Judge Christopher A. France
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Joint Pretrial Statement
- 1 copy
Adjournments
- A continuance motion must be written, state its reason, the other party’s position, and when the case is expected to be trial-ready, and be signed by the requesting party unless good cause is shown.
- A continuance cannot be based on a witness’s unavailability unless a subpoena was issued and served, or service was attempted, at least ten days before trial.
- Generally, inability to obtain hearing time is not grounds for a trial continuance.
- +4 more
Request must include
- A motion to continue or cancel a hearing must be filed at least 3 days before the hearing and state cause; otherwise, the hearing remains on calendar and parties must attend.
Communication
Chambers
Chambers
Clerk
Phone
Chambers
Document Format Requirements4 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Exhibits are to be filed as separate attachments, and an Exhibits List will need to be filed for referral.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
• Separately mark each e-filed exhibit ON THE BOTTOM RIGHT HAND CORNER as “Petitioner’s Exhibit A, B, C ….or “Respondent’s Exhibit A, B, C…” as appropriate.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
All exhibits are to be filed directly through the e- portal at least 3 business days prior to Trial and properly marked. (i.e., Petitioner’s Exhibit A, Petitioner’s Exhibit B...)
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
ORDERS- PLEASE EMAIL PROPOSED ORDERS IN WORD FORMAT TO: DIVISION51@CIRCUIT7.ORG.
Document Filing Requirements28 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
No less than thirty (30) days prior to docket sounding, each party will file with the Court, and serve on the other party, a notice containing the names and addresses of each non-expert witness whom the noticing party in good faith expects to call as a witness at trial.
DocumentNon Expert Witness Notice
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
THE ANNOTATED COPIES OF THE WITNESS LISTS WILL BE ATTACHED TO THE JOINT PRE-TRIAL STATEMENT REQUIRED BY PARAGRAPH 9(B) OF THIS ORDER.
DocumentJoint Pretrial Statement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
THE ANNOTATED COPIES OF THE EXHIBIT LISTS WILL BE ATTACHED TO AND MADE A PART OF THE JOINT PRE- TRIAL STATEMENT REQUIRED BY PARAGRAPH 9(B) OF THIS ORDER.
DocumentJoint Pretrial Statement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
(B) JOINT PRE-TRIAL STATEMENT. FOLLOWING THE MEETING REQUIRED BY PARAGRAPH 9(A), PETITIONER'S ATTORNEY (OR RESPONDENT'S ATTORNEY, IF PETITIONER IS UNREPRESENTED) SHALL PREPARE AND PRESENT TO OPPOSING COUNSEL AND ALL UNREPRESENTED PARTIES A PROPOSED JOINT PRE-TRIAL STATEMENT. THE STATEMENT SHALL BE SIGNED BY ALL ATTORNEYS AND PARTIES;
DocumentJoint Pretrial Statement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The joint pre-trial statement must include the listed facts, abandoned and trial issues, legal/procedural/evidentiary issues, annotated exhibit and witness lists, trial-time estimate, financial affidavits and mandatory disclosures, and the specified equitable-distribution information and worksheet.
The joint pre-trial statement shall contain the following items in the following format: (1) a statement of facts which are admitted and which of those admitted facts may be read in evidence at trial as a stipulation of the parties. (2) a list of issues raised by the pleadings which are abandoned. (3) a list of the issues of fact to be tried. if attorney’s fees are sought, then the parties are directed to read rule 4-1.5, rules regulating florida bar; §61.16, florida statutes; rosen v. rosen, 696 so.2d 697 (fla. 1997); canakaris v. canakaris, 382 so.2d 1197 (fla. 1980); naugle v. naugle, 632 so.2d 1146 (fla. 5th dca 1994) and abernethy v. abernethy, 638 so.2d 160 (fla. 5th dca 1994). (4) a list of significant issues of law, procedure or evidence, if any, to be determined by the court prior to or during trial. (5) the annotated copy of each party’s list of exhibits showing objections required by paragraph 9(a)(2) of this order. (6) the annotated copy of each party’s witness list as required by paragraph 9(a)(3) of this order. (7) a current estimate of the time required for trial. (8) financial affidavits of both parties, as supplemented, and all other mandatory disclosure required by rule 12.285, fla. fam. l. r. p. (9) Equitable Distribution Worksheet shall be prepared by each party to state the following: a. Each party’s list of alleged “marital” assets, suggested valuations for each asset (real and personal property), suggested distribution for each pursuant to Section 61.075, Fla. Stat. and proposed brief factual findings in support of each asset’s distribution. b. List of all assets claimed to be “nonmarital” together with suggested valuation and brief statement in support of claim.
