New: a trial court in 1 of every 10 U.S. counties. Read the post
Court Rules
Judge Luis Delgado
Judge

Judge Luis Delgado

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Fifteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Palm Beach County

Limits & Logistics

Courtesy Copies

Exhibits

  • Mail

Motion

  • Before Hearing

Notice of Motion, Motion

Petition, Motion

Adjournments

  • Parties must timely upload proposed orders to cancel through OLS, stating good cause or accompanying them with an Agreed Order resolving the matter.
  • A domestic-violence continuance request must be timely made by obtaining the other party's consent, filing a continuance motion, and uploading a proposed order through OLS.

Request must include

Reason for Request

Communication

Email

Chambers

cad-divisionfz@pbcgov.org
Scheduling
Hours: Proposed orders, exhibits, and filings are prohibited
No status inquiries
Phone
(561) 355-4380
Phone
(561) 355-2739
Phone

Chambers

Hours: Do not call the judicial assistant for hearing time.
Email
Court-wide

Clerk

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

Clerk

(561) 355-2937
Email
Court-wide
Emergencies
Phone
Court-wide

Duty Judge

Emergencies
Hours: after work hours
Filters:

Document Format Requirements6 rules

FormattingMandatoryCivil cases

All exhibits must be clearly marked before the hearing begins using numbered stickers identifying the case number and offering party.

Applies to
  • Exhibits

Formatting

  • Each exhibit must identify the party offering it

Court's wording

All exhibits must be clearly marked before the hearing is set to begin. Exhibits shall be marked by a numbered sticker on each exhibit clearly identifying the case number and party who is offering the exhibit, e.g., Petitioner or Respondent.

ORDER SPECIALLY SETTING HEARING (Delgado)
|SectionORDER SPECIALLY SETTING HEARING
FormattingMandatoryCivil cases

All cases and legal authorities submitted to the court must be tabbed, with pertinent sections highlighted.

ORDER SPECIALLY SETTING HEARING (Delgado)
|SectionORDER SPECIALLY SETTING HEARING
FormattingMandatory

All Final Judgments must have a 3X3 inch space on the top-right-hand corner for recording purposes. The Clerk will not docket or record the Final Judgment without this space.

FormattingMandatory

All exhibits must be pre-marked Petitioner or Respondent, case number, and exhibit number.

Applies to
  • Exhibits

Formatting

  • Premark each exhibit with Petitioner or Respondent, case number, and exhibit number
FormattingMandatory

Proposed Final Judgments (other than specified below) and/or Orders should be submitted via the OLS (Online Services), in Word format and PDF format for Attachments, within 48 hours following the hearing.

File type
Word
Applies to
  • Proposed order

Formatting

  • Attachments must be submitted in PDF format
FormattingMandatory

Please send all proposed orders and final judgments (see further specific instructions below) in Font New Times Roman Size 12 WITH A COVER LETTER via OLS within 48 hours after the hearing.

Font
Times New Roman
Font size
12 points
Applies to
  • Proposed order

Document Filing Requirements54 rules

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Both parties shall complete and file a notarized Family Law Financial Affidavit with the Clerk of the Courts at least 10 days prior to mediation.

Order-of-Referral-to-Mediation-fillable · p. 2
|SectionOrder and Referral to Family Mediation
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

If needed, this motion must be filed with the Clerk of the Courts, along with notarized Family Law Financial Affidavit Forms for both parties, providing a copy to all parties involved in the case.

Order-of-Referral-to-Mediation-fillable · p. 2
|SectionOrder and Referral to Family Mediation
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

If the case is settled prior to mediation, parties MUST file with the Clerk of the Courts, the settlement agreement along with Parenting Plan and Child Support Guidelines Worksheet, if the case involves minor children.

Order-of-Referral-to-Mediation-fillable · p. 2
|SectionOrder and Referral to Family Mediation
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Each party must bring a copy of the filed affidavit and supporting income-and-expense documents to mediation.

Court's wording

Each party shall bring to mediation a copy of their filed Family Law Financial Affidavit AND proof of all income and expenses, including but not limited to, paycheck stubs, income tax return for the most recent year, W-2 forms or 1099 forms, medical expenses, child care and any other related documents.

Order-of-Referral-to-Mediation-fillable · p. 2
|SectionOrder and Referral to Family Mediation
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

It is the responsibility of the parties to make sure that a court order is entered ratifying the agreement.

Order-of-Referral-to-Mediation-fillable · p. 3
|SectionOrder and Referral to Family Mediation
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

However, the mediator shall file a report with the court advising whether the parties attended mediation, and whether an agreement was reached.

Order-of-Referral-to-Mediation-fillable · p. 3
|SectionOrder and Referral to Family Mediation
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

When a mediated agreement is reached, the agreement shall immediately be reduced to writing, signed by both parties and their attorneys.

