Requirements & Information

Contact Information

Judicial Service

• Circuit Court Bench, April 2017

Education

• JD, Florida State University
• BA, University of Iowa

Judicial Assistant

Marilu

Email

Family2@jud12.flcourts.org.

Phone

(941) 861–7929; Do not call the judicial assistant without first reading the requirements. The answers to most question are located in the requirements.

Physical Address

2002 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34237

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 48927, Sarasota, FL 34230

Office Hours

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST; closed for lunch Noon-1 p.m.

Courtroom

Proceedings are held in Courtroom 7A

Quick Links

•  Calendars
•  Division Documents & Preferred Forms
•  Judicial Requirements
•  Zoom Requirements

Division Assignment(s)

• Circuit Family Division 2 - Sarasota County
• Circuit Family South County Division 2 - Sarasota County

Requirements & Information

Please read if you do not have an attorneyThe Judge must apply the same rules to all parties, regardless of whether you have an attorney. The Judge will not talk to you about your case outside of the courtroom. Your opportunity to speak to the Judge is only during your hearing. The Judicial Assistant may not help you with your case or send information to other parties or attorneys on your behalf. The Judicial Assistant may not “give the Judge a message” or answer your legal questions. Additionally, please do not ask the Judicial Assistant for the outcome of a hearing or verify that an order has been signed; you may review Sarasota Clerk’s online docket for details about your case. Please remember anything you file with the Clerk must be provided to opposing attorney or party.

Attorneys of Record and Covering Counsel

Attorneys, including any attorneys covering hearings for counsel of record, must file a Notice of Appearance on any case in which they are filing pleadings, motions, etc. Covering Counsel must have a thorough knowledge of the case, be prepared to discuss it and have authority to make stipulations and admissions when appropriate as well as the ability to set future court hearings.

Standards of Professionalism

The Court expects all attorneys who appear to know and adhere to the Standards of Professionalism, also available on the websites of the Manatee County Bar Association and the Sarasota County Bar Association.

1. The following proceedings will be conducted remotely:
   • Pre-Trial Conferences (PTC)
   • Case Management Conferences (CMC)
   • All non-evidentiary hearings scheduled for less than 30 minutes
2. Hearings that require a Motion or Stipulation to Appear Remotely:
   • 30-minutes or more, non-evidentiary hearings
   • 30-minutes or more, evidentiary hearings
   • If the parties agree and request the above referenced hearings to be heard remotely, they may contact the judicial assistant to request permission from the Court in enough time to properly notice the hearing by Zoom.
   • If a party desires the above referenced hearings to be heard remotely and the other party objections, the party shall file a motion showing good cause for the remote hearing, and have the motion heard prior to the hearing at issue.
3. Remote Testimony: The Court will allow testimony to be provided remotely during in-person hearings if all parties consent and the party calling the witness notifies the Court in advance of the hearing. If the parties do not stipulate, the party seeking the remote testimony shall file a motion to be heard in advance of the testimony, following the procedures outlined above.

Rules for Zoom Hearings

1. Your login name must accurately depict your identity, or you may not be admitted into the hearing. (i.e. “Barbara Smith, Petitioner”, not “Samsung20”)
2. You must have working camera and microphone. Work through your technical difficulties before the hearing or you may not be able to participate.
3. Dress as if you are physically coming into the courtroom and ensure your camera is not showing a moving fan or anything inappropriate to display in court.
4. Log in before your hearing start time. The Court may not interrupt proceedings to accommodate late entries.
5. Remember you are in court and required to behave accordingly or you can be held in contempt.
6. Do not record the proceedings.
7. Be patient. If you are in the waiting room, the Court is handling another matter and will admit you if you are properly labeled when your hearing will begin. If you are concerned about your visibility in the waiting room, please call the judicial assistant.

Hearings 60 Minutes or Less

Hearings 60 Minutes or Less: All hearings 60 minutes in length or less must be scheduled using the Court’s JACS. Cases not scheduled using JACS will not be heard. Do not schedule back-to-back slots to obtain more hearing time (i.e., two back-to-back 15-minute slots to obtain 30 minutes of hearing time). This includes motions made by both parties. One case number should not take up more than one hearing slot in a standard business day. Back-to-back hearings will be canceled by the Court.

