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Court Rules
Judge Danielle Sherriff
Judge

Judge Danielle Sherriff

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Fifteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Palm Beach County

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Brief
10 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Courtesy copies

  • 1 copy • Mail
  • At Least 5 Business Days Before Hearing

Exhibits, Evidence, Demonstratives

  • Email • In Advance of Hearing

New Trial Motions

  • Mail

Reconsideration Motions

  • Mail

Adjournments

  • Every motion to continue a trial, whether agreed or opposed, must be set for a UMC hearing through the online system.
  • A trial-continuance motion must identify why more time is needed and state when the case will be ready by completing and uploading the amended DCM order.
  • After online scheduling, a foreclosure summary-judgment hearing may be canceled only by court order.
  • +3 more

Request must include

Reason for RequestProposed New DatesProposed Rescheduled Date

Communication

Email

Chambers

cad-divisionao@pbcgov.org
Scheduling
Phone

Clerk

561-355-2986
Hours: 8am – 4pm, M-F excluding holidays
Phone
(561) 355-4380
Phone

Chambers

No status inquiries
Email
Court-wide

Clerk

communications@mypalmbeachclerk.com
Email
Court-wide
cad-divisionaa@pbcgov.org
Scheduling
Email
Court-wide
Emergencies
Phone
Court-wide

Duty Judge

Emergencies
Hours: after work hours
Filters:

Page & Word Limits1 rule

Page LimitsNote

The court has removed its strict page limitation, but implores Counsel to understand that Motions and Memoranda of law, incorporated or separate, should rarely exceed 10 pages.

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionMotions and Memoranda of Law - Writing

Document Format Requirements10 rules

FormattingMandatory

one inch margin on all sides of documents;

Margins
1 inch
Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionFinal Order Formatting
FormattingMandatory

All final orders that may be filed in the public records require a 3 x 3 inch available space in the right upper hand corner;

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionFinal Order Formatting
FormattingMandatory

Proposed Orders should be submitted in Word Format through the Online Services System by visiting the 15th Circuit Court's Online Services page and click the online scheduling button.

File type
Word
Applies to
  • Proposed order
Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionOnline Submission of Orders
FormattingMandatory

and pages must be consecutively numbered.

Formatting

  • Pages must be consecutively numbered
Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionFinal Order Formatting
FormattingImportant

Please bookmark you submissions if multiple documents are included in your .pdf

File type
PDF

Formatting

  • Multiple documents included in the PDF must be bookmarked
Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionSubmission of Hearing Materials, Preparation and Conduct of Hearings
FormattingImportantCivil cases

o Exhibit #’s: No more than 10 characters including spaces

EVIDENCE PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
|SectionExhibit Requirements
FormattingImportantCivil cases

• NO NOTEBOOK BINDERS

Formatting

  • No notebook binders
EVIDENCE PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
|SectionExhibit Requirements
FormattingImportantCivil cases

• NO PAPER CLIPS

Formatting

  • No paper clips
EVIDENCE PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
|SectionExhibit Requirements
FormattingImportantCivil cases

• NO RUBBER BANDS

Formatting

  • No rubber bands
EVIDENCE PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
|SectionExhibit Requirements
FormattingImportantCivil cases

• Exhibits must be stapled, bound or fastened together with an ACCO type fastener (two-pronged locking paper compressor).

EVIDENCE PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
|SectionExhibit Requirements

Document Filing Requirements48 rules

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

If the fee or cost claim remains unresolved after the required conference, the parties must file a joint report identifying disputed items and positions, supporting legal authorities, and the proposed hearing duration.

Court's wording

Within 15 days after service of any objections required by paragraph 3 of this Order, the parties and their respective experts shall meet for the purposes of conferring over each disputed item of the Claim. If the parties cannot resolve the Claim, they shall file a joint report within 15 days of meeting that: (a) Lists each specific line items of the Claim that remains in dispute; (b) Identifies by line item the legal or factual basis for each objection and the specific response of the movant(s) to each objection; (c) Provides legal authorities in support of each parties position, and (d) Proposes the exact amount of time necessary for an evidentiary hearing.

Order-on-fee-cost-motions
|SectionORDER DIRECTING PRE-HEARING SCHEDULE FOR ATTORNEY FEES AND COST MOTIONS
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

The movant must submit an itemized Claim identifying the fee or cost expert and providing supporting billing records, timesheets, invoices, and other documentary evidence.

Court's wording

Within 60 days, the movant(s) shall submit to the parties from whom fees or costs are sought the name and address of the fee/cost expert that will be used in support of the motion along with copies of all billing, timesheets, invoices for costs, and any other documentary evidence relating to attorneys' fees and/or court costs claimed (collectively the "Claim").

Order-on-fee-cost-motions
|SectionORDER DIRECTING PRE-HEARING SCHEDULE FOR ATTORNEY FEES AND COST MOTIONS
Filing RequirementsMandatory

At least 3 days before trial, counsel must: Provide Chambers with one set of proposed jury instructions. If any are disputed, provide each parties respective proposals and the legal grounds supporting them.

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionCalendar Call and Trial Dockets
Filing RequirementsMandatory

No paperwork should be submitted prior to the hearing but must be presented as listed below at the hearing.

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionUncontested Summary Judgement Hearings in Foreclosure Matters
Filing RequirementsMandatory

The names and addresses of all persons receiving copies must appear in the Order pursuant to Administrative Order 2.306 (PDF).

