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Court Rules
Judge

Judge Virginia B. Norton

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Clay, Duval and Nassau Counties

Limits & Logistics

Courtesy Copies

Emergency Pleading

  • 1 copy

Exhibits

  • For Review During Hearing or Trial

Filings > 30 pages

Hearing, Motion, Memorandum of Law, Case Law

  • Mail • Three to Five Business Days Before Hearing
  • Three to Five Business Days Before Hearing

Adjournments

  • Continuances are disfavored, require good cause, and must be requested at least five days before the scheduled court date; absent good cause, the requesting party must sign the motion.
Reason for Request

Communication

Email
duvalfc@coj.net
Scheduling
Email

Chambers

againers@coj.net
Scheduling
Email
Scheduling
Phone

Chambers

Scheduling
Email
Court-wide

Clerk

durhaml@clayclerk.com
Scheduling
Phone
Court-wide
904-255-1180
Scheduling
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday
Filters:

Document Format Requirements6 rules

FormattingMandatory

All proposed orders must be submitted in Word format.

File type
Word
Applies to
  • Proposed order
FC-D-Policies-and-Procedures-FINAL · Jun 2026 · p. 3
|SectionD. Submission of Orders and Judgments
FormattingMandatory

Exhibits must be submitted to the Foreclosure Case Management Office in paper format.

File type
Paper
Applies to
  • Exhibits
FC-D-Policies-and-Procedures-FINAL · Jun 2026 · p. 4
|SectionG. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
FormattingMandatory

Exhibits must be labeled in the following format: “Petitioner/Plaintiff 1” or “Respondent/Defendant A”.

Applies to
  • Exhibits

Formatting

  • Label exhibits as “Petitioner/Plaintiff 1” or “Respondent/Defendant A”
FC-D-Policies-and-Procedures-FINAL · Jun 2026 · p. 4
|SectionG. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
FormattingImportant

Counsel is responsible for having any technology set-up and ready to use during the trial or hearing without causing unnecessary delay.

FormattingImportant

However, any large documents (more than 30 pages, including attachments) must NOT be emailed. They will need to be provided via hand delivery, U.S. mail or overnight mail.

Applies to
  • Large documents
  • More than 30 pages
FormattingImportantCivil cases

All exhibits shall be pre-marked with exhibit stickers.

Document Filing Requirements33 rules

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil casesCourt notice

Proposed orders and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Judicial Assistant no later than ten days before the scheduled hearing.

Document
Uncontested matters hearing submission

Must include

  • Proposed order

Court's wording

All matters must be properly coordinated and noticed for hearing. Proposed orders and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Judicial Assistant at againers@coj.net no later than ten (10) days prior to the scheduled hearing date.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance will list the Judge’s Zoom credentials.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

All consent Orders shall include the word “Consent” or “Agreed” in the caption of the proposed Order.

Document
Proposed order
Placement
Caption

Must include

  • Consent or Agreed
FC-D-Policies-and-Procedures-FINAL · Jun 2026 · p. 3
|SectionD. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Every proposed order must include a cover letter certifying unanimous agreement or identifying any party disagreement.

Court's wording

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.

FC-D-Policies-and-Procedures-FINAL · Jun 2026 · p. 3
|SectionD. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Filing RequirementsMandatory

A motion requesting an emergency hearing must detail the issues, the reasons emergency treatment is necessary, and each party’s required 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.

FC-D-Policies-and-Procedures-FINAL · Jun 2026 · p. 4
|SectionF. Emergency and Other Urgent Matters
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Bankruptcy: Should any party file for federal bankruptcy protection, a Suggestion of Bankruptcy MUST be filed in the Court file.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Settlement: All counsel shall immediately notify the Court in the event of settlement or dismissal and shall submit a stipulation for an order of dismissal.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

(1) File a Motion to Set Case for Trial (whether jury or non-jury) when case is at issue. (2) Complete a Trial Set Memorandum. (3) Choose and agree on a Trial date. (4) Email the Motion to Set, Trial Set Memo, and agreed upon Trial date to JA.