Order-of-Referral-to-Mediation-fillable · p. 3
|SectionOrder and Referral to Family Mediation
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

7. The Mediator shall prepare a Child Support Guidelines worksheet.

Order-of-Referral-to-Mediation-fillable · p. 3
|SectionOrder and Referral to Family Mediation
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

If the child support to be paid varies by more than 5% from the guidelines amount ordered, the Mediator shall require the parties to state the factors justifying the deviation.

Order-of-Referral-to-Mediation-fillable · p. 3
|SectionOrder and Referral to Family Mediation
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

the transmittal document must designate the date and time of the hearing for which they are submitted.

ORDER SPECIALLY SETTING HEARING (Delgado)
|SectionORDER SPECIALLY SETTING HEARING
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

If the issue is resolved less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the hearing (excluding weekends), the parties shall appear before the Court at the scheduled time of hearing with their proposed order.

ORDER SPECIALLY SETTING HEARING (Delgado)
|SectionORDER SPECIALLY SETTING HEARING
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

An Exhibit list shall be provided to the Court at the start of the hearing and must be numbered chronologically.

ORDER SPECIALLY SETTING HEARING (Delgado)
|SectionORDER SPECIALLY SETTING HEARING
Filing RequirementsMandatory

All Petitions for Temporary and Final Custody must complete the Checklist on the Forms linked and uploaded with a proposed final Order to OLS prior to setting it for a hearing.

Document
Custody petition

Must include

  • Checklist
  • Proposed final order
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Once the Plan Administrator states the QDRO is pre-approved in letter form, submit the proposed QDRO to the court for signature, represent that it was pre-approved and attach a copy of the pre-approval letter.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Other than those dealing with child support, any other Post Judgment relief requires an Order of Referral to Magistrate.

Fifteenth Fl:a8fefca7ac2f769a93422ca9 · Jul 2026
|SectionGeneral Magistrate Referrals
Filing RequirementsMandatory

The cover letter or note must indicate with specificity that the proposed order was provided to the opposing counsel first and the language was agreed upon or is disputed.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

All special set hearings must be noticed by Court Order. The Order must indicate by Docket Entry Number the matter to be addressed. The Parties will submit a proposed Order Setting Special Set Hearing via OLS and schedule their hearing via OLS – they must do BOTH.

Document
Order setting special set hearing

Must include

  • Court order
  • Docket entry number
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Minor and Adult name changes, Temporary Custody, Dissolution of Marriage and Paternity cases must upload a completed checklist with the proposed form and order by OLS with supporting documentation attached as Exhibits.

Document
Proposed form and order

Must include

  • Checklist
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) Final Hearing requests must be put in writing to the Judge and are set by the Judicial Assistant once all requirements have been met.

Fifteenth Fl:a8fefca7ac2f769a93422ca9 · Jul 2026
|SectionAdoptions and Name Changes
Filing RequirementsMandatory

File a copy of the "qualification" letter with the Court.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Please do not entitle your motion "Emergency" unless it is of the utmost urgency and cannot be handled in the ordinary course without irreparable harm.

Fifteenth Fl:a8fefca7ac2f769a93422ca9 · Jul 2026
|SectionMotions: Emergency Motions
Filing RequirementsMandatory

A proposed form of order must be uploaded by OLS upon filing of the Emergency with the motion attached as an Exhibit.

Document
Proposed order

Must include

  • Motion attached
Fifteenth Fl:a8fefca7ac2f769a93422ca9 · Jul 2026
|SectionMotions: Emergency Motions
Filing RequirementsMandatory

The motion for reconsideration must clearly state a mistake, inadvertence, excusable neglect, newly discovered evidence, or fraud under Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.540(b)(1).

Fifteenth Fl:a8fefca7ac2f769a93422ca9 · Jul 2026
|SectionMotions: Motions for Clarification, Reconsideration or Rehearing
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Special set hearings cannot be cancelled except by order of the Court.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

All discovery motions and proposed orders must indicate the specific effort made to avoid Court intervention including telephone calls and emails.

Document
Discovery motion

Must include

  • Emails
  • Telephone calls
Fifteenth Fl:a8fefca7ac2f769a93422ca9 · Jul 2026
|SectionMotions: Ex-Parte Motions to Compel Discovery
Filing RequirementsMandatory

The proposed order must indicate that the amended pleading will be filed within ten (10) days of the filed order and the opposing party has twenty (20) days to respond to the same once it is filed.

