Twelfth Judicial Circuit of Florida (DeSoto, Manatee, Sarasota)
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Document Format Requirements4 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
Cover letters must be submitted through the Portal in PDF/A format.
PDF A
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
The proposed order must be submitted electronically through the Portal in Word (.docx) format. If not submitted in Word format, it will be rejected.
DOCX
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
Do not include a date; the date is included with the judge’s electronic signature.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
Please leave adequate room in the document for the judge’s electronic signature.
Document Filing Requirements31 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
All Plaintiffs shall include in their initial filing of a case a copy of this Standing Order and County Civil Case Management Report and serve a copy of this Standing Order and Case Management Report upon all Defendants with the initial process.
DocumentInitial Filing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
The Clerk of Court is directed to reject any new County Civil Complaint/Petition (not including evictions or other summary proceedings) that does not include this Standing Order and County Civil Case Management Report.
DocumentCounty Civil Complaint Or Petition
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
County civil complaints must be filed with the Standing Order and Case Management Report, except eviction complaints and other section 51.011 summary proceedings.
A Standing Order for County Court Civil Case Management, attached as “Attachment A”, and a County Civil Case Management Report, attached as “Attachment B”, shall be filed with all county civil complaints, except for eviction complaints or other summary proceedings filed under section 51.011, Florida Statutes.
DocumentCounty Civil Complaint
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
The clerks must require the Standing Order and Case Management Report to be attached to county civil complaints or petitions, except eviction complaints and other section 51.011 summary proceedings.
The Clerks of Court in Sarasota, Manatee, and Desoto Counties are directed to require that any county civil complaint or petition filed, except for eviction complaints or other summary proceedings filed under section 51.011, Florida Statutes, have a copy of this Standing Order for County Civil Case Management and the County Civil Case Management Report attached thereto.
DocumentCounty Civil Complaint Or Petition
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
A Small Claims PIP Addendum, in the form attached hereto as “Attachment C,” shall be filed together with the Complaint.
DocumentComplaint
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
For all PIP cases, the Plaintiff must file a Complaint that specifically states that this Administrative Order applies.
DocumentComplaint
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
In cases identified as a PIP case under paragraph 3, the Clerk shall issue a summons consistent with Form 1.902, Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, and this Administrative Order.
DocumentSummons
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
Prior to requesting hearing time on a discovery issue, counsel shall conduct a good faith effort to resolve or narrow the discovery issues and shall certify that they have done so in their motion.
DocumentMotion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
County Civil complaints must include copies of the Standing Order and Case Management Report, except eviction complaints and other summary proceedings under section 51.011.
The Twelfth Judicial Circuit’s County Civil Case Management Protocol directs the Clerks of Court in Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto Counties to require that any County Civil Complaint, except for eviction complaints or other summary proceedings filed under section 51.011, Florida Statutes, have a copy of this Standing Order for County Civil Case Management and the County Civil Case Management Report attached hereto.
DocumentCounty Civil Complaint
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
In qualifying small claims cases where the specified trial-date deadline no longer applies, the Plaintiff must attach the Standing Order and Case Management Report.
For small claims cases that proceed under one or more of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, pursuant to Fla. Sm. Cl. R. 7.020(c) if the deadline for the trial date specified in Fla. Sm. Cl. R. 7.090(d) no longer applies in the case, the Plaintiff shall attach this Standing Order and the Case Management Report.
DocumentSmall Claims Filing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
Parties with children are required to bring a draft of a Parenting Plan to the mediation.
DocumentParenting Plan
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
Both parties must provide the mediator with proof of payment or proof of indigence prior to the mediation conference.
DocumentMediation Submission
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
This requirement cannot be waived by the parties, and the financial affidavits must also be filed with the court.
DocumentFinancial Affidavit
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
A motion to compel discovery must quote in full each discovery request it addresses and the opposing party’s objection and grounds.
Motions to compel discovery shall quote in full each interrogatory, question on deposition, request for admission, or request for production to which the motion is addressed and the objection and grounds given by the opposing party.
