Judge Christopher Kelly
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Exhibits
Joint Pretrial Statement
- 1 copy
Memorandum, Case Law
Notice Of Hearing
- Upon Filing
Adjournments
- A continuance request based on a witness’s unavailability must advise the Court when the witness is believed to be available.
- A continuance motion must be written, state its reason, disclose whether the other party objects and when the case is expected to be trial-ready, and—absent good cause—be signed by the requesting party.
- Extensions that would continue trial or prevent mediation before docket sounding are prohibited; agreed extensions require a written stipulation signed by all parties and filed with the Court, and other extensions require Court approval.
- +2 more
Request must include
- A witness’s unavailability is not a basis for continuing trial unless a subpoena was issued and served, or service was attempted, at least 10 days before trial.
- A motion for continuance must be submitted at least 5 business days before the scheduled court date, except in exceptional circumstances.
Communication
Chambers
Chambers
Phone
Chambers
Phone
Clerk
Fax
Chambers
Document Format Requirements4 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All proposed orders must be submitted in Word format.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Exhibits must be in paper format.
Paper
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All exhibits shall be delivered to the Clerk of Court for pre-marking.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Mandatory?
Audios / Videos must be submitted on a portable storage device (jump drive/ flash drive) as applicable.
Machine summary and details
Document Filing Requirements32 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The Report on Mediation shall be prepared in accordance with Rule 12.740(f), Fla. Fam. L. R. P., and filed with the court prior to docket sounding.
DocumentMediation Report
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
A Final Judgment may not be entered by the court until a certificate of completion is filed with the clerk.
DocumentCertificate Of Completion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
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.
DocumentExpert Witness Notice
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Each party must file and serve a non-expert-witness notice at least 30 days before docket sounding, listing each expected witness’s name and address.
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
Before filing any motion, the moving party must contact the opposing party and attempt in good faith to resolve the issues, and the motion must include a certificate of compliance.
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). 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
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. Any listed exhibit not objected to will be admitted into evidence.
DocumentJoint Pretrial Statement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
(7) A current estimate of the time required for trial.
DocumentJoint Pretrial Statement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
If there are minor children, a Parenting Plan outlining time-sharing must be provided even when time-sharing is undisputed; it must be developed and agreed to by the parents and approved by the court, which will establish a plan if the parents cannot agree or their plan is not approved.
If there are minor children, the following shall be provided: 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
Each party must prepare an Equitable Distribution Worksheet addressing the specified marital and nonmarital assets, valuations, distributions, benefits, liabilities, and claims.
(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. c. List of all vested and nonvested benefits, rights or funds as defined by Section 61.076, Fla. Stat. and suggested distribution for each plan. d. List of all liabilities, designating each as “marital” or “nonmarital” and stating amount and name of creditor. e. List any asset which shall be asserted either as a claim for unequal distribution of marital property and resolved by the factors set forth in subsection (1) or as a claim of enhancement in value or appreciation of non-marital property; stating the extent of the claim and a brief explanation in support of it.
DocumentEquitable Distribution Worksheet
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
After the hearing time is confirmed, the requesting party must immediately file a Notice of Hearing stating the date and time, matters to be heard by docket number, time reserved, and hearing location.
Once the hearing time is confirmed, the party requesting the hearing must immediately file a Notice of Hearing setting forth: ▪ The time and date of the hearing ▪ The motion(s) or matter(s) to be heard (identified by the clerk’s docket number). ▪ The amount of time reserved. ▪ The location of the hearing:
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.540.
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The transmittal email for every proposed order must state whether all parties agree on its form and identify any disagreement.
All proposed orders must be accompanied by a representation in the transmittal email that: Either: (1) all parties agree to the form of the order or (2) the parties disagree as to the form of the order, and a statement identifying any disagreement of the parties as to the proposed order.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
If the parties disagree as to the form of the proposed order, each party should submit a proposed order to the court and e-file the proposed order with a Notice of Filing.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The filing of any memorandum of law and/or case law is required if a party intends to rely on the memorandum or case law at hearing.
DocumentMemorandum Or Case Law
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
A party seeking an emergency hearing must file a detailed motion stating the issues, why an emergency hearing is necessary, and the presentation time needed for each party.