Document
Proposed order motion to amend

Must include

  • Amended pleading
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Please attach the motion and proposed amended pleading as an exhibit to the proposed form of order by OLS.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Please do not book/schedule the hearing unless: your hearing has been agreed to by all parties (please do not unilaterally set or cancel hearings); a notice of the hearing was filed; you have attached the motion, response, and memorandum of law citing case law as an exhibit to the proposed order (please do not attach case law); and

Document
Hearing booking

Include

  • Notice of hearing filed
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Permission to appear remotely may only be granted by the Court after a written/filed motion and UMC hearing.

Document
Remote appearance motion

Include

  • UMC hearing
  • Written filed motion
Filing RequirementsMandatory

All notices must clearly state the title of Motion being heard by the Court, must be served on all parties and filed in the case docket. The Court does not sign the same.

Document
Notice of hearing

Must include

  • Filed in case docket
Fifteenth Fl:a8fefca7ac2f769a93422ca9 · Jul 2026
|SectionMotions: Notice of Hearing
Filing RequirementsMandatory

All adoption and name change statutory requirements must be met before a final hearing will be set. DO NOT SCHEDULE A FINAL HEARING WITHOUT WRITTEN APPROVAL OF THE COURT.

Fifteenth Fl:a8fefca7ac2f769a93422ca9 · Jul 2026
|SectionAdoptions and Name Changes
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Proposed orders MUST have a cover letter

Fifteenth Fl:a8fefca7ac2f769a93422ca9 · Jul 2026
|SectionFZ Divisional Instructions
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Temporary Relief Hearings require the parties to attend mediation prior to the hearing being scheduled.

Fifteenth Fl:a8fefca7ac2f769a93422ca9 · Jul 2026
|SectionTemporary Relief Hearings
Filing RequirementsMandatory

If the hearing is evidentiary, please indicate the same on the proposed Order on Special Set Hearing and cite to the appropriate authority (case, statute and/or rule).

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Please include in all proposed orders and final judgments the following: status of the case and case history, proposed findings of facts, legal authority cited, confirmation of compliance with Local Rule 4 and the last time the parties attended mediation.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

The motion and proposed order must indicate with specificity the efforts made including the date, time, and manner of each effort.

Fifteenth Fl:a8fefca7ac2f769a93422ca9 · Jul 2026
|SectionMotions: Local Rule 4 Certification
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Any request from the Court must be in the form of filing a proper motion with proper notice to all parties.

Document
Motion

Must include

  • Notice to all parties
Fifteenth Fl:a8fefca7ac2f769a93422ca9 · Jul 2026
|SectionSelf-represented Litigants and Attorneys
Filing RequirementsMandatory

A motion to vacate must be submitted with a request to schedule a hearing.

Court's wording

Pursuant to Rule 12.490(e)(5), the party seeking review must seek to schedule a hearing at the same time that the motion to vacate is filed with the court and failure may result in the denial of the same.

Fifteenth Fl:a8fefca7ac2f769a93422ca9 · Jul 2026
|SectionMotions: Motions to Vacate
Filing RequirementsMandatory

All Motions must be noticed and time must be reserved for each motion.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

All procedural prerequisites must be completed before a hearing is sought/set. Indicate the date the parties last attended mediation.

Document
Hearing request

Must include

  • Procedural prerequisites
Filing RequirementsMandatory

All motions must have proper certifications.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Dissolution and paternity final-judgment proposed orders must be submitted with the listed exhibits no later than 24 hours before the hearing.

Document
Proposed final judgment

Must include

  • Parenting plan
  • Proposed order
  • Court checklist
  • Proof of residency
  • Final agreement or MSA
  • Final disposition form
  • Child support calculations
  • Parenting class certificates
  • Testimony at final hearing sheet

Court's wording

All proposed Final Judgements (FJ) for the Dissolution of Marriage with Children or without Children and Final Judgments of Paternity must attach the proposed order NO MORE THAN 24 HOURS before the hearing with applicable exhibits: Child Support Calculations Parenting Plan with consent for mental health treatment for the child pursuant to Florida Statute Section 61.13(2)(b)3 Certificates of Completion of the Parenting class for both Parties the Final Agreement/MSA Testimony at Final Hearing sheet Final Disposition form must be completed pursuant to Fla. Fam. L.R.P. 12.440 and Fla. Stat. §61.19, and (vii) proof of residency pursuant to Fla. Stat. §61.052(2) and the the Court checklist.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

To cancel a UMC hearing, the scheduling attorney's office must file and email a Notice of Cancellation and also cancel the hearing through the circuit's Online Scheduling System.

Court's wording

To cancel a hearing scheduled for UMC, the scheduling attorney's office must file a Notice of Cancellation and submit it to the Court via CAD-DivisionFZ@pbcgov.org. In addition, that attorney's office 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:a8fefca7ac2f769a93422ca9 · Jul 2026
|SectionCancellation of UMC Hearings
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Self-represented litigants, please file an email designation. It is important for litigants not represented by counsel to fill out and file with the Clerk an email designation form.