DocumentDiscovery Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
All proposed orders submitted through the Portal to judges and magistrates in Sarasota County require a cover letter. If a cover letter is not included, it will be rejected.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
Motions to compel discovery shall quote in full each interrogatory, question on deposition, request for admission, or request for production to which the motion is addressed and the objection and grounds given by the opposing party.
DocumentDiscovery Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
The proposed order must fairly and adequately represent the ruling of the court.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
Additionally, parties have a continuing duty to supplement financial affidavits whenever a material change in their financial status occurs.
DocumentFinancial Affidavit
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
A notice of hearing should state whether the hearing time was cleared with opposing counsel and, if not, briefly explain why.
In scheduling hearings, attorneys should note on their notice of hearing(s) whether or not the time has been cleared with the opposing attorney and, if not, include a brief statement indicating why the matter has not been cleared.
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
After a hearing, the responsible attorney should promptly prepare the proposed order, generally by the following business day unless it should be submitted immediately, provide it promptly to opposing counsel for approval, address any objections, then immediately submit it to the court and report whether it was approved; the order must fairly represent the ruling.
4. Following a hearing, the attorney charged with preparing the proposed order should prepare it promptly, generally no later than the following business day, unless it should immediately be submitted to the court. Attorneys should promptly provide proposed orders to the opposing attorney for approval prior to submitting them to the court. The opposing attorney should then promptly communicate any objections to the proposed order. Thereafter, the drafting attorney should immediately submit a copy of the proposed order to the court and advise the court as to whether or not it has been approved by the opposing attorney. The proposed order must fairly and adequately represent the ruling of the court.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
Proposed orders should conclude with the following language: “DONE AND ORDERED in Chambers, (insert name) County, Florida.”
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
A hearing notice should state whether its time was cleared with opposing counsel and, if not, briefly explain why.
In scheduling hearings, attorneys should note on their notice of hearing(s) whether or not the time has been cleared with the opposing attorney and, if not, include a brief statement indicating why the matter has not been cleared.
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
Thereafter, the drafting attorney should immediately submit a copy of the proposed order to the court and advise the court as to whether or not it has been approved by the opposing attorney.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
Attorneys should not submit controverted orders to the court with a copy to the opposing attorney for "objections within_ days." Courts prefer to know that the order is either agreed upon or opposed.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
Attorneys should not use post-hearing submissions of proposed orders as a guise to re-argue the merits of the matter.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
Following a hearing, the attorney charged with preparing the proposed order should prepare it promptly, generally no later than the following business day, unless it should immediately be submitted to the court.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
Attorneys should promptly provide proposed orders to the opposing attorney for approval prior to submitting them to the court.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
The opposing attorney should then promptly communicate any objections to the proposed order.
DocumentProposed Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
When a motion is filed, a statement certifying that the attorney has conferred with the opposing attorney and that they have been unable to resolve the dispute shall also be filed.
DocumentDiscovery Motion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
In all orders where the Court is responsible for payment of the due process costs, the order must state that "Court Administration" or "the 121h Judicial Circuit Court" is responsible for payment. Orders that fail to include these words will be returned to counsel and an amended order must be provided before any costs will be paid.
DocumentOrder
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
When a motion is filed, a statement certifying that the attorney has conferred with the opposing attorney and that they have been unable to resolve the dispute shall also be filed.
DocumentDiscovery Motion
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Judges and magistrates are encouraged to set Portal procedures, and proposed orders must be submitted through the Portal if their requirements do not address them.
Judges and magistrates are encouraged to establish requirements and procedures for receiving proposed orders through the Portal. If a Judge’s Requirements or Magistrate’s Requirements do not specifically address proposed orders, the default is that all proposed orders shall be submitted electronically to the judge or magistrate through the Portal.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | Proposed Orders E-Filed Through the Portal
Effective May 2, 2022, attorneys must submit proposed orders through the Portal whenever feasible unless good cause is shown; the requirement excludes paper proposed orders provided to a judge during a proceeding.
Attorneys are advised that effective May 2, 2022, unless good cause is shown, proposed orders are required to be submitted to the judges and magistrates electronically as “proposed documents” through the Portal whenever feasible. This requirement does not apply to paper proposed orders provided to a judge during a court proceeding.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 2 | Proposed Orders E-Filed Through the Portal
The listed Guardianship and Probate proposed orders must be e-filed through the Portal to the clerk’s office for the court file.