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionOnline Submission of Orders
Filing RequirementsMandatory

A UMC hearing may be canceled by filing a Notice of Cancellation and completing the online cancellation process.

Court's wording

To cancel a hearing scheduled for UMC, the scheduling attorney's office must file a Notice of Cancellation and must log in to the 15th Judicial Circuit's Online Scheduling System, select "Uniform Motion Calendar "UMC" Scheduling; select "Cancel Hearings" and follow the directions on the screen.

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionSetting and Cancelling Hearings
Filing RequirementsMandatory

If the Final Judgment is entered, the Clerk's office will need the Certificate of Title.

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionUncontested Summary Judgement Hearings in Foreclosure Matters
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Notices of Foreclosure Trials must be filed with the Clerk's office.

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionForeclosure Trials
Filing RequirementsMandatory

As set out in Local Rule 4, ALL hearing notices shall include a certificate of good faith effort to resolve the issue and avoid the need for a hearing.

Document
Notice of hearing

Must include

  • Certificate of conference
Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionGood Faith Conferral Prior to Filing All Motions - Eliminating Unnecessary Hearings - Strict Compliance with Local Rule 4
Filing RequirementsMandatory

The listed documents and four sets of sorted, self-addressed stamped envelopes are required at an uncontested foreclosure summary-judgment hearing.

Court's wording

The following documents are required at an Uncontested Summary Judgment hearing: Summary Judgment Foreclosure Checklist with adding machine tape attached Notice of Hearing Motion for Summary Judgment Payment History Affidavit of Indebtedness (including a loan payment history) Affidavit of Attorney's Fees Affidavit of Costs Opposing affidavits (if any – see FRCP 1.510) Original Note and Mortgage (or copies if already filed with the Clerk's office) Final Judgment and Copies (tab the original for Judge's signature) Final Disposition Form Four sets of self-addressed and stamped envelopes, sorted, with the return address of: Clerk & Comptroller Palm Beach County, P.O. Box 4667, West Palm Beach, Florida 33402-4667

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionUncontested Summary Judgement Hearings in Foreclosure Matters
Filing RequirementsMandatory

All motions to extend time to serve process shall show the following for good cause: Legitimate efforts have been made to serve defendants; What's preventing timely service; If and how the problem can be rectified; and What length of extension is reasonably necessary.

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionMotions to Extend Time for Service
Filing RequirementsMandatory

The submitting party should verify that all parties have reviewed and agreed to the language of the proposed Order prior to uploading it.

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionOnline Submission of Orders
Filing RequirementsMandatory

At the Forms and Orders link to the right side of this web page you will find a standard proposed order form to submit with your motion for appointment.

Document
Motion

Include

  • Proposed order
Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionAppointment of Guardian Ad Litem/Administrator Ad Litem
Filing RequirementsMandatory

The completed Trial Form must be attached to the courtesy copy.

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionForeclosure Trials
Filing RequirementsMandatory

All evidence for each evidentiary hearings and trial should be pre-marked in accordance with the Clerk of Court's instructions.

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionEvidentiary Hearings
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Before calendar call, counsel must complete mediation and the pretrial conference, exchange exhibit and witness lists, estimate trial duration, identify common availability, file the pretrial stipulation, and resolve or identify disputed pretrial matters.

Court's wording

Prior to calendar call, counsel must have: participated in mediation, held a pretrial conference, exchanged itemized exhibit and witness lists, estimated the length of time the trial will take, including jury selection where applicable, identified the time periods during the upcoming trial docket when everyone is available; filed the pretrial stipulation, resolved any pretrial motions, in limine and the like, or disputed depo designations.

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionCalendar Call and Trial Dockets
Filing RequirementsMandatory

The original must be filed with the Clerk of Court.

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionUncontested Summary Judgement Hearings in Foreclosure Matters
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Any party seeking to exclude expert testimony under a Daubert analysis shall file a motion with the court specifically identifying the basis for the Daubert challenge.

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionEvidentiary Motions (in Limine, Daubert, etc. .) and Depo Designations
Filing RequirementsMandatory

A transmittal letter shall confirm that all parties have reviewed the language of the order and are in agreement with its entry. The names and addresses of all parties receiving a copy of the agreed order must be included in it.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

The Notice shall include the specific matters to be tried and an estimate of time needed for the trial. See Rule 1.440(b), Fla.R.Civ.Pro. The number of witnesses for each side should be included in the notice. See Rule 1.440(b), Fla.R.Civ.Pro.

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionForeclosure Trials
Filing RequirementsMandatory

This form must be notarized and filed with the Clerk and Comptroller.

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionMotions for Disbursement of Surplus Funds
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

• All exhibits must be marked for ID on the exhibit card.

EVIDENCE PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
|SectionExhibit Requirements
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

• An updated, legible, and specific exhibit list MUST be provided to the trial clerk on the first day of trial.

EVIDENCE PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
|SectionExhibit List Requirements
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

o Must have case #, party type circled, and exhibit#.

EVIDENCE PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
|SectionExhibit Labeling Requirement
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

• Use the exhibit card template provided (see attached); you may do one of the following:

EVIDENCE PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
|SectionExhibit Labeling Requirement
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

• All exhibits that will be entered into evidence must be pre-marked using the Exhibit Card Template (see attached) and affixed to the back of the exhibit.