If a party believes there is a factual basis for setting an emergency hearing, a detailed motion setting forth the following must be filed: ▪ (1) the issues to be resolved, ▪ (2) reasons why an emergency hearing is necessary, and ▪ (3) the amount of time needed for each party’s presentation.
DocumentEmergency Hearing Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
The expert-witness notice must identify each expert’s area of expertise and the subject matter of the testimony.
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).
DocumentExpert Witness Notice
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.
DocumentWitness List
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
If a witness list is amended or supplemented, it shall be restated infull.
DocumentAmended Witness List
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
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.
DocumentJoint Pretrial Statement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
All Motions should set forth the position of the opposing party (whether they object or not, or the attempts made to reach the opposing party).
DocumentMotion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Absent good cause, no witness shall be permitted to testify unless the party calling that witness has complied with this Order.
DocumentWitness List
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
(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.
DocumentJoint Pretrial Statement
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
(4) A list of significant issues of law, procedure or evidence, if any, to be determined by the Court prior to or during trial.
DocumentJoint Pretrial Statement
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
(2) A list of issues raised by the pleadings which are abandoned.
DocumentJoint Pretrial Statement
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
(6) The annotated copy of each party’s witness list as required by paragraph 9(a)(3) of this Order.
DocumentJoint Pretrial Statement
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
(3) A list of the issues of fact to be tried.
DocumentJoint Pretrial Statement
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
The statement shall be signed by all attorneys and parties;
DocumentJoint Pretrial Statement
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
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.
Summary: The designated attorney must prepare a proposed joint pre-trial statement and present it to opposing counsel and all unrepresented parties.
DocumentJoint Pretrial Statement
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
(5) The annotated copy of each party’s list of exhibits showing objections required by paragraph 9(a)(2) of this Order.
DocumentJoint Pretrial Statement
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
(8) Financial affidavits of both parties, as supplemented, and all other mandatory disclosure required by Rule 12.285, Fla. Fam. L. R. P.
DocumentJoint Pretrial Statement
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
b. A completed child support guideline worksheet calculated in accordance with Section 61.30, Florida Statutes.
DocumentChild Support Guideline Worksheet
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
A party asking the Court to consider a memorandum or case law must e-file it with the Clerk and provide a copy to all other counsel and self-represented parties.
Any party who wishes the Court to consider a memorandum and/or case law, shall electronically file the submission with the Clerk and provide a copy to all other counsel and self-represented parties.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 8 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Before submitting an agreed order based on a stipulation or written agreement, the parties must e-file the supporting agreement or other documents with the Clerk of Court.
If the parties are submitting an order that has been agreed to or is otherwise based on a stipulation or written agreement of the parties, it is the responsibility of the parties to make sure the appropriate agreement, stipulation or other supporting documents confirming said agreement are e-filed with the Clerk of Court prior to submitting the “Agreed Order” for the court’s consideration.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 8 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Motions must be electronically filed and docketed by the Clerk before a hearing is scheduled or an order is submitted to the Judge for review.
Motions must be e-filed and docketed by the Clerk before a hearing will be scheduled, or an order submitted to the Judge for review.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 12 | K. Division FAQs
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The specified counsel must submit a mutually agreeable mediation order at least 30 days before docket sounding.
Petitioner’s counsel, (or Respondent’s counsel if Petitioner is unrepresented), shall submit a mutually agreeable mediation order to the Court at least thirty (30) days prior to docket sounding.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | REFERRAL TO FAMILY MEDIATION; DEADLINE
Motions filed within 30 days of trial will not be considered if the movant knew or should have known the grounds at least 30 days before trial through reasonable diligence.
Motions filed within thirty (30) days of the trial date will not be considered if predicated on matters the movant knew or should have known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at least thirty (30) days prior to the trial date.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | PRE-TRIAL MOTIONS — DEADLINES FOR MOTIONS
A timely filed motion not called up for hearing at least 10 days before trial may be waived, subject to stated diligence and grounds exceptions; pre-trial contempt motions may be heard during trial with timely notice.
