Judge Maureen T. Horkan
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Exhibits
- At Least Three Business Days Before Hearing or Trial
Trial or Hearing Set Memo
Court-wide
Adjournments
- Continuances are disfavored and require good cause; the request must be submitted at least five days before the court date and, absent good cause, must be signed by the requesting party.
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Duty Judge
Phone
Chambers
Clerk
Document Format Requirements12 rules
All proposed Orders must be submitted in Word format.
- Proposed order
Formatting
- •Word format
The DONE AND ORDERED clause, along with the Court’s signature line, shall be on the same page.
Documentary exhibits must be submitted in paper format.
- File type
- Paper
- Documentary exhibits
All exhibits must be tabbed, Bates stamped, and pre-marked in the following format: Case No. _2020-DR-123456 FMXX Petitioner/Respondent’s Exhibit No. A Admitted as Exhibit Date admitted 10/1/2020
- Exhibits
Formatting
- •Tabbed
- •Bates stamped
Recordings must be submitted via a thumb drive.
- Recordings
Formatting
- •Submitted via a thumb drive
Make sure you use list formatting so additional paragraphs can be added without the Judge having to renumber every paragraph.
USE PAGE NUMBERING SHOWN BELOW
Formatting
- •Use page numbering shown below
Insert order language in list format
Formatting
- •Insert order language in list format
Any submissions 25 pages or less should be submitted via email for hearings being conducted via Zoom.
- Up to 25 pages
Any submissions exceeding 25 pages should be hand-delivered to the Court.
- More than 25 pages
Formatting
- •Hand-delivered to the Court
Document Filing Requirements24 rules
DO NOT INSERT ANY FINDINGS NOT ORALLY ANNOUNCED BY THE COURT.
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).
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.
Hearings will only be set on motions already filed with the Clerk.
Default Final Hearings will not be heard during ex parte.
Motions to set a trial and motions to set hearings lasting more than one hour shall be set with the Court during ex parte hours.
Attorneys must jointly coordinate the ex parte hearing with the Judicial Assistant, serve the Notice of Ex Parte Hearing on all parties, and submit the Trial Set Memorandum Form.
Court's wording
Jointly the attorneys must: (1) coordinate a date and time certain with the Judicial Assistant for the ex parte hearing, (2) serve the Notice of Ex Parte Hearing on all parties (out-of-town attorneys may appear by zoom by requesting to do so), and (3) complete and submit to the Judicial Assistant the Trial Set Memorandum Form found on the web
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 for a contempt proceeding must include the specified warning about possible arrest and detention.
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
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.
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.
A motion requesting an emergency hearing must state the issues, explain the need for emergency relief, and specify each party’s presentation time.
Court's wording
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.
If seeking an ex parte hearing without notice of hearing, the motion must state an adequate reason why the other party should not be given notice. All such motions must be verified/sworn by the movant & signed by counsel, if applicable.
Division forms must be used for all relevant filings.
PLEASE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING LANGUAGE IN ALL NOTICES OF HEARINGS: IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE INTERNET, PLEASE CALL (786) 635-1003 AND ENTER MEETING ID 685-680-5439
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.
This form must be completed BEFORE presentation to and hearing by the Court.
Certificate of Counsel I, the undersigned attorney, do hereby certify that I have reviewed the above court file and the above information and the required pleadings are filed with the Clerk of Court.
The listed pleadings and supporting documents must be filed with the Clerk of Court.
Court's wording
1. Have the following documents been filed with the Clerk of Court? Husband Wife Answer and Waiver Financial Affidavit UCCJEA Affidavit Course completion certificate for Children First in Divorce Child Support Guideline Worksheet
In accordance with your directions, I have furnished this Order to the opposing party for approval prior to submitting this Order to the Court.
TRIAL SET MEMORANDUM IN DIVISION FM-E (PLEASE COMPLETE BEFORE PRESENTING TO COURT)
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an e-mail address to receive signed orders electronically, unless excused.
The date of the proceeding should be included in the first paragraph of the proposed order.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Proposed orders generally must be filed through the e-portal, but the three stated categories may instead be emailed to the judicial assistant.
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 that are to be reviewed and entered during ex parte.
Page 5 | F. Submission of Orders and Judgments
In Judge Cox’s division, proposed orders should be submitted through the e-portal.
In Judge Cox’s division proposed Orders should be submitted through the e-portal
Page 4 | F. Submission of Orders and Judgments
When the parties cannot agree on a proposed order or judgment, each side may submit its own version to the court.
If the two sides are unable to agree on the contents of the proposed Order/Judgment, then each side may submit their proposed Order/Judgment to the Court.
Page 5 | F. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
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
Proposed orders must be submitted within five business days after the proceeding unless the court provides otherwise.
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
Every submission 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 6 | H. Exhibits and Courtesy Copies
The proposed order must be furnished to opposing counsel at least 48 hours before court submission.
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 Counsel
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
The proposed order and a request to identify inaccuracies must be provided to the opposing party 48 hours before submission to the court.