EVIDENCE PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
|SectionExhibit Requirements
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

• Tape the card to the BACK of each exhibit (no clips).

EVIDENCE PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
|SectionExhibit Labeling Requirement
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

• The exhibit card must be filled out completely and legibly.

EVIDENCE PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
|SectionExhibit Labeling Requirement
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

Do not submit proposed orders to OLS in anticipation of a hearing or trial.

Fifteenth Fl:348be1ffe028ae06840ee339
|SectionAO Divisional News
Filing RequirementsImportant

Any requests for media equipment from the Court, please complete the Courtroom Media Request form and submit it to Court Technology at least 5 days prior to trial.

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionAudio Visual Equipment Requests
Filing RequirementsImportant

The title must say "Agreed Order on [title of motions]."

Document
Agreed order

Must include

  • Agreed Order on [title of motions]
Filing RequirementsImportant

the parties should stipulate to the admissibility of evidence for which the admissibility is not reasonably contested.

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionEvidentiary Hearings
Filing RequirementsImportant

The section for appointment is to be blank for the Court to insert a name, address and phone number of the next person on the wheel.

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionAppointment of Guardian Ad Litem/Administrator Ad Litem
Filing RequirementsImportant

For discovery motions, unless a unique legal issue is presented black letter standards need not be recited. Nor need you submit the full requests and full responses.

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionDiscovery Disputes
Filing RequirementsImportant

When setting, the parties should provide a proposed Amended DCMO with redlined with the changes and an explanation why the additional time is needed.

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionDifferentiated Case Management: Trial and Pretrial Scheduling
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

o When the document or pleading is published to the jury.

EVIDENCE PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
|SectionExhibit Requirements
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

• Large demonstrative poster boards or items to be used in court for evidence must be accompanied by a smaller version for submissions to the Clerk.

EVIDENCE PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
|SectionExhibit Requirements
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

• Place a sticker on the bottom right hand corner of the front of each exhibit clearly identifying Plaintiff or Defendant. (Can be obtained from an office supply store.)

EVIDENCE PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
|SectionExhibit Labeling Requirement
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

• Depositions and pleadings are NOT marked as exhibits, EXCEPT:

EVIDENCE PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
|SectionExhibit Requirements
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

• Any exhibit with multiple sections should be designated by number and letter. i.e. 1A, 1B, 1C, etc.

EVIDENCE PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
|SectionExhibit Labeling Requirement
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

o When a party would like the court to take judicial notice of any document or pleading; or

EVIDENCE PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
|SectionExhibit Requirements
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

• An exhibits list which states “all”, “any” and “any and all” will not be accepted.

EVIDENCE PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
|SectionExhibit List Requirements
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

• The exhibits must be numbered sequentially.

EVIDENCE PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
|SectionExhibit List Requirements
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

• The list is to include the Case #, the party name, party type (Pltf., Resp., Mother, Father, etc.), exhibit #, description of the exhibit and hearing/trial date.

EVIDENCE PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
|SectionExhibit List Requirements
Filing RequirementsNote

If you are a homeowner and not represented by counsel, a form can be found at www.mypalmbeachclerk.com.

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionMotions for Disbursement of Surplus Funds
Filing RequirementsNote

Orders submitted online do not need a date or signature line, as the orders will be signed and dated electronically.

Fifteenth Fl:50a9573ebda47ea98c339c4b
|SectionOnline Submission of Orders
Filing RequirementsNoteCivil cases

o Make copies of the card for each exhibit; or

EVIDENCE PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
|SectionExhibit Labeling Requirement
Filing RequirementsNoteCivil cases

o Use Avery labels 5163 which can then be adhered to the BACK of the page. (Template can be scanned onto Avery Labels).

EVIDENCE PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
|SectionExhibit Labeling Requirement

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

A proposed order must not be uploaded more than once.

DO NOT SUBMIT/UPLOAD MORE THAN ONCE.

Page 1 | Online Submission of Orders

UMC hearing cancellations must also be confirmed through the online scheduling system.

CANCELLATIONS MUST BE CONFIRMED ONLINE AS WELL.

Page 1 | 10 Minute Hearings - Uniform Motion Calendar (UMC) - Online Scheduling

Materials for hearings, including motions, memoranda, and proposed orders, may be sent to the Divisional Email Box.

NOTE: Materials for hearings can be sent to the Divisional Email Box if needed, e.g. motions, memoranda, proposed orders, etc.

Civil cases

Page 1 | Important Note About Divisional Instructions

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

The appointed Guardian, Administrator, and Attorney Ad Litem must file an Answer to the Complaint within 30 days after the date of the Order.

Said Guardian, Administrator and Attorney Ad Litem shall file its Answer to the Complaint within 30 days from the date of this Order.

Civil cases

Page 1 | Ex Parte Order Appointing Guardian, Administrator, and Attorney Ad Litem

Failure to set a motion for hearing within the stated 45-day period may result in the motion being deemed abandoned or denied.

Failure to comply with the timeframe set forth will result in the Motion being deemed abandoned or denied.

Page 1 | Hearings Anticipated to Exceed 30 Minutes

After an oral ruling, a proposed order should be submitted online within 24 hours unless additional time is granted.

After an oral ruling, a proposed order should be submitted within 24 hours (unless additional time is granted) through the online system as described in Section VIII.C, below.