CV-D-Procedures-Information-updated-2024 · p. 2
|SectionSetting A Case For Trial
Filing RequirementsMandatory

If the trial is continued, it is the responsibility of the Plaintiff’s attorney to prepare any Amended Trial Orders.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Complete Trial Set Memorandum form located in hearing room and on the Court’s Website.

CV-D-Procedures-Information-updated-2024 · p. 2
|SectionSetting A Case For Trial
Filing RequirementsMandatory

If there is an unrepresented party involved in the case not using e-Portal, the proposed Order must be submitted to the Court in writing, with sufficient copies for an original to be entered by the Court and a copy for each party not using ePortal.

CV-D-Procedures-Information-updated-2024 · p. 3
|SectionProposed Orders After A Hearing
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Every proposed order submitted after a hearing must include a cover letter identifying the order and confirming that the same materials were provided to all opposing counsel or unrepresented parties, including whether they agree with the proposed language.

Court's wording

ALL PROPOSED ORDERS PRESENTED FOLLOWING HEARING, whether submitted to the Court in writing or via email as contemplated supra, MUST INCLUDE A COVER LETTER INDICATING: 1. What the Order is for (i.e. the case, the motion heard, including date and time, the title of the Order, etc.); and 2. That all opposing counsel/unrepresented parties have been provided with the same materials being provided to the Court, and whether the parties agree with the language of the proposed Order.

CV-D-Procedures-Information-updated-2024 · p. 4
|SectionProposed Orders After A Hearing
Filing RequirementsMandatory

An Order for Non-Jury Trial must be submitted to the Court after scheduling the non-jury trial. Sufficient copies of the order are to be provided along with addressed, stamped envelopes for unrepresented parties not receiving e-filings.

CV-D-Procedures-Information-updated-2024 · p. 5
|SectionForeclosure Matters (Division FC-D)
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

The plaintiff’s expert-witness notice must state each witness’s name and address, areas of expertise, expected subject matter, the facts and opinions expected, and the grounds supporting the opinions.

Court's wording

No later than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference, Plaintiff(s) shall serve on all opposing counsel and file with the Court a Notice containing the following information regarding each expert witness who will testify at trial on behalf of Plaintiff(s): (a) the name and address of the witness; (b) the area(s) of expertise of the witness; (c) the subject matter of the expected testimony of the witness; (d) the substance of the facts and opinions about which the witness is expected to testify; and (e) a summary of the grounds on which each of the opinions of the witnesses will be based.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Any expert witness not included on the Notice as provided herein will not be allowed to testify without an order of the Court.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Typed proposed jury instructions and verdict forms shall be filed with the Court at the Pretrial Conference and may be supplemented prior to the Jury Instruction Conference.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

A copy of each party’s Exhibit List shall also be filed at the Final Pre-Trial Conference.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

At the pre-trial meeting between counsel required herein, the parties shall discuss pending Motions in Limine in an attempt to resolve any evidentiary disputes. The Court will not hear any Motion in Limine about which all counsel have not held such a discussion.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Unless otherwise allowed by the Court, any such motion shall (1) address only anticipated evidentiary issues which are (2) specific to this case. No Motion in Limine will be considered by the Court if it is not case specific, except by Stipulated Order.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Prior to the presentation of evidence, counsel shall deliver to the Clerk of the Court an Exhibit List along with all exhibits to be introduced. All exhibits shall be pre-marked with exhibit stickers. A copy of each party’s Exhibit List shall also be filed at the Final Pre-Trial Conference.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

The pretrial stipulation must list all trial exhibits, state any objections, and specify the evidentiary status and grounds for any objection for each exhibit.

Document
Pretrial stipulation

Must include

  • Exhibit list

Court's wording

The Pre-Trial Stipulation shall contain a list of all exhibits which may be offered in evidence at trial, together with a statement of objections, if any, to exhibits offered by the opposing party. With respect to each item, the Pre-Trial Stipulation shall reflect whether or not the evidence will be stipulated into evidence, stipulated as to authenticity, with objection reserved for relevancy and materiality, or objected to in its entirety and the ground therefor.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

No later than ninety (90) days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference, each Defendant shall serve on all other counsel and file with the Court a Notice containing the same information regarding each expert witness who will testify at trial on behalf of that defendant.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Counsel must prepare and file a pretrial stipulation at the conference containing the specified factual statement, admissions, disputed issues, pleading amendments, witness list, deposition and exhibit objections, and undisposed matters.