Fifteenth Fl:a8fefca7ac2f769a93422ca9 · Jul 2026
|SectionSelf-represented Litigants and Attorneys
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Please list each party served not "all parties".

Fifteenth Fl:a8fefca7ac2f769a93422ca9 · Jul 2026
|SectionMotions: Certificate of Service
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Please send all proposed orders and final judgments (see further specific instructions below) in Font New Times Roman Size 12 WITH A COVER LETTER via OLS within 48 hours after the hearing.

Document
Proposed order or final judgment

Include

  • Cover letter
Filing RequirementsMandatory

For Name Changes, Counsel must upload a proposed form of order to set the case for hearing with the division checklist attached as exhibit A indicating all requirement have been met for Court review.

Document
Proposed order name change

Must include

  • Division checklist
Fifteenth Fl:a8fefca7ac2f769a93422ca9 · Jul 2026
|SectionAdoptions and Name Changes
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Parties are to attend mediation prior to setting a case for trial.

Fifteenth Fl:a8fefca7ac2f769a93422ca9 · Jul 2026
|SectionSelf-represented Litigants and Attorneys
Filing RequirementsMandatory

All motions to withdraw require the parties to set simultaneously a Status Conference that all litigants must attend.

Document
Motion to withdraw

Must include

  • All litigants attend
Fifteenth Fl:a8fefca7ac2f769a93422ca9 · Jul 2026
|SectionMotions: Motions to Withdraw
Filing RequirementsMandatory

A motion to appear by zoom or for a witness to appear by zoom must indicate good cause for the same, conferral with the other party and an uploaded proposed form of order by OLS;

Document
Motion for zoom appearance

Must include

  • Good cause
Fifteenth Fl:a8fefca7ac2f769a93422ca9 · Jul 2026
|SectionDomestic Violence Hearings
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

Please complete this Questionnaire and return it in the self-addressed stamped envelope as soon as possible.

Order-of-Referral-to-Mediation-fillable · p. 6
|SectionOrder and Referral to Family Mediation
Filing RequirementsImportant

Please note that child support post-judgment matters are heard by the Magistrate and no Order of Referral for post-judgment child support matters are required.

Fifteenth Fl:a8fefca7ac2f769a93422ca9 · Jul 2026
|SectionGeneral Magistrate Referrals
Filing RequirementsImportant

After mediation, a final hearing can be set by filing a proper "Notice for Trial" or Request for Final Hearing.

Document
Final hearing request

Include

  • Notice for trial
  • Request for final hearing
Fifteenth Fl:a8fefca7ac2f769a93422ca9 · Jul 2026
|SectionSelf-represented Litigants and Attorneys
Filing RequirementsNoteCivil cases

Either party may file a motion with the Clerk of the Courts to cancel Mediation, in the event the parties have a combined annual income of over $100,000.

Order-of-Referral-to-Mediation-fillable · p. 2
|SectionOrder and Referral to Family Mediation

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

All evidence and exhibits must be uploaded through the E-evidence feature in OLS.

All evidence/exhibits must be uploaded via the E-evidence feature located in the OLS (Online Services).

Page 1 | Evidence

An emergency motion must be filed through the clerk's e-portal using the Emergency Filing box.

Emergency Motions are filed with the Clerk via e-portal and click the Emergency Filing box that states, "Check This Box to Specify That This is an Emergency Filing."

Page 1 | Motions: Emergency Motions

Special-set hearings must be booked through OLS and held in person.

Special set hearings booked via OLS and are held in person – not remote appearance.

Page 1 | Special Set Hearings

Documents may not be submitted through E-Courtesy.

Please do not submit any documents via "E-Courtesy."

Page 1 | Self-represented Litigants and Attorneys

All Uniform Motion Calendar hearings must be scheduled through OLS.

All Uniform Motion Calendar hearings will be scheduled by: OLS (Online Services).

Page 1 | Online Scheduling

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

The appropriate motion to cancel mediation must be filed no later than seven full business days before mediation.

Parties MUST file the appropriate motion to cancel mediation with the Clerk of the Courts, no later than seven (7) full business days prior to mediation.

Civil cases

Page 2 | Order and Referral to Family Mediation

A hearing may not be unilaterally set, a motion may not be added without reserved time, and notice may not be 24 hours or less.

Unilateral setting of a hearing, adding a motion to a previously scheduled hearing on the same case with no time to address the same, or providing 24 hours or less notice is not permitted.

Page 1 | Online Scheduling

Absent good cause, a temporary-relocation hearing must be set no later than 30 days after the motion is filed.

If a motion seeking a temporary relocation is filed, absent good cause, the hearing will be set no later than 30 days after the motion for a temporary relocation is filed.

