant.
Page 1 | EXPERT WITNESSES
All counsel and unrepresented parties must receive copies of the cover letter and proposed order when those materials are provided to the court.
All counsel and unrepresented parties must be copied on the cover letter, including any proposed Order, at the same time provided to the Court.
Page 4 | Proposed Orders After A Hearing
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Only one copy of an emergency pleading must be delivered to the court office.
The Court requires a copy to be delivered to the office by email, mail or hand delivery. Please send only one copy.
Page 4 | F. Emergency and Other Urgent Matters
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring enough exhibit copies for the clerk, court, and every party.
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring sufficient copies of each exhibit for the clerk, the Court, and each party to review during the hearing or trial.
Page 4 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Emergency-motion documents exceeding 30 pages, including attachments, must not be emailed to the court’s office.
However, any large documents (more than 30 pages, including attachments) must NOT be emailed.
Page 2 | Emergency Motions
A copy of an emergency motion must be delivered to the court’s office for review either by hand delivery or email.
The Court requires a copy for review to be delivered to the office either by hand delivery, or email.
Page 2 | Emergency Motions
An attorney appearing by telephone must provide the judicial assistant with a courtesy copy of the Notice of Hearing.
Additionally, the attorney appearing by telephone is required to provide a courtesy copy of the Notice of Hearing to the JA so the JA can be aware of the incoming call.
Page 2 | Setting A Case For Trial
Courtesy copies of motions and memoranda should be delivered at least two weeks before the scheduled hearing.
Courtesy copies of motions and memoranda should be delivered at least two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled hearing.
Page 3 | Courtesy Copies
Optional courtesy hard copies may be provided by U.S. mail, FedEx, UPS, or hand delivery.
Please provide hard copies via U.S. mail, FedEx, UPS, or hand delivery.
Page 4 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Optional courtesy hard copies for a hearing, motions, memoranda of law, or case law should arrive three to five business days before the hearing.
If counsel would like the Judge to have courtesy copies for a hearing, motions, memorandum of law, or case law hard copies should be received by the Foreclosure Case Management Office at least three to five business days prior to the scheduled hearing date.
Page 4 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Judge Norton does not require courtesy copies or case-law materials to be sent to the office.
Judge Norton does not require courtesy copies or case law to be sent to the office.
Page 4 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Filing Bundling Requirements
Hearing materials exceeding 20 pages collectively must be delivered in a binder to the courthouse no later than two weeks before the hearing.
If materials for the hearing are collectively over 20 pages, please have a binder delivered to the courthouse no later than two (2) weeks prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | Setting Hearings
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A set hearing may not be cancelled without the Court’s consent.
Once a hearing is set, it may NOT be cancelled without the consent of the Court.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A party may not assume that filing a notice of cancellation or dismissal removes a scheduled hearing.
Do NOT assume the hearing is removed by filing a notice of cancellation, notice of dismissal, etc.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
The moving party that obtained the hearing must contact the Court to request cancellation.
The moving party who set the hearing is the party responsible for contacting the Court to request the hearing be canceled.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Continuances are disfavored, require good cause, and must be requested at least five days before the scheduled court date; absent good cause, the requesting party must sign the motion.
Continuance Procedure: 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 5 | I. Setting Case for Trial
Chambers Communication Rules
Communications with the judicial office must comply with Canon 3 and copy all parties unless an ex parte communication is 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. All parties must be copied on any email directed to the judicial office, unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Court
All court communications must be emailed to DuvalFC@coj.net with a subject line identifying the case number, case name, and relevant matter.
All communications with the Court must be submitted to the Foreclosure Case Management Office by email at DuvalFC@coj.net. The subject line must contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter (e.g., 2025 CA 001234 – ABC v. 123 - 2-Hour Hearing Requested.).
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Court
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an email address for electronic receipt of signed orders unless excused.
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an email address to receive signed orders electronically, unless excused.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Court
Hearing coordination with opposing counsel or pro se parties must use E-Portal unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.
All hearings must be coordinated with opposing counsel or pro se parties utilizing E-Portal unless an ex-parte communication is authorized by law.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must update their contact information on Form 2.603 whenever their registered email address 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 email account registered for electronic service.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Court
Hearing requests must be submitted by email to the judicial assistant, include all interested parties including pro se parties, and state the amount of hearing time requested.