Because the clerk’s office is required to audit certain Guardianship and Probate matters before proposed orders are entered, the following proposed orders are required to be E-Filed through the Portal to the clerk’s office into the court file: a. Guardianship • Order Approving Initial Plan • Order Approving Annual Plan • Order Approving Initial Inventory • Order Approving Annual Accounting • Order Approving Final Accounting • Order of Discharge b. Probate • Order Admitting Will • Order of Discharge
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 3 | Exceptions to Submitting Proposed Orders Through the Portal
A proposed order submitted to a judge or magistrate is not filed in the court file.
Proposed orders submitted to a judge or magistrate will not be filed in the court file.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 2 | Requirements for Submitting Proposed Orders Through the Portal
The court allowed a three-month transition period before requiring attorneys to submit proposed orders through the Portal whenever feasible.
To allow everyone adequate transition time, the court is allowing a three-month grace period before requiring that attorneys submit proposed orders electronically through the Portal whenever feasible.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 2 | Proposed Orders E-Filed Through the Portal
The Manatee and Sarasota County Clerks may reject and destroy paper proposed orders intended for a judge without notice; this provision does not apply in DeSoto County.
The Manatee and Sarasota County Clerks of Court have different mailing addresses and physical addresses than the judges in those counties. If these Clerks receive any paper proposed orders intended for signature by a judge, the Clerks are not responsible for delivery of the proposed orders to the presiding judge. If the Manatee or Sarasota County Clerks receive a proposed order intended for signature by a judge, the Clerk is authorized to reject and destroy the proposed order without notice. The Desoto County Clerk of Court and judges share a mailing address and physical address, so this provision does not apply to Desoto County.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 3 | Paper Proposed Orders and Documents Received by Clerk’s Office
Except for the proposed orders listed above, Clerks of Court may establish protocols to reject and return unsigned orders e-filed without proper submission as Proposed Documents through the Portal.
Except for the proposed orders listed above, the Clerks of Court are authorized to enact necessary protocols to reject and return all unsigned orders received via E-Filing that were not properly submitted as Proposed Documents through the Portal.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 3 | Exceptions to Submitting Proposed Orders Through the Portal
Self-represented litigants are encouraged, but not required, to submit proposed orders through the Portal.
Pro se litigants are encouraged, but not required, to submit proposed orders through the Portal.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 2 | Proposed Orders E-Filed Through the Portal
The Portal’s Proposed Documents feature electronically transmits proposed orders to the appropriate judge or magistrate.
Proposed Orders submitted through the “Proposed Documents” feature of the Portal are electronically transmitted to the appropriate judge or magistrate.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 2 | Requirements for Submitting Proposed Orders Through the Portal
Pro se litigants are encouraged but not required to submit proposed orders through the Portal.
Pro se litigants are encouraged, but not required, to submit proposed orders through the Portal, however, they are required to provide an email address pursuant to Rule 2.516, Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin., to receive signed orders electronically.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 3 | Exceptions to Submitting Proposed Orders Through the Portal
Judges and magistrates may accept proposed orders through the Portal for review and signature without filing them in the court file.
All Judges and magistrates in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit can accept proposed orders submitted electronically through the Portal for review and signature without the proposed orders being filed directly into the court file.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Proposed Orders E-Filed Through the Portal
A judge may receive or sign paper proposed orders at the judge’s request or discretion.
The requirement to submit proposed orders through the Portal does not take away a judge’s right to receive or sign any paper orders provided to him/her at their request or discretion.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | Exceptions to Submitting Proposed Orders Through the Portal
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
A party objecting to the invocation of the civil rules must file a written objection within five days after service of the complaint on the last defendant.
Any party who objects to the invocation of the rules of civil procedure shall file a written objection within five (5) days of service of the Complaint on the last Defendant.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 2 | B. Small Claims PIP Cases
The Plaintiff must file the signed, completed Case Management Report within five days after the first meet-and-confer conference.
