Judge Christine E. Arendas
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Chambers Copy
- At Least 5 Business Days Before Hearing
Courtesy copies
- Email • At Least 3 Business Days Before Hearing
Filings > 10 pages
- At Least 3 Business Days Before Hearing
Hearing Materials
- At Least 5 Business Days Before Hearing
Adjournments
- If a party believes the established trial date does not allow enough time to complete discovery and can show good cause, counsel must immediately request a status hearing or case management conference.
- Motions to continue are disfavored unless the movant shows good cause.
- A motion to continue must include a written client consent and specifically state good cause; generalized requests for more time or mere party agreement are insufficient.
- +1 more
Request must include
Communication
Clerk
Chambers
Phone
Duty Judge
Phone
Phone
Court-wideClerk
Phone
Court-wideClerk
Page & Word Limits1 rule
In most instances, a legal memorandum should not exceed 10 double-spaced pages.
Note: In most instances legal memoranda should not exceed 10 double- spaced pages.
Legal Memoranda
10 pages
Document Format Requirements9 rules
Jury instructions and verdict forms must be submitted to the judge at the pretrial conference, with originals filed with the clerk and an MS Word copy emailed to the court in 14-point Times New Roman, double-spaced format.
Submitted to the Judge at the Pre-Trial Conference. File originals with the Clerk and provide a Copy in MS Word (in Times New Roman font – 14 pt. double spaced) - to the Court via email to 20Bosceola@ninthcircuit.org
Exhibits and demonstrative aids must be exchanged, initialed by all counsel, tagged and marked for identification, and have any objections separately noted.
all exhibits and demonstrative aids (including Power Point Presentations) must be exchanged, initialed by counsel for all parties, and tagged and marked for identification. Any objections must be separately noted.
With written client consent, counsel may email a proposed withdrawal order in Word after the motion is docketed, using the case number and order name as the filename.
When the client has provided written consent to counsel’s withdrawal, counsel may submit a proposed order saved in Word as “Case Number – Order Name” (after the motion has been docketed by the Clerk), to the division email division20b@ocnjcc.org
DOCX
Exhibits for evidentiary proceedings, including non-jury trials, must be submitted as hard copies.
Exhibits for evidentiary proceedings, including non-jury trials, must be submitted in hard copy.
Paper
Orders must be double-spaced, formatted on 8 1/2 by 11-inch plain white paper, and comply with Rule 2.520.
All orders must be formatted for 8 1/2 X 11 plain white paper, double spaced, and comply with the formatting requirements of Rule 2.520, Fla. R. Jud. Admin.
The copy of the jury instructions and verdict forms provided to the court by email must be in MS Word, use Times New Roman 14-point font, and be double spaced.
provide a Copy in MS Word (in Times New Roman font – 14 pt. double spaced) - to the Court via email to 20Bosceola@ninthcircuit.org
DOCX
Do not submit hearing materials to the court on thumb drives.
The court does not accept thumb drives.
Proposed orders must use the filename format “Case Number – Order Name.”
Proposed Orders must be saved in the following manner “Case Number – Order Name”.
DOCX
The Judge may require orders to be provided electronically in Word by email.
DOCX
Document Filing Requirements98 rules
A petition requesting court approval of a proposed settlement must state the facts of the claim, question, or dispute giving rise to the settlement.
The party(ies) requesting the Court’s approval of a proposed settlement must provide the following: 1. A petition stating: the facts of the claim, question, or dispute giving rise to the proposed settlement;
Document Type
Petition For Settlement Approval
The petition must state the attorney fees and costs proposed to be deducted from the settlement proceeds.
the attorney’s fees and costs proposed to be deducted from the settlement proceeds;
Document Type
Petition For Settlement Approval
The petition must state the proposed distribution of settlement proceeds among all persons, estates, and other entities entitled to recover a portion.
the proposed distribution of settlement proceeds among all persons, estates, and other entities entitled to recover a portion of the settlement proceeds;
Document Type
Petition For Settlement Approval
The petition must identify the legal guardian or parent requesting approval and that person's relationship to the minor or ward.
the identity and relationship to the minor or ward of the legal guardian or parent requesting that the Court approve the proposed settlement;
Document Type
Petition For Settlement Approval
The required medical-record attachments include the History and Physical, hospitalization records if applicable, and final reports from each primary treating physician addressing future-care needs.
3. Required attachments: A. Medical records: the History and Physical showing the presenting condition; the Admission and Discharge and Summary Resume, if hospitalized; final reports from each primary treating physician, including statement of the need for, or lack of need for, future care and
Document Type
Medical Records
The petition must identify and describe the qualifications of any proposed guardian ad litem, or state the reasons no guardian ad litem is requested.
the identity and qualifications of any proposed guardian ad litem or, if no guardian ad litem is requested, the reason(s) no guardian ad litem is requested;
Document Type
Petition For Settlement Approval
When required by statute or court order, the requesting parties must provide a proposed order appointing a guardian ad litem.
When required by statute or order: a proposed Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem;
Document Type
Proposed Order
The petition must state why the proposed settlement serves the best interests of the minor or ward.
the reason(s) the proposed settlement serves the best interests of the minor or ward;
Document Type
Petition For Settlement Approval
When required by statute or court order, the requesting parties must provide a motion to appoint a guardian ad litem.
When required by statute or order: a Motion to Appoint Guardian ad Litem;
Document Type
Motion To Appoint Guardian Ad Litem
The petition must justify the proposed distribution of settlement proceeds.
the justification for the proposed distribution of settlement proceeds;
Document Type
Petition For Settlement Approval
The petition must explain how settlement funds will be invested or protected and identify and describe the proposed financial institutions, funds, or other financial products, including their rating and stability.
how the funds will be invested or protected, including identification, rating, and stability of proposed financial institution(s), fund(s), or other financial products.
Document Type
Petition For Settlement Approval
The petition must state the terms and gross amount of the proposed settlement.
the terms and gross amount of the proposed settlement;
Document Type
Petition For Settlement Approval
When required by statute or court order, the guardian ad litem report must analyze the settlement and distribution, state the positions of the natural parents or guardian, analyze potentially adverse claims or positions of personal representatives or other survivors, and state the guardian ad litem's opinion and its bases.