This Order was submitted to the opposing party forty-eight (48) hours prior to submission to the Court together with a request that the opposing party notify the undersigned in the event the proposed Order did not accurately represent the Court’s ruling and the opposing party has not so notified the undersigned attorney.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Transmittal Letter to Judge
If opposing counsel does not respond within 48 hours, the sender may treat the proposed order as agreed upon and forward it to the court.
In the event that I do not hear from you within forty-eight (48) hours from the date and time of this letter, I will assume you agree with the form and substance of the proposed order and I will forward this Order to the Court with the enclosed transmittal letter.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Letter to Opposing Counsel
Service and Proof of Service Rules
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
The 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
Motions 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 | D. Motions for Rehearing
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must use Form 2.603 to update their contact information whenever the email account registered for electronic service 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
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide enough copies of every exhibit for the clerk, court, and each party to use 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
All 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
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Continuances are disfavored and require good cause; the request must be submitted at least five days before the court date and, absent good cause, must be signed by the requesting party.
Continuances are disfavored and will be granted only upon good cause shown. A request for continuance must be submitted at least five (5) days prior to the scheduled court date. 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, which generally prohibits communications outside the presence of all parties 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 submitted by email to the Judicial Assistant.
All communications to the judicial office must be submitted by e-mail to cpfeifer@coj.net.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Self-represented parties may not contact the Judicial Assistant unless the Judicial Assistant requests contact.
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
All parties must be copied on non-ex-parte emails to the judicial office; authorized ex parte communications are excepted.
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 with the Court through their assigned case manager.
Self-represented parties must communicate with the Court through their assigned case manager (https://www.jud4.org/family-court-services/self-help/staff-information).
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
An attorney requesting a hearing must email the Judicial Assistant and copy any other attorneys.
An attorney requesting a hearing shall contact the Court’s Judicial Assistant with any other attorney copies on the email.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A hearing date or time becomes secured only when the Court sends confirmation.
Hearing dates/times are not secured until confirmation is sent from the Court.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Default final hearings must be coordinated with the Judicial Assistant.
Default Final Hearings must be coordinated with the Judicial Assistant.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Hearing scheduling must be coordinated with opposing counsel or, for a self-represented party, the opposing party.
All hearings must be coordinated with opposing counsel or opposing party if self-represented.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Temporary-needs issues must be set before the General Magistrate.
All temporary needs issues are to be set before the General Magistrate.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Ex parte hearings must be scheduled by emailing the Judicial Assistant.
Please contact the Court’s Judicial Assistant via email to schedule an ex-parte hearing.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
After a hearing time is set, a party may not add or notice additional matters for that time without every party’s express consent.
Once a hearing time is set, no party may add or notice additional matters for that time without the express consent of all parties.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A hearing cancellation must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant with a copy to opposing counsel or party, and the cancellation must be confirmed with the Judicial Assistant.
Notification of cancellation must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant with a copy to opposing counsel/party. Cancellation of a hearing MUST be confirmed with and by the Judicial Assistant.
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Proposed Orders must be submitted to the Judicial Assistant via e-mail with copies to all parties.
Proposed Orders must be submitted to the Judicial Assistant via e-mail with copies to all parties.
Page 4 | F. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Counsel must request a remote appearance from the Court no later than five days before the scheduled hearing.
Counsel must submit a request for remote appearance to the Court no later than five (5) days prior to the scheduled hearing.
Page 4 | E. Remote Appearances
The completed Trial Set Memorandum Form must be emailed as an attachment to the Judicial Assistant at least 24 hours before the ex parte hearing.
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.
Page 4 | C. Setting Case for Trial
An email to the judicial office must identify the case number, case name, and relevant matter in its subject line.
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).
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
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 contacting the Judicial Assistant.
Hearings lasting one hour or less may be set by contacting the Judicial Assistant.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
An email requesting a hearing of one hour or less must copy the opposing side and state the case number, motion title, and required hearing duration.
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
Tentative hearing dates and times offered by the Judicial Assistant are not reserved and may be assigned to other cases.
The dates and times provided by the Judicial Assistant for hearings are not held open and may be used for other cases.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
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
Parties must email Judge Horkan’s judicial assistant to schedule an ex parte appearance on the ex parte calendar.
Please EMAIL me to schedule on the ex parte calendar.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Ex Parte Dates
If the Judicial Assistant is away for more than one day, an automatic reply with further instructions will be sent for incoming emails.
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
Counsel and self-represented parties are encouraged to respond promptly to the moving party’s attorney to facilitate hearing scheduling.
All counsel and self-represented parties should promptly respond to the moving party’s attorney to facilitate this process.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
The Court uses Zoom for remote appearances.
The Court uses Zoom for remote appearances.
Page 4 | E. Remote Appearances
Counsel should frequently check the listed website or call the chambers number for updates and changes to ex parte dates.
Please check the website (http://www.jud4.org/Ex-Parte-Procedures-and-Dates.aspx), frequently to confirm that changes have not been made to ex parte dates or call (904) 255-1297 for updates.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Confirming Ex Parte Dates and Updates
Temporary-needs hearings before the Magistrates may be scheduled by calling the dedicated number from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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