Court Rules

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 7 rules apply across Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, Miami-Dade County. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Requirements

All 6
  • Applies to
    Forms packet

    Pro se parties must acquire and utilize the Eleventh Judicial Circuit forms packet (or forms substantially in compliance therewith) from the Clerk's Office, unless waived for good cause by the Administrative or Associate Administrative Judge.

  • Applies to
    Self help program registration

    Pro se parties must register with the Circuit's Family Court Self Help Program to receive information, instructions, referrals, and assistance, unless waived for good cause by the Administrative or Associate Administrative Judge.

  • Applies to
    Pleadings and papers

    At the time of filing, pro se parties must have their pleadings and papers reviewed as to form by the Family Court Self Help Program, unless waived for good cause by the Administrative or Associate Administrative Judge.

Fees

All 1
  • Fee
    $35
    Applies to
    Forms packet

    The required forms packet is available from the Clerk's Office at a cost not to exceed $35.00, subject to good-cause waiver of the procedures by the Administrative or Associate Administrative Judge.

View all Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, Miami-Dade County rules
About Judge Bertila Soto

Bertila Soto is a judge on the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, which serves Miami-Dade County through circuit and county court divisions.

This judge's procedures are published through the court's general rules.

Common questions about Judge Bertila Soto's rules

What must be included with petition with proposed order filings before Judge Bertila Soto?

The rule requires local rule certificate. Petitions filed with proposed orders in CourtMAP must include the established checklist certification forms as supporting documents.

View ruleSource: page 1, section REQUIRED CHECKLIST CERTIFICATION FORMS

What must be included with checklist certification form filings before Judge Bertila Soto?

The rule requires local rule certificate. The checklist certification form contains a certification of compliance that must be signed by the lawyer.

View ruleSource: page 1, section REQUIRED CHECKLIST CERTIFICATION FORMS

How may parties contact Judge Bertila Soto's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Bertila Soto's chambers. The rule lists email mpaul@jud11.flcourts.org. Hearings longer than the 55-minute special set limit require a Special Set form with two dates all parties are available, emailed to chambers for approval.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Additional Instructions (Special Set Hearings, Evidentiary Hearings, Telephonic Appearance, Cancellations)

Does Judge Bertila Soto require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Judge Bertila Soto requires bundling for covered papers. Supporting documents such as petitions, motions, checklists, affidavits, and cover letters must always be submitted together with the proposed order.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Proposed Orders via courtMAP

Is electronic filing required before Judge Bertila Soto?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Checklist certification forms must be filed through the e-filing portal and uploaded to CourtMAP with the petition, and omission results in summary rejection.

View ruleSource: page 1, section REQUIRED CHECKLIST CERTIFICATION FORMS

When is a filing treated as filed before Judge Bertila Soto?

The rule addresses filing timing, filing status, or cure windows. Supporting documents must be uploaded to CourtMAP at least 5 days before the hearing or the hearing is subject to cancellation.

View ruleSource: page 1, section REQUIRED CHECKLIST CERTIFICATION FORMS
Complete rules summary for Judge Bertila Soto

Petitions filed with proposed orders in CourtMAP must include the established checklist certification forms as supporting documents.

Checklist certification forms must be filed through the e-filing portal and uploaded to CourtMAP with the petition, and omission results in summary rejection.

The checklist certification form contains a certification of compliance that must be signed by the lawyer.

Supporting documents must be uploaded to CourtMAP at least 5 days before the hearing or the hearing is subject to cancellation.

Documents must not be emailed to the judicial assistant.

All proposed orders must be submitted through courtMAP.

Resolved hearings must be cancelled in CourtMAP, or by emailing the judicial assistant if the filer lacks CourtMAP access.

Emergency petitions must be e-filed and appear on the Clerk of Court's docket before being uploaded to courtMAP.

Emergency petitions/motions must contain a certification that the matter is a true emergency that cannot wait for a motion calendar.

Emergency petitions/motions must include a statement that opposing counsel was notified in an attempt to resolve the matter amicably.

DNR petitions/motions must be filed as an Emergency Hearing.

Trial Hearing requests must be emailed to the judicial assistant, allowing 48 hours for a response.

Supporting documents such as petitions, motions, checklists, affidavits, and cover letters must always be submitted together with the proposed order.

Proposed orders submitted after a hearing must be accompanied by a cover letter stating the hearing details and the Court's oral ruling.

When submitting a proposed order in courtMAP, the title of the order must be typed into the title box provided by courtMAP.

Proposed orders must not be submitted on contested matters or matters already set for hearing.

Pleadings needed to administer the estate must be filed at the same time as the Petition to Reopen a case dismissed or closed for inactivity.

Walk-in filings of motions, pleadings, and proposed orders are not allowed.

The petition/motion to be heard at a Special Appointment Hearing must be e-filed and appear on the Clerk of Court's docket.

Special sets under 1 hour may be self-scheduled on courtMAP; hearings needing more time require an email to the judicial assistant.

Hearing requests from attorneys must state whether other parties are involved, whether they were consulted, whether they agree to the hearing date, and include affirmative confirmation from all parties.

All hearings require a checklist.

Specially set hearings are not scheduled until the Court approves the submission; rejected submissions receive a rejection notice and approved ones are confirmed by courtMAP email with an e-filed notice of hearing.

Petitions/motions, case law, and proposed orders must be submitted for review within 48 hours of setting the hearing.

Add-on petitions/motions to special set hearings are not permitted without leave of Court.

For evidentiary hearings, all support documents must be added in courtMAP one week before the hearing date and exhibits/evidence must be arranged with the Clerk of Courts beforehand.

Responses to special appointment calendar matters must be e-filed with the Clerk and submitted via CourtMAP under the Special Appointment case number and hearing date.

Responses to special appointment calendar matters are due 10 days before the hearing date.

Documents sent to chambers require coordination with the judicial assistant by email at least 10 days before the hearing date.

Motions for Telephonic Appearance must be e-filed and then submitted for the Court's approval through the proposed orders option on courtMAP.

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