Page 1 | Orders After Hearings and Trials

Responsive memos shall be filed and provided with the motion to the Court at least 10 days in advance of hearing.

Responsive memos shall be filed and provided with the motion to the Court at least 10 days in advance of hearing.

Page 1 | Evidentiary Motions (in Limine, Daubert, etc. .) and Depo Designations

A motion must be set for hearing within 45 days after filing.

Motions must be set for hearing within forty-five (45) days of filing.

Page 1 | Hearings Anticipated to Exceed 30 Minutes

The Online Scheduling System does not permit hearings to be set with five or fewer days' notice.

Please note the OLS system will not allow hearings be set on 5 days or less notice.

Page 1 | 10 Minute Hearings - Uniform Motion Calendar (UMC) - Online Scheduling

Dismissal papers must be uploaded to the Court's JVS system within 30 days of settlement or the parties shall report to the Court what is preventing the case from being closed out and when the parties anticipate it can be.

Dismissal papers must be uploaded to the Court's JVS system within 30 days of settlement or the parties shall report to the Court what is preventing the case from being closed out and when the parties anticipate it can be.

Page 1 | Settlement, Dismissal or Stay Of Cases

The court must be notified immediately when a case settles, is voluntarily dismissed, or is stayed if future hearings or trial remain scheduled.

If your case settles, is voluntarily dismissed, or stayed, and there are future hearings or a trial scheduled on the Court's docket, PLEASE NOTIFY THE COURT IMMEDIATELY, so the time can be freed-up for other matters.

Page 1 | Settlement, Dismissal or Stay Of Cases

Service and Proof of Service Rules

At least three days before trial, counsel must pre-mark the exhibits and exchange the pre-marked exhibits with opposing counsel.

At least 3 days before trial, counsel must: Pre-mark the exhibits in accordance with instructions of the clerk and comptroller, Exchanged pre-marked trial exhibits with opposing counsel.

Page 1 | Calendar Call and Trial Dockets

The listed ex parte motions may be submitted to Chambers with proposed orders only if served on all parties.

The following motions with proposed orders may be submitted to Chambers ex parte but not without being served upon all parties:

Page 1 | Ex Parte Motions

Registration with the 15th Circuit's online scheduling services is mandatory to receive e-service.

To receive e-service YOU MUST REGISTER WITH THE 15TH CIRCUIT'S ONLINE SCHEDULING SERVICES here: Register/Login with Online Services

Page 1 | E-Service

Ex parte materials submitted to Chambers will be filed and served on all parties, and unauthorized submissions may be sanctioned.

Unless otherwise provided by law, all ex parte materials submitted to Chambers will be filed with the Clerk and served upon all parties and, if unauthorized, the party making the submission may be sanctioned.

Page 1 | Ex Parte Communications

Alternatively, an order involving pro-se parties or others not on e-service may indicate that the party submitting the Order will serve them with a copy of the Order immediately upon receipt, as long as service is accomplished in time so not to prejudice the party being served. The order shall then be served the same day it is entered.

Alternatively, an order involving pro-se parties or others not on e-service may indicate that the party submitting the Order will serve them with a copy of the Order immediately upon receipt, as long as service is accomplished in time so not to prejudice the party being served. The order shall then be served the same day it is entered.

Page 1 | Service of Orders

Division AO electronically serves orders to persons registered for judicial e-service.

Division AO electronically serves orders to those that have registered their primary and secondary e-mail addresses with the 15th Circuit.

Page 1 | E-Service

A writ-of-possession motion must be set at UMC with proof of proper and timely notice to all parties, including unknown tenants.

All motions for Writ of Possession (to vacate premises) must be set at Uniform Motion Calendar with proof of proper and timely notice to all parties, including unknown tenants.

Page 1 | Motions for Writ of Possession

Counsel must set motions for surplus funds for hearing with notice to all parties.

If counsel represents the party, counsel must set motions for Surplus Funds for hearing with notice to all parties.

Page 1 | Motions for Disbursement of Surplus Funds

Plaintiff must serve the certified order on Defendant through the Sheriff’s office or a certified process server, and file the return of service with the Clerk at least 10 days before the hearing.

It shall be Plaintiff’s responsibility to secure service of a certified copy of this Order upon Defendant through the Sheriff’s office or a certified process server and the return of service shall be filed with the Clerk of Court at least 10 days before the hearing.

Civil cases

Page 1 | ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

Failure to register for judicial e-service may cause orders to be sent to the Florida Bar email address of record.

Failure to register may result in orders being sent by default to the email address on file with the Florida Bar.

Page 1 | E-Service

Any visual aids should be shared with opposing counsel prior to the hearing.

Any visual aids should be shared with opposing counsel prior to the hearing.

Page 1 | Submission of Hearing Materials, Preparation and Conduct of Hearings

Postage-paid envelopes are required only for parties not receiving e-service.

Envelopes with postage are now only needed for parties not on e-service.

Page 1 | Service of Orders

A person no longer involved in a case must remove themself from the clerk's system and State Portal if registered for e-service.

If registered for e-service and no longer involved in the case, please remove yourselves from the clerk's system and State Portal.

Page 1 | E-Service

Courtesy Copy Requirements

The parties must email the Court bookmarked .pdf copies of all intended exhibits, evidence, or demonstratives in advance.

The parties shall provide copies of all intended exhibits, evidence or demonstratives to the Court in advance in a bookmarked .pdf format to CAD-DivisionAO@pbcgov.org.