When required by statute or order: a Motion to Appoint Guardian ad Litem; a proposed Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem; and a Guardian ad Litem report analyzing the proposed settlement and distribution, stating the position(s) of the natural parent(s) or guardian, analyzing the position(s) or claims of any Personal Representative or other survivors, particularly those that are potentially adverse to the minor or ward, and stating the Guardian ad Litem’s opinion
Document Type
Guardian Ad Litem Report
Copies of all release and settlement agreements requiring the legal guardian's or parent's signature must be provided.
copies of all release and settlement agreements that the legal guardian or parent will be required to sign;
Document Type
Settlement And Release Agreement
An agreement containing a defense, indemnity, or hold-harmless provision must state whether it binds the minor or ward or only the parent or legal guardian.
the agreement(s) must specify whether the parties intend for the provision to bind the minor or ward child or only to the parent or legal guardian, and
Document Type
Settlement And Release Agreement
If a settlement agreement binds a minor or ward to defend, indemnify, or hold harmless, legal authority supporting that the minor or ward may be bound must be attached.
if the parties intend to bind the minor or ward to a duty to defend, to indemnify, or to hold harmless, legal authority holding that a minor or ward can be bound to defend, indemnify, or hold harmless must also be attached;
Document Type
Settlement And Release Agreement
If a confidentiality provision is intended to bind the minor or ward, the agreement must state the consequences of violating that provision.
if the parties intend to bind the minor or ward:
Document Type
Settlement And Release Agreement
The closing statement must itemize all claims, including unresolved claims, to be paid with proceeds from the proposed settlement.
itemizing all claims, including unresolved claims, that will be paid with proceeds from the proposed settlement.
Document Type
Closing Statement
The closing statement must itemize all attorneys' fees and identify each lawyer and law firm receiving any portion of those fees.
itemizing all attorney’s fees and the identity of each lawyer and law firm receiving all or part of the fees;
Document Type
Closing Statement
The closing statement must itemize all resolved and unresolved liens, including outstanding balances owed.
itemizing all resolved and unresolved liens, including outstanding balances owed;
Document Type
Closing Statement
The proposed settlement materials must include documentation of the annuity's present value.
documentation of the annuity’s present value;
Document Type
Annuity
All settlement and release agreements must identify the party responsible for obtaining an order sealing limited documentation under Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.420(d).
All agreements must specify which party is responsible for obtaining an order sealing limited documentation in the court file pursuant to Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.420(d);
Document Type
Settlement And Release Agreement
The proposed settlement materials must include documentation of the annuity's payment schedule.
documentation of the annuity’s payment schedule;
Document Type
Annuity
The proposed settlement materials must include documentation of the issuing annuity company's rating.
documentation of the issuing company’s rating;
Document Type
Annuity
The closing statement must identify all recipients of settlement proceeds and the proposed allocation among them.
identifying all recipients of the settlement proceeds and the proposed allocation among them;
Document Type
Closing Statement
Plaintiff's counsel must certify that all required release and settlement agreements were personally reviewed and approved.
by plaintiff’s counsel that all required release and settlement agreements have been personally reviewed and approved by plaintiff’s counsel; and
Document Type
Settlement Certification
Counsel for all parties must certify that the settlement releases only the settling party and its insurers, not any other defendant or nonparty.
by counsel for all parties that the settlement is intended to release only the settling party and their insurer(s) and that the settlement is not intended to release any other defendant or nonparty; and
Document Type
Settlement Certification
The closing statement must itemize all costs already expended and all costs to be expended.
itemizing all costs expended or to be expended;
Document Type
Closing Statement
The proposed settlement materials must include documentation of the annuity's cost.
documentation of the annuity’s cost;
Document Type
Annuity
The proposed settlement materials must identify the company issuing any contemplated annuity.
identification of the company issuing the annuity;
Document Type
Annuity
If a proposed deposition occurs within 14 days of the examination, the written report must reach deposing counsel at least five days before deposition.
Should any of the dates be within 14 days of the examination the above referred to report shall be provided to deposing counsel no later than 5 days before the deposition date.
Document Type
Expert Written Report
The examining physician or healthcare provider must issue a detailed written report and provide it to all counsel within 14 business days after the examination.
Pursuant to Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.360(b) a “detailed written report” will be issued by the examining physician or healthcare provider and provided to all counsel no later than 14 business days after the day of the examination.
Document Type
Expert Written Report
When new information changes an expert's opinion or conclusion, opposing counsel must be notified immediately and given a revised or supplemental report and dates for updated depositions.
Any changes of opinions or conclusions based on new information must be made known to opposing counsel immediately, a revised or supplemental report provided and dates for updated depositions must also be provided.
Document Type
Supplemental Expert Report
A Rule 1.360 report is inadmissible at trial unless the parties stipulate to its admissibility.
No report under Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.360 will be admissible at trial absent a stipulation by the parties.
Document Type
Expert Written Report
When scheduling the examination, the requesting party must provide opposing counsel with at least three dates for the examiner's oral deposition.
The party requesting the examination shall also provide to opposing counsel, at the time the examination is scheduled, no less than three dates when the examiner will be available for oral deposition.
Document Type
Expert Deposition Availability Dates
Demonstrative aids may not be used during opening statements without the parties' agreement or a court order entered before the first day of trial.
Demonstrative aids may NOT be used during Opening Statement without (i) agreement or (ii) prior (before the first day of trial) court order.
Document Type
Demonstrative Aids
A Certificate of Conferral must be attached to the motion.
A Certificate of Conferral is to be attached to the motion.
Document Type
Motion
Counsel must include the required certification on the notice of hearing.
Note: Counsel must also include the required certification on the Notice of Hearing.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
For most motions, the notice of hearing must include an Administrative Order 2012-03-01 certificate of compliance, and omission may result in cancellation of the hearing.
The notice of hearing must comply with the requirements of Administrative Order 2012-03-01. That order mandates a certificate of compliance certifying compliance with the “meet and confer” requirement for most motions. See Admin. Order 2012-03- ¶ 6. Certificate of compliance exemplars appear in the appendix to these procedures. Failure to include the required certificate of compliance may result in cancellation of the hearing.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
An evidentiary-hearing request and its notice of hearing must expressly identify the hearing as evidentiary.
For evidentiary hearings, the hearing request must indicate that an evidentiary hearing is being requested, and the notice of hearing must expressly state that the hearing will be evidentiary.
Document Type
Hearing Request
When a hearing is canceled because the motion was resolved by agreement or became moot, the scheduling party must submit a proposed order reflecting the resolution.
If the cancellation resulted from resolution of the motion by agreement of the parties or because of mootness, the party that scheduled the hearing shall submit a proposed order reflecting the resolution.
Document Type
Proposed Order
When communication-technology attendance is authorized, the notice of hearing must identify the participants using that technology and include the specified videoconference information.