DocumentJoint Pretrial Statement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
A party seeking sole parental responsibility must state a brief supporting factual basis in the Pre-Trial Statement.
c. Shared parental responsibility shall be ordered pursuant to Section 61.13, Florida Statutes unless the Court finds it will be detrimental to the child. If “sole parental responsibility” will be sought by either party, a brief factual basis supporting it shall be stated in the Pre-Trial Statement.
DocumentPretrial Statement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
b. A completed child support guideline worksheet calculated in accordance with Section 61.30, Florida Statutes.
DocumentChild Support Guideline Worksheet
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
When minor children are involved, a Parenting Plan is required even if time-sharing is undisputed; parents must develop and agree to it for court approval, and the court establishes a plan if they cannot agree or their plan is not approved.
a. A Parenting Plan outlining time-sharing with minor child(ren), even when time-sharing is not in dispute. The Parenting Plan must be developed and agreed to by the parents and approved by the court. (Supreme Court approved form available at www.flcourts.org) If the parties cannot agree to a Parenting Plan or if the parents agreed to a plan that is not approved by the court, a Parenting Plan will be established by the court.
DocumentParenting Plan
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Any exhibits unable to be e-filed, will need to be included on your exhibits list, properly marked and hand delivered or mailed to the Clerk of Court.
DocumentExhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Exhibits are to be filed as separate attachments, and an Exhibits List will need to be filed for referral.
DocumentExhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Parties wishing to appear remotely must file a Motion, with cause, and if there is any objection from opposing counsel.
DocumentMotion For Remote Appearance
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
PLEASE NOTE: MEDIATED/MARITAL SETTLEMENT AGREEEMENTS AND PARENTING PLANS ARE TO BE NOTARIZED UNLESS CONDUCTED BY THIS COURTS ASSIGNED FAMILY COURT MEDIATORS.
DocumentMediated Or Marital Settlement Agreement Or Parenting Plan
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Please prepare a NOTICE OF HEARING and include the following: 1. MOTION TO BE HEARD WITH CORRESPONDING DOCKET NUMBER 2. TIME RESERVED
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
• Please file an Exhibit’s List, which itemizes the exhibits that have been filed for reference.
DocumentExhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
PRO SE LITIGANTS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A DESIGNATION OF EMAIL ADDRESS FORM THAT CAN BE OBTAINED BY THE CLERK OF COURT.
DocumentDesignation Of Email Address Form
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
IF YOU ARE NOT REPRESENTED BY AN ATTORNEY (PRO SE) DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE CLERK OF COURT MUST INCLUDE A SIGNATURE, WITH PRINTED NAME, ADDRESS, TELEPHOINE NUMBER, AND E-MAIL ADDRESS ON THE DOCUMENT.
DocumentPro Se Document
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
A Motion must be filed with the Clerk of Court in order to obtain hearing time.
DocumentMotion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
A party may amend or supplement his/her witness list without leave of Court at any time until the deadline for the filing of witness lists set forth in paragraphs 3(a) and (b) above. If a witness list is amended or supplemented, it shall be restated in full.
DocumentWitness List
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
TO THE EXTENT THE PARTIES DIFFER AS TO HOW PORTIONS OF THE PRE-TRIAL STATEMENT SHOULD READ, THE DIFFERING VIEWS SHOULD BE SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT.
DocumentJoint Pretrial Statement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
Motions filed will need to have to the position of the opposing party if parties are represented.
DocumentMotion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
Hearings before this Court are in person (EXCEPT CMC’S and DS).
DocumentHearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
PLEASE NOTICE YOUR HEARINGS WITH THE PUTNAM COURTHOUSE ADDRESS AND NOT THE MAILING ADDRESS LISTED ABOVE.
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
ORDERS ARE ELECTRONICALLY SIGNED AND WILL NEED TO BE SET UP ACCORDINGLY. SIGNATURE SHOULD BE AS FOLLOWS (TO INCLUDE THE SERVICE INFORMATION, PLEASE).
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
IF YOU ARE PRO SE, PLEASE FILE YOUR ORDER WITH THE CLERK OF COURT.
DocumentOrder
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
No later than thirty (30) days before docket sounding, each party shall file with the Court and serve on the other party a notice containing the names, addresses and telephone numbers of each expert witness whom the noticing party in good faith expects to call as a witness at trial. For each expert witness listed, the noticing party shall also designate the witness’ area of expertise and the subject matter about which the witness will testify (e.g. certified public accountant - valuation of Respondent’s business).
Summary: At least 30 days before docket sounding, each party must file and serve an expert-witness notice listing each expected expert’s name, address, telephone number, area of expertise, and testimony subject matter.
DocumentExpert Witness Notice
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Each motion shall contain a certificate of the movant's attorney if represented (or the moving party if unrepresented) certifying his/her compliance with this requirement.
DocumentMotion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
In addition, please file a proposed order to include the Court’s ZOOM Meeting ID: 386 313 4515 to be considered.
DocumentProposed Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
HEARINGS SHALL BE NOTICED AS IN PERSON. PARTIES WISHING TO APPEAR REMOTELY MUST FILE A MOTION WITH THE COURT, WITH CAUSE, AND EMAIL A PROPOSED ORDER FOR REVIEW.
DocumentMotion
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Exhibits must be filed through the e-portal at least 3 business days before trial and properly marked.
All exhibits are to be filed directly through the e- portal at least 3 business days prior to Trial and properly marked. (i.e., Petitioner’s Exhibit A, Petitioner’s Exhibit B...)
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 8 | 11. MARKING EXHIBITS BEFORE TRIAL
Submit orders through the e-portal, filing proposed orders as pleadings rather than using the portal's proposed-order option, unless the judge directs otherwise.
PROPOSED ORDERS: all orders are to be submitted through the e-portal unless otherwise instructed by the Judge. Please e-file your proposed order as you would any other pleading-DO NOT use the proposed order option on the 1st or 2nd page of the filing portal. This option is for specific counties that do not include Flagler.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | PROPOSED ORDERS
A Notice of Cancellation must be e-filed through the E-Portal to cancel a hearing.
CANCELLATION OF A HEARING: Please E-mail or call the JA to cancel and e-file a Notice of Cancellation through the E-Portal.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | CANCELLATION OF A HEARING
Each exhibit must be e-filed as a separate attachment, without a cover page.
• Each exhibit is to be e-filed as a separate attachment (do not include a cover page).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 4 | INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING EXHIBITS FOR TRIALS AND/OR EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS
Exhibits submitted for evidence must be e-filed, even if the document is already filed.
• Exhibits to be submitted for Evidence must be e-filed as instructed, even if the document is currently filed.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING EXHIBITS FOR TRIALS AND/OR EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS
Consented final judgments with an MSA and/or parenting plan may be submitted through the e-portal as one attachment unless the judge directs otherwise.
Consented Final Judgement’s with MSA and/or Parenting plans may be submitted directly through the e-portal as one attachment unless otherwise instructed by the Judge.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | FINAL JUDGMENTS AND MSA’S
Case law for the Court to review may be e-filed through the e-portal at least five business days before the hearing or trial.
• Any case law to be reviewed by the Court may also be e-filed directly through the e-portal at least 5 business days prior to your Hearing/Trial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING EXHIBITS FOR TRIALS AND/OR EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS
Exhibits and evidence for a hearing or trial may be filed directly through the E-Portal.
