Judge Mark H Mahon
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Attorney filings
Trial or Hearing Set Memo
Court-wide
Adjournments
- A continuance request must be submitted at least five days before the scheduled court date.
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Clerk
Document Format Requirements4 rules
All proposed Orders must be submitted in Word format.
- File type
- Word
- Proposed order
All exhibits must be tabbed, Bates stamped, and pre-marked in the following format:
- Exhibits
Formatting
- •Exhibits must be tabbed
Documentary exhibits must be submitted in paper format.
- File type
- Paper
- Exhibits
Recordings must be submitted via a thumb drive.
Document Filing Requirements29 rules
This form must be completed BEFORE presentation to and hearing by the Court.
This form must be completed BEFORE presentation to and hearing by the Court.
If personalty remains unsettled before the final hearing, each party must submit and attach a list of assets describing the asset, the party's interest, encumbrances, and fair market value or present balance.
Court's wording
NOTE: If the issue of personalty is not settled prior to final hearing, each party shall submit to the Court a list of assets sought by each party, stating the specific description of such asset, the nature of the party’s interest, the amount of debt encumbering any asset (i.e., lien balance), and the fair market value or present balance of such asset. ATTACH LIST TO PRE-TRIAL STIPULATION.
A. Mandatory UP-TO-DATE Financial Affidavits of each of the parties.
NOTE: All parties seeking attorney’s fees at the time of final hearing or subsequent thereto must file a verified statement as to the manner of time spent, along with a detailed list of costs.
NOTE: If the issue of personalty is not settled prior to final hearing, each party shall submit to the Court a list of assets sought by each party, stating the specific description of such asset, the nature of the party’s interest, the amount of debt encumbering any asset (i.e., lien balance), and the fair market value or present balance of such asset. ATTACH LIST TO PRE-TRIAL STIPULATION.
All parties seeking attorney’s fees at the time of final hearing or subsequent thereto must file a verified statement as to the manner of time spent, along with a detailed list of costs.
A. Mandatory UP-TO-DATE Financial Affidavits of each of the parties.
NOTE: All parties seeking attorney’s fees at the time of final hearing or subsequent thereto must file a verified statement as to the manner of time spent, along with a detailed list of costs.
A court may not enter a QDRO unless the parties consent or the court holds a hearing on a motion.
Court's wording
Even where a court entering a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage retains jurisdiction to enter a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), it cannot enter that QDRO without either: (a) consent, or (b) a hearing on a motion.
The Court cannot enter the QDRO which has been forwarded to it in this case because it does not bear the signatures of counsel for the parties and the signatures of any pro se parties.
13. Exhibits: A. Mandatory UP-TO-DATE Financial Affidavits of each of the parties.
NOTE: All parties seeking attorney’s fees at the time of final hearing or subsequent thereto must file a verified statement as to the manner of time spent, along with a detailed list of costs.
Hearing dates/times are not secured until confirmation is sent from the Court.
Prior to an uncontested final hearing, one party must provide the following: (1) a completed checklist for entry of the Consent Final Judgment, (2) proper proof of Florida residency, and (3) a copy of the signed Consent Final Judgment.
All temporary needs issues are to be set before the General Magistrate.
Hearings will only be set on motions already filed with the Clerk.
All notices of hearing will contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.
A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance will list the Judge’s Zoom link (except in Judge Mahon’s and Judge Healey’s divisions, where the attorneys must provide the ZOOM link to the Judicial Assistant and opposing counsel/party.)
A notice of hearing for a contempt proceeding must include the specified arrest warning language.
Court's wording
Pursuant to Rule 12.615(b), the notice of hearing must contain the following language: “FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THE HEARING MAY RESULT IN THE COURT ISSUING A WRIT OF BODILY ATTACHMENT FOR YOUR ARREST. IF YOU ARE ARRESTED, YOU MAY BE HELD IN JAIL UP TO 48 HOURS BEFORE A HEARING IS HELD.”
All consent Orders shall include the word “Consent” or “Agreed” in the caption of the proposed Order.
- Document
- Proposed order
- Placement
- Caption
All proposed Orders must be accompanied by a cover letter either: (1) certifying that all parties agree to the order, or (2) containing a statement identifying any disagreement of the parties as to the proposed Order.
The parties shall complete the form and submit it as an e- mail attachment to the Judicial Assistant at least 24 hours prior to the ex-parte hearing.
A request for an emergency hearing must be made by a detailed motion stating the issues, reasons for emergency treatment, and time needed for each party’s presentation.
Court's wording
Requirements: If a party believes there is a factual basis for setting an emergency hearing, a detailed motion setting forth the following must be filed: (1) the issues to be resolved, (2) reasons why an emergency hearing is necessary, and (3) the amount of time needed for each party’s presentation.
All such motions must be verified/sworn by the movant & signed by counsel, if applicable.
