Administrative Order Viewer

In the Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit
in and for DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties, Florida

Administrative Order No. 2017–13.5

(vacates Administrative Order 2003–04.5)

The procedures for assigning adversary probate proceedings has changed and Administrative Order 2003-04-5 is outdated and in conflict with current practices.

Pursuant to the power vested in the chief judge under article V, section 2(d), Florida Constitution, section 43.26, Florida Statutes, and Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.215, and to improve the administration of justice within the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, it is

Ordered that effective immediately, adversary probate proceedings requiring resolution by trial will be assigned as follows:

1. The Probate Divisions in DeSoto County, Manatee County and South County Divisions H1 and H2 will preside over all adversary probate proceedings requiring resolution by trial, including all pre-trial motions and trials.
2. In Sarasota County (excluding South County Divisions H1 and H2), any adversary probate proceeding requiring resolution by a trial expected to last more than a half-day will be transferred to the Civil Division when ready to be placed on a trial calendar. Pre-trial motions pertaining to the cases transferred pursuant to this paragraph will be heard by the Probate Division.
3. Administrative Order 2003-04-5 is hereby vacated effective upon signing this order.

Done and ordered in Sarasota County, Florida, this 24^th day of August 2017.

Charles E. Williams
Chief Judge