If the Court grants permission for any attorney, party, or witness to attend a hearing by means of communication technology, the notice of hearing shall indicate that one or all parties will attend via communication technology and shall include the following information:
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
An emergency hearing motion must include a certificate that the circumstances constitute a true emergency requiring immediate hearing time and that emergency designation may cause other matters to be cancelled or rescheduled.
the motion must contain a certificate of emergency in which the moving party certifies: i. that he/she believes the facts and circumstances to constitute a true emergency for which immediate hearing time is required; and ii. that he/she understands that designating a matter as an emergency may result in the Court cancelling or rescheduling other matters affecting other parties; and
Document Type
Emergency Hearing Motion
An emergency hearing motion must include a detailed explanation of the circumstances constituting the emergency.
The body of the motion must contain a detailed explanation of the circumstances constituting the emergency; and
Document Type
Emergency Hearing Motion
The notice of hearing for an ex parte or short matter must include a Certificate of Compliance.
before setting a hearing at ex-parte/short matters, the parties must satisfy the meet and confer requirement of Administrative Order 2012-03-01 and must include a Certificate of Compliance in the notice of hearing.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
Before a short-matter hearing, the parties must file a joint report describing the case-management issue and each party’s position.
Before the hearing, the parties must file a joint report describing the case management issue and their respective positions.
Document Type
Joint Case Management Report
A discovery motion must identify the disputed requests or objections, explain why they are improper, and attach the pertinent requests, responses, or objections.
Discovery motions must identify the specific requests and objections that are in dispute, explain why the movant believes those requests or objections are improper, and attach the requests, responses, or objections at issue.
Document Type
Discovery Motion
Every discovery motion must certify a good-faith attempt to resolve the dispute without court action and comply with the applicable rules and administrative orders.
All discovery motions must comply with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure and Administrative Orders governing this division, including, but not limited to, the requirement of certifying a good faith attempt to resolve the matter without court action.
Document Type
Discovery Motion
Both the body and certificate of service of a proposed withdrawal order must identify the recipient party’s name, address, telephone number, and email address.
The body and certificate of service of proposed orders on motions to withdraw must include the name, address, telephone number, and email address of the party to whom pleadings and papers in the case will be sent.
Document Type
Proposed Order
A proposed order accompanying a motion to compel may only require a response within 10 days and may not grant other relief.
The proposed order shall only compel a response within 10 days and shall not grant any other form of relief.
Document Type
Motion To Compel Proposed Order
A motion-in-limine opposition memorandum must describe the basis for opposition and include argument and supporting authority.
At least five (5) business days before the scheduled hearing on any Motion in Limine, the opposing party must file a memorandum in opposition specifically describing the basis for the opposition with argument and supporting authority.
Document Type
Motion In Limine Opposition
A partially agreed motion in limine requires a stipulation signed by both parties that identifies in writing which points the opposing party accepts.
If the meet and confer results in an agreement on any portion of any Motion in Limine, the moving party shall prepare and file a stipulation signed by the movant and opposing party indicating in writing which of the points in the Motion in Limine are agreed to by Page 9 of 19 ===== PAGE 10 ===== the opposing party.
Document Type
Motion In Limine Stipulation
A motion-in-limine hearing notice must identify each specific disputed point.
The hearing notice must identify the specific points in dispute.
Document Type
Motion In Limine Hearing Notice
The nonmovant's summary-judgment response must include the nonmovant's supporting factual position.
At least 20 days before the time fixed for the hearing, the nonmovant must serve a response that includes the nonmovant's supporting factual position.
Document Type
Summary Judgment Response
A motion-to-compel package must include a cover letter with the proposed order, and both documents must be sent contemporaneously to all other parties.
The proposed order shall also be accompanied by a cover letter, and both the letter and order shall be contemporaneously sent to all other parties.
Document Type
Motion To Compel Proposed Order Package
A motion in limine may not be scheduled unless its hearing notice certifies a good-faith attempt to resolve each point without court action.
The Motion in Limine may not be scheduled for a hearing unless the hearing notice contains a certification of a good faith attempt to resolve the matter without court action as to each point.
Document Type
Motion In Limine Hearing Notice
The motion-in-limine movant's memorandum must specifically describe the basis for the requested evidentiary ruling and include argument and supporting authority.
Within seven (7) days of any unsuccessful meet-and-confer, the movant must file a memorandum of law specifically describing the basis for the requested evidentiary ruling with argument and supporting authority.
Document Type
Motion In Limine Memorandum
Authorities and memoranda first submitted during a hearing may not be considered by the court.
Authorities and memoranda provided to the Court and opposing parties for the first time during the hearing may not be considered.
Document Type
Hearing Authorities And Memoranda
A late-filed trial motion or untimely request for a trial-related hearing must specifically describe the extraordinary circumstances relied upon.
No motion directed towards matters involving the trial will be heard during the actual trial period absent extraordinary circumstances, which must be described with specificity in any late-filed motion or untimely request for hearing.
Document Type
Late Filed Trial Motion Or Hearing Request
Without express agreement, the cover letter must explain the opposing party’s position, lack of response, or other circumstances concerning the order.
In cases where there is not express agreement to a form of the order, the cover letter must specifically state the position of opposing counsel or the opposing self- represented party, the lack of any response whatsoever, or other circumstances surrounding the order.
Document Type
Cover Letter
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Proposed orders in civil cases must be submitted electronically in Word format to the division email address.
Orders proposed for filing in civil cases must be submitted electronically in Word format to division20b@ocnjcc.org
Page 11 | N. Orders and Rulings of the Court
The proposed order itself should not be filed; the cover letter must be e-filed before submission to the court.
The proposed order should not be filed, but the cover letter must be e-filed prior to submission to the Court.
Page 11 | N. Orders and Rulings of the Court
Proposed orders in probate, guardianship, and mental health cases must be filed through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
Orders proposed for filing in probate, guardianship, and mental health cases must be filed through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
Page 11 | N. Orders and Rulings of the Court
After the clerk dockets the motion and supporting materials, the party may submit a proposed final judgment to the division email address.
The party seeking entry of judgment may file a motion for default final judgment and submit a proposed final judgment (after the motion and any supporting materials have been docketed by the Clerk) to the division email division20b@ocnjcc.org
Page 12 | O. Default Final Judgments
A proposed order submitted before a hearing must be emailed in Word format to the division email address using the specified filename format.
If a party wishes to submit a proposed order before a hearing, the proposed order must be emailed saved in Word as “Case Number – Order Name” to division20b@ocnjcc.org.