Court's wording

Counsel shall prepare a Pre-Trial Stipulation which shall be filed with the Court at the Pre-Trial Conference and shall contain the following: (a) a concise factual statement of the nature of the action, which shall include the date and place of accrual, identity of the parties as they relate to the action, and a brief general statement of each party’s case or contention. The statement shall be in such form and contain such necessary information for the Court to read to and apprise the jury of the claims to be tried, including any Counter-Claims, Cross-Claims, or Third-Party Claims; (b) a concise statement of those facts which are admitted and will require no proof at trial; (c) a concise statement of those issues or fact which remain to be litigated; (d) any proposed amendments to the pleadings; (e) a complete list of witnesses, including anticipated impeachment witnesses, specifying the name and address of each from whom testimony may be presented at trial; (f) a statement reflecting objections to specific portions of video depositions, testimony, or video exhibits which may be offered in evidence at trial; and (g) a list of any undisposed matters to be heard at the Pre-Trial Conference.

Filing RequirementsImportant

The Notice of Hearing should list all motion(s) and the docket line of the motion, e-filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.

Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

(PLEASE COMPLETE BEFORE PRESENTING TO COURT)

Include

  • PLEASE COMPLETE BEFORE PRESENTING TO COURT
Trial-Set-Memorandum-(1) · p. 1
|SectionTrial Set Memorandum CV-D
Filing RequirementsImportant

Stamped, addressed envelopes are only needed if there are pro se parties involved.

CV-D-Procedures-Information-updated-2024 · p. 2
|SectionSetting A Case For Trial
Filing RequirementsImportant

The proposed Order service list must contain E-filing addresses for opposing counsel/unrepresented party.

CV-D-Procedures-Information-updated-2024 · p. 3
|SectionProposed Orders After A Hearing
Filing RequirementsImportant

Proposed Orders without a hearing may be submitted to the Court with a cover letter, which must be copied to all opposing counsel/unrepresented parties. A courtesy copy of the motion, joint stipulation, etc. related to the proposed Order must be provided.

CV-D-Procedures-Information-updated-2024 · p. 4
|SectionProposed Orders Without A Hearing
Filing RequirementsImportant

The letter must state that opposing counsel/unrepresented party has been provided with the same materials being provided to the Court and whether opposing counsel/unrepresented party agrees with the language of the proposed Order. The service list on the Order must contain e-filing addresses for opposing counsel/unrepresented parties.

CV-D-Procedures-Information-updated-2024 · p. 4
|SectionProposed Orders Without A Hearing
Filing RequirementsImportant

C. All consent Orders shall include the word “Consent” or “Agreed” in the caption of the proposed Order.

Document
Proposed order
Placement
Caption
Filing RequirementsImportant

Please include the case number, amount of time needed, type of motion/hearing and information for Plaintiff’s and Defendant’s counsel: name and phone number.

Include

  • Case number
CV-D-Procedures-Information-updated-2024 · p. 5
|SectionForeclosure Matters (Division FC-D)
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

All exhibits which are the subject of any objection raised in the Pre-Trial Stipulation shall be brought to the Pre-Trial Conference.

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

The Notice of Hearing should list all motion(s) and the docket line of the motion, e-filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.

The Notice of Hearing should list all motion(s) and the docket line of the motion, e-filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Proposed orders must be submitted through the E-Portal, with copies provided to all parties.

Proposed orders must be submitted to the Court via the E-Portal with copies to all parties.

Page 3 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments

If counsel lacks an email address for an unrepresented party, counsel must mail or hand-deliver the proposed order, cover letter, and all attachments to the court.

If counsel does not have an email address for an unrepresented party, counsel must mail or hand-deliver the proposed Order, cover letter and all attachments to the Court consistent with the instructions above.

Page 4 | Proposed Orders Without A Hearing

When all parties use e-Portal, the proposed order may be emailed to the court in Microsoft Word format.

If all parties before the Court are using e-Portal, the proposed Order may be emailed to the Court in Microsoft Word format.

Page 3 | Proposed Orders After A Hearing

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

The submission of proposed orders and supporting documentation is due no later than ten days before the scheduled hearing date.