JACS

JACS: Please utilize account named “Family Division 2, Sarasota” for all North County (NC) for in-person and remote hearings. For South County (SC) Family cases, please utilize account named “Circuit H2 Ven Fam PB GA” for all in-person hearings. If time is not reflected, please submit a hearing request to the judicial assistant. To schedule a remote hearing, please utilize account named “Family Division 2, Sarasota” and select any available Zoom slot.

For hearings longer than 60 minutes, please contact the judicial assistant via email with your request.

To request hearing time from the Court, the following information must be included in the email:

• list of motions and “docket identification number” (DIN) from court file. Please also attach the motions to the email.
• agreed total length of time needed by attorneys and/or pro se litigants
• requesting appearance (either in-person or remote)
• general time frame requesting the hearing to be held (ex. month)
• if you are on a trial docket
• other scheduled hearings for the same case with Judge or Magistrate

If all parties are not copied, the request will not be reviewed.

Interpreter Reservations

The responsibility for scheduling an interpreter rest solely with the person in need of interpreting services. The court does not automatically schedule interpreters. Interpretation services can be requested by telephone, email, or submission of the online request form. Each court event must be scheduled separately with the interpreter’s office. Requests for court interpreters should be made at least five (5) business days in advance of the scheduled court event. Requests made less than five (5) business days’ notice may not be accommodated. In cases where interpreting services are required for languages other than Spanish, additional time may be necessary to arrange for a qualified interpreter or a telephonic interpreting service may be used.

Notice of Hearing

A Notice of Hearing must be filed immediately after reserving hearing time and must conform to the Twelfth Judicial Circuit’s Standards of Professionalism.

The Notice of Hearing must include:

1. Date, time and location of the hearing time reserved
2. Name of the motions to be heard and length of time assigned
3. The appropriate ADA notice
4. The Docket Identification Number (to the left of your motion in the court file)
5. Judge McHugh’s Zoom credentials (even for in-person hearings)
6. Certificate of service to all parties

Cross-Notice, “Piggybacks,” or Substitutions

Once a motion has been set for hearing, additional motions may not be “cross-noticed,” “piggybacked,” or substituted during the time reserved for the original motion without the express consent of opposing counsel and the court. The scheduling party should be contacted for consent before seeking the court’s approval to add additional motions.

Ruling Without a Hearing

Nothing precludes the parties from stipulating those matters be determined based solely on written submissions (written motions and written responses with legal analysis). Any such stipulation must be signed by all parties, filed with the clerk, and copies of all paperwork to be submitted to our office for review.

Canceling Hearings

You must cancel hearings using JACS. When the court’s judicial assistant has finalized the docket — approximately five days in advance of the hearing — JACS will not permit you to cancel the hearing. In that situation, please email the judicial assistant at Family2@jud12.flcourts.org to cancel a hearing. Please indicate “Notice of Cancelation”, case number and case style in the subject line of the email (attach document). You also must immediately send notice of cancelation to opposing counsel or party, including the court.

1. Last-minute cancelations: If a cancelation is necessary within 24-hours of the scheduled hearing, call and email the judicial assistant immediately. You will be asked to provide a copy of the Notice of Cancelation and identify the reason(s) for the cancelation (i.e. scheduling conflict or resolved outstanding issues). Please be prepared to submit a stipulation and/or order where necessary. The deadline for these documents would be the time of the original scheduled hearing.

Final Hearings

Any case where a Final Hearing is set, the Final Hearing Checklist located under Circuit Family Division 2 court-approved forms, must be attached to the Notice of Hearing.

Attorneys are responsible for ensuring their clients have completed and filed all mandatory paperwork with the clerk prior to a final hearing being scheduled in JACS. If any documents are missing, the final hearing will be canceled.

If a party is defaulted, counsel shall set a Case Management Conference (CMC) to discuss the setting of a final hearing/trial. See section I. Setting Case for Trial for more information.

Temporary Issues/Matters

All temporary issues/matters must be mediated prior to any court hearing, unless excused by court order. If mediation is unsuccessful, the parties are to set the matter for hearing before the magistrate.

Adoptions & Terminations of Parental Rights (TPR)

Chapter 63 must be strictly followed. Prior to scheduling a final hearing, the moving party must submit the following documentation to the court:

• a written request for hearing time
• copies of all documents required by Chapter 63 (after filing originals with the clerk).
• a fully completed court-approved check list (Adoption or TPR) signed by the submitting attorney, located under court-approved forms.