Page 1 | Motions: Relocation

A temporary-relief proposed order with a specific cover letter identifying disagreements must be uploaded within 24 hours after the hearing.

One proposed order must be uploaded within 24 hours after of the hearing with the required Cover Letter noting any disagreements with specificity.

Page 1 | Temporary Relief Hearings

After an order sustaining a referral objection is docketed, the parties must set a UMC status conference through OLS within 30 days and attach the pleading and sustaining order as exhibits.

A party may file an objection to the referral. After an Order Sustaining Objection is docketed, the parties within 30 days of the same must set a status conference on the UMC via OLS (Administrative Order 5.206), and attach a copy of the pleading and the order sustaining the objection as exhibits.

Page 1 | General Magistrate Referrals

The Moving Party must upload a proposed order reflecting the ruling of the Court, within 24 hours after the hearing.

The Moving Party must upload a proposed order reflecting the ruling of the Court, within 24 hours after the hearing.

Page 1 | Special Set Hearings

Proposed orders and final judgments must be submitted through OLS within 48 hours after the hearing.

Please send all proposed orders and final judgments (see further specific instructions below) in Font New Times Roman Size 12 WITH A COVER LETTER via OLS within 48 hours after the hearing.

Page 1 | Proposed Orders

Parties ordinarily must give five days' notice to opposing counsel or a pro se litigant unless the parties agree to shorter notice.

Parties must give five (5) days notice to opposing counsel or pro se litigant, unless short notice is agreed by parties.

Page 1 | Online Scheduling

Orders setting, motions, responses, materials, and memoranda must be emailed to the court at least 96 hours before the hearing for the judge's review.

All Orders Setting, Motions, Responses, materials, and memorandums will need to be provided 96 hours prior to the hearing for the Judge to review, via email to CAD-DivisionFZ@pbcgov.org.

Page 1 | Special Set Hearings

A reconsideration, rehearing, or new-trial motion must be attached to the proposed order and uploaded to the division queue on the filing day.

All motions must be attached as an exhibit to the proposed order and uploaded to the division queue the day the motion is filed.

Page 1 | Motions: Motions for Clarification, Reconsideration or Rehearing

Service and Proof of Service Rules

A copy of the mediation-cancellation motion and both parties' notarized financial affidavits must be provided to all parties involved in the case.

If needed, this motion must be filed with the Clerk of the Courts, along with notarized Family Law Financial Affidavit Forms for both parties, providing a copy to all parties involved in the case.

Civil cases

Page 2 | Order and Referral to Family Mediation

Memoranda and case authority must be submitted to the court and opposing counsel at least five business days before the hearing.

All memoranda and/or case authority must be submitted to the Court and opposing counsel at least five (5) business days before the hearing

Civil cases

Page 1 | ORDER SPECIALLY SETTING HEARING

Any document emailed to the Court must be copied to the opposing side in the same email and must state that it was so sent.

All documents emailed to the Court must state that they were emailed to the opposing side in the same email or they will be returned as ex parte communication and may be filed in the Court docket.

Page 1 | Do Not Send Letters, Emails or Notes To The Court

A copy of each filed petition or motion must be sent to the opposing side.

File the appropriate petition or motion with the Clerk of the Court, send a copy to the opposing side and a courtesy copy to the Court in order for requests to be addressed by the Court.

Page 1 | Do Not Send Letters, Emails or Notes To The Court

The parties must exchange all intended exhibits at least five days before the hearing.

No less than five days prior to each hearing, the parties must exchange all proposed exhibits, which they intend to reference during the hearing.

Page 1 | Special Set Hearings

Anything uploaded through OLS must be provided to all parties and identify whether the proposed order is agreed upon.

Anything uploaded by OLS must be provided to all parties and indicate if the proposed order is agreed upon.

Page 1 | Checklist

Filing Fees and Waivers

Parties must pay mediation fees within 10 days after the order and present the receipt to the ADR office at the mediation session.

A. Parties MUST pay the mediation fees within ten (10) days of the date of this order, and the receipt shall be presented to the ADR office at the mediation session.

Civil cases

Page 1 | FEES

Parties with combined annual income over $100,000 must use private mediation.

G. If the parties have a combined annual income greater than $100,000.00, parties must utilize private mediation. Please refer to paragraph 4 of this order for additional instructions.

Civil cases

Page 2 | Fees

Each party must pay $120 when the parties' combined annual income is greater than $50,000 but less than $100,000.

E. If the parties have a combined annual income greater than $50,000 but less than $100,000.00, each of the parties shall pay the sum of $120.00.

Civil cases

Page 2 | Fees

If both parties fail to appear, each must pay the applicable $60 or $120 fee to the Clerk of the Court within 15 days after the mediator's report is filed.