Page 12 | N. Orders and Rulings of the Court
All filings in the Civil Division must be made electronically under the Florida Supreme Court electronic-access standards.
(B) All filings in Civil Division are to be done electronically in accordance with Florida Supreme Court Standards for Electronic Access to the Courts - Version 18.0 - Updated August 2017, (as noted in AOSC09-30).
Page 4 | SECTION 5. COURT FILES AND RECORDS.
Orders must be filed electronically through the statewide ePortal.
Orders will be electronically filed through the statewide ePortal.
Page 10 | SECTION 12. ORDERS AND JUDGMENTS. (B) Requirements for Orders.
The indigency motion in an appeal must be filed electronically.
A party claiming indigency who desires to have Clerk’s fees and costs waived in connection with an appeal from County Court to the Civil Division of this Court or from the Civil Division of this Court to an appellate court must e-file a motion accompanied by an affidavit of insolvency.
Page 5 | SECTION 8. INDIGENT PARTIES
The Clerk’s office submits proposed probate, guardianship, and mental health orders to the court after reviewing the file for compliance.
The Clerk’s office will submit proposed probate, guardianship, and mental health orders to the Court for approval after that office has reviewed the file for compliance purposes.
Page 11 | N. Orders and Rulings of the Court
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Jury instructions and verdict forms must be exchanged no later than ten days before the pretrial conference.
Jury Instructions and Verdict Forms – Exchanged no later than 10 days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference
Page 1 | BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Deposition designations must be disclosed in writing with page and line citations 30 days before the pretrial conference, and counter-designations must be disclosed 20 days before it.
Pursuant to the Uniform Order Setting Case for Trial, must be disclosed in writing (citing page and line numbers) (i) 30 days before the Pre-Trial Conference (designations), and (ii) 20 days before the Pre-Trial Conference (counter-designations)
Jury instructions and verdict forms must be exchanged no later than 10 days before the pretrial conference and submitted to the judge at that conference; originals go to the clerk.
Jury Instructions and Verdict Forms – • Exchanged no later than 10 days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference • Submitted to the Judge at the Pre-Trial Conference. File originals with the Clerk and provide a Copy in MS Word (in Times New Roman font – 14 pt. double spaced) - to the Court via email to 20Bosceola@ninthcircuit.org
Motions in limine must be scheduled and heard no later than one week before the trial period begins, and the Division 20 standing order must be followed.
Must be scheduled and heard no later than one week prior to the beginning of the trial period. You must comply with Division 20’s Standing Order on Motions in Limine, found at www.ninthcircuit.org
Requests for an attorney, party, or witness to appear by communication technology must be filed at least 14 days before the hearing.
Therefore, all requests for an attorney, party, or witness to appear for a hearing via communication technology must be filed at least 14 days before the hearing date.
Page 4 | I. HEARINGS — Use of Communication Technology
Email the joint case-management report to the division email at least three business days before the hearing.
The report must be emailed to division20b@ocnjcc.org at least three (3) business days before the hearing.
Page 7 | I(F)(3) Ex-Parte/Short Matters
At least five business days before a motion-in-limine hearing, the opposing party must file an opposition memorandum stating the basis for opposition and providing argument and supporting authority.
At least five (5) business days before the scheduled hearing on any Motion in Limine, the opposing party must file a memorandum in opposition specifically describing the basis for the opposition with argument and supporting authority.
Page 9 | K. Motions in Limine
When the meet-and-confer resolves any part of a motion in limine, the movant must prepare a signed stipulation identifying the agreed points and file it within seven days; an agreed order may then be submitted.
If the meet and confer results in an agreement on any portion of any Motion in Limine, the moving party shall prepare and file a stipulation signed by the movant and opposing party indicating in writing which of the points in the Motion in Limine are agreed to by Page 9 of 19 ===== PAGE 10 ===== the opposing party. The stipulation shall be filed within seven (7) days of the meet and confer, and an agreed order may be submitted for rendition.
Page 9 | K. Motions in Limine
Summary-judgment motions filed on or after January 1, 2025 must comply with the Uniform Trial and Case Management Order and be filed at least 50 days before the hearing.
Motions for Summary Judgment filed January 1,2025 and after must be filed incompliance with the Uniform Trial and Case Management Order and at least 50 days before the time fixed for hearing.
Page 9 | J. Summary Judgment Motions
After an unsuccessful meet-and-confer on a motion in limine, the movant must file the required memorandum within seven days, describing the requested evidentiary ruling and including argument and authority.
Within seven (7) days of any unsuccessful meet-and-confer, the movant must file a memorandum of law specifically describing the basis for the requested evidentiary ruling with argument and supporting authority.
Page 9 | K. Motions in Limine
Discovery and trial-related motions must be filed and heard by the trial-order deadline or, if none is stated, before the pretrial conference.
All motions related to discovery or to trial matters must be filed and heard by the time specified in the trial order or before the pretrial conference if the trial order does not specify a deadline.
Page 10 | M. Limitation on Hearings
All hearing materials intended for reliance must be filed at least five business days before the hearing.
All legal memoranda, briefs, affidavits, notices of filing, and other materials that a party intends to rely on at a hearing must be filed at least five (5) business days before the hearing.
Page 10 | L. Hearing Notebooks, Exhibits, Legal Memoranda, and Citations
A trial-related motion ordinarily will not be heard during the actual trial absent extraordinary circumstances specifically described in the late-filed motion or untimely hearing request.
No motion directed towards matters involving the trial will be heard during the actual trial period absent extraordinary circumstances, which must be described with specificity in any late-filed motion or untimely request for hearing.
Page 10 | M. Limitation on Hearings
Unless the court specifies another deadline, the proposed order must be submitted within ten days of the hearing with copies to all other counsel and self-represented parties.
must be submitted to the Court within ten (10) days of the hearing with a copy to all other counsel and self-represented parties, unless the Court specifies a different deadline.
Page 12 | N. Orders and Rulings of the Court
An objecting party has three days to submit an alternative proposed order or judgment with copies and a cover letter explaining the objection; otherwise objections are waived, and submissions may not be held for an objection.
If objecting counsel does not furnish the Judge an alternative proposed judgment or order within 3 days with copies under cover letter stating the reasons for the objection, all objections are waived. Orders and judgments may not be submitted to the Judge to hold waiting for an objection.
Page 10 | SECTION 12. ORDERS AND JUDGMENTS. (D) How Presented.
Counsel preparing a final judgment or order must circulate copies to all parties within two working days after the ruling.
Counsel preparing the Final Judgment or order shall draft and circulate copies to all parties within two (2) working days of the ruling.