Page 1 | Evidentiary Hearings

At least five business days before each hearing, courtesy copies of the notice, motion, opposition memoranda, and other helpful materials must be provided to the Court.

At least five (5) business days before each hearing, please provide the Court with copies of: (1) the notice of hearing, (2) the motion to be heard, (3) opposition memoranda and (4) other materials that would assist the Court with resolving the issue.

Page 1 | Submission of Hearing Materials, Preparation and Conduct of Hearings

Copies of rehearing, clarification, or reconsideration motions should be mailed to Chambers for judicial review.

In accordance with Local Rule No. 6, copies of any motion for rehearing, clarification or reconsideration should be provided to Chambers, by U.S. regular mail, for the Judge's review and determination whether to order a response or set it for hearing.

Page 1 | Motions for rehearing, clarification, rehearing and new trial

When a matter involves more than a handful of relatively short documents, one joint binder of hard copies must be sent by mail or delivered to the first-floor drop box.

BUT IF YOUR MATTER INVOLVES MORE THAN A HANDFUL OF RELATIVELY SHORT DOCUMENTS: please provide hard copies to chambers IN ONE JOINT BINDER by postal system (USPS, Fed-Express, UPS etc.) or hand delivered to the 1st floor drop-box.

Page 1 | Submission of Hearing Materials, Preparation and Conduct of Hearings

Motions for New Trial should be submitted in the same manner as described above, and the Judge will determine if a response or hearing is appropriate and, if so, the amount of time.

Motions for New Trial should be submitted in the same manner as described above, and the Judge will determine if a response or hearing is appropriate and, if so, the amount of time.

Page 1 | Motions for rehearing, clarification, rehearing and new trial

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Motions for rehearing, clarification, or new trial must not be set for hearing unless the court directs otherwise.

DO NOT set motions for rehearing, clarification or new trial to be heard unless directed to do so by the Court.

Page 1 | Motions for rehearing, clarification, rehearing and new trial

Counsel must actually communicate to satisfy the good-faith conference requirement.

GOOD FAITH CONFERRALS REQUIRE COUNSEL TO ACTUALLY TALK.

Page 1 | Good Faith Conferral Prior to Filing All Motions - Eliminating Unnecessary Hearings - Strict Compliance with Local Rule 4

A motion requiring more immediate attention must be set by a manually noticed hearing agreed to by the parties.

If the motion requires more immediate attention, it must be set through a manual notice by agreement of the parties.

Page 1 | 10 Minute Hearings - Uniform Motion Calendar (UMC) - Online Scheduling

In addition to Local Rule 4's requirement to confer before setting a hearing, parties are expected to confer before filling all motions.

In addition to Local Rule 4's requirement to confer before setting a hearing, parties are expected to confer before filling all motions.

Page 1 | Good Faith Conferral Prior to Filing All Motions - Eliminating Unnecessary Hearings - Strict Compliance with Local Rule 4

Before filing a discovery motion or seeking court intervention, counsel must speak in person or by telephone and make a genuine effort to compromise; the court encourages filing discovery objections without a motion when it can rule directly.

If a discovery dispute arises, counsel must actually speak to one another (in person or via telephone) and engage in reasonable compromise in a genuine effort to resolve their discovery disputes before seeking Court intervention. No discovery motions shall be filed until after the parties have engaged in this process. The Court encourages filing the discovery objections without a motion if the Court can simply review the request and objection in order to rule, thereby saving the parties unnecessary briefing and expense.

Civil cases

Page 5 | III. PROCEDURES FOR DISCOVERY DISPUTES — A. Pre-hearing Communication

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

A trial-continuance motion must identify why more time is needed and state when the case will be ready by completing and uploading the amended DCM order.

All motions for a continuance must specifically identify the reason additional time is necessary and set forth the date by which the case will be ready for trial by completing and uploading an Amended Order Implementing Differentiated Case Management Plan Order Setting Calendar Call and Case Management Plan.

Page 1 | Motions to Continue Trial

Every motion to continue a trial, whether agreed or opposed, must be set for a UMC hearing through the online system.

Every Motion to Continue Trial, agreed or not, MUST be set for a UMC hearing (set via the online system).

Page 1 | Motions to Continue Trial

After online scheduling, a foreclosure summary-judgment hearing may be canceled only by court order.

Once scheduled online (whether a Notice of Hearing has been issued or not), all summary judgment hearings may only be cancelled by Court Order.

Page 1 | Uncontested Summary Judgement Hearings in Foreclosure Matters

A request to continue or cancel an unresolved summary-judgment hearing requires an appearance at the 8:30 UMC before the hearing date.

To request a continuance or cancellation of a Summary Judgment hearing when the motion has not been resolved, you must appear at 8:30 Uniform Motion Calendar, prior to the hearing date to request the cancellation.

Page 1 | Uncontested Summary Judgement Hearings in Foreclosure Matters

Senior judges will not consider a continuance motion on the day of trial.

Senior Judges will not entertain motions for continuances on the day of trial.

Page 1 | Foreclosure Trials

If production will not be completed within 30 days of the response deadline and the parties have not agreed to a longer period, the responding party should file a motion for enlargement of time with a good-cause explanation and a proposed production schedule.

In the absence of agreement among the parties, if the production will not be completed within 30 days of the response deadline, a motion for enlargement of time should be filed by the responding party. The motion shall include a good cause explanation for why production cannot be completed within that time period, and a proposed schedule for completing the production.