If both parties fail to appear, each shall pay the $60.00 or $120.00 to the Clerk of the Court within 15 days of the filing of the mediators report.

Civil cases

Page 2 | Order and Referral to Family Mediation

A party who fails to appear must pay the applicable $60 or $120 fee to the Clerk of the Court within 15 days after the mediator's report is filed.

The party who failed to appear shall pay the required fee of $60.00 or $120.00 to the Clerk of the Court within 15 days of the filing of the mediator’s report.

Civil cases

Page 2 | Order and Referral to Family Mediation

Each party must pay $60 when the parties' combined annual income is less than $50,000.

D. If the parties have a combined annual income of less than $50,000, each of the parties shall pay the sum of $60.00.

Civil cases

Page 2 | Fees

An indigent party must bring proof of indigence to the ADR office, and that party's fee will be waived.

F. If a party has been found to be indigent, that party shall bring a copy of the Determination of Indigence Status or appropriate court order to the ADR office, in which case the fee will be waived for that party.

Civil cases

Page 2 | Fees

Mediation fees may be paid by cash, money order, check, or Master Card/Visa credit card at courthouse locations.

B. Payment must be made by cash, money order, check or Master Card/Visa credit card to the Clerk of the Courts, at each of the courthouse locations.

Civil cases

Page 2 | Fees

A party who has not paid will not receive a family mediation session unless the party is indigent or has been excused from payment.

C. No family mediation session will be held for any party who fails to make the required payment unless the party has been found indigent or excused from payment.

Civil cases

Page 2 | Fees

Courtesy Copy Requirements

A party filing a petition or motion must send a copy to the opposing side and a courtesy copy to the Court.

File the appropriate petition or motion with the Clerk of the Court, send a copy to the opposing side and a courtesy copy to the Court in order for requests to be addressed by the Court.

Page 1 | Do Not Send Letters, Emails or Notes To The Court

A courtesy copy of the motion must be sent to the court through OLS at least 24 hours before the UMC hearing.

The Court must receive a courtesy copy of the Motion/s by OLS 24 hours prior to the scheduled hearing.

Page 1 | Online Scheduling

A courtesy copy of the evidence or exhibits must be mailed to chambers, but this does not replace required E-portal or OLS upload.

A courtesy copy must be mailed to chambers, but the same does not excuse the requirement to use the E-portal.

Page 1 | Evidence

Each party must give proper motion notice and send opposing counsel a courtesy copy of the motion and notice.

All parties must give proper notice of the motion with a courtesy copy of the motion and notice to the opposing counsel.

Filing Bundling Requirements

After mediation, the parties must schedule the temporary-relief or final hearing in a 30-minute special-set slot.

After mediation, the parties must set the temporary relief or final hearing on a 30-minute Special Set time slot.

Page 1 | Temporary Relief Hearings

Special-set hearings use 15- or 30-minute increments, with only one time slot per case per day.

Special set hearing times are set in 15 and 30 minute increments. ONE TIME SLOT per case per day.

Page 1 | Special Set Hearings

A motion to withdraw filed within 90 days of trial must be set on the UMC docket.

Any Motion filed within 90 days of the trial must be set for hearing on the UMC docket.

Page 1 | Motions: Motions to Withdraw

No more than two motions in one case may be scheduled for UMC hearing on a single day.

The Court will only allow the parties to schedule a maximum of TWO (2) motions in one case to be set per day.

Page 1 | Online Scheduling

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

All counsel and self-represented litigants must make a good-faith conference effort before filing a motion.

The Court requires that all parties comply with the division instructions and make a good faith effort to confer prior to filing motions, which applies to all counsel and self-represented litigants.

Page 1 | Motions: Ex-Parte Motions to Compel Discovery

Before filing a reconsideration, rehearing, or new-trial motion, all parties must confer in good faith, and the motion and proposed order must so indicate.

All parties must make a good faith effort to confer to resolve matters in whole or in part prior to filing the motion, which must be indicated in the motion and proposed form of order.

Page 1 | Motions: Motions for Clarification, Reconsideration or Rehearing

Before setting a special-set hearing, the requesting party must comply with Local Rule 4, confirm availability, and confer with the opposing party.

The Parties must comply with Local Rule 4. The party requesting a hearing must confirm availability and confer before setting the Special Set hearing with the opposing party.

Page 1 | Special Set Hearings

The UMC is reserved for motions of 5–10 minutes or less and requires the party to confer under Local Rule 4 before filing.

Reserved for short motions that are 5-10 minutes or less, which can be set by a party that has complied with Local Rule 4 that requires parties to confer prior to filing a motion.

Page 1 | Online Scheduling

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

A domestic-violence continuance request must be timely made by obtaining the other party's consent, filing a continuance motion, and uploading a proposed order through OLS.