If all the documentation is complete, the court will enter an Order Authorizing Final Hearing reflecting the status of the file. If a final hearing is not authorized, the Court will enter an order reflecting the reason.

Pursuant to Administrative Order 2009-6.12, the judge who entered the Final Judgment in the TPR case must preside over the adoption. When scheduling an adoption in JACS, the adoption case number should appear in the main case number field and the TPR case number should be provided in the “Additional Info” filed.

Compel Discovery

Pursuant to Administrative Order 2010-22.2, § E(1)(d), “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.”

Motions to Determine Confidentiality of Court Records

See Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.420; In re Amendments to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420-Sealing of Court Records and Dockets, 954 So. 2d 16 (Fla. 2007); and A.O. No. 2007-12.2.

Paternity

The court will not approve parenting plans, even if agreed to, on paternity/time sharing cases unless there is an Order Establishing Paternity and child support is addressed. Upon submission of documents to the court, please submit a copy of the Order Establishing Paternity.

Unsolicited Communications

Unsolicited communication from non-parties will not be read by the Court.

Division Email

Send email to the Family2@jud12.flcourts.org dedicated email account. See sections “D. Submission of Orders” and “E. Courtesy Copies” for more information.

The subject line should contain the case number, name and relevant matter: 2010 DR 001234 SC – Doe v. Doe - 2 Hour Hearing Requested. All email shall comply with the rules regarding ex parte communications.

Pro Se litigants may only use the division email with the Court’s permission. Pro Se litigants must follow the Twelfth Judicial Circuit’s rules for pro se parties.

Inquiries About Cases & Orders

Before contacting the judicial assistant about the status of a case or pending order, attorneys, attorneys' staff and pro se litigants, should consult the Sarasota Clerk’s online docket.

Registered users of ClerkNet may receive automatic email notices whenever a new document is filed in a particular case.

ePortal

All attorneys and pro se litigants are required to provide an email address to receive signed orders electronically. See Administrative Order 22-1.2 and Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. Rule 2.516. Attorneys and pro se litigants encouraged to file the Designation of Current Mailing and Email Address, also located under Family Division 2 court-approved forms.

The court will not sign an order/judgment without clear evidence of agreement or consent by all parties or counsel’s affirmation that opposing counsel has approved the form and content of the order/judgment.

The court does not allow litigation by letter or email. If the parties cannot agree on an issue, the appropriate motion should be filed and set for hearing.

Do not submit a proposed order until all parties have reviewed and approved the proposed order. The court generally uses 12-point Times New Roman font with one-inch margins when drafting proposed orders.

ePortal

All attorneys and pro se litigants are required to provide an email address to receive signed orders electronically. See Administrative Order 22-1.2 and Fla. R. Gen. Prac. ∓ Jud. Admin. Rule 2.516. Attorneys and pro se litigants encouraged to file the Designation of Current Mailing and Email Address located under court-approved forms. It is the responsibility of the attorneys and pro se litigants to update their contact information with the clerk any time there is a change. If a party does not have an email address, electronic submission and service will not be authorized.

Downloadable Forms

The court utilizes a number of standard orders, which are available for your use and download from the Family Division page. Check this site often as the court adds new or modifies existing proposed orders from time to time.

Electronic Submission Court's preference

Effectively immediately, all proposed orders submitted by attorneys in Family Division 2 must be submitted in compliance with Administrative Order 22-1.2 through the ePortal directly to the assigned Judge, and not filed on the “Progress Docket”. All proposed orders must be in Word Format only. All proposed orders must be accompanied by a cover letter that is also submitted though the ePortal in PDF/A format. The submitting attorney must ensure all parties/attorneys receive a courtesy copy of both the proposed order (Word format) and cover letter (PDF/A) prior to submission.

If an order is submitted electronically, the judicial assistant will serve the Order on the parties via email. The certificate of service must be complete and include the email addresses for all recipients. If additional U.S. mail copies need to be served, please modify the certificate of service accordingly for the movant to complete such actions.

Exceptions

The only exceptions for submitting a proposed order through ePortal are as follows and should be submitted to Family Division 2.