Civil cases

Page 4 | D. Production at an Indeterminate Time

Chambers Communication Rules

Competing proposed orders must be sent to Chambers in one email with Word attachments, identified points of disagreement, and clear differences.

If the parties cannot agree upon the language of a proposed order memorializing an oral ruling, they must provide to Chambers a single email that (1) attaches proposed orders in Word format, (2) notes each point of disagreement and (3) clearly identifies the differences between the orders.

Page 1 | Orders After Hearings and Trials

Requests for such hearings should be submitted to Chambers by a email: The type of case and a very brief, concise summary of the matter(s) to be heard; Copies of the motion to be heard along with any responses or replies; Each parties' respective estimate of the amount of time needed; and If there is a date by which the parties believe the matter needs to be heard and why.

Requests for such hearings should be submitted to Chambers by a email: The type of case and a very brief, concise summary of the matter(s) to be heard; Copies of the motion to be heard along with any responses or replies; Each parties' respective estimate of the amount of time needed; and If there is a date by which the parties believe the matter needs to be heard and why.

Page 1 | Hearings Anticipated to Exceed 30 Minutes

When the court requests competing proposed orders, parties must email them directly to CAD-DivisionAO@pbcgov.org.

If the court requests competing proposed orders from the parties, please email them directly to CAD-DivisionAO@pbcgov.org.

Civil cases

Page 1 | AO Divisional News

Litigants must not call chambers to schedule hearings.

Please do not call to set hearings.

Civil cases

Page 1 | AO Divisional News

A party seeking a specially set pretrial conference should email the Judicial Assistant after developing the pretrial stipulation.

If, after the parties develop a pretrial stipulation, any party believes a pretrial conference will be in the interest of judicial economy, they should contact the Judicial Assistant by email to determine whether Judge Sherriff will be able to specially-set a pretrial conference.

Page 1 | Pretrial Conferences

Foreclosure trial notices requesting 90 minutes or less are forwarded to a case manager for a Senior Judge trial order.

The Judicial Assistant will forward all notices of trial requesting ninety (90) minutes or less to a case manager to issue a trial order for a docket to be heard by Senior Judges.

Page 1 | Foreclosure Trials

Parties should not call the Judicial Assistant about setting or resetting UMC hearings.

The Judicial Assistant (JA) has no control over the setting or resetting of any UMC matter hearing unless directed by the Court. Please do not call the JA about UMC's.

Page 1 | 10 Minute Hearings - Uniform Motion Calendar (UMC) - Online Scheduling

Hearings lasting more than 30 minutes may be scheduled by email.

Any hearings over 30 minutes can be scheduled through email.

Civil cases

Page 1 | AO Divisional News

The Judicial Assistant should be contacted by email at CAD-DivisionAO@PBCGOV.ORG.

The best way to contact the Judicial Assistant is via email at CAD-DivisionAO@PBCGOV.ORG

Civil cases

Page 1 | AO Divisional News

Questions not answered by the Divisional Instructions should be directed to the Judicial Assistant, preferably by email.

Please direct inquiries not answered by reading the Divisional Instructions to the judicial assistant. The fastest way to contact chambers is by email.

Civil cases

Page 1 | Important Note About Divisional Instructions

Copies of the joint report should be emailed to Chambers at CAD-DivisionAO@pbcgov.org.

Copies of the joint report should be sent to Chambers by email at CAD-DivisionAO@pbcgov.org.

Civil cases

Page 1 | ORDER DIRECTING PRE-HEARING SCHEDULE FOR ATTORNEY FEES AND COST MOTIONS

The Judicial Assistant is best contacted by email at CAD-DivisionAO@PBCGOV.ORG.

The best way to contact the Judicial Assistant is via email at CAD-DivisionAO@PBCGOV.ORG

Page 1 | AO Divisional Instructions

Questions may be directed to the clerk’s office at 561-355-2986 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

If you have any questions, contact the Clerk’s office at 561-355-2986 between the hours of 8am – 4pm, M-F excluding holidays.

Civil cases

Page 1 | Exhibit Labeling Requirement

Una persona con discapacidad puede contactar al Coordinador de ADA por teléfono dentro de dos días hábiles después de recibir el aviso para solicitar asistencia sin costo.

ASi Ud. es una persona incapacitada que necesita de un servicio especial para participar en este proceso, Ud. tiene derecho a que le provean cierta ayuda sin costo alguno. Por favor pongase en contacto con el Coordinador de ADA, Germaine English, de la Oficina Administrativa de la Corte, situada en el 205 North Dixie Highway, Oficina 5.2500, West Palm Beach, Florida, 33401, teléfono ( 561) 355-4380 dentro de los dos (2) próximos días hábiles después de recibir esta [describa la notificación]; si tiene incapacidad de oir ó hablar llame al 1-800-955-8770.

Civil cases

Page 1 | ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

A person with a disability may contact the ADA Coordinator by phone within two working days of receiving the notice to request accommodation assistance at no cost.

If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the ADA Coordinator, Germaine English, in the Administrative Office of the Court, Palm Beach County Courthouse, 205 North Dixie Highway, Room 5.2500, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401; telephone number (561) 355-4380 within two (2) working days of your receipt of this [describe notice]; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 1-800-955-8770.