Division forms must be used for all relevant filings.
If signatures cannot be obtained, either party acting under a reservation in the final judgment may file a motion for entry of the QDRO and request a brief hearing.
Court's wording
If it is impossible to obtain signatures consenting to entry of a given QDRO, either party, acting pursuant to a reservation in the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, may file a Motion for Entry of Qualified Domestic Relations Order and notice a brief hearing on the motion.
Once a hearing time is set, no party may add or notice additional matters for that time without the express consent of all parties.
A proposed order must identify the motion heard, include the proceeding date in its first paragraph, and place the DONE AND ORDERED clause with the Court’s signature line on the same page.
Court's wording
The title of proposed Orders shall designate the particular motion heard, such as “Order Denying Wife’s Motion to Dismiss” or “Order Granting Husband’s Motion for Contempt,” etc. The date of the proceeding should be included in the first paragraph of the proposed order. The DONE AND ORDERED clause, along with the Court’s signature line, shall be on the same page.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Unless the Court authorizes otherwise, proposed orders must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant with copies to all parties.
Proposed Orders must be submitted to the Judicial Assistant via e-mail with copies to all parties, unless otherwise authorized by the Court.
Page 4 | F. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Proposed orders and judgments generally must be submitted through the court portal, but the three stated exceptions may be emailed to the judicial assistant.
through the e-portal, unless your order falls under one of the exceptions below. Instructions on how to submit proposed orders through the e-portal are found at jud4.org, from the home page, select Proposed Order E-filing where you can find Procedure for submitting proposed orders in the Fourth Circuit. The only exceptions to filing in the e-portal, and that may be emailed to the judicial assistant, nponder1@coj.net, are as follows: 1. If Judge Cox specifically instructs a party to email the order; 2. Orders that contain Exhibits that are in pdf format; 3. Orders/Judgments to be reviewed and entered during ex parte.
Page 5 | F. Submission of Orders and Judgments
For Zoom hearings, submissions of 25 pages or fewer should be submitted by email.
Submission Method: Any submissions 25 pages or less should be submitted via email for hearings being conducted via Zoom.
Page 5 | H. Exhibits and Courtesy Copies
Submissions exceeding 25 pages should be hand-delivered to the Court at the 7th-floor reception area or designated courthouse lobby cart.
Any submissions exceeding 25 pages should be hand-delivered to the Court, by dropping off documents at the 7th floor reception area OR in the designated cart in the Courthouse lobby.
Page 5 | H. Exhibits and Courtesy Copies
Emergency motions should be emailed to the Judicial Assistant or delivered to the judge’s chambers for review.
Emergency motions should be emailed to the Judicial Assistant or delivered to the Judge’s chambers for review.
Page 5 | G. Emergency Matters
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Unless the Court provides otherwise, proposed orders must be submitted within five business days after the proceeding.
Deadline for Submissions: Unless otherwise provided by the Court, all proposed Orders must be submitted within five (5) business days of the proceeding.
Page 5 | F. Submission of Orders and Judgments
All hearing or trial submissions must reach the Court at least three business days before the hearing or trial.
All submissions must be provided to the Court at least three (3) business days before the hearing/trial.
Page 5 | H. Exhibits and Courtesy Copies
The proposed order must be submitted to the court within seven days after the hearing.
This Order is being submitted within seven (7) days from the date of said hearing.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Transmittal Letter to Judge
A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after hearing time is reserved.
A notice of hearing will be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an email address for electronic delivery of signed orders unless excused.
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an e-mail address to receive signed orders electronically, unless excused.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must use Form 2.603 to update their contact information whenever their electronic-service email account changes.
It is the responsibility of attorneys and self-represented litigants to update their contact information using Form 2.603 any time there is a change in the e-mail account registered for electronic service.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
All opposing parties must receive notice of every Default Final Hearing.
The opposing party(s) must be noticed for all default final hearings.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
When the respondent was served by publication, the case must include an affidavit of diligent search using Family Law Form 12.913(b) for dissolution cases or 12.913(c) for paternity cases.
Cases wherein the Respondent has been served by publication must include an affidavit of diligent search, pursuant to Family Law Form 12.913(b) (for dissolution cases) or 12.913(c) (for paternity cases).
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Before a Default Final Hearing, the party seeking default judgment must have filed proof of service or an affidavit of diligent search and publication.
The party seeking the default judgment must have filed proof of service, or an affidavit of diligent search and publication, prior to the hearing.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A motion for rehearing or reconsideration must be filed with the Clerk and electronically served on the Judicial Assistant.
Motions for rehearing and/or reconsideration must be filed with the Clerk and e-served to the Judicial Assistant.
Page 4 | E. Motions for Rehearing; Remote Appearances; Technology Needs
The proposed order must be furnished to the opposing party for approval before it is submitted to the court.