• Income Withholding Order

ePortal and Division ‘Do Nots’

• use this division email address for any other purpose than the submission of a proposed order
• e-file your proposed Order through the ePortal Progress Docket or submit a proposed order without a detailed service list. Service list must have more than names, include the method of service (email or mailing address).
• submit a proposed Order Approving a Magistrate Report and Recommended Order. All related orders will be provided to the Court by the Magistrate’s Office.
• submit two (2) orders for the same case at the same time in the ePortal. This will cause an error and one or both orders may be erased.
• submit one proposed order for two (2) case numbers. Each case number must have its own document.
• include any unnecessary marks on documents, including headers or footers (e.g., firm names, internal coding, watermarks, etc.) within the proposed Order.
• submit consolidated forms. All Stipulations (once e-filed) shall be submitted with the proposed order as its own document. Motions and Stipulations not e-filed will not be considered.
• email a directive such as “hold this proposed order for x days for an objection to be lodged”. If the paperwork has not been reviewed by all parties, it should not be sent to the Court.
• use the email and send identical paperwork via U.S. Mail

U.S. Mail Submission

If an order must be submitted in paper format, you must also submit preaddressed envelopes with sufficient postage and conforming copies for all parties to receive a service copy. If the necessary copies and/or envelopes are not included, the parties will be required to retrieve copies from the clerk. Please assume the court will add several pages when determining postage amount for any non-routine orders.

Agreed To

The court expects that you will only submit a proposed order when all attorneys or parties agree on the form. If the agreement is not evident in the motion and proposed order, the party must submit documentation demonstrating the agreement.

Disagreeent (Form)

If there is a disagreement on the form, or an attorney does not respond within a reasonable period of time, you may then send the proposed order with a concise statement identifying the disagreement and the steps you took to address it. The opposing attorney may submit at the same time an alternate proposed order. Please do not email a directive such as “hold this proposed order for x days for an objection to be lodged.”

Under Advisement

The court attempts to rule from the bench when appropriate. If the court takes a matter under advisement, the court tries to rule as quickly as possible under the then current circumstances. Do not call to ask about the status of the order. If four (4) weeks have elapsed without a ruling, the movant may email the judicial assistant to advise the matter has been under advisement for four (4) weeks. The four (4) weeks begins upon the court’s receipt of the last post-hearing submission (e.g., transcripts, supplemental briefs, legal authority, proposed orders).

After Hearing

Following a hearing, the court may ask the prevailing party to submit a proposed order. Do not submit a proposed order until all parties have reviewed and approved the proposed order. In some cases, the court will ask each party to submit a proposed order. Make sure to abide by any deadlines that the court gives, and all parties are copied. The court does not allow the hearing/motion to be reargued through email. If there are still outstanding issues, the court will give instruction on how to proceed and possibly set an additional hearing.

Special Interrogatories & Submission Procedures

The court allows counsel to file Special Interrogatories in lieu of an uncontested final hearing for a dissolution of marriage case.

Counsel must use the court-approved Special Interrogatories and Checklist form located under court-approved forms. The forms should not be modified, except to identify the information requested. Review Section Fl. Stat. §61.19 for details regarding the final judgment.

Electronic Submission

Submit your packet containing the original Special Interrogatories; Special Interrogatories Checklist; Proof of Residency and proposed Final Judgment through the ePortal.

In the cover letter, counsel must identify if the MSA and Parenting Plan should be attached or if they referenced the appropriate DINs within the body of the proposed Final Judgment.

The Court will not sign the Final Judgment without clear evidence of agreement or consent by all parties or counsel’s affirmation that opposing counsel has approved the form and content of the Judgment.

Electronic Packet Return

If any of the items are missing in the packet, the court will return it to the sender.

Electronic Copies

Electronic copies of hearing materials should be sent to Family2@jud12.flcourts.org. The Court will accept these documents in electronic format only if provided as a single PDF file and must: be text searchable; be paginated with page numbers exactly matching the index pagination; be bookmarked consistent with the index. Proposed Orders/Final Judgments should be a separate attachment in Word Format.

If size limitations prevent the emailing of the PDF file as a single file, multiple files may be provided, or submit to the Court via a USB flash drive. If unable to send in PDF format, the Court would appreciate a paper copy of the motion, the directly relevant evidence (if applicable), only directly relevant case law and any responses filed by opposing parties.

Paper Copies

Paper copies may be utilized only if the submitting party is unable to provide electronic copies.

Submission Deadlines

The Court must receive all materials no later than three business days prior to the hearing. For larger hearings, the judicial assistant will provide a deadline at the time of setting. Please give opposing counsel — and the Court — the opportunity to be prepared to address your motion.