The failure of a party to call up for hearing any timely filed motion at least ten (10) days prior to the trial date may constitute a waiver thereof unless the grounds therefor did not exist or the party was not aware of the grounds for the motion(s) prior to the filing of such motion(s) after the exercise of reasonable diligence. However, pre-trial Motions For Contempt may be heard during the trial even though not previously scheduled provided timely notice is furnished to the opposing counsel or unrepresented party.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | PRE-TRIAL MOTIONS — MOTIONS GENERALLY
A qualifying Daubert challenge must be raised by a motion in limine at least 30 days before trial or it is waived absent good cause.
Any challenge to the admissibility of evidence at trial asserted to be “novel scientific evidence” or based on a contention that anticipated expert testimony does not meet the requirements of Section 90.702, Florida Statutes, and seeking a court ruling in accordance with the decision of Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, 509 U.S. 579 (1993), must be raised by a motion in limine filed at least thirty (30) days before the trial date. Failure to meet this deadline shall be deemed a waiver, absent good cause.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | PRE-TRIAL MOTIONS — DAUBERT HEARINGS
The requesting party must immediately file a Notice of Hearing once the hearing time is confirmed.
Once the hearing time is confirmed, the party requesting the hearing must immediately file a Notice of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
File a motion for remote appearance at a non-evidentiary hearing at least five business days before the hearing.
A motion requesting remote appearance for a non- evidentiary hearing must be filed at least 5 business days prior to the scheduled hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | C. Remote Appearance
File a motion for remote appearance at an evidentiary hearing, or to present testimony using communication technology, at least 20 days before the hearing.
A motion requesting remote appearance at an evidentiary hearing or to otherwise present testimony through the use of communication technology must be filed at least 20 days prior to the scheduled hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | C. Remote Appearance
Requests to use communication technology for an appearance must be made by motion in compliance with the cited rule.
The procedure for requesting remote appearance is governed by Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.530. Requests to use communication technology for an appearance must be made by motion in compliance with the Rule.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | C. Remote Appearance
Proposed orders must be submitted within 10 days after any hearing.
Proposed orders must be submitted within 10 days after any hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 7 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
The Clerk of Court must receive all exhibits by close of business five days before the scheduled hearing or trial.
All exhibits must be received by the Clerk of Court by the close of business 5 days before the scheduled hearing or trial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 10 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Discovery remains open until 10 days before trial, unless the Order provides otherwise or the parties agree otherwise in writing.
Except as otherwise provided herein or agreed to by the parties in writing, discovery shall remain open until ten (10) days prior to the trialdate.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | DISCOVERY
Unless a procedural rule prescribes a different period, submit hearing materials at least five business days before the scheduled hearing.
Unless a longer or shorter time is prescribed by a rule of procedure, the materials should be submitted at least 5 business days prior to the scheduled hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Unless a procedural rule sets a different time, materials should be submitted at least five business days before the scheduled hearing.
Unless a longer or shorter time is prescribed by a rule of procedure, the materials should be submitted at least five (5) business days prior to the scheduled hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 9 | Deadline for Submissions
All expert witnesses must be ready to testify and reasonably available for deposition at least 30 days before docket sounding.
All expert witnesses must be ready to testify and be reasonably available for deposition no less than thirty (30) days before docket sounding.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | WITNESS LISTS
The original joint pre-trial statement must be filed with the Clerk, and one copy mailed or delivered to the Judge by docket sounding.
the original shall be filed with the Clerk and one copy mailed or delivered to the Judge no later than docket sounding.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | JOINT PRE-TRIAL STATEMENT
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Interrogatories, requests to produce, and requests for admissions may not be served later than 45 days before trial.
No interrogatories, requests to produce or requests for admissions shall be served later than forty-five (45) days prior to the trial date.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | DISCOVERY
If counsel withholds compliance, counsel must obtain a date for a pre-trial conference before the presiding judge and mail or serve notice on opposing counsel within 15 days after the joint statement filing deadline passes.
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
Page 5 | JOINT PRE-TRIAL STATEMENT
A party submitting a memorandum or case law for the Court’s consideration must provide a copy to all other counsel and self-represented parties.
Any party who wishes the Court to consider a memorandum and/or case law, shall electronically file the submission with the Clerk and provide a copy to all other counsel and self-represented parties.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 8 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Exceptions are permitted only with the parties’ written stipulation or a Court order.
Exceptions shall be permitted only by written stipulation of the parties or by Court order.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | DISCOVERY
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an email address for electronic receipt of signed orders unless excused.
