Judge Michael J. Ernest

Applies to

Memorandum of understanding

After reaching an agreement, the parties must prepare an unsigned Memorandum of Understanding and file their own dissolution paperwork after mediation.

Applies to

Agreement requesting private mediation

When all parties advise the Court they plan to use a private mediator, they may do so at their expense if they submit an agreement to the Court and Mediation Department listing the mediator, mediation date, and cost distribution.

Applies to

Mediation outcome report

The Mediation Outcome Report must state whether and to what extent the case settled, whether another conference is needed and its proposed date, and any party or attorney failure to attend.

Counsel must file dismissal entries within 30 days after the mediation conference.

The non-moving party may file and serve a response within 14 days after the final Mediation Outcome Report is filed.

The parties must file their own dissolution paperwork after mediation.

Applies to

Motion for mediation

Any party may request mediation by filing a motion for mediation and serving it on all parties.

The non-moving party may serve a response within 14 days after the final Mediation Outcome Report is filed.

Service

Mail

A surety must receive notice by ordinary mail at the address listed on the bond of the show cause hearing.

Fee

$50

Applies to

CQE petition

A $50 court-cost deposit is required when the petitioner appears to complete filing of an electronically submitted CQE petition.

Applies to

CQE petition

A petitioner who files a CQE petition directly with the clerk must pay the filing fee upon filing.

Required title-work expenses include a base search fee capped at $200 and a Judicial Report premium based on property value, with a foreclosure-specific premium basis; these costs are taxed in the case.