Emergency, Expedited Request and Hardship Motions

If a party believes there is a factual basis for setting an emergency or hardship hearing, a detailed, sworn and verified motion setting forth the following should be filed:

• that the movant first conferred with or made a good faith effort to contact opposing party to resolve the matter without Court intervention (efforts to be delineated in the motion re: contact and resolution);
• the issue(s) that need to be resolved on an expedited basis and why they require an expedited hearing;
• the basis for the waiver of any required mediation;
• the amount of time needed, taking into account each party’s presentation.

The original motion shall be filed with the clerk, and a copy hand-delivered or emailed to the court and a phone call placed to the judicial assistant advising of the motion. The judge will determine whether the issues qualify as an “emergency” under the prevailing case law or whether a hardship exists thus justifying the waiver of mediation or the setting of an expedited hearing. The court will prepare an order advising the parties how to proceed. The court may issue an order requesting the non-moving party to file a written response. Failure to follow the steps as outlined in this section will constitute a basis for denial of the motion.

The verification must be in the following form:

Injunctions for Protection

All hearings related to injunctions must be scheduled through the judicial assistant and set on the court’s dedicated injunction day. Any injunction-related proceedings scheduled using JACS will be canceled by the court.

If an attorney represents a Petitioner or Respondent and is aware that an evidentiary hearing will be requested on the date set forth in the Temporary Injunction, that attorney must contact the judicial assistant as soon as practicable for the court to set aside sufficient time for a contested evidentiary hearing. Contested evidentiary hearings may be re-set to the afternoon or a date and time on a future dedicated injunction day.

The court does not modify injunctions by written stipulation alone. All modifications must be addressed on the digital record at a hearing with the parties present.

All approved Domestic Violence related forms may be found on the Sarasota Clerk of Court’s or Florida Supreme Court’s website.

Child Testimony

No other entity can permit attendance of a child to a hearing other than the court’s office. See Rule 12.407, Florida Rules of Family Procedure. Child testimony is not permitted unless a Motion to Allow Child Testimony has been filed, set for hearing, and granted by court order.

The Clerk’s office requires evidence admitted during an evidentiary hearing to be in paper format without leave of court. Unless the Court instructs you otherwise, please provide the Court’s Judicial Assistant one paper set and one electronic set of all evidence at least two business days before the hearing/trial. Both sets shall include a Table of Exhibits. The paper set will become the official exhibits Judge McHugh delivers to the Clerk. The electronic set will be for Judge McHugh’s use. For information on electronic set preferences, please see section “For the Judge”.

Unless the Court directs otherwise, the Plaintiff/Petitioner should mark their exhibits ahead of time as “Plaintiff/Petitioner 1, 2, 3, etc.,” and the Defendant/Respondent should mark their exhibits ahead of time as “Defendant/Respondent A, B, C, etc.”

Electronic evidence and technology

The Court has limited technology available for use in the Courtroom. There are two basic considerations you should keep in mind when planning on using electronic evidence. First, whether the Court has the electronic capability to review the electronic evidence in the courtroom. Second, how the Clerk will “receive” the electronic evidence.

Wherever possible, please convert your electronic evidence into paper format and introduce the paper copy. For instance, electronic pictures, text messages, and the like can be printed out and introduced into evidence. If you have electronic evidence that cannot be converted into paper format—e.g., video files—please place all such files onto a single thumb drive when possible. You are still responsible to broadcast the electronic evidence within the Courtroom.

For the Judge

Electronic Copies

Electronic copies of hearing materials should be sent to Family2@jud12.flcourts.org. The Court will accept these documents in electronic format only if provided as a single PDF file and must: be text searchable; be paginated with page numbers exactly matching the index pagination; be bookmarked consistent with the index. Proposed Orders/Final Judgments should be a separate attachment in Word Format.

If size limitations prevent the emailing of the PDF file as a single file, multiple files may be provided, or submit to the Court via a USB flash drive. If submitting as separate file, each exhibit as a separate file, labeled “Petitioner 1” or “Respondent A” and so on.

Confer with opposing counsel to determine what exhibits are stipulated and what evidentiary objections each side is maintaining and avoid duplicate exhibits.

Mediation

Mediation must be completed, and a Mediation Report be filed with the clerk before counsel can submit a Notice for Trial. With limited exceptions, mediation is required in all cases for all issues before scheduling any hearing before the court or magistrate/Non-Title IV-D hearing officer.