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an e-mail address to receive signed orders electronically, unless excused. Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.516.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must update their contact information using Form 2.603 whenever their registered electronic-service email account changes.
It is the responsibility of attorneys and self-represented litigants to update their contact information using Form 2.603 any time there is a change in the e-mail account registered for electronic service.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
The section’s discovery-service deadlines do not apply to specified trial subpoenas or trial Notices to Produce served in accordance with the applicable rules.
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.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | DISCOVERY
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Email a courtesy copy of each Notice of Hearing to the Judicial Assistant when it is filed.
A courtesy copy of the Notice of Hearing must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant at the time it is filed.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A party may provide the Court a courtesy copy of filed memoranda or case law by U.S. Mail, private delivery service, or hand delivery, or provide a Notice of Filing instead of the full material.
A courtesy copy of the memorandum and/or case law may be provided by U.S. Mail, private delivery service or hand delivery directly to the Court. In the alternative to a full copy of the material filed being provided, the party may simply provide the court with a Notice of Filing.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 8 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Courtesy copies of exhibits are welcome but not mandatory; they may be delivered directly by U.S. Mail, private delivery service, or hand delivery before the hearing or trial.
The Court would welcome a courtesy copy of all exhibits in advance of the hearing or trial, delivered directly by U.S. Mail, private delivery service or hand delivery, but courtesy copies are not mandatory.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 10 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
One copy of the joint pre-trial statement must be mailed or delivered to the Judge by docket sounding.
the original shall be filed with the Clerk and one copy mailed or delivered to the Judge no later than docket sounding.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | JOINT PRE-TRIAL STATEMENT
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Before filing a motion, reasonable efforts should be made to contact the opposing party and determine whether the matter can be resolved or submitted by stipulation and proposed order.
Reasonable efforts should be made prior to filing a motion, to contact the opposing party to determine if the matter can be resolved in whole or in part. This may alleviate the need to file the motion or may allow submission of a stipulation and proposed order in lieu of a hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 12 | K. Division FAQs
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Extensions that would continue trial or prevent mediation before docket sounding are prohibited; agreed extensions require a written stipulation signed by all parties and filed with the Court, and other extensions require Court approval.
12. EXTENSION OF TIME LIMITS. 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. Any extension or modification agreed to shall be by written stipulation signed by all parties to this action and filed with the Court. 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
Page 7 | 12. EXTENSION OF TIME LIMITS
A motion for continuance must be in writing and signed by the party requesting it.
All motions for continuance must be in writing and signed by the party requesting to continue.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 12 | K. Division FAQs
A motion for continuance must be submitted at least 5 business days before the scheduled court date, except in exceptional circumstances.
Except in exceptional circumstances, a motion for continuance must be submitted at least 5 business days prior to the scheduled court date.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 13
A continuance request based on a witness’s unavailability must advise the Court when the witness is believed to be available.
If the requested continuance is based on the unavailability of a witness, the Court must be advised of when it is believed the witness will be available.
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Page 2 | CONTINUANCES
Continuances should be infrequent and granted only upon a showing of good cause.
Continuances should be few and granted only upon a showing of good cause.
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Page 12 | K. Division FAQs
A witness’s unavailability is not a basis for continuing trial unless a subpoena was issued and served, or service was attempted, at least 10 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.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | CONTINUANCES
A continuance motion must be written, state its reason, disclose whether the other party objects and when the case is expected to be trial-ready, and—absent good cause—be signed by the requesting party.
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.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | CONTINUANCES
Chambers Communication Rules
Emails to the judicial office must copy all parties unless ex parte communication is authorized by law.
All parties must be copied on any e-mail directed to the judicial office, unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
A party cancelling a hearing must immediately email the Judicial Assistant a copy of the filed notice of cancellation.
The party cancelling the hearing, in addition to filing a notice of cancellation must also immediately email the Judicial Assistant a copy of the notice of cancellation.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Submit proposed orders only to Division04@circuit7.org, not to the Judicial Assistant’s email address.
Email to Division04@circuit7.org. (only) (Do not send a copy to Judicial Assistant’s email address)
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Page 7 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
If neither party is represented, the Petitioner must call the specified mediator’s office to schedule mediation.