The Plaintiff shall file the signed, completed Case Management Report within 5 days after the first meet and confer conference.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | Standing Order
If the parties disagree on the Case Management Report, each party must file its proposed report and concurrently email it to the Court’s judicial assistant, copying all parties.
If parties do not agree to the case management report, each party shall file their proposed Case Management Report and concurrently email the Court’s judicial assistant with it, copying all parties.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | Standing Order
Both parties must file current financial affidavits before attending mediation.
Current Financial Affidavits for BOTH parties MUST be filed prior to attending mediation.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | PARTIES’ RESPONSIBILITIES PRIOR TO MEDIATION
Pro se parties must file Form A with the Pro Se Case Manager within 10 days of the order to request a mediation date.
Pro Se parties shall file a Form A with the Pro Se Case Manager to request a mediation date within 10 days of this Order.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | ORDER OF REFERRAL TO CIRCUIT FAMILY MEDIATION PROGRAM
Attorneys must schedule the mediation on J.A.C.S. within 10 days.
Will be scheduled by the attorney(s) on J.A.C.S. within 10 days or
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | ORDER OF REFERRAL TO CIRCUIT FAMILY MEDIATION PROGRAM
An objection to mediation by Zoom must be filed with the Court and notice provided to all parties and the Mediation Department within 10 days of the order.
Any objection to mediating via the ZOOM platform shall be filed with the Court and notice of the objection provided to all parties and the Mediation Department within 10 days of this Order.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | ORDER OF REFERRAL TO CIRCUIT FAMILY MEDIATION PROGRAM
The Court recommends filing dispositive and Daubert motions no later than 30 days before trial.
Dispositive motions (i.e., summary judgment) and Daubert motion deadline to be filed. (The Court recommends no later than 30 days before the trial)
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 7
Attorneys should file protective-order motions as soon as possible and set them for hearing as soon as practicable.
(e) Attorneys shall file motions for protective orders as soon as possible and notice them for hearing as soon as practicable.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 7
The Court recommends filing initial witness and exhibit lists 15 days before the pre-trial conference in jury cases or the trial period in nonjury cases.
Deadline to file initial witness and exhibit lists. (The Court recommends 15 days before the Pre-Trial Conference date in jury cases and 15 days before the Trial Period in a nonjury case.)
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 6 | Attachment B — Case Management Report
All objections to pleadings and pre-trial motions must be resolved within 45 days after filing and before the pre-trial conference.
Deadline for all objections to pleadings and pre- 45 days after filing and trial motions to be resolved prior to the pre-trial conference
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 6 | Attachment B — Case Management Report
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Plaintiffs must serve the Standing Order and Case Management Report on all defendants with the initial process.
All Plaintiffs shall include in their initial filing of a case a copy of this Standing Order and County Civil Case Management Report and serve a copy of this Standing Order and Case Management Report upon all Defendants with the initial process.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | A. County Court Civil Case Management Requirements
For all small claims PIP cases, serve a copy of the Civil Cover Sheet and the Addendum with the Complaint.
A copy of the Civil Cover Sheet and this Addendum must be served with the Complaint for all small claims PIP cases.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 8 | SMALL CLAIMS PIP ADDENDUM
Notice of a Zoom mediation objection must be provided to all parties and the Mediation Department within 10 days of the order.
Any objection to mediating via the ZOOM platform shall be filed with the Court and notice of the objection provided to all parties and the Mediation Department within 10 days of this Order.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | ORDER OF REFERRAL TO CIRCUIT FAMILY MEDIATION PROGRAM
A party must serve a financial affidavit in proceedings seeking initial or supplemental permanent financial relief, including the listed types of relief.
Pursuant to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 12.285, a party shall serve a financial affidavit in any proceeding for an initial or supplemental request for permanent financial relief, including, but not limited to, a request for child support, alimony, equitable distribution of assets or debts, or attorneys’ fees, suit money, or cost.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | PARTIES’ RESPONSIBILITIES PRIOR TO MEDIATION
Papers and memoranda should not be served at a court appearance without advance notice or so close to the appearance that the opposing attorney cannot prepare or respond.