1. Exigent Circumstances: The court recognizes that exigent circumstances may exist that require an expedited hearing. If a party believes there is a good faith, factual basis for a hearing without prior mediation, that party shall file a detailed, sworn motion that includes the following information:
   • the issues that need to be resolved on an expedited basis;
   • the factual basis for the exigent circumstances;
   • that the moving party first conferred with opposing counsel;
   • the parties were unable to resolve the issue or there was no response.
   Upon receipt, the court will review the written motion and, if appropriate, set a short deadline for the opposing side to respond in writing. The court will also determine whether mediation may be waived by court order due to exigent circumstances.
2. Exceptions: The following hearings may be scheduled without prior mediation:
   • Discovery-related issues (i.e., compel, protective order, objection to interrogatories, etc.). These motions must comply with the requirements of Administrative Order 2010-22.2, available on the Circuit's website under the Attorney Info tab as well as on the website of the Sarasota Bar Association. Administrative Order 2010-22.2.
   • Motions directed to the pleadings (i.e., amend, strike, default, dismiss, set aside, etc.)
   • Where there is an established history of domestic violence (either by stipulation or verified motion) that would compromise the mediation process.
   • Uncontested matters (i.e., name change, dissolution, etc.)
   • After a default has been entered against the opposing party (Financial Affidavit must still be filed if seeking support).
   • By court order allowing an exception based on hardship, emergency, or other exigent circumstances pursuant to a written motion filed in compliance with these requirements.
3. Orders of Referral:
   1. Private Mediation: No Order of Referral to Mediation is required for private mediation, though a mediation report must be filed with the clerk and a courtesy copy provided to the court.
   2. Twelfth Judicial Circuit Family Mediation Program: If the gross income of the parties meets statutory program eligibility requirements, the Court may refer the parties to the Family Mediation Program, which provides Florida Supreme Court Family Certified Mediators to help parties resolve open cases. Visit the Family Mediation Program page for detailed information about the program.
   3. Parties do not need to submit a motion for referral however they must submit an Order of Referral to Mediation using the approved form available on the Circuit’s website. Pursuant to Amended Administrative Order 2011-2.2, both parties must have current financial affidavits on file before submitting an Order of Referral to Mediation so that the court can verify the parties qualify for the Family Mediation Program and to determine the appropriate fee.
   4. Pursuant to Fla.Fam.L.R.P. 12.285, Mandatory Disclosure, subsection (e)(1) (in part), if a Supplemental Petition has been filed, both parties must file new Financial Affidavits, regardless of how recently Financial Affidavits were last filed. Pursuant to subsection (f), both parties have an on-going duty to supplement their Financial Affidavits whenever there is a material change to their financial status.

Case Management Conference (CMC)

The Court conducts two general types of CMCs:

1. to select or change a trial date;
2. when a case needs more active management.

Any party may request a CMC. The Court strongly encourages the early use of CMC in more complex cases, multiple party litigation, or any case that might benefit from court intervention. Unless excused by the court in advance, all CMCs are mandatory for attorneys and pro se litigants. Clients are not required to appear at CMC.

If the parties submit an accurate and completed Trial Order, located under court-approved forms, to the court at least two (2) business days prior to the CMC, then the parties are excused. Parties are not excused until a confirmation email is sent by the judicial assistant.

Failure to attend the Case Management Conference could result in the court dismissing the action, striking the pleadings, limiting proof or witnesses, or taking other appropriate action. See Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.200(c)

Status Conferences

If you wish to have a status conference on a case, please file a motion that detail the reasons for the request. If all parties agree that a status conference is needed, the judicial assistant may be emailed without filing a motion.

Mediation

Mediation must be completed, and a Mediation Report be filed with the clerk before counsel can submit a Notice for Trial.

Notice for Trial

The Notice for Trial must comply with Family Law Rule 12.440 and describe:

• the type of case to be tried;
• the specific issues to be tried;
• the total time it will take all parties to present their case.

The original should be filed with the clerk and a copy provided to the court. The only exception to avoid a Notice for Trial is if a fully executed Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) has been filed.

Pre-Trial Conference Mandatory

Lead/Trial Counsel and pro se litigants must appear for the mandatory PTC. Clients are not required. The parties are strongly encouraged to review the Trial Order and the deadlines set out within. Parties are to confer at least seven (7) days prior to Pre-Trial Conference (PTC) to complete the required documents to tender to the court as identified in the Order.