If you seek a continuance you are required to do so timely by contacting the other party to obtain their consent and file a motion for the same with a proposed form of order uploaded by OLS.

Page 1 | Domestic Violence Hearings

Parties must timely upload proposed orders to cancel through OLS, stating good cause or accompanying them with an Agreed Order resolving the matter.

Proposed Orders to cancel must be TIMELY uploaded through OLS specifically stating the good cause for the cancellation, or accompanied by an Agreed Order resolving the matter.

Page 1 | Special Set Hearings

Chambers Communication Rules

Parties must not send letters, notes, or emails directly to the Court for action and must instead properly file a petition or motion with the Clerk.

Do Not Send Letters, Emails or Notes To The Court The Court does not act on letters, notes or emails sent by either party. The Court acts on petitions or motions properly filed with the Clerk of the Court.

Page 1 | Do Not Send Letters, Emails or Notes To The Court

Proposed orders, exhibits, and filings must not be sent to the court's email address.

Please do not provide proposed orders, exhibits, or filings to the Court email.

Page 1 | Self-represented Litigants and Attorneys

Parties must not call the judicial assistant to obtain hearing time.

Please do not call the judicial assistant for hearing time.

Page 1 | Special Set Hearings

Email communications with the judicial assistant are limited to scheduling, must copy all parties, and may not be ex parte.

Email communications with the Judicial Assistant are limited to scheduling matters. You must copy all parties on communications with the Court; no ex-parte communications will be considered.

Page 1 | Self-represented Litigants and Attorneys

IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR PHYSICAL SAFETY DURING MEDIATION, PLEASE CALL THE MEDIATION OFFICE AT (561) 355-2739 OR DISCUSS WITH THE MEDIATOR PRIOR TO THE MEDIATION.

IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR PHYSICAL SAFETY DURING MEDIATION, PLEASE CALL THE MEDIATION OFFICE AT (561) 355-2739 OR DISCUSS WITH THE MEDIATOR PRIOR TO THE MEDIATION.

Civil cases

Page 6 | Order and Referral to Family Mediation

A person needing a disability accommodation must contact the ADA coordinator by telephone at least seven days before the court appearance, or immediately if fewer than seven days remain.

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 Tammy Anton, Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator, Palm Beach County Courthouse, 205 North Dixie Highway West Palm Beach, Florida 33401; telephone number (561) 355-4380 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.

Civil cases

Page 5 | Order and Referral to Family Mediation

Case-specific questions should be submitted to the Judicial Assistant by email at CAD-DivisionFZ@pbcgov.org.

Most general questions can be answered by reading the Divisional Instructions herein. For case-specific questions the best way to contact the Judicial Assistant is via email at CAD-DivisionFZ@pbcgov.org.

Page 1 | Time Standards

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 Luis Delgado
  • Elected Circuit Court Judge on November 8, 2016.
  • Served in Juvenile Division JS from January 2016 to August 2022.
  • Served in Circuit Civil Division AG from August 2022 to January 2025.
  • Assigned to Family Division FZ beginning January 2025.
  • Bachelor of Science in Journalism, University of Florida, 2004.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, University of Florida, 2004.
  • Juris Doctor, University of Florida, 2008.
  • Assistant State Attorney from 2008 to 2012.
  • Practiced at Delgado Law from 2012 to 2016.

Current assignment

Division: Family FZ Courtroom: 2 Room number: 2E-115 Courthouse: South County Courthouse Phone: (561) 274-1420 Judicial assistant: Lesley Restivo Email: CAD-DivisionFZ@pbcgov.org

Common questions about Judge Luis Delgado's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Luis Delgado?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for petitions and motions. A party filing a petition or motion must send a copy to the opposing side and a courtesy copy to the Court.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Do Not Send Letters, Emails or Notes To The Court

Does Judge Luis Delgado require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

All counsel and self-represented litigants must make a good-faith conference effort before filing a motion.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Motions: Ex-Parte Motions to Compel Discovery

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Luis Delgado?

Judge Luis Delgado's formatting rule includes cases and legal authorities must be tabbed and pertinent sections must be highlighted. Submitted cases and legal authorities must be tabbed, with pertinent sections highlighted.

View ruleSource: page 1, section ORDER SPECIALLY SETTING HEARING

What must be included with family law financial affidavit filings before Judge Luis Delgado?

Both parties must file notarized Family Law Financial Affidavits with the Clerk of the Courts at least 10 days before mediation.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Order and Referral to Family Mediation

What must be included with mediation supporting documents filings before Judge Luis Delgado?

Each party must bring a copy of the filed affidavit and supporting income-and-expense documents to mediation.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Order and Referral to Family Mediation

How may parties contact Judge Luis Delgado's chambers?