Civil cases

Page 1 | ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

A person with a disability may contact the ADA Coordinator by phone within two days after receiving the notice to request free assistance.

ASi vous êtes infirme, et en besoin de n’importe accommodation pour pouvoir participer á ces procédures, vous pouvez gratuitement recevoir, certains services. S’il-vous-plait contactez le coordinateur du ADA, Germaine English, au Bureau Administratif du Tribunal de Palm Beach, située à 205 North Dixie Highway, Chambre 5.2500, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401, numéro de téléphone (561) 355-4380 durant deux (2) jours suivant la réception de [ cette note]; si vous êtes muets ou sourds, appelez 1-800-955-8770.

Civil cases

Page 1 | ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

A person with a disability may contact the ADA Coordinator by phone within two days after receiving the notice to request free assistance.

ASi ou sé yon moun ki Infim, ki bézwen ninpôt akomodasyon pou ka patisipé nan pwosè sa-a, ou gen dwa, san’l pa kouté’w anyin, pou yo ba’w kèk sèvis. Tanpri kontakté koôdinatè ADA, Germaine English, ya nan Biro Administratif Tribinal nan cité Palm Beach la, ki nan 205 North Dixie Highway, Cham 5.2500, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401, niméro Téléfonn-nan sé (561) 355-4380, ré lé dé (2) jou dé lè ou résévwa [ notis sa-a]; si w ap bezwen èd oswa son pa byen, rele 1-800-955-8770.

Civil cases

Page 1 | ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

Junior Lawyer Participation Incentives

Ordinarily one lawyer per party may argue a discovery hearing, but a party should notify the court before the hearing if an attorney with three or fewer years of experience will argue, in which case multiple lawyers or additional hearing time may be allowed.

Ordinarily, only one lawyer for each party may argue at the discovery hearing. Nevertheless, the Court has a Page 5 of 6 ===== PAGE 6 ===== strong commitment to supporting the development of inexperienced lawyers. The Court encourages parties and experienced, seasoned attorneys to allow less-experienced practitioners the opportunity to argue in court. A party should advise the Court prior to the beginning of the hearing if a lawyer of 3 or fewer years of experience will be arguing the matter. In that event, the Court will allow multiple lawyers to argue on behalf of that party or additional hearing time if available.

Civil cases

Page 6 | III. PROCEDURES FOR DISCOVERY DISPUTES — B. Encouraging Participation by Less-Experienced Lawyers

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 783 rules apply across Fifteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Palm Beach County. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Requirements

All 385
  • Applies to
    Exhibit list

    An updated, legible, and specific exhibit list must be provided to the trial clerk on the first day of trial.

  • Applies to
    Demonstrative board

    A large demonstrative board intended for admission into evidence must be accompanied by a smaller version.

  • Applies to
    Date of birth form

    The Date of Birth Form must be completed and filed with the Clerk's Office in all new and reopened Unified Family Court cases.

Service

All 127
  • Applies to
    Petition for rehearing or motion for reconsideration

    A petition for rehearing or motion for reconsideration must be filed with the clerk, and a copy must be furnished to the assigned judge with a copy of the original order.

  • Applies to
    Pleadings

    A lawyer must timely serve all pleadings on the opposing party to prevent prejudice or delay.

  • The moving party must timely provide opposing counsel, or the opposing party if unrepresented, a copy of all materials submitted to the court under the rule.

Filing Timing

All 64
  • The Court Reporter Appearance form must be filed before the proceeding commences.

  • The Clerk must schedule the initial hearing within 30 days after a truancy petition is filed.

  • The parties must complete all written discovery within the number of days stated in the order.

Fees

All 49
  • Fee
    $70
    Applies to
    Foreclosure sale

    Foreclosure plaintiffs must submit the $70.00 Clerk Sale Fee before the sale date.

  • Fee
    $70
    Applies to
    Certificate of title

    The Clerk will not issue the Certificate of Title until the $70.00 clerk sale fee and all other fees are paid.

  • Fee
    $50
    Applies to
    Motion to cancel foreclosure sale

    A motion to cancel a foreclosure sale that results in reopening the case must include payment of the $50 reopen fee.

About Judge Danielle Sherriff
  • Assignment: Circuit Civil.
  • Division: AO.

Current assignment

Division: Circuit Civil AO Courtroom: 11E Room number: 11.2213 Courthouse: Judge Daniel T. K. Hurley Courthouse Phone: (561) 355-1908 Judicial assistant: Karla Dampier Email: CAD-DivisionAO@pbcgov.org

Common questions about Judge Danielle Sherriff's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Danielle Sherriff?

Details: delivery at least 5 business days before hearing. At least five business days before each hearing, courtesy copies of the notice, motion, opposition memoranda, and other helpful materials must be provided to the Court.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Submission of Hearing Materials, Preparation and Conduct of Hearings

Does Judge Danielle Sherriff require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

In addition to Local Rule 4's requirement to confer before setting a hearing, parties are expected to confer before filling all motions.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Good Faith Conferral Prior to Filing All Motions - Eliminating Unnecessary Hearings - Strict Compliance with Local Rule 4

What page or word limits apply to brief before Judge Danielle Sherriff?

Judge Danielle Sherriff's rule states these limits: 10 pages. The court removed its strict page limit but encourages motions and memoranda to rarely exceed 10 pages.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Motions and Memoranda of Law - Writing

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Danielle Sherriff?