Proposed orders and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Judicial Assistant at againers@coj.net no later than ten (10) days prior to the scheduled hearing date.

Civil cases · Court notice

Page 1 | UNCONTESTED MATTERS DOCKET

A proposed order must be submitted within 10 days after the hearing.

Proposed orders must be submitted within ten (10) days after any hearing.

Page 3 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments

Motions to cancel sales, including emergency motions, must be submitted as early as possible to permit adequate review and action.

Motions (and emergency) to Cancel Sales shall be provided at the earliest possible time to allow adequate time for review and action.

Page 4 | F. Emergency and Other Urgent Matters

All exhibits must reach the Foreclosure Case Management Office three days before the evidentiary proceeding.

All exhibits must be received by the Foreclosure Case Management Office three (3) days before the evidentiary proceeding.

Page 4 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

Plaintiffs must serve and file an expert-witness notice at least 120 days before the pretrial conference containing the required witness and opinion information.

No later than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference, Plaintiff(s) shall serve on all opposing counsel and file with the Court a Notice containing the following information regarding each expert witness who will testify at trial on behalf of Plaintiff(s): (a) the name and address of the witness; (b) the area(s) of expertise of the witness; (c) the subject matter of the expected testimony of the witness; (d) the substance of the facts and opinions about which the witness is expected to testify; and (e) a summary of the grounds on which each of the opinions of the witnesses will be based.

Civil cases

Page 1 | EXPERT WITNESSES

Unless good cause is shown, motions in limine must be filed at least 14 days before the final pretrial conference.

Absent good cause shown, all Motions in Limine shall be filed no later than fourteen (14) days before the final Pre-Trial Conference.

Civil cases

Page 1 | PRE-TRIAL MOTIONS

Discovery must be completed before the pretrial conference unless counsel extend it in writing or the court orders an extension.

Discovery shall be completed prior to the Pre-Trial Conference unless otherwise extended by written agreement of counsel or by Order of the Court.

Civil cases

Page 1 | DISCOVERY

Each defendant must serve and file an expert-witness notice at least 90 days before the pretrial conference containing the same required information as the plaintiffs’ notice.

No later than ninety (90) days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference, each Defendant shall serve on all other counsel and file with the Court a Notice containing the same information regarding each expert witness who will testify at trial on behalf of that defendant.

Civil cases

Page 1 | EXPERT WITNESSES

At least seven days before the pretrial conference, counsel for each party must meet to address settlement, stipulations, exhibits, witnesses, video materials, proposed jury instructions and verdict form, and other matters that will expedite the conference and trial.

No later than seven (7) days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference, attorneys for each party shall meet together by agreement instigated by counsel for the Plaintiff(s), to discuss the possibility of settlement; stipulate to as many facts and issues as possible; examine all exhibits and documents which may be used at trial; furnish opposing counsel the names and addresses of all witnesses who may testify at trial; review all video depositions or exhibits to be used at trial; agree to the extent possible on the use of jury instructions and verdict form at trial; and complete all other matters which may expedite both the Pre-Trial Conference and the Trial of this case.

Civil cases

Page 1 | REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCE

Absent good cause, a motion to exclude expert testimony must be scheduled at least 14 days before the pretrial conference, and the moving party must coordinate the hearing setting.

Absent good cause shown, all motions seeking to exclude expert witnesses testimony shall be scheduled for hearing no fewer than fourteen (14) days before the Pretrial Conference. The moving party shall coordinate the setting of the hearing.

Civil cases

Page 1 | PRE-TRIAL MOTIONS

The court may require the parties to appear in person when a proposed order is submitted after the deadline.

The Court may require the parties to appear in person for any order submitted beyond the deadline.

Page 3 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments

Service and Proof of Service Rules

The Notice of Hearing should list all motion(s) and the docket line of the motion, e-filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.

The Notice of Hearing should list all motion(s) and the docket line of the motion, e-filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Plaintiffs’ counsel must prepare a complete set of proposed instructions and verdict form and serve them on other counsel no later than the pretrial conference.