Setting Hearings: Hearings may be set by contacting the Judicial Assistant. Please schedule hearings via e-mail. Please include all (including pro se) interested parties in the e-mail when requesting dates and include the amount of time you are requesting for your hearing.
Page 1 | Setting Hearings
The judicial assistant must be notified in advance when an out-of-town attorney requests a telephonic appearance.
Should a telephonic appearance be requested by an out-of-town attorney, the JA must be notified in advance of the hearing.
Page 2 | Setting A Case For Trial
A hearing cancellation is not effective until it is confirmed with and by the Judicial Assistant.
Cancellation of a hearing MUST be confirmed with and by the J.A.
Page 3 | Cancellation of Hearings
The Court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties, and parties must follow the stated practices when contacting the judicial office.
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 Court
A party requesting a hearing on a pending pleading should email the Foreclosure Case Management Office and copy all other parties.
The party requesting a hearing on any pending pleading should email the Foreclosure Case Management Office copying all other parties at DuvalFC@coj.net.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Remote appearances are prohibited for hearings on motions to compel, motions for sanctions, and discovery motions.
Remote appearances are not permitted for hearings on a Motion to Compel, Motion for Sanctions or discovery motions.
Page 3 | C. Remote Appearance
A requested hearing is not automatically scheduled until the judicial assistant confirms it.
PLEASE DO NOT ASSUME THE HEARING IS AUTOMATICALLY SCHEDULED UNTIL YOU RECEIVE CONFIRMATION FROM THE JA.
Page 1 | Setting Hearings
Only the party who scheduled a hearing may cancel it, and the party may notify the Judicial Assistant by email while copying opposing counsel.
Only the party setting a hearing may cancel it. You may email the Judicial Assistant and copy opposing counsel notifying the Judicial Assistant of the cancellation.
Page 3 | Cancellation of Hearings
A foreclosure hearing date is not secured and may be given to another party until the court sends confirmation.
The Judicial Assistant will respond via e-mail to all with available dates/times. PLEASE NOTE: HEARING DATES/TIMES PROVIDED ARE NOT HELD AND MAY BE GIVEN TO OTHERS. HEARING DATES/TIMES ARE NOT SECURED UNTIL CONFIRMATIN IS SENT FROM THE COURT.
Page 5 | Foreclosure Matters (Division FC-D)
Telephonic or Zoom appearances do not require court permission for non-evidentiary motion hearings lasting 30 minutes or less.
The Court allows attorney(s) and parties to appear telephonically or by Zoom for non-evidentiary motion hearings consisting of thirty (30) minutes or less without permission from the Court.
Page 3 | C. Remote Appearance
Cases may be set for trial by e-mailing the Foreclosure Case Management Office or by doing so at a Case Management Conference.
Procedure: Setting cases for trial will be done through e-mail to the Foreclosure Case Management Office at DuvalFC@coj.net, or at a Case Management Conference.
Page 5 | I. Setting Case for Trial
Dates and times may be obtained from the judicial assistant by email.
DATES & TIME can be obtained from the JA Alexis Gainers via email: Againers@coj.net
Page 1 | Division Procedures
Division FC-D foreclosure motions, disposition matters, and non-jury trials may be scheduled by emailing the judicial assistant, with all parties included.
Motions, disposition matters and non-jury trials in Division FC-D foreclosure cases may be scheduled by e-mailing the Judicial Assistant Againers@coj.net. All parties should be included in the e-mail.
Page 5 | Foreclosure Matters (Division FC-D)
Out-of-town attorneys may appear by phone if opposing counsel does not object, but the attorney must call the judicial assistant before the hearing, and multiple phone participants must use one conference call.
The Court allows out-of-town attorney(s) to appear telephonically if opposing counsel has no objection. Prior to the hearing, the attorney appearing by phone will initiate the call to the JA. Only one line may be transferred into the Hearing Room, so multiple attorneys appearing by phone must arrange one conference call to include all others. A Motion to Appear Telephonically is not required to be submitted to the Court.
Page 5 | Telephonic Appearances