Judge Danielle Sherriff's formatting rule includes file format docx. Proposed orders must be submitted in Word format through the 15th Circuit's Online Services system.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Online Submission of Orders

What must be included with joint report filings before Judge Danielle Sherriff?

If the fee or cost claim remains unresolved after the required conference, the parties must file a joint report identifying disputed items and positions, supporting legal authorities, and the proposed hearing duration.

View ruleSource: page 1, section ORDER DIRECTING PRE-HEARING SCHEDULE FOR ATTORNEY FEES AND COST MOTIONS

What must be included with itemized claim filings before Judge Danielle Sherriff?

The movant must submit an itemized Claim identifying the fee or cost expert and providing supporting billing records, timesheets, invoices, and other documentary evidence.

View ruleSource: page 1, section ORDER DIRECTING PRE-HEARING SCHEDULE FOR ATTORNEY FEES AND COST MOTIONS

How may parties contact Judge Danielle Sherriff's chambers?

Requests for such hearings should be submitted to Chambers by a email: The type of case and a very brief, concise summary of the matter(s) to be heard; Copies of the motion to be heard along with any responses or replies; Each parties' respective estimate of the amount of time needed; and If there is a date by which the parties believe the matter needs to be heard and why.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Hearings Anticipated to Exceed 30 Minutes

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Danielle Sherriff?

Every motion to continue a trial, whether agreed or opposed, must be set for a UMC hearing through the online system.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Motions to Continue Trial

Is electronic filing required before Judge Danielle Sherriff?

UMC hearing cancellations must also be confirmed through the online scheduling system.

View ruleSource: page 1, section 10 Minute Hearings - Uniform Motion Calendar (UMC) - Online Scheduling

What filing deadlines does Judge Danielle Sherriff set?

The appointed Guardian, Administrator, and Attorney Ad Litem must file an Answer to the Complaint within 30 days after the date of the Order.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Ex Parte Order Appointing Guardian, Administrator, and Attorney Ad Litem

What rule applies to e-service before Judge Danielle Sherriff?

Details: method: e-service. Registration with the 15th Circuit's online scheduling services is mandatory to receive e-service.

View ruleSource: page 1, section E-Service

Does Judge Danielle Sherriff encourage junior lawyer participation?

Yes. Judge Danielle Sherriff's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Ordinarily one lawyer per party may argue a discovery hearing, but a party should notify the court before the hearing if an attorney with three or fewer years of experience will argue, in which case multiple lawyers or additional hearing time may be allowed.

View ruleSource: page 6, section III. PROCEDURES FOR DISCOVERY DISPUTES — B. Encouraging Participation by Less-Experienced Lawyers
Complete rules summary for Judge Danielle Sherriff

The Judicial Assistant should be contacted by email at CAD-DivisionAO@PBCGOV.ORG.

Litigants must not call chambers to schedule hearings.

When the court requests competing proposed orders, parties must email them directly to CAD-DivisionAO@pbcgov.org.

Materials for hearings, including motions, memoranda, and proposed orders, may be sent to the Divisional Email Box.

Questions not answered by the Divisional Instructions should be directed to the Judicial Assistant, preferably by email.

Hearings lasting more than 30 minutes may be scheduled by email.

Proposed orders should not be submitted to OLS before a hearing or trial unless the court specifically requests them.

If the fee or cost claim remains unresolved after the required conference, the parties must file a joint report identifying disputed items and positions, supporting legal authorities, and the proposed hearing duration.

The movant must submit an itemized Claim identifying the fee or cost expert and providing supporting billing records, timesheets, invoices, and other documentary evidence.

Copies of the joint report should be emailed to Chambers at CAD-DivisionAO@pbcgov.org.

The appointed Guardian, Administrator, and Attorney Ad Litem must file an Answer to the Complaint within 30 days after the date of the Order.

In addition to Local Rule 4's requirement to confer before setting a hearing, parties are expected to confer before filling all motions.

The names and addresses of all persons receiving copies must appear in the order.

The homeowner surplus-claim form must be notarized and filed with the Clerk and Comptroller.

The Judicial Assistant is best contacted by email at CAD-DivisionAO@PBCGOV.ORG.

Registration with the 15th Circuit's online scheduling services is mandatory to receive e-service.

Division AO electronically serves orders to persons registered for judicial e-service.

A person no longer involved in a case must remove themself from the clerk's system and State Portal if registered for e-service.

Counsel must actually communicate to satisfy the good-faith conference requirement.

At least five business days before each hearing, courtesy copies of the notice, motion, opposition memoranda, and other helpful materials must be provided to the Court.

Multiple hearing submissions contained in one PDF must be bookmarked.

Ex parte materials submitted to Chambers will be filed and served on all parties, and unauthorized submissions may be sanctioned.

When a matter involves more than a handful of relatively short documents, one joint binder of hard copies must be sent by mail or delivered to the first-floor drop box.

The Online Scheduling System does not permit hearings to be set with five or fewer days' notice.

A UMC hearing may be canceled by filing a Notice of Cancellation and completing the online cancellation process.

UMC hearing cancellations must also be confirmed through the online scheduling system.

A motion requiring more immediate attention must be set by a manually noticed hearing agreed to by the parties.

Parties should not call the Judicial Assistant about setting or resetting UMC hearings.

A motion must be set for hearing within 45 days after filing.

All evidence for evidentiary hearings and trials must be pre-marked according to the Clerk of Court's instructions.

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