Papers and memoranda of law should not be served at court appearances without advance notice to the opposing attorney and should not be served so close to a court appearance as to inhibit the ability of the opposing attorney to prepare for that appearance or to respond to the papers.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 5 | B. SERVICE OF PAPERS
Papers should not be served to exploit an opponent’s absence or to inconvenience the adversary.
Papers should not be served in order to take advantage of an opponent's known absence from the office or at a time or in a manner designed to inconvenience an adversary, such as late on Friday afternoon or on the day preceding a secular or religious holiday.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 5 | B. SERVICE OF PAPERS
When mail service is likely to prejudice the opposing party or leave insufficient response time, service should instead be made personally, by courtesy copy, facsimile, or email.
Service should be made personally, by courtesy copy, or by facsimile or email transmission when it is likely that service by mail, even when permissible, will prejudice the opposing party or will not provide the opposing party with a reasonable time to respond.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 5 | B. SERVICE OF PAPERS
When time is of the essence, copies of court submissions should be provided to opposing counsel simultaneously by substantially the same delivery method used for the court.
In instances where time is of the essence (i.e., consistent with the policy of Section B.2 herein), copies of any submissions to the court (such as correspondence, memoranda of law, case law, etc.) should simultaneously be provided to the opposing attorney by substantially the same method of delivery by which they are provided to the court.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 6 | D. COMMUNICATION WITH THE COURT
When mail service is likely to prejudice the opposing party or leave insufficient time to respond, service should instead be made personally, by courtesy copy, fax, or email.
Service should be made personally, by courtesy copy, or by facsimile or email transmission when it is likely that service by mail, even when permissible, will prejudice the opposing party or will not provide the opposing party with a reasonable time to respond.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 5 | B. SERVICE OF PAPERS
Papers and memoranda should not be served at a court appearance without advance notice or so late that the opposing attorney cannot prepare or respond.
Papers and memoranda of law should not be served at court appearances without advance notice to the opposing attorney and should not be served so close to a court appearance as to inhibit the ability of the opposing attorney to prepare for that appearance or to respond to the papers.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 5 | B. SERVICE OF PAPERS
Papers should not be served to exploit an opponent’s known absence or deliberately cause inconvenience.
Papers should not be served in order to take advantage of an opponent's known absence from the office or at a time or in a manner designed to inconvenience an adversary, such as late on Friday afternoon or on the day preceding a secular or religious holiday.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 5 | B. SERVICE OF PAPERS
When the Case Management Report is filed, the parties must email a copy to the assigned judge’s designated email and copy all parties.
Concurrently, the parties shall provide a copy of that Case Management Report to the assigned judge’s designated email, copying all parties.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 5 | Standing Order
Self-represented litigants must provide an email address to receive signed orders electronically.
Pro se litigants are required to provide an email address pursuant to Rule 2.516, Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration, to receive signed orders electronically.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | Proposed Orders E-Filed Through the Portal
Pro se litigants must provide an email address to receive signed orders electronically.
Pro se litigants are encouraged, but not required, to submit proposed orders through the Portal, however, they are required to provide an email address pursuant to Rule 2.516, Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin., to receive signed orders electronically.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | Exceptions to Submitting Proposed Orders Through the Portal
Attorneys should notify opposing counsel of all oral or written communications with the court, except communications involving only scheduling.
Attorneys should notify the opposing attorneys of all oral or written communications with the court or other tribunal, except those involving only scheduling matters.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | D. COMMUNICATION WITH THE COURT
Filing Fees and Waivers
The mediation fee is $60 per person per scheduled session when the parties’ combined gross annual income is less than $50,000.
$60.00 per person, per scheduled session: When the parties’ combined gross annual income is less than $50,000.00 per year.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | PARTIES’ RESPONSIBILITIES PRIOR TO MEDIATION
A nonpaying party asked to enter an agreement must pay the mediation fee within 20 days; failure to comply may result in judgment without notice or hearing.