If neither party is represented, then Petitioner shall call the Office of the Family/Dependency Mediator at 386-248-8117 in Daytona; or 386-943-7099 in DeLand to schedule a mediation.
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Page 1 | REFERRAL TO FAMILY MEDIATION; DEADLINE
For other available hearing times, parties should contact the judicial assistant as described in Section A.
For all other available hearing time, parties should contact the judicial assistant as set forth in Section A. above.
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Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
The parties should make reasonable efforts to resolve the issue before setting a hearing.
Reasonable efforts should be made to resolve the issue in question before setting a hearing.
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Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
To request hearing time, email the judicial assistant, copy the opposing party or counsel if applicable, and include the case number and style, hearing duration, and matters to be heard.
Email the court’s judicial assistant, jallen@circuit7.org with the opposing party or his/her counsel (if applicable) copied on the email. Please include: ❖ The case number ❖ The case style of case. ❖ The amount of time necessary for the hearing. ❖ The motion(s) / matter(s)to heard.
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Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Do not include the judicial assistant in email exchanges between the parties while they coordinate a hearing date.
The judicial assistant should not be included on the email string between the parties as they attempt to coordinate the hearing date.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Available hearing times may change until the judicial assistant confirms the time.
Available hearing time is subject to change until confirmed with the judicial assistant.
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Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
The Judicial Assistant cannot provide legal advice or tell parties what action to take.
The Judicial Assistant is unable to provide “legal advice” or otherwise advise parties as to “what they need to do.” It is the responsibility of each attorney and their staff as well as self-represented litigants to be familiar with applicable rules and statutes and choose the appropriate course of action. The Judicial Assistant is prohibited from doing this for you.
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Page 13
Email is the preferred method of communicating with the judicial office.
Email is the preferred method of communication.
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Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
The judicial assistant will respond to inquiries within 24 hours, excluding weekends and holidays.
The judicial assistant will respond to all inquiries within 24 hours (excluding weekends and holidays).
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Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
The judicial assistant cannot provide legal advice.
The judicial assistant is not authorized to provide legal advice.
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Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
The judicial assistant will provide all parties with available hearing times.
The judicial assistant will respond to all parties with available hearing times.
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Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Except for limited exceptions, a judge may not initiate, permit, or consider ex parte communications about a pending proceeding.
With limited exceptions, a judge is prohibited from initiating, permitting, or considering ex parte communications concerning a pending proceeding.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Email cannot substitute for a filed supporting document when requesting court action.
Email should not be used as a substitute method of requesting action by the court, in the absence of a supporting pleading, motion, notice or another appropriate document having been first filed with the Clerk.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
After agreeing on a hearing date and time, one party must contact the judicial assistant to confirm the hearing time.
Once the parties have agreed on a date and time, one of the parties must contact the judicial assistant to confirm the hearing time.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
The court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties.
Unsolicited communications from non-parties will not be considered by the court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
The Judicial Assistant may not relay to the Court contents of communications that would constitute improper ex parte communication.
The Judicial Assistant is not permitted to relate to the Court the contents of any emails, letters or telephone conversations which would be considered improper ex-parte communication.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Emails to the judicial office must identify the case number, case name, and relevant matter in the subject line.
The subject line must contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
The parties should make reasonable attempts to coordinate hearing dates and times with all parties and counsel, including self-represented parties.
Reasonable attempts should be made to coordinate the date and time of the hearing with all parties and counsel, including self-represented parties.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
The Division 04 email address may be used only to submit proposed orders; other filings, requests, questions, and communications must not be sent there.
The Division 04 email address is for submitting proposed orders ONLY. Do not submit other pleadings, requests, questions or other communications to the Court via this divisional email address, you will not receive a response.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 7 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
The judicial office lists its telephone number as (386) 822-5016.
Telephone: (386) 822-5016
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
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The judicial office lists its fax number as (386) 736-5982.
Fax: (386) 736-5982
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
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Contact the Clerk of Court by phone at (386) 736-5908 to obtain details and coordinate exhibit delivery.
Please contact the Clerk of Court at (386) 736-5908 for details and to coordinate a time for delivery.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 9 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
After the client's written consent is filed with the Clerk of Court, a proposed order may be emailed to the divisional email address.
If you have written consent from the client which has been filed with the Clerk of Court, you may forward a proposed order via email to the divisional email address listed above.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
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