Counsel for the Plaintiff(s) shall be responsible for preparing a complete set of instructions, and verdict form, and serving the same upon other counsel at or before the Pretrial Conference contemplated by paragraph 3 hereof.

Civil cases

Page 1 | JURY INSTRUCTIONS AND VERDICT FORMS

Plaintiffs must serve the required expert-witness notice on opposing counsel at least 120 days before the pretrial conference.

No later than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference, Plaintiff(s) shall serve on all opposing counsel and file with the Court a Notice containing the following information regarding each expert witness who will testify at trial on behalf of Plaintiff(s)

Civil cases

Page 1 | EXPERT WITNESSES

All trial exhibits must be provided to opposing counsel before the pretrial conference.

All exhibits intended to be offered at trial shall be exhibited to all opposing counsel prior to the Pre-Trial Conference.

Civil cases

Page 1 | TRIAL EXHIBITS

Counsel must deliver an exhibit list and all intended exhibits to the court clerk before presenting evidence.

Prior to the presentation of evidence, counsel shall deliver to the Clerk of the Court an Exhibit List along with all exhibits to be introduced.

Civil cases

Page 1 | TRIAL EXHIBITS

Each defendant must serve the required expert-witness notice on all other counsel at least 90 days before the pretrial conference.

No later than ninety (90) days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference, each Defendant shall serve on all other counsel and file with the Court a Notice containing the same information regarding each expert witness who will testify at trial on behalf of that defendant.

Civil cases

Page 1 | EXPERT WITNESSES

All counsel and unrepresented parties must receive copies of the cover letter and proposed order when those materials are provided to the court.

All counsel and unrepresented parties must be copied on the cover letter, including any proposed Order, at the same time provided to the Court.

Page 4 | Proposed Orders After A Hearing

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Only one copy of an emergency pleading must be delivered to the court office.

The Court requires a copy to be delivered to the office by email, mail or hand delivery. Please send only one copy.

Page 4 | F. Emergency and Other Urgent Matters

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring enough exhibit copies for the clerk, court, and every party.

All attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring sufficient copies of each exhibit for the clerk, the Court, and each party to review during the hearing or trial.

Page 4 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

Emergency-motion documents exceeding 30 pages, including attachments, must not be emailed to the court’s office.

However, any large documents (more than 30 pages, including attachments) must NOT be emailed.

Page 2 | Emergency Motions

A copy of an emergency motion must be delivered to the court’s office for review either by hand delivery or email.

The Court requires a copy for review to be delivered to the office either by hand delivery, or email.

Page 2 | Emergency Motions

An attorney appearing by telephone must provide the judicial assistant with a courtesy copy of the Notice of Hearing.

Additionally, the attorney appearing by telephone is required to provide a courtesy copy of the Notice of Hearing to the JA so the JA can be aware of the incoming call.

Page 2 | Setting A Case For Trial

Courtesy copies of motions and memoranda should be delivered at least two weeks before the scheduled hearing.

Courtesy copies of motions and memoranda should be delivered at least two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled hearing.

Page 3 | Courtesy Copies

Optional courtesy hard copies may be provided by U.S. mail, FedEx, UPS, or hand delivery.

Please provide hard copies via U.S. mail, FedEx, UPS, or hand delivery.

Page 4 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

Optional courtesy hard copies for a hearing, motions, memoranda of law, or case law should arrive three to five business days before the hearing.

If counsel would like the Judge to have courtesy copies for a hearing, motions, memorandum of law, or case law hard copies should be received by the Foreclosure Case Management Office at least three to five business days prior to the scheduled hearing date.

Page 4 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

Judge Norton does not require courtesy copies or case-law materials to be sent to the office.

Judge Norton does not require courtesy copies or case law to be sent to the office.

Page 4 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

Filing Bundling Requirements

Hearing materials exceeding 20 pages collectively must be delivered in a binder to the courthouse no later than two weeks before the hearing.

If materials for the hearing are collectively over 20 pages, please have a binder delivered to the courthouse no later than two (2) weeks prior to the hearing.

Page 1 | Setting Hearings

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

A set hearing may not be cancelled without the Court’s consent.

Once a hearing is set, it may NOT be cancelled without the consent of the Court.

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

A party may not assume that filing a notice of cancellation or dismissal removes a scheduled hearing.