All known motions/disputes (including any unresolved objections in deposition/video testimony) shall have been heard prior to the PTC or will be deemed waived. Matters which have been settled may be set for final hearing at that time upon prior approval of the court.

Counsel or the pro se party shall be prepared to discuss:

• The exhibits, their admissibility and any stipulations
• The status of mandatory disclosure and/or discovery; status
• Resolution of any outstanding motion(s);
• Any conflicts they have during the trial period.

All requests for cancellation or continuances of Case Management Conferences or Pre-Trial Conference must be done through a proper motion filed in the Court file and provided to all parties in advance of the Conference. If you have not received an Order which excuses attendance, you must attend.

After PTC, the court will publish a “trial lineup, designating the date and time the trial will go forward within the trial period. Please note that if you are scheduled for a specific trial period, the court will make best efforts to have the Trial move forward. The court will designate “Back-Up” cases to be scheduled within the trial period in the event of a settlement or unforeseen issues.

Continuances

This court adheres strictly to Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.545(e) and Rule of Family Procedure 12.460. A stipulation to continue a trial does not automatically continue a trial. A trial may only be continued by court order. All deadlines remain intact until a court order is entered. Accordingly, motions for continuance and stipulations must be in writing and set forth:

• The signature of the litigant as well as the attorney.
• A concise statement of the reasons for a continuance. If based on non-availability of a witness, a showing of when it is believed the witness will be available must be stated.
• All motions and any stipulation must be heard at least ten (10) days prior to trial, unless otherwise permitted by the court.

No motion or stipulation will be considered that is not in compliance with this order.

Settlements when Scheduled for Trial

If the parties settle after being scheduled for trial, Petitioner’s counsel shall immediately notify the court in writing and copy to opposing counsel/party. Settlements may be noticed for final hearing at the PTC with copy of the notice being provided to the court. The Court will take those parties last.

Settlements Occuring after PTC

If the parties settle after PTC, the parties must notify the court’s judicial assistant and must also immediately contact the attorneys next in order on the trial lineup, even over the weekend. Additionally, all final hearings, stipulations and final judgments must be held and entered by the court before or during the trial period. Be prepared to hold the final hearing morning of trial, unless indicated otherwise by the court.

For access to the approved division forms, please visit the Family Division page.

Parenting Course

Under Florida law, all parties to a dissolution of marriage proceeding with minor child(ren) or a paternity action that includes issues of parental responsibility must complete the 4-hour Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course prior to the entry of a final judgment. See §61.21, Fla. Stat. The course may be completed online (without an order from the Court) or in-person. A list of providers is available on the Court’s website. Please see the Standing Order for statutory deadlines. A final hearing shall not be scheduled unless both certificates have been filed.

Parenting Plans

The court requires the use of the approved Twelfth Circuit Parenting Plans. The court asks that the sections contained in the plans not being utilized are left blank; not deleted or modified. Parenting Plans that do not meet all minimum statutory requirements will not be accepted.

Petition for Relocation

When a Motion for Relocation is filed, counsel must simultaneously provide a copy to the court as well as a written notice to set the matter for a hearing on the Petition.

Rehearing or Reconsideration

Do not set Motions for Rehearing or Reconsideration for hearing through JACS, instead send them to the court with a cover letter. The court will decide whether to hold a hearing. A delay in submitting the motion directly to the Court, may limit date options available for the parties to choose from.

Required Service on the Court

Petitions and motions that by law must be served upon the Judge (e.g., writs, appeals, recusal motions), must be either emailed to the court’s judicial assistant or hand delivered to the court deputy station on the 1st floor. Additionally, please call the judicial assistant to advise of the service.

Fl. Stat. §61.19

No final judgment of dissolution of marriage may be entered until at least 20 days have elapsed from the date of filing the original petition for dissolution of marriage; but the court, on a showing that injustice would result from this delay, may enter a final judgment of dissolution of marriage at an earlier date.

Settlements (when not scheduled for trial)

Whenever a case settles, the parties shall immediately provide written notice to the court’s judicial assistant. Absent compelling circumstances, the court will cancel all future hearings and administratively close the case pending final settlement. One must file a Voluntary Dismissal, submit a proposed order of dismissal or final judgment, or take some other action to lawfully end the case.