Parties must not send letters, notes, or emails directly to the Court for action and must instead properly file a petition or motion with the Clerk.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Do Not Send Letters, Emails or Notes To The Court

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Luis Delgado?

The request must include reason for request. Parties must timely upload proposed orders to cancel through OLS, stating good cause or accompanying them with an Agreed Order resolving the matter.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Special Set Hearings

Does Judge Luis Delgado require motion papers to be bundled?

A motion to withdraw filed within 90 days of trial must be set on the UMC docket.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Motions: Motions to Withdraw

Are filing fees or waivers addressed before Judge Luis Delgado?

A fee is required for covered filings. A party who has not paid will not receive a family mediation session unless the party is indigent or has been excused from payment.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Fees

Is electronic filing required before Judge Luis Delgado?

Documents may not be submitted through E-Courtesy.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Self-represented Litigants and Attorneys

What filing deadlines apply to mediation cancellation motion filings before Judge Luis Delgado?

The appropriate motion to cancel mediation must be filed no later than seven full business days before mediation.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Order and Referral to Family Mediation

What rule applies to service for mediation cancellation motion before Judge Luis Delgado?

Details: recipient: all parties. A copy of the mediation-cancellation motion and both parties' notarized financial affidavits must be provided to all parties involved in the case.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Order and Referral to Family Mediation
Complete rules summary for Judge Luis Delgado

A party who has not paid will not receive a family mediation session unless the party is indigent or has been excused from payment.

Parties with combined annual income over $100,000 must use private mediation.

Each party must pay $60 when the parties' combined annual income is less than $50,000.

An indigent party must bring proof of indigence to the ADR office, and that party's fee will be waived.

Parties must pay mediation fees within 10 days after the order and present the receipt to the ADR office at the mediation session.

Mediation fees may be paid by cash, money order, check, or Master Card/Visa credit card at courthouse locations.

Both parties must file notarized Family Law Financial Affidavits with the Clerk of the Courts at least 10 days before mediation.

Each party must bring a copy of the filed affidavit and supporting income-and-expense documents to mediation.

Either party may move to cancel court mediation when the parties' combined annual income exceeds $100,000.

If the case settles before mediation, the parties must file the settlement agreement and, for cases involving minors, a parenting plan and child support guidelines worksheet.

A needed mediation-cancellation motion must be filed with notarized financial affidavits for both parties, with a copy provided to every party involved.

The appropriate motion to cancel mediation must be filed no later than seven full business days before mediation.

A party who fails to appear must pay the applicable $60 or $120 fee to the Clerk of the Court within 15 days after the mediator's report is filed.

If both parties fail to appear, each must pay the applicable $60 or $120 fee to the Clerk of the Court within 15 days after the mediator's report is filed.

The mediator must prepare a Child Support Guidelines worksheet.

If proposed child support differs from the ordered guidelines amount by more than 5%, the parties must state the factors justifying the deviation.

The mediator must file a report stating whether the parties attended mediation and whether an agreement was reached.

A mediated agreement must immediately be reduced to writing and signed by both parties and their attorneys.

The parties are responsible for ensuring that a court order ratifying the mediated agreement is entered.

A person needing a disability accommodation must contact the ADA coordinator by telephone at least seven days before the court appearance, or immediately if fewer than seven days remain.

The Family Mediation Questionnaire must be completed and returned in the self-addressed stamped envelope as soon as possible.

IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR PHYSICAL SAFETY DURING MEDIATION, PLEASE CALL THE MEDIATION OFFICE AT (561) 355-2739 OR DISCUSS WITH THE MEDIATOR PRIOR TO THE MEDIATION.

Each party must pay $120 when the parties' combined annual income is greater than $50,000 but less than $100,000.

A copy of the mediation-cancellation motion and both parties' notarized financial affidavits must be provided to all parties involved in the case.

Submitted cases and legal authorities must be tabbed, with pertinent sections highlighted.

Memoranda and case authority must be submitted to the court and opposing counsel at least five business days before the hearing.

The transmittal document must identify the hearing date and time for which the memoranda or authorities are submitted.

All exhibits must be clearly marked before the hearing begins using numbered stickers identifying the case number and offering party.

A chronologically numbered exhibit list must be provided to the court at the start of the hearing.

If the issue is resolved fewer than 24 hours before the hearing, parties must appear at the scheduled hearing time with a proposed order.

More Judges in Fifteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Palm Beach County

Autumn Gurrola
Judge
Bradley Harper
Judge
Carolyn Bell
Judge
Caryn Siperstein
Judge
Charles E. Burton
Judge
Cymonie S. Rowe
Judge
Daliah H. Weiss
Judge
Dane Leitner
Judge