• Exhibits/Evidence to be considered for your Hearing or Trial may now be filed directly through the E-Portal. 2
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 4 | INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING EXHIBITS FOR TRIALS AND/OR EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS
Exhibits that cannot be e-filed must be listed, properly marked, and hand delivered or mailed to the Clerk of Court.
Any exhibits unable to be e-filed, will need to be included on your exhibits list, properly marked and hand delivered or mailed to the Clerk of Court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 8 | 11. MARKING EXHIBITS BEFORE TRIAL
Exhibits that cannot be e-filed must be mailed directly to the Clerk of Court.
• Exhibits that cannot be e-filed (i.e., videos, flash drives, etc..) must be included on the exhibits list (and properly marked) and mailed directly to the Clerk of Court at least 5 days prior to your Trial/Hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING EXHIBITS FOR TRIALS AND/OR EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS
Documents may be filed with the Clerk or electronically through myflcourtaccess.com, and an account is required to e-file.
Documents may be filed directly with the Clerk of Court or by electronic submission by visiting www. myflcourtaccess.com. An Account must be set up to e-file.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | How do I file something with the Court?
Evidence may be submitted electronically or by setting an appointment with the Clerk’s office.
Please refer to the “Family Division 47 Procedures” on this Courts webpage for instructions on the submission of evidence in your case. This may be conducted electronically or by setting an appointment with the Clerk’s office.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | What is a non-jury trial?
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Joint pre-trial statements are required and must be submitted no later than five days before trial.
**** JOINT PRE TRIAL STATEMENTS ARE REQUIRED AND ARE TO BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN 5 DAYS PRIOR TO TRIAL DATE***
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | (B) JOINT PRE-TRIAL STATEMENT
The original must be filed with the clerk, and one copy must be mailed or delivered to the judge no later than docket sounding.
THE ORIGINAL SHALL BE FILED WITH THE CLERK AND ONE COPY MAILED OR DELIVERED TO THE JUDGE NO LATER THAN DOCKET SOUNDING.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | (B) JOINT PRE-TRIAL STATEMENT
Exhibits must be filed at least 3 business days before trial.
All exhibits are to be filed directly through the e- portal at least 3 business days prior to Trial and properly marked. (i.e., Petitioner’s Exhibit A, Petitioner’s Exhibit B...)
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 8 | 11. MARKING EXHIBITS BEFORE TRIAL
Exhibits that cannot be e-filed must be listed, properly marked, and mailed to the Clerk of Court at least five days before trial or hearing.
• Exhibits that cannot be e-filed (i.e., videos, flash drives, etc..) must be included on the exhibits list (and properly marked) and mailed directly to the Clerk of Court at least 5 days prior to your Trial/Hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING EXHIBITS FOR TRIALS AND/OR EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS
If exhibits exceed “ZZ,” arrange an appointment with the Clerk at least seven business days before trial and deliver the exhibits in person.
• IF YOUR EXHIBITS EXCEED “ZZ” YOU WILL NEED TO SET AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE CLERK AT LEAST 7 BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE TRIAL AND DELIVER YOUR EXHIBITS IN PERSON.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING EXHIBITS FOR TRIALS AND/OR EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS
A party seeking remote appearance must file a motion or request at least five days before the scheduled hearing or trial.
NO- any party wishing to appear remotely must file a Motion/Request to the Court at least 5 days prior to the scheduled Hearing/Trial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Can I appear for Court remotely, via ZOOM?
Evidence may not be submitted after the trial has taken place.
Evidence may not be submitted AFTER your trial has taken place.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | What is a non-jury trial?
In family cases, exhibits and evidence must be submitted at least three business days before trial.
EXHIBITS/EVIDENCE MUST BE SUBMITTED AT LEAST 3 DAYS 1 PRIOR TO TRIAL FOR FAMILY CASES 1 Business days, not calendar days.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.
Page 4 | INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING EXHIBITS FOR TRIALS AND/OR EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS
Case law to be reviewed by the Court must be e-filed at least five business days before the hearing or trial if submitted through the e-portal.