Do NOT assume the hearing is removed by filing a notice of cancellation, notice of dismissal, etc.

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

The moving party that obtained the hearing must contact the Court to request cancellation.

The moving party who set the hearing is the party responsible for contacting the Court to request the hearing be canceled.

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Continuances are disfavored, require good cause, and must be requested at least five days before the scheduled court date; absent good cause, the requesting party must sign the motion.

Continuance Procedure: 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 5 | I. Setting Case for Trial

Chambers Communication Rules

Communications with the judicial office must comply with Canon 3 and copy all parties unless an ex parte communication is 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. All parties must be copied on any email directed to the judicial office, unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.

Page 1 | A. Communications with the Court

All court communications must be emailed to DuvalFC@coj.net with a subject line identifying the case number, case name, and relevant matter.

All communications with the Court must be submitted to the Foreclosure Case Management Office by email at DuvalFC@coj.net. The subject line must contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter (e.g., 2025 CA 001234 – ABC v. 123 - 2-Hour Hearing Requested.).

Page 1 | A. Communications with the Court

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an email address for electronic receipt of signed orders unless excused.

All attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an email address to receive signed orders electronically, unless excused.

Page 2 | A. Communications with the Court

Hearing coordination with opposing counsel or pro se parties must use E-Portal unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.

All hearings must be coordinated with opposing counsel or pro se parties utilizing E-Portal unless an ex-parte communication is authorized by law.

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must update their contact information on Form 2.603 whenever their registered email address 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 email account registered for electronic service.

Page 2 | A. Communications with the Court

Hearing requests must be submitted by email to the judicial assistant, include all interested parties including pro se parties, and state the amount of hearing time requested.

Setting Hearings: Hearings may be set by contacting the Judicial Assistant. Please schedule hearings via e-mail. Please include all (including pro se) interested parties in the e-mail when requesting dates and include the amount of time you are requesting for your hearing.

Page 1 | Setting Hearings

The judicial assistant must be notified in advance when an out-of-town attorney requests a telephonic appearance.

Should a telephonic appearance be requested by an out-of-town attorney, the JA must be notified in advance of the hearing.

Page 2 | Setting A Case For Trial

A hearing cancellation is not effective until it is confirmed with and by the Judicial Assistant.

Cancellation of a hearing MUST be confirmed with and by the J.A.

Page 3 | Cancellation of Hearings

The Court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties, and parties must follow the stated practices when contacting the judicial office.

Unsolicited communications from non-parties will not be considered by the Court. Parties may only contact the judicial office according to these practices and procedures.

Page 1 | A. Communications with the Court

A party requesting a hearing on a pending pleading should email the Foreclosure Case Management Office and copy all other parties.

The party requesting a hearing on any pending pleading should email the Foreclosure Case Management Office copying all other parties at DuvalFC@coj.net.

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Remote appearances are prohibited for hearings on motions to compel, motions for sanctions, and discovery motions.

Remote appearances are not permitted for hearings on a Motion to Compel, Motion for Sanctions or discovery motions.

Page 3 | C. Remote Appearance

A requested hearing is not automatically scheduled until the judicial assistant confirms it.

PLEASE DO NOT ASSUME THE HEARING IS AUTOMATICALLY SCHEDULED UNTIL YOU RECEIVE CONFIRMATION FROM THE JA.

Page 1 | Setting Hearings

Only the party who scheduled a hearing may cancel it, and the party may notify the Judicial Assistant by email while copying opposing counsel.

Only the party setting a hearing may cancel it. You may email the Judicial Assistant and copy opposing counsel notifying the Judicial Assistant of the cancellation.

Page 3 | Cancellation of Hearings

A foreclosure hearing date is not secured and may be given to another party until the court sends confirmation.

The Judicial Assistant will respond via e-mail to all with available dates/times. PLEASE NOTE: HEARING DATES/TIMES PROVIDED ARE NOT HELD AND MAY BE GIVEN TO OTHERS. HEARING DATES/TIMES ARE NOT SECURED UNTIL CONFIRMATIN IS SENT FROM THE COURT.