If a party fails to pay the fee prior to the mediation, the non-paying party will be asked to enter into an Agreement for Payment of Mediation Fees, requiring payment of the mediation fee within twenty (20) days and providing for entry of a Judgment against the non-paying party, without notice or hearing, in the event that the non-paying party fails to comply with the agreement to pay the fees.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | PARTIES’ RESPONSIBILITIES PRIOR TO MEDIATION
A party must pay the fee or obtain a certificate of indigence from the Clerk of Court.
The party shall pay the fee or obtain a certificate of indigence from the Clerk of Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | PARTIES’ RESPONSIBILITIES PRIOR TO MEDIATION
Mediation fees must be paid to the Clerk of Court where the case is filed before mediation.
MEDIATION FEES MUST be made to the Clerk of Court where your case is filed. Mediation fees are to be paid prior to mediation.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | PARTIES’ RESPONSIBILITIES PRIOR TO MEDIATION
The mediation fee is $120 per person per scheduled session when the parties’ combined gross annual income is greater than $50,000 and less than $100,000.
$120.00 per person, per scheduled session: When the parties’ combined gross annual income is greater than $50,000.00 per year but less than $100,000.00 per year;
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | PARTIES’ RESPONSIBILITIES PRIOR TO MEDIATION
Filing Bundling Requirements
Ancillary documents related to a proposed order may be attached to the cover letter in PDF/A format.
Any ancillary documents related to the proposed order (copy of the motion, case law, legal memorandums, etc.) may be attached to the cover letter in PDF/A format.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 2 | Requirements for Submitting Proposed Orders Through the Portal
Motions and proposed orders must be submitted as separate Portal documents and may not be combined in one document.
Motions and proposed orders must be submitted through the Portal as separate documents. Combined motion/proposed orders in the same document are not permitted.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | Requirements for Submitting Proposed Orders Through the Portal
Attorneys should not add or piggyback motions unless they notify the opponent and clear the additional motion with the court.
Attorneys should not add on or "piggyback" motions without notification to the opponent and without clearing the additional motion with the court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 4 | A. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME
Attorneys should not add or piggyback motions unless they notify the opponent and clear the additional motion with the court.
Attorneys should not add on or "piggyback" motions without notification to the opponent and without clearing the additional motion with the court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 4 | A. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Before filing a discovery-related motion, the moving attorney must confer or make a reasonable good-faith effort to confer with opposing counsel to resolve the dispute.
Before filing a discovery-related motion, the attorney for the moving party shall confer or make a reasonable good faith effort to confer with the attorney for the opposing party in a good faith effort to resolve the issues raised.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 6 | E. DISCOVERY
Before setting a motion for hearing, an attorney should make a reasonable effort to resolve the issue with opposing counsel.
2. Before setting a motion for hearing, an attorney should make a reasonable effort to resolve the issue with opposing attorneys.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 8 | F. MOTIONS
Whenever possible, attorneys should contact opposing counsel before filing or upon receiving a motion to explore resolving it in whole or in part.
F. MOTIONS I. Attorneys should, whenever possible, prior to filing or upon receiving a motion, contact the opposing attorney to determine if the matter can be resolved in whole or in part. This may alleviate the need for filing the motion or allow submission of an agreed order in lieu of a hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 8 | F. MOTIONS
Whenever possible, attorneys should contact opposing counsel before filing or upon receiving a motion to determine whether it can be resolved or an agreed order submitted.
Attorneys should, whenever possible, prior to filing or upon receiving a motion, contact the opposing attorney to determine if the matter can be resolved in whole or in part. This may alleviate the need for filing the motion or allow submission of an agreed order in lieu of a hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 8 | F. MOTIONS
Before setting a motion for hearing, an attorney should make a reasonable effort to resolve the issue with opposing counsel.
Before setting a motion for hearing, an attorney should make a reasonable effort to resolve the issue with opposing attorneys.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 8 | F. MOTIONS
Before filing a discovery-related motion, the moving attorney must confer or make a reasonable good-faith effort to confer with opposing counsel to resolve the dispute.
Before filing a discovery-related motion, the attorney for the moving party shall confer or make a reasonable good faith effort to confer with the attorney for the opposing party in a good faith effort to resolve the issues raised.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | E. DISCOVERY
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Additional extension requests should be evaluated by balancing expediency, deference to the adversary, and the likelihood that the court would grant the extension.