• Any case law to be reviewed by the Court may also be e-filed directly through the e-portal at least 5 business days prior to your Hearing/Trial.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING EXHIBITS FOR TRIALS AND/OR EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Each party must serve the expert-witness notice on the other party no later than 30 days before docket sounding.
No later than thirty (30) days before docket sounding, each party shall file with the Court and serve on the other party a notice containing the names, addresses and telephone numbers of each expert witness whom the noticing party in good faith expects to call as a witness at trial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | 3. WITNESS LISTS (a) EXPERT WITNESSES
Interrogatories, requests to produce, and requests for admissions may not be served later than 45 days before trial, except by written party stipulation or court order; the deadline does not apply to qualifying trial subpoenas duces tecum or trial notices to produce.
No interrogatories, requests to produce or requests for admissions shall be served later than forty- five (45) days prior to the trial date. Exceptions shall be permitted only by written stipulation of the parties or by Court order. However, the deadlines in this section shall not apply to service of a subpoena duces tecum to a witness for trial or service of a Notice To Produce at trial upon a party which are otherwise in accordance with the Rules of Civil Procedure and Family Law Rules of Procedure.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 2 | 4. DISCOVERY (b)
Each party must serve the non-expert-witness notice on the other party at least 30 days before docket sounding.
No less than thirty (30) days prior to docket sounding, each party will file with the Court, and serve on the other party, a notice containing the names and addresses of each non-expert witness whom the noticing party in good faith expects to call as a witness at trial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 2 | 3. WITNESS LISTS (b) NON-EXPERT WITNESSES
Exhibits must be copied to opposing counsel or the opposing party and agreed to before they may be entered as evidence.
• EXHIBITS MUST BE COPIED TO OPPOSING COUNSEL/PARTY AND AGREED TO IN ORDER TO BE ENTERED AS EVIDENCE.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING EXHIBITS FOR TRIALS AND/OR EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS
Orders must be served on the parties by email under the cited rule, and the movant must serve parties without a designated email address.
This Order shall be served upon the parties via email in accordance with Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.516(b). The movant shall serve any party without a designated e-mail address.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | ORDERS
The self-represented party must keep the clerk and opposing parties informed of current email addresses, and case communications will be served at the addresses on record with the clerk.
I understand that I must keep the clerk’s office and the opposing party or parties notified of my current e-mail address(es) and that all copies of notices, orders, judgments, motions, pleadings, or other written communications in this case will be served at the e-mail address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Designation of E-Mail Address by a Party Not Represented by an Attorney
The certificate of service records that a copy was furnished to the clerk and the parties used for service by email or mail.
I certify that a copy of hereof had been furnished to the clerk of court for Putnam County and (Name and Address(es) of parties used for service) ____________________________________________________ by ☐ e-mail, ☐ mail on this _______ day of __________________, 20___.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Certificate of Service
Completing the form authorizes the court, clerk, and parties to serve case communications by email or through the Florida Courts E-filing Portal.
By completing this form, I am authorizing the court, clerk of court, and all parties to send copies of notices, orders, judgments, motions, pleadings, or other written communications to me by e-mail or through the Florida Courts E-filing Portal.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Designation of E-Mail Address by a Party Not Represented by an Attorney
Anything submitted for the Court to review must be copied to all parties and filed with the Clerk as a motion or notice of filing.
NO. Anything you wish this court to review must be copied to all parties and filed with the Clerk of Court in the form of a Motion/Notice of filing.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Can I speak or write to the Judge?
A petition must have a Return of Service to obtain hearing time.
Any petitions filed must have a Return of Service in order to acquire hearing time.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | How do I acquire hearing time?
If an attorney believes the opposing party is not in good-faith compliance with disclosure requirements, the attorney need not file a statement that is not truly mutual and may withhold compliance if a pre-trial conference date is obtained and notice is mailed or served on opposing counsel within 15 days after the joint-statement deadline passes.