Page 10 | SECTION 12. ORDERS AND JUDGMENTS. (D) How Presented.
If no opposing party objects in writing within five days after the motion and affidavit are e-filed, the movant must promptly present a proposed order to the presiding judge by ex parte submission or mail.
If no written objection is filed by an opposing party within five (5) days of e-filing the motion and affidavit, the movant must then promptly present a proposed order to the presiding Judge either during ex parte or by mail.
Page 5 | SECTION 8. INDIGENT PARTIES
A hearing notice must be electronically filed at least five working days before the hearing.
Notice must be e-filed no less than five (5) working days before the hearing.
Page 6 | SECTION 10. HEARINGS.
Counsel and self-represented parties are encouraged to submit written argument within 20 days after filing a motion because the court may rule without a hearing.
Counsel and self represented parties are therefore encouraged to file written arguments in support of their positions within 20 days of the filing of a motion.
Page 10 | L. Hearing Notebooks, Exhibits, Legal Memoranda, and Citations
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Counsel must provide copies of the withdrawal materials to every person who does not use the e-portal filing system.
Counsel will be responsible for providing copies to all persons who do not participate in the e-portal filing system.
Page 8 | I(H)(1) Motions to Withdraw
The cover letter and proposed order must be sent contemporaneously to all other parties.
The proposed order shall also be accompanied by a cover letter, and both the letter and order shall be contemporaneously sent to all other parties.
Page 9 | I. HEARINGS
For summary-judgment motions filed before January 1, 2025, the nonmovant must serve a response at least 20 days before the hearing and include its supporting factual position.
At least 20 days before the time fixed for the hearing, the nonmovant must serve a response that includes the nonmovant's supporting factual position.
Page 9 | J. Summary Judgment Motions
For summary-judgment motions filed before January 1, 2025, the movant must serve the motion at least 40 days before the hearing.
The movant must serve the motion for summary judgment at least 40 days before the time fixed for the hearing.
Page 9 | J. Summary Judgment Motions
A summary-judgment opposition response must be served within 40 days after service of the motion.
Responses in opposition to summary judgment must be served within 40 days after service of the Motion.
Page 9 | J. Summary Judgment Motions
Every material submitted to the court must contemporaneously go to all other parties in the court's same form, including highlighting.
All materials provided to the Court must be contemporaneously provided to all other parties in the same form provided to the Court, including any highlighting.
Page 10 | L. Hearing Notebooks, Exhibits, Legal Memoranda, and Citations
A proposed order must include a complete certificate of service identifying the submitting person and each e-service recipient’s name, email address, and represented party.
The proposed order must contain a complete certificate of service (including the person submitting the proposed order) indicating service to all parties receiving service through the Florida Courts e-Filing Portal, together with the name, email address, and party represented for each person receiving e-service.
Page 11 | N. Orders and Rulings of the Court
For parties not receiving Florida Courts E-Filing Portal service, counsel must serve the order by U.S. mail and file a certificate of service within five days of the order’s date.
“Counsel for ___________(s) shall serve a copy of this Order via U.S. Mail to all parties not receiving service of court filings through the Florida Courts e-Filing Portal and shall file a Certificate of Service within five (5) days from the date of this Order.”
Page 11 | N. Orders and Rulings of the Court
Counsel must promptly serve the order on all parties not registered for Florida Courts E-Filing Portal e-service.
“Counsel” for __________________(s) is responsible for promptly serving the order on all parties that are not registered for e-service through the Florida Courts e-Filing Portal.
Page 11 | N. Orders and Rulings of the Court
When asked to prepare a proposed order during or after a hearing, counsel must send it to opposing counsel or self-represented parties for review and approval within three business days.
If counsel is asked to prepare a proposed order during or after a hearing, the order shall be drafted and sent to opposing counsel or self-represented parties for review and approval within three (3) business days
Page 12 | N. Orders and Rulings of the Court
If parties dispute the proposed order’s language, the non-moving party must email specific objections, which the moving party must submit with the proposed order; the moving party must advise the court if there is no objection.
The non-moving party must email their specific objections to the proposed order to the moving party. The moving party shall provide the email to division20b@ocnjcc.org with the proposed Order. If there is no objection, the moving party shall so advise.
Page 12 | N. Orders and Rulings of the Court
When any party is served by U.S. Mail rather than the ePortal, sufficient paper copies of the order and stamped addressed envelopes must be provided to chambers for each party not receiving electronic service.
If any party receives service by U.S. Mail, rather than through the ePortal, sufficient paper copies of the order and stamped, addressed envelopes must be provided to chambers for each party not receiving electronic service.
Page 10 | SECTION 12. ORDERS AND JUDGMENTS. (B) Requirements for Orders.
Counsel must provide addressed and stamped envelopes to the Judicial Assistant for service of default judgments.
Counsel must provide addressed and stamped envelopes to the Judicial Assistant for service of default judgments.
Page 10 | SECTION 12. ORDERS AND JUDGMENTS. (C) Requirements for Judgments.
Written stipulations provide that reasonable notice must be given to the defaulting party when an application for default judgment is made.
All stipulations will be deemed to provide that reasonable notice shall be given to the defaulting party of any application for default judgment.
Page 13 | SECTION 17. SETTLEMENTS
The proposed order submission must include copies for all other counsel and self-represented parties.
with a copy to all other counsel and self-represented parties
Page 12 | N. Orders and Rulings of the Court
When a written objection is filed, the objecting party must obtain a hearing between five and ten business days later and file and serve the notice of hearing simultaneously with the objection.
If a written objection is filed, the objecting party must obtain hearing time in no less than five (5) days and no more than ten (10) business days and file and serve a notice of hearing simultaneously with the objection.
Page 6 | SECTION 8. INDIGENT PARTIES
Unless service occurs only through the e-portal, the order should contain a full certificate of service identifying all attorneys and unrepresented parties to be served; “copies to” alone is insufficient.
The order should contain a full certificate of service with the complete names and addresses of the attorneys and unrepresented parties to be served, unless service is to occur through the e-portal only. Merely showing “copies to” is insufficient.
Page 9 | SECTION 12. ORDERS AND JUDGMENTS. (B) Requirements for Orders.
If the Judge is unavailable, qualifying uncontested or agreed matters may be mailed with extra copies and addressed, stamped envelopes containing a copy for any unrepresented litigant who has not opted into electronic service.
If the Judge is unavailable, uncontested or agreed matters requiring no explanation by counsel may be delivered to the Judge by mail. Uncontested or agreed matters that are mailed should include extra copies and addressed and stamped envelopes with a copy to any unrepresented litigant who has not opted-in to e-service.