After a first extension, any additional requests for time should be dealt with by balancing the need for expediency against the deference one should ordinarily give to an adversary, and whether it is likely a court would grant the extension if asked to do so.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 4 | A. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME
Attorneys should request rescheduling, cancellations, extensions, or postponements only for legitimate reasons and never solely to delay or obtain an unfair advantage.
An attorney should not request rescheduling, cancellations, extensions or postponements without legitimate reasons and never solely for the purpose of delay or obtaining an unfair advantage.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 4 | A. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME
Attorneys should cooperate on reasonable rescheduling, cancellation, extension, and postponement requests when they will not prejudice the client or unduly delay a proceeding.
Further, attorneys should cooperate with one another regarding all reasonable rescheduling, cancellations, extensions and postponement requests that do not prejudice the client or unduly delay a proceeding.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 4 | A. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME
Attorneys should ordinarily grant a first reasonable extension to respond to a litigation deadline when it will not prejudice the client, unduly delay a proceeding, or when time is not of the essence.
The first request for a reasonable extension of time to respond to a litigation deadline, whether related to pleadings, discovery or motions, should ordinarily be granted between attorneys as a matter of courtesy when such an extension will not prejudice the client, unduly delay a proceeding or when time is not of the essence.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 4 | A. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME
An attorney should notify opposing counsel of court-obtained future hearing dates and times on the same day they are obtained.
An attorney should always notify the opposing attorney of dates and times obtained from the court for future hearings on the same day that the hearing date is obtained from the court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 4 | A. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME
Attorneys should request rescheduling, cancellations, extensions, or postponements only for legitimate reasons and never solely to delay or gain an unfair advantage.
An attorney should not request rescheduling, cancellations, extensions or postponements without legitimate reasons and never solely for the purpose of delay or obtaining an unfair advantage.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 4 | A. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME
As a general rule, actual notice should be at least five business days for in-state depositions, ten business days for out-of-state depositions, and five business days for hearings.
As a general rule, actual notice should be given that is no less than five (5) business days for in-state depositions, ten (10) business days for out-of-state depositions, and five (5) business days for hearings.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 4 | A. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME
Attorneys should endeavor to give affected persons sufficient notice of proceedings, with expedited scheduling permitted by agreement, emergency, or other compelling circumstances.
Attorneys should endeavor to provide opposing attorneys, parties, witnesses, and other affected persons sufficient notice of depositions, hearings and other proceedings, except upon agreement of attorney, in an emergency, or in other circumstances compelling more expedited scheduling.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 4 | A. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME
Attorneys should cooperate on reasonable rescheduling, cancellation, extension, and postponement requests when doing so will not prejudice a client or unduly delay a proceeding.
Further, attorneys should cooperate with one another regarding all reasonable rescheduling, cancellations, extensions and postponement requests that do not prejudice the client or unduly delay a proceeding.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 4 | A. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME
An attorney should notify affected persons and the court of potential scheduling conflicts as soon as they become apparent.
An attorney should call potential scheduling conflicts or problems to the attention of those affected, including the court or tribunal, as soon as they become apparent to the attorney.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 4 | A. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME
When scheduling an oral deposition, an attorney should allow enough time for all parties to examine the witness and complete the deposition without adjournment.
In scheduling depositions upon oral examination, an attorney should allow enough time to permit the conclusion of the deposition, including examination by all parties, without adjournment.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 4 | A. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME
After the first extension, attorneys should assess further requests by balancing expediency, deference to the adversary, and whether a court would likely grant the extension.
After a first extension, any additional requests for time should be dealt with by balancing the need for expediency against the deference one should ordinarily give to an adversary, and whether it is likely a court would grant the extension if asked to do so.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 4 | A. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME
Attorneys should consult opposing attorneys before scheduling proceedings and choose times mutually convenient for interested persons.