Page 5 | Foreclosure Matters (Division FC-D)

Telephonic or Zoom appearances do not require court permission for non-evidentiary motion hearings lasting 30 minutes or less.

The Court allows attorney(s) and parties to appear telephonically or by Zoom for non-evidentiary motion hearings consisting of thirty (30) minutes or less without permission from the Court.

Page 3 | C. Remote Appearance

Cases may be set for trial by e-mailing the Foreclosure Case Management Office or by doing so at a Case Management Conference.

Procedure: Setting cases for trial will be done through e-mail to the Foreclosure Case Management Office at DuvalFC@coj.net, or at a Case Management Conference.

Page 5 | I. Setting Case for Trial

Dates and times may be obtained from the judicial assistant by email.

DATES & TIME can be obtained from the JA Alexis Gainers via email: Againers@coj.net

Page 1 | Division Procedures

Division FC-D foreclosure motions, disposition matters, and non-jury trials may be scheduled by emailing the judicial assistant, with all parties included.

Motions, disposition matters and non-jury trials in Division FC-D foreclosure cases may be scheduled by e-mailing the Judicial Assistant Againers@coj.net. All parties should be included in the e-mail.

Page 5 | Foreclosure Matters (Division FC-D)

Out-of-town attorneys may appear by phone if opposing counsel does not object, but the attorney must call the judicial assistant before the hearing, and multiple phone participants must use one conference call.

The Court allows out-of-town attorney(s) to appear telephonically if opposing counsel has no objection. Prior to the hearing, the attorney appearing by phone will initiate the call to the JA. Only one line may be transferred into the Hearing Room, so multiple attorneys appearing by phone must arrange one conference call to include all others. A Motion to Appear Telephonically is not required to be submitted to the Court.

Page 5 | Telephonic Appearances

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 62 rules apply across Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Clay, Duval and Nassau Counties. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Requirements

All 30
  • Applies to
    Motion to set for hearing

    A motion to set a hearing is required when the requested hearing will exceed one hour.

  • Applies to
    Notice of hearing

    The notice of hearing must satisfy Rule 2.530(b), including identifying the communication technology and providing access directions.

  • Applies to
    Remote hearing request

    A motion is required for remote non-evidentiary hearings over 30 minutes, evidentiary hearings, trials, and requests to present testimony through communication technology.

Filing Timing

All 13
  • Counsel may not file a notice of hearing until the court confirms the hearing by email.

  • Counsel must file a compliant notice of hearing within three days after hearing confirmation, identifying the communication technology and providing access directions.

  • A motion or order to cancel a sale must be received at least three days before the sale date.

Communication

All 7
  • Contact
    Email

    Proposed orders subject to this direction must be emailed directly to the judicial assistant.

  • The court will not consider ex parte communications by telephone, email, or mail.

  • Contact
    Email to chambers

    Emergency motions may be emailed to the judicial assistant for court review.

Service

All 6
  • Service
    Electronic service

    The court cannot use electronic service as the sole method for a party who has not filed a Notice of Designation of Email Address.

  • Service
    Email

    All pro se parties must serve a designation of a primary email address, and may obtain the form from the clerk of court.

  • Applies to
    Papers and pleadings
    Service
    Mail to opposing party

    All further papers and pleadings shall be served by mail to Plaintiff’s designated email address(es) or, if none, to Plaintiff’s mailing address, pursuant to paragraph six above. Service shall be complete upon mailing or emailing.

About Judge Virginia B. Norton

Division or court number: CV-D Court level: Circuit Courtroom or hearing room: Hearing Room 703 Address: 501 West Adams Street, Room 7038, Jacksonville, FL 32202 Judicial assistant: Alexis Gainers Email: Againers@coj.net Phone: 904-255-1300

Common questions about Judge Virginia B. Norton's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Virginia B. Norton?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for exhibits. Details: delivery for review during hearing or trial. Attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring enough exhibit copies for the clerk, court, and every party.

View ruleSource: page 4, section G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Virginia B. Norton?

Judge Virginia B. Norton's formatting rule includes file format docx. Every proposed order must be submitted in Word format.

View ruleSource: page 3, section D. Submission of Orders and Judgments

What must be included with uncontested matters hearing submission filings before Judge Virginia B. Norton?