In accordance with your directions, I have furnished this Order to the opposing party for approval prior to submitting this Order to the Court.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Transmittal Letter to Judge
The proposed order must be furnished to the opposing attorney at least 48 hours before submission to the court.
The Judge’s policy requires that this proposed Order be furnished to you no less than forty-eight (48) hours before it is submitted to the Court.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Letter to Opposing Attorney
The opposing party or counsel should receive anything submitted to the Court.
The opposing party or counsel should receive anything provided to the Court.
Page 6 | H. Exhibits and Courtesy Copies
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide sufficient copies of each exhibit for the clerk, the Court, and each party to review during the hearing or trial.
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide sufficient copies of each exhibit for the clerk, the Court, and each party to review during the hearing or trial.
Page 6 | H. Exhibits and Courtesy Copies
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Parties must meet and confer before filing any motion.
Parties shall meet and confer prior to the filing of all motions.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
In the event that a hearing is required, the party filing the motion(s) shall indicate that the parties met and conferred, and no resolution was reached
In the event that a hearing is required, the party filing the motion(s) shall indicate that the parties met and conferred, and no resolution was reached
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Continuances are disfavored and may be granted only when good cause is shown.
Continuances are disfavored and will be granted only upon good cause shown.
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A continuance request must be submitted at least five days before the scheduled court date.
A request for continuance must be submitted at least five (5) days prior to the scheduled court date.
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Unless good cause is shown, the continuance motion must be signed by the requesting party.
Except for good cause shown, the motion must be signed by the party requesting the continuance, as required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.545(e).
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Chambers Communication Rules
Communications with the judicial office must comply with Canon 3, and communications outside the presence of all parties are prohibited unless authorized by law.
All communications with the judicial office must comply with Canon 3 of the Code of Judicial Conduct, which prohibits a judge from initiating, permitting, or considering ex parte communications and from considering other communications outside the presence of all parties concerning a pending or impending proceeding, unless authorized by law.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
All communications to the judicial office must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant with specified subject-line information and all parties copied unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.
All communications to the judicial office must be submitted by e-mail to fgiannini@coj.net. The subject line of the email must contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter (e.g., 2024 DR 001234 – Doe v. Doe - 2-Hour Hearing Requested). All parties must be copied on any e- mail directed to the judicial office, unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Self-represented parties must communicate through their assigned case manager and ordinarily may not contact the Judicial Assistant unless the Judicial Assistant requests contact.
Self-represented parties must communicate with the Court through their assigned case manager (https://www.jud4.org/family-court- services/self-help/staff-information). Self-represented parties are not permitted to contact the Court’s Judicial Assistant unless such contact is requested by the Judicial Assistant.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Default Final Hearings must be coordinated with the Judicial Assistant and may not be heard during ex parte proceedings.
Default Final Hearings must be coordinated with the Judicial Assistant. Default Final Hearings will not be heard during ex parte.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Temporary-needs issues must be set before the General Magistrate, and temporary-needs hearings may be scheduled by calling the dedicated number between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
All temporary needs issues are to be set before the General Magistrate. You may call the dedicated number (904) 255-1180 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to schedule temporary needs hearings before the Magistrates.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Hearing requests must be coordinated with opposing counsel or the opposing self-represented party, and an attorney must email the Judicial Assistant while copying any other attorney.
All hearings must be coordinated with opposing counsel or opposing party if self-represented. An attorney requesting a hearing shall contact the Court’s Judicial Assistant with any other attorney copied on the email.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
No ex parte communication outside the emergency motion may be made concerning the emergency-hearing request.
There shall be no ex parte communication outside the motion concerning this request.
Page 5 | G. Emergency Matters
Judicial Assistants may not provide legal advice.
Judicial Assistants are not authorized to provide legal advice.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
A hearing lasting one hour or less may be scheduled by emailing the Judicial Assistant, copying the opposing side and including the case number, motion title, and requested hearing duration.
Hearings lasting one hour or less may be set by contacting the Judicial Assistant. Please copy the opposing side on the email and include the case number, the title of the motion to be heard, and the amount of time necessary for the hearing.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Ex parte hearings are limited to the listed matter categories and must be scheduled by emailing the Judicial Assistant.
Include only uncontested dissolution cases, motions to set for trial, motions to withdraw, and scheduling hearings lasting more than one hour. Please contact the Court’s Judicial Assistant via email to schedule an ex-parte hearing.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
All ex parte hearings must be scheduled for a time certain with the Judicial Assistant by email.
All Ex Parte hearings will be set for a time certain with the Judicial Assistant via email.
Civil cases
Page 1 | 2026 EX-PARTE DATES
An automatic reply providing further instructions will be sent when the Judicial Assistant is out of the office for more than one day.
If the Judicial Assistant is out of the office for more than a day, an automatic reply will be sent to all received emails providing further instruction for the emailed request.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office