Withdrawing or Substituting as Attorney

If you are withdrawing/substituting as attorney, please use the appropriate downloadable Order Granting Substitution/Withdrawal of Attorney, located under court-approved forms. If neither form accomplishes what you need, please track the language regarding the clerk deactivating the attorney within the Case Management System and include in the title of the order the directive to the clerk to update the Case Management System. Without this language, the Case Management System will show you as attorney of record. No hearing is needed if you file and submit client consent to the court with the motion and proposed order. Otherwise, you must notice the motion for hearing and include the client on the certificate of service.

Inmate Attendance at a Hearing

Only the Judge’s Office may order inmates to appear from local jails or Department of Corrections (D.O.C.). Inmates will only be permitted to appear via Zoom, as they will not be transported to the courtroom for Family Division cases, except in extreme circumstances.

1. Local Jail (Manatee Co. or Sarasota Co. Sheriff’s Office): Please email the judicial assistant a copy of the Notice of Hearing no less than 3 business days in advance of the hearing due to the Sheriff Office’s procedures. The email shall identify the inmate’s full name, birthdate and custody location. If the inmate is not timely requested, the inmate will not be provided. The judge’s office has zero flexibility with submission deadlines by the Sheriff’s Office.
2. Department of Corrections (D.O.C.): Please coordinate directly with the judicial assistant to schedule your hearing with/for a D.O.C. inmate. The email shall identify the inmate’s full name, birthdate, and custody information (facility, classification officer contact information, and department email address). The judge’s office will enter an “Order Directing D.O.C. to Provide Inmate for Hearing”. This order is sent approximately 45 days in advance for the hearing for best chance of the inmate appearing.

Magistrate and Child Support Hearing Officer

Absent an Objection filed, the following issues must be referred to Magistrate Rebecca Mockovciak. The scheduling attorney should submit a Family Division “Order of Referral to Magistrate” setting forth the issue(s). A motion is not required. Visit Magistrate Mockovciak's page for requirements. No matters over ½-day shall be scheduled with the Magistrate (with the exception of child support related issues or court approval).

1. Refer to Magistrate after mediation has been completed: All temporary issues (except hardship or emergency motions that the court has agreed to allow the magistrate to hear on an expedited basis).
2. Refer to Magistrate prior to Mediation being completed:
   • All Civil Contempt/Enforcement issues
   • All Discovery-related issues (i.e., compel, protective order, objection to interrogatories, etc.) These motions must be in compliance with the circuit’s Standards of Professionalism.
   • All motions directed to the pleadings (i.e., amended, strike, default, dismiss, set aside, etc.)
3. Do not refer these issues to the Magistrate:
   • Domestic violence proceedings including any time-sharing or visitation matters, which arise from the injunction proceeding. Note: The Magistrate may hear collateral issues of child or spousal support to the extent they do not conflict with provisions of the injunction.
   • Cases involving requests for emergency pickup orders following flight or threat of flight with a child from the jurisdiction;
   • Emergency matters unless the Circuit Judge has determined that the issue(s) involved do not require immediate resolution before the exception period would expire (or during the additional time, if one or both parties file(s) exceptions);
   • Petitions to Approve the Termination of Pregnancy by a Minor;
   • Criminal Contempt.
4. Motion to Vacate the Report and Recommendation of Magistrate: When submitting a Motion to Vacate the Report and Recommendation of the Magistrate, the original motion should be filed with the clerk and a copy furnished directly to the court and to the magistrate. A delay in submitting the motion directly to the court and to the magistrate, may limit the time needed to obtain transcripts and set the hearing.
   • court will enter an Order for Transcript giving the movant a deadline for obtaining a transcript and setting the Motion to Vacate for hearing. Motion to Vacate hearings are non-evidentiary and are similar to an appeal. The hearing may not be set for more than 30 minutes (15 minutes per side) without prior approval of the court.
5. Child Support:
   1. All child support proceedings are held before the Child Support Hearing Officer and General Magistrate, Lawrence Jacobs
   2. A Notice for Trial is not required when child support is the only issue to be resolved.
   3. Child Support Hearing Officer (No Orders of Referral): Orders of Referral are not required for hearings relating to child support issues. Use of a Child Support Hearing Officer does not require consent. See Heilman v. Heilman, 596 So. 2d 1046 (Fla. 1992).
   4. Motions to Vacate (Child Support): Pursuant to Family Law Rule 12.491(f), any party affected by an order may move to vacate an order by filing a Motion to Vacate within ten (10) days from the date of entry of the order. The motion must be filed in the clerk’s office, and a copy of the motion must simultaneously be sent to the assigned court and to the hearing officer.