IF AN ATTORNEY BELIEVES THE OPPOSING PARTY IS NOT IN GOOD FAITH COMPLIANCE WITH THE DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS PRE- TRIAL ORDER, THEN THAT ATTORNEY SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED TO FILE A PRE- TRIAL STATEMENT THAT IS NOT TRULY MUTUAL. IN THAT EVENT, COUNSEL MAY WITHHOLD COMPLIANCE PROVIDED A DATE FOR PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCE BEFORE THE PRESIDING JUDGE IS OBTAINED, AND NOTICE MAILED OR SERVED ON OPPOSING COUNSEL NOT MORE THAN 15 DAYS AFTER THE PASSING OF THE DEADLINE FOR FILING OF THE JOINT PRE-TRIAL STATEMENT UNDER THIS PARAGRAPH.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | (B) JOINT PRE-TRIAL STATEMENT
Parties may not time the filing or service of motions or pleadings to unfairly limit the other party’s opportunity to respond.
(e) No attorney or unrepresented party shall time the filing or service of motions or pleadings in any way that unfairly limits the other party's opportunity to respond, and each will consult with the other regarding scheduling matters in a good faith effort to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 9
Filing Fees and Waivers
The E-filing portal option for filing documents directly into a case is free of charge.
2 The E-filing portal is free option to file documents directly into your case/ This option is free of charge and may be accessed at: http://www.myflcourtaccess.com.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 4
Courtesy Copy Requirements
The original must be filed with the clerk, and one copy mailed or delivered to the judge, no later than docket sounding.
THE ORIGINAL SHALL BE FILED WITH THE CLERK AND ONE COPY MAILED OR DELIVERED TO THE JUDGE NO LATER THAN DOCKET SOUNDING.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | (B) JOINT PRE-TRIAL STATEMENT
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Before filing any motion, the moving party must contact the opposing party and attempt in good faith to resolve the issues.
Before any motion is filed, the moving party shall contact the opposing party and attempt, in good faith, to amicably resolve the issues raised by the motion(s).
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | 6. PRE-TRIAL MOTIONS
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A continuance cannot be based on a witness’s unavailability unless a subpoena was issued and served, or service was attempted, at least ten days before trial.
The inability to require the attendance of a witness at trial shall not be the basis for continuance of the trial unless a witness subpoena was issued and served on the witness (or was attempted to be served on the witness) at least ten (10) days prior to the trial date.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 2 | 5. CONTINUANCES
A continuance motion must be written, state its reason, the other party’s position, and when the case is expected to be trial-ready, and be signed by the requesting party unless good cause is shown.
Motions for continuance must be in writing and specifically set forth: (a) the reason for the requested continuance; (b) if the other party objects to the requested continuance and; (c) when it is anticipated the case will be ready for trial, and (d) except for good cause shown, all motions for continuance shall be signed by the party requesting the continuance.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 2 | 5. CONTINUANCES
An agreed extension or modification must be set out in a written stipulation signed by all parties and filed with the Court.
Any extension or modification agreed to shall be by written stipulation signed by all parties to this action and filed with the Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 8 | 12. EXTENSION OF TIME LIMITS
An extension or modification of deadlines or compliance dates is not permitted if it would cause a trial continuance or prevent mediation from being completed before docket sounding.
No extension of deadlines or compliance dates established by this Order is permitted if the extension or modification would cause a continuance of the trial or would prevent the completion of mediation prior to docket sounding.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 8 | 12. EXTENSION OF TIME LIMITS
Any other extension of deadlines or compliance dates established by the Order, or modification of the Order, requires Court approval.
Any other extension of the deadlines or compliance dates established herein or modifications of this Order requires Court approval.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 8 | 12. EXTENSION OF TIME LIMITS
A motion for continuance must give a reason or it will be denied.
Any Motion for Continuance without reason given will be denied.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | MOTIONS AND CONTINUANCES
A motion to continue or cancel a hearing must be filed at least 3 days before the hearing and state cause; otherwise, the hearing remains on calendar and parties must attend.
HEARINGS MAY NOT BE MOVED OR CANCELLED UNLESS A MOTION IS FILED AT LEAST 3 DAYS PRIOR TO HEARING, WITH CAUSE. IF THE MOTION OR NOTICE IS NOT FILED IN A TIMELY FASHION, THE HEARING SHALL REMAIN NOTICED AND PARTIES ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | MOTIONS TO CONTINUE OR CANCELLATION OF HEARINGS
Generally, inability to obtain hearing time is not grounds for a trial continuance.