Page 7 | Ex Parte Matters
Filing Fees and Waivers
The party designated in a transfer order must deliver the other court’s filing fee to the Clerk within 30 days of the order for an improper-venue or forum-non-conveniens transfer.
When an order has been entered transferring a case from an Orange or Osceola Circuit Court to another Circuit Court on grounds of improper venue or forum non conveniens, the party designated in the order to pay the transfer costs within thirty (30) days of the date of the order, shall deliver to the Clerk the filing fee for the other Court to accompany the file upon its transfer.
Page 4 | SECTION 4. ASSIGNMENT, REASSIGNMENT AND TRANSFER OF CASES.
A party seeking waiver of specified clerk and sheriff fees and costs in original Circuit Court proceedings must complete and file the Clerk’s affidavit of insolvency.
A party claiming indigency and seeking to have certain Clerk’s and Sheriff’s fees and costs waived must complete and file an affidavit of insolvency provided by the Clerk.
Page 5 | SECTION 8. INDIGENT PARTIES
For an appeal seeking waiver of clerk fees and costs, the party must electronically file a motion accompanied by an affidavit of insolvency.
A party claiming indigency who desires to have Clerk’s fees and costs waived in connection with an appeal from County Court to the Civil Division of this Court or from the Civil Division of this Court to an appellate court must e-file a motion accompanied by an affidavit of insolvency.
Page 5 | SECTION 8. INDIGENT PARTIES
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Hearing materials must also be furnished to Chambers at least five business days before the hearing.
In addition to filing the notice of hearing with the Clerk of Court, hearing materials must be furnished to Chambers at least five (5) business days before the hearing.
Page 3 | I. HEARINGS — Setting Hearings
Email copies of motions, the notice of hearing, and hearing materials to the division email at least three business days before the hearing.
Copies of motions to be heard, along with the notice of hearing and any hearing materials, must be emailed to division20b@ocnjcc.org at least three (3) business days before the hearing.
Page 7 | I(F)(2) Ex-Parte/Short Matters
When the relevant documents exceed 10 pages, provide hard copies to chambers instead of emailing them.
If the documents exceed 10 pages, hard copies must be provided to chambers rather than through email.
Page 7 | I(F)(2) Ex-Parte/Short Matters
A copy of a motion-in-limine hearing notice must be emailed to chambers at division20b@ocnjcc.org.
A copy of the hearing notice must be provided to chambers by email to division20b@ocnjcc.org
Page 9 | K. Motions in Limine
Hearing materials, including hard copies, must reach chambers at least five business days before the hearing; in most instances, legal memoranda should not exceed 10 double-spaced pages.
Hearing materials must be submitted to chambers at least five (5) business days before the hearing. Note: In most instances legal memoranda should not exceed 10 double- spaced pages. Hard copies are required.
Page 10 | L. Hearing Notebooks, Exhibits, Legal Memoranda, and Citations
When applicable law requires a non-jury trial or final damages hearing, the party seeking judgment must file a notice for trial and provide chambers a courtesy copy by division email.
If applicable law requires a non-jury trial or final evidentiary hearing on damages, the party seeking entry of judgment shall file a notice for trial and provide a courtesy copy to chambers via the division email
Page 12 | O. Default Final Judgments
When applicable law requires a jury trial on damages, a notice for trial must be filed with a courtesy copy sent to chambers by division email.
If applicable law requires a jury trial on damages, a notice for trial must be filed and provide a courtesy copy to chambers via the division email. The case will be placed on a jury trial docket.
Page 13 | I. HEARINGS
A copy of every motion for rehearing, reconsideration, or new trial must be emailed to division20b@ocnjcc.org when the motion is filed.
A copy of all motions for rehearing, reconsideration, or new trial must be delivered to division20b@ocnjcc.org at the time of filing for review by the Court.
Page 13 | P. Hearings on Motions for Rehearing, Reconsideration, or New Trial
A trial brief must be submitted to chambers no later than five business days before trial begins.
If a trial brief is to be filed with the Court, it must be submitted to chambers no later than five (5) business days before the trial is scheduled to commence.
Page 15 | IV. TRIALS — C. Trial Briefs
Trial briefs are optional, but any submitted trial brief must have hard copies provided to Chambers at least five working days before trial.
Trial Briefs: Not required, but if you choose to submit them, please provide hard copies to Chambers (6460) at least five (5) working days prior to trial to allow adequate time for review
Page 1 | BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Trial briefs are optional, but any submitted trial briefs must be provided as hard copies to Chambers at least five working days before trial.
Trial Briefs: Not required, but if you choose to submit them, please provide hard copies to Chambers (6460) at least five (5) working days prior to trial to allow adequate time for review
A motion for rehearing, reconsideration, or new trial will not be set for hearing unless the Judge directs, and counsel filing it must simultaneously provide the Judge a chambers copy with a cover letter requesting a hearing if desired.
Motions for rehearing, reconsideration or new trial will not be set for hearing unless the Judge so directs. Counsel filing such a motions shall simultaneously provide a chambers copy directly to the Judge with a cover letter requesting a hearing, if one is desired.
Page 7 | Hearings on Motions for Rehearing, Reconsideration or New Trial
Supporting and opposition memoranda are optional, but if filed, counsel must give the Judge chambers copies of the memorandum and every cited legal authority.
Legal memoranda in support of, or in opposition to, motions are optional. If filed, counsel must furnish the Judge with chambers copies of the memorandum and copies of any legal authorities cited therein.
Page 8 | Chambers Copies of Memorandums
One copy of the Notice for Trial should be sent directly to the Judge’s Chambers.
A copy of the Notice for Trial should be sent directly to the Judge’s Chambers.
Page 12 | SECTION 16. SETTING CASES FOR TRIAL.
Counsel should consult the assigned Judge about whether chambers copies should be paper or digital.
Counsel should consult the assigned Judge regarding preferences for paper or digital Chambers’ copies.
Page 8 | Chambers Copies of Memorandums
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
The closing statement should not be filed in the court record and must instead be submitted directly to Chambers under seal.
The closing statement should not be filed in the record but should be submitted directly to Chambers under seal.
Page 4 | ITEMS REQUIRED BY THE COURT
Filing Bundling Requirements
When stipulations are submitted, the order must be submitted separately rather than attached to or placed at the end of the stipulation.
When submitting stipulations, orders shall be by separate order, not attached to or at the end of the stipulation.