Attorneys should communicate with opposing attorneys prior to scheduling depositions, hearings and other proceedings so as to schedule them at times that are mutually convenient for all interested persons.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 4 | A. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME
As a matter of courtesy, attorneys should ordinarily grant a first reasonable extension to respond to a pleading, discovery, or motion deadline when it will not prejudice the client or unduly delay proceedings, or when time is not of the essence.
The first request for a reasonable extension of time to respond to a litigation deadline, whether related to pleadings, discovery or motions, should ordinarily be granted between attorneys as a matter of courtesy when such an extension will not prejudice the client, unduly delay a proceeding or when time is not of the essence.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 4 | A. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME
Attorneys should promptly inform the court or tribunal when a resolution makes a scheduled appearance unnecessary or moot.
Attorneys should promptly notify the court or other tribunal of any resolution between the parties that renders a scheduled court appearance unnecessary or otherwise moot.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 4 | A. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME
When asked about a proposed proceeding time, an attorney should promptly agree or suggest a time as close as reasonably possible.
Upon receiving an inquiry concerning a proposed time for a hearing, deposition, meeting or other proceeding, an attorney should promptly agree to the proposal or offer a counter suggestion that is as close in time as is reasonably possible.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 4 | A. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME
Attorneys should reserve sufficient hearing time for all parties to present their cases fully.
Further, sufficient time should be reserved to permit a complete presentation by attorneys for all parties.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 4 | A. SCHEDULING, CONTINUANCES AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME
If papers are improperly served at or too close to a court appearance, the court is urged to take appropriate action, including continuing the matter to allow preparation and response.
Should an attorney do so, the court is urged to take appropriate action in response, including continuing the matter to allow the opposing attorney to prepare and respond.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | B. SERVICE OF PAPERS
Chambers Communication Rules
An attorney should not communicate about the representation with a known represented party without that party’s attorney’s prior consent, unless authorized by law.
During the course of representing a client, attorneys should not communicate directly or indirectly on the subject of the representation with a party who is known to be represented by an attorney with regard to the subject matter without the prior consent of the attorney representing such other party unless authorized by law to do so.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 5 | C. COMMUNICATION WITH ADVERSARIES
Attorneys should not provide the court with communications with opposing attorneys unless reasonably necessary or requested by the court.
Attorneys should not attach to a pleading or send a copy of any communication with opposing attorneys to the court unless reasonably necessary under the circumstances of the pending matter or otherwise requested by the court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 5 | C. COMMUNICATION WITH ADVERSARIES
Attorneys should promptly respond to opposing attorneys’ telephone calls, letters, and emails.
Attorneys should promptly respond to telephone calls, letters or emails from an opposing attorney.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 5 | C. COMMUNICATION WITH ADVERSARIES
When time is of the essence, copies of court submissions should be provided to opposing counsel simultaneously and by substantially the same delivery method used for the court.
In instances where time is of the essence (i.e., consistent with the policy of Section B.2 herein), copies of any submissions to the court (such as correspondence, memoranda of law, case law, etc.) should simultaneously be provided to the opposing attorney by substantially the same method of delivery by which they are provided to the court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 6 | D. COMMUNICATION WITH THE COURT
Attorneys should notify opposing counsel of all oral or written communications with the court or another tribunal, except communications involving only scheduling.
Attorneys should notify the opposing attorneys of all oral or written communications with the court or other tribunal, except those involving only scheduling matters.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | D. COMMUNICATION WITH THE COURT
Attorneys should avoid ex parte communications about a pending case with the judicial officer handling it.
Attorneys should avoid ex parte communication about a pending case with the judge, magistrate or hearing officer before whom such case is pending.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | D. COMMUNICATION WITH THE COURT
Even when ex parte contact is permitted, attorneys should diligently try to notify the opposing party, and should make the application or communication only for a bona fide emergency where regular notice would materially prejudice the client.
Even where applicable laws or rules permit an ex parte application to or communication with the court, attorneys should make diligent efforts to notify the opposing party or the attorney known to represent the opposing party in order to permit the opposing party to be represented in connection with the application or communication. Attorneys should not make such application or communication unless there is a bona fide emergency and the client will be materially prejudiced if the application or communication is made on regular notice.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | D. COMMUNICATION WITH THE COURT