The inability of a party to obtain hearing time will generally not constitute grounds for a continuance of the trial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | 6. PRE-TRIAL MOTIONS
Chambers Communication Rules
After filing an emergency motion, email a copy to the division and copy all parties.
Once you have filed your emergency motion, please forward a copy to: division47@circuit7.org. Please be sure to copy all parties in the e-mail.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | EMERGENCY MOTIONS
For a hearing of 10 minutes or less, email the JA for available dates, provide the case number and time needed, and do not schedule it online directly.
EXPEDITED HEARINGS: If you need a hearing 10 minutes or less- please email the JA for next available dates. Be sure to provide case number and time needed. Expedited Hearings may not be scheduled online directly.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | EXPEDITED HEARINGS
To cancel a hearing, email or call the JA and e-file a Notice of Cancellation through the E-Portal.
CANCELLATION OF A HEARING: Please E-mail or call the JA to cancel and e-file a Notice of Cancellation through the E-Portal.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | CANCELLATION OF A HEARING
Do not include the judicial assistant in scheduling coordination emails or conversations.
To prevent email log jam, please omit the JA from scheduling coordination and conversations.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | E-MAILS AND CORRESPONDENCES
Proposed orders must be emailed in Word format to the Division 51 email address.
ORDERS- PLEASE EMAIL PROPOSED ORDERS IN WORD FORMAT TO: DIVISION51@CIRCUIT7.ORG.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | ORDERS
The office will speak by phone with both counsel, but prefers email communication.
This office is more than happy to entertain both counsels on the phone- however, to prevent any misunderstanding of what has been discussed; e-mail is the preferred method of communication.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | PHONE CALLS TO THIS OFFICE
Parties may seek a Time Certain Trial Date instead of attending Docket Sounding by emailing the JA with details to obtain available trial dates.
TRIALS: Parties are always welcome to seek a Time Certain Trial Date and skip Docket Sounding. Please email the JA with the details to acquire the next available trial dates.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | TRIALS
If hearing-setting notification has not arrived within 10 days of filing, contact the office by phone or email.
If you have not received notification of your hearing being set within 10 days of filing, please contact this office at: 386-313-4515 or jsirman@circuit7.org.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | How do I acquire hearing time?
If parties agree at a hearing but cannot agree on the final order, email competing orders in Word format to the division.
If the parties agreed at hearing, and could not come to an agreement on the final order, competing orders are to be emailed in word format to: division47@circuit7.org.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | PROPOSED ORDERS
Copy opposing counsel on all email correspondence to the office, and copy the opposing party when that party is pro se.
Please be sure to copy opposing counsel in all e-mail correspondence to this office. If the other party is Pro se, it is more likely than not that the Clerk’s office has their e-mail address on record- in that case- opposing party needs to be copied as well.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | E-MAILS AND CORRESPONDENCES
Send requests to the office by email.
PHONE CALLS TO THIS OFFICE: Please refer all requests to this office via e-mail.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.
Page 1 | PHONE CALLS TO THIS OFFICE
If the court requests a Word-format order after a hearing, email it to the division.
If you had a hearing, and the court requested the order to be submitted in word ===== PAGE 2 ===== format, please submit to: division47@circuit7.org.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | PROPOSED ORDERS
If you cannot e-file, contact the Clerk of Court to arrange an appointment for exhibit identification.
• If you are unable to e-file, please contact the Clerk of Court and set an appointment for the Clerk to properly ID your Exhibits OR
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING EXHIBITS FOR TRIALS AND/OR EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS
Requests for hearing time must be emailed to the judicial assistant and state how much time is needed.
HEARINGS- IF YOU ARE IN NEEED OF HEARING TIME, PLEASE EMAIL THE JA AT: JSIRMAN@CIRCUIT7.ORG WITH HOW MUCH TIME IS NEEDED.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | HEARINGS