Page 10 | SECTION 12. ORDERS AND JUDGMENTS. (B) Requirements for Orders.
Additional motions may not be cross-noticed unless counsel first confirms that sufficient time can be reserved to hear them.
Additional motions must not be “piggy-backed” by cross-notice unless counsel first confirms with opposing counsel and the Judicial Assistant that sufficient additional time can be reserved in which to hear them.
Page 3 | I. HEARINGS — Setting Hearings
In timeshare foreclosure cases, high-volume counsel are encouraged to consolidate ready summary-judgment and default-final-judgment motions into one block of hearing time.
In timeshare foreclosure cases, counsel who handle a high volume of cases are encouraged to schedule as many motions for summary judgment and motions for default final judgment as are ready for hearing during a single block of hearing time.
Page 7 | I(G)(3) Foreclosure Cases
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
A meet-and-confer conference is required for all non-dispositive motions before filing.
F.R.C.P. 1.202 requires a meet and confer on all non-dispositive motions PRIOR to the motion being filed.
Page 1 | I. HEARINGS — A. Read and Comply
Administrative Order 2012-03-01 imposes the Court’s meet-and-confer and certification requirements.
Administrative Order 2012-03-01, which establishes the Court’s “meet and confer” and certification requirements.
Page 2 | I. HEARINGS — A. Read and Comply
The additional meet-and-confer requirement must be completed before requesting hearing time on the motion.
This is an additional requirement to the meet and confer required under F.R.C.P. 1.202 and must be held prior to requesting hearing time on the motion.
Page 2 | I. HEARINGS — A. Read and Comply
Before setting an ex parte or short-matter hearing, satisfy the Administrative Order 2012-03-01 meet-and-confer requirement and include a Certificate of Compliance in the notice of hearing.
before setting a hearing at ex-parte/short matters, the parties must satisfy the meet and confer requirement of Administrative Order 2012-03-01 and must include a Certificate of Compliance in the notice of hearing.
Page 7 | I(F)(4) Ex-Parte/Short Matters
A request for a Case Management Conference is required when multiple or complicated issues are involved or when more than 10 minutes will reasonably be needed.
If there are multiple case management issues to be addressed or the issues are complicated or require decisions on substantive legal matters so that more than 10 minutes will reasonably be required, a request for a Case Management Conference must be made in accordance with section II(B).
Page 7 | I(F)(3) Ex-Parte/Short Matters
Parties must satisfy the F.R.C.P. 1.202 meet-and-confer requirement before filing an ex parte or short-matter motion.
Before filing the motion, the parties must satisfy the meet and confer requirement per F.R.C.P. 1.202
Page 7 | I(F)(4) Ex-Parte/Short Matters
Discovery motions must be set for hearing; merely filing the motion does not itself obtain relief.
Discovery motions (motions to compel, motions for protective order, motions to quash, etc.) must be set for hearing to bring the matter to the Court’s attention. The mere filing of a motion is insufficient to obtain the requested relief.
Page 8 | I(I)(1) Discovery Motions
Do not set a discovery-objections hearing unless a motion addresses the specific requests and objections involved.
Hearings shall not be set on discovery objections without a motion addressing the specific requests and objections at issue as set forth below.
Page 8 | I(I)(1) Discovery Motions
Before a motion in limine can be set for hearing, counsel must meet and confer concerning every raised point by an expressly permitted method.
Before setting any Motion in Limine for hearing, counsel must meet and confer in person or by telephone or communication technology on every point raised in the Motion in Limine.
Page 9 | K. Motions in Limine
Before requesting hearing time, the parties must confer about the issue, and every hearing notice must reflect that they met and conferred on the matter submitted for resolution.
Parties shall meet in person or by telephone and confer on the subject at issue before requesting hearing time. All notices of hearing must reflect that the parties met, in person, and conferred on the subject being brought before the Court for resolution.
Page 8 | Obtaining Hearing Times
Parties must confer in good faith about disputed evidentiary-hearing issues and appear at a short matter for resolution before scheduling the hearing.
If the parties disagree about whether an evidentiary hearing is required or the amount of time necessary to complete the evidentiary hearing, they shall confer in good faith to attempt to resolve the dispute. If the parties are unable to resolve the dispute, they shall appear at short matters to obtain a resolution of the issue before the hearing is scheduled.
Page 3 | I. HEARINGS — Setting Hearings
If hearing time cannot be coordinated with opposing counsel, attorneys must appear ex parte to resolve the scheduling issue.
If hearing time cannot be coordinated with opposing counsel, attorneys shall appear at ex parte to resolve the issue.
Page 8 | Obtaining Hearing Times
A discrete case-management issue expected to require less than 10 minutes may be scheduled as a short matter without requesting a formal case-management conference.
Discrete case management issues requiring less than 10 minutes total to address may be scheduled for short matters without a formal request for a Case Management Conference.
Page 7 | I(F)(3) Ex-Parte/Short Matters
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
If a party believes the established trial date does not allow enough time to complete discovery and can show good cause, counsel must immediately request a status hearing or case management conference.
However, if either party believes that the trial date established in the uniform or specialized trial order will not allow sufficient time to complete discovery and can show good cause, counsel must immediately request a status hearing or case management conference.
Page 13 | A. Notices for Trial
Motions to continue are disfavored unless the movant shows good cause.
Motions to Continue are disfavored absent a showing of good cause.
Page 14 | C. Motions to Continue
A motion to continue must include a written client consent and specifically state good cause; generalized requests for more time or mere party agreement are insufficient.
Motions to continue will not be considered unless accompanied by a written consent signed by the client. The motion must specifically set forth good cause justifying the continuance. Generalized statements that more time is needed, or mere agreement of the parties, will not support the granting of a continuance.
Page 14 | C. Motions to Continue
Any required extension must be obtained before the applicable time limit expires, first by stipulation or, if that is unavailable, by motion and order.
(B) Timeliness. Time limits specified in the rules and applicable orders and division procedures must be observed. If additional time is needed, an extension must be obtained before the time limit expires by stipulation or, failing that, by motion and order.
Page 11 | SECTION 13.
Chambers Communication Rules
The hearing request must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant with all counsel and self-represented parties included, and the hearing is not confirmed until the Judicial Assistant sends confirmation.
Contact the Judicial Assistant by email at division20b@ocnjcc.org for the hearing to be added to the docket. All counsel and any self-represented parties must be included on the email to the Judicial Assistant. Hearing time is not confirmed until the Judicial Assistant emails confirmation of the hearing.