The rule requires proposed order. Proposed orders and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Judicial Assistant no later than ten days before the scheduled hearing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section UNCONTESTED MATTERS DOCKET

What must be included with proposed order filings before Judge Virginia B. Norton?

Every proposed order must include a cover letter certifying unanimous agreement or identifying any party disagreement.

View ruleSource: page 3, section D. Submission of Orders and Judgments

How may parties contact Judge Virginia B. Norton's chambers?

The rule lists email DuvalFC@coj.net. All court communications must be emailed to DuvalFC@coj.net with a subject line identifying the case number, case name, and relevant matter.

View ruleSource: page 1, section A. Communications with the Court

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Virginia B. Norton?

The request must include reason for request. Continuances are disfavored, require good cause, and must be requested at least five days before the scheduled court date; absent good cause, the requesting party must sign the motion.

View ruleSource: page 5, section I. Setting Case for Trial

Does Judge Virginia B. Norton require motion papers to be bundled?

Hearing materials exceeding 20 pages collectively must be delivered in a binder to the courthouse no later than two weeks before the hearing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Setting Hearings

Is electronic filing required before Judge Virginia B. Norton?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. The Notice of Hearing should list all motion(s) and the docket line of the motion, e-filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.

View ruleSource: page 2, section B. Scheduling Procedures

What filing deadlines does Judge Virginia B. Norton set?

The submission of proposed orders and supporting documentation is due no later than ten days before the scheduled hearing date.

View ruleSource: page 1, section UNCONTESTED MATTERS DOCKET

What service or proof of service rules apply before Judge Virginia B. Norton?

The Notice of Hearing should list all motion(s) and the docket line of the motion, e-filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.

View ruleSource: page 2, section B. Scheduling Procedures
Complete rules summary for Judge Virginia B. Norton

The submission of proposed orders and supporting documentation is due no later than ten days before the scheduled hearing date.

Proposed orders and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Judicial Assistant no later than ten days before the scheduled hearing.

Continuances are disfavored, require good cause, and must be requested at least five days before the scheduled court date; absent good cause, the requesting party must sign the motion.

All court communications must be emailed to DuvalFC@coj.net with a subject line identifying the case number, case name, and relevant matter.

Communications with the judicial office must comply with Canon 3 and copy all parties unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.

The Court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties, and parties must follow the stated practices when contacting the judicial office.

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an email address for electronic receipt of signed orders unless excused.

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must update their contact information on Form 2.603 whenever their registered email address changes.

Every proposed order must be submitted in Word format.

Every proposed order must include a cover letter certifying unanimous agreement or identifying any party disagreement.

Hearing coordination with opposing counsel or pro se parties must use E-Portal unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.

A party requesting a hearing on a pending pleading should email the Foreclosure Case Management Office and copy all other parties.

A Notice of Hearing should identify each motion and its docket line and be e-filed and served immediately after hearing time is reserved.

The Notice of Hearing should list all motion(s) and the docket line of the motion, e-filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.

A consent proposed order must include either “Consent” or “Agreed” in its caption.

A Notice of Hearing involving a remote appearance must list the judge’s Zoom credentials.

Every Notice of Hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.

The moving party that obtained the hearing must contact the Court to request cancellation.

Remote appearances are prohibited for hearings on motions to compel, motions for sanctions, and discovery motions.

Proposed orders must be submitted through the E-Portal, with copies provided to all parties.

Counsel must have presentation technology set up and ready for each trial or hearing.

A party may not assume that filing a notice of cancellation or dismissal removes a scheduled hearing.

The court may require the parties to appear in person when a proposed order is submitted after the deadline.

Judge Norton does not require courtesy copies or case-law materials to be sent to the office.

Optional courtesy hard copies for a hearing, motions, memoranda of law, or case law should arrive three to five business days before the hearing.

A proposed order must be submitted within 10 days after the hearing.

A motion requesting an emergency hearing must detail the issues, the reasons emergency treatment is necessary, and each party’s required presentation time.

Motions to cancel sales, including emergency motions, must be submitted as early as possible to permit adequate review and action.

Exhibits must be submitted to the Foreclosure Case Management Office in paper format.

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring enough exhibit copies for the clerk, court, and every party.

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