Judge Aurelio (Keter) Guerra Jr.

For determining whether a case is earlier or later, use the date stamp on the first pleading and any endorsed filing time; if no time is endorsed, assume it was filed at 4:59 p.m.

Except in emergencies when the District Clerk’s office is closed, an application for immediate or temporary relief must be filed and assigned before it is presented to a judge.

A temporary order requiring a subsequent hearing cannot be issued or considered enforceable until the hearing date and time have been obtained.

Applies to

Ex parte application

When presenting an ex parte application, counsel must certify in writing that the opposing party is unrepresented or, if represented, that counsel was notified and does not wish to be heard, or that diligent notice efforts failed and circumstances do not permit more efforts.

Applies to

Ex parte application

(c) Counsel presenting any application for an ex parte order shall at the time the application is presented further certify in writing that to the best of his or her knowledge, the case is which the application is presented is not subject to transfer under

Applies to

Temporary restraining order request

An ex parte temporary restraining order request in a family law matter must not ask the court to exclude a party from a joint residence or that party's own residence.

Applies to

Temporary order

The party obtaining a temporary order must serve notice of the required hearing’s date and time with the order.

Counsel who request and receive notice of a hearing, pre-trial, or trial setting must immediately give written notice to all other parties and a copy to the clerk, unless the clerk has mailed the party a written order with the notice, in which case duplicative notice to the parties is excused.

Hearings require at least three days' notice, and a party may request a hearing on shorter notice only by filing an emergency-hearing motion that provides specific reasons.

For a temporary order requiring a subsequent hearing, obtain the hearing date and time from the assigned court’s Court Coordinator before the order is issued or considered enforceable.

Counsel shall observe disciplinary rules and ethical canons concerning ex parte contact with the Court and its staff, media discussions of pending cases, and civility to opposing counsel.

Counsel should refrain from inviting clients or witnesses to the judge's chambers unless the judge permits it.