Page 2 | I. HEARINGS — B. Setting Hearings
Only the hearing-setting party may cancel a hearing, and that party must immediately notify the court by email when the underlying motion is canceled.
Only the party setting the hearing may cancel the hearing. The party that filed the notice of hearing must immediately notify the Court by email to division20b@ocnjcc.org when the motion to be heard has been cancelled.
Page 4 | I. HEARINGS — Cancellation
The emergency hearing motion must be emailed to division20b@ocnjcc.org before the court will set a hearing.
The motion must be emailed to division20b@ocnjcc.org before a hearing will be set.
Page 6 | E. Emergency and Time-Sensitive Hearings
Send the joint report by email to division20b@ocnjcc.org at least three business days before the hearing.
The report must be emailed to division20b@ocnjcc.org at least three (3) business days before the hearing.
Page 7 | I(F)(3) Ex-Parte/Short Matters
When written withdrawal consent is provided, email the proposed order to division20b@ocnjcc.org after the Clerk docks the motion.
When the client has provided written consent to counsel’s withdrawal, counsel may submit a proposed order saved in Word as “Case Number – Order Name” (after the motion has been docketed by the Clerk), to the division email division20b@ocnjcc.org
Page 8 | I(H)(1) Motions to Withdraw
An unrepresented party may not communicate privately with the judge, and should not send written materials unless the judge requests them or the administrative procedures require them.
An unrepresented party may not communicate privately with the Judge either by letter, telephone, in person or otherwise. Copies of legal papers or any other written materials should not be sent to the Judge unless specifically requested by the Judge or required by these administrative procedures. Any unrequested or non-required papers or materials sent to a Judge will not be read but will be returned to the sender or placed unread into the court file.
Page 5 | SECTION 7. UNREPRESENTED (PRO SE) PARTIES.
Only the attorney who noticed a hearing may cancel it, and immediate notice to the Judicial Assistant and all other counsel is required if a set hearing becomes unnecessary.
Only the attorney who noticed a hearing may cancel it. If a hearing becomes unnecessary after it has been set, the Judge’s Judicial Assistant and all other counsel must be notified immediately.
Page 8 | Canceling Hearings
Counsel must immediately notify the Judge’s Judicial Assistant by telephone of the settlement of any case scheduled for trial.
(A) Immediate Notice. Counsel will immediately notify the Judge’s Judicial Assistant by telephone and email of the settlement of any case scheduled for trial.
Page 12 | SECTION 17. SETTLEMENTS.
Hearing requests longer than one hour require Court approval through an ex parte/short-matter appearance or by emailing the stated address with an explanation of the requested excess time.
Hearing requests for longer than one (1) hour must be approved by the Court by appearing during ex parte/short matters or by email to division20b@ocnjcc.org detailing the reason for the excess time requested.
Page 2 | I. HEARINGS — B. Setting Hearings
A party may request a Case Management Conference by emailing a written request to division20b@ocnjcc.org that describes the case-management issues to be addressed.
Any case can be considered for a Case Management Conference by the filing of a written request for a Case Management Conference describing the case management issue(s) that the party(ies) request(s) the Court to address. The request must be emailed to division20b@ocnjcc.org
Page 14 | B. Case Management Conferences
Counsel must contact the Judge’s office to confirm whether a selected date will hear Short Matters, the assigned division, and the hearing location.
Contact the Judge’s office to ascertain whether Short Matters will be heard by a specific division on the date selected, and to confirm the location (hearing room or courtroom) at which the hearings will occur.
Page 7 | Uniform Motion Calendar (“Short Matters”)
Other motions must be specially scheduled through the Judge’s Judicial Assistant, and requests for more than one hour of hearing time require the Judge’s permission obtained through the Judicial Assistant or an ex parte appearance by counsel.
All other motions must be specially set through the Judge’s Judicial Assistant at a date and time certain. Requests for hearing time in excess of one (1) hour require permission of the Judge, obtained through request directed to the Judicial Assistant or by personal appearance of counsel at ex parte.
Page 7 | Other Motion Hearings
Orders may not be emailed to the Judge or Judicial Assistant unless they direct that method of delivery.
No order may be emailed to the Judge or Judicial Assistant unless directed by the Judge or Judicial Assistant.
Page 7 | Ex Parte Matters
Deposition disputes may be raised through the Judge’s Judicial Assistant, who may arrange a conference call with the Judge, and parties must escalate to the Alternate Judge and then the Administrative Judge if the presiding Judge is unavailable.
(B) Questioning. Disputes arising in depositions may be resolved by contacting the Judge’s Judicial Assistant who will then arrange, if possible, for a conference call with the Judge. If the presiding Judge is unavailable, the parties/attorneys shall contact the Alternate Judge and if that Judge is unavailable, the Administrative Judge. Attorneys’ fees and other sanctions may result if such judicial intervention occurs. Questions should be brief, clear and simple. Each question should deal with only a single point.
Page 11 | SECTION 14. DEPOSITION GUIDELINES.
The trial clerk, Melissa Burr, may be contacted by email for evidence tags and instructions.
Contact Melissa (Trial Clerk) at Melissa.Burr@osceolaclerk.org for evidence tags and instructions.
Counsel may email the Judicial Assistant at division20b@ocnjcc.org to request an emergency hearing when a true emergency or urgency exists.
Counsel may contact the Judicial Assistant by email at division20b@ocnjcc.org for an emergency hearing when a true emergency or urgency exists.
Page 6 | E. Emergency and Time-Sensitive Hearings
True emergency matters arising after business hours, on weekends, or on holidays should be referred to and may be contacted by phone through the Duty Judge.
True emergency matters arising on weekends, holidays or after business hours should be referred to the Duty Judge. The Duty Judge may be contacted through the Orange County Sheriff’s Communications Section at 407/836-3980.
Page 3 | SECTION 3. ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGE; ALTERNATE JUDGES; DUTY JUDGE.
Remote appearances may be arranged through the Judicial Assistant after reviewing the assigned Judge’s published practices or, if unavailable, contacting the Judge about the applicable policy.
Counsel or unrepresented parties may arrange, through the Judicial Assistant, to appear remotely at any hearing. The published practices and procedures of the individual Judge should be reviewed or, if not available, the Judge should be contacted to determine his or her specific policy on remote appearances.
Page 7 | Remote Appearances
When multiple attorneys or unrepresented parties will appear by telephone, one participant—typically the moving party—should arrange a conference call connecting everyone.
If two or more attorneys or unrepresented parties are to appear by telephone, one of them (typically the moving party) should arrange to connect the other parties/attorneys on a conference call.
Page 7 | Remote Appearances