Judge Marlene Fernandez-Karavetsos
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Notice of Cancellation
- 1 copy • Email
Notice of Readiness for Trial
- 1 copy • Email
Pretrial Catalogue
- 1 copy
Adjournments
- Motions for continuance of trial must be e-filed at least 5 business days before trial and emailed to chambers.
Communication
Chambers
Chambers
Phone
Chambers
Page & Word Limits1 rule
Motion for which hearing is requested-full title (Motion, without exhibits MUST NOT exceed 20 pages)
- Motion
- Up to 20 pages
Document Format Requirements2 rules
(NO TELEPHONIC APPEARANCES FOR SPECIAL SET HEARINGS)
Formatting
- •No telephonic appearances are permitted for special set hearings
ZOOM hearings may only be set with Court approval
Document Filing Requirements28 rules
EXPERT WITNESSES: ONLY ONE (1) EXPERT, PER SPECIALTY, PER SIDE, is permitted, unless otherwise ordered by the court.
Proposed final judgments on the UCD calendar must include all listed supporting documents with e-file stamps or the submission will be rejected.
Court's wording
Please be sure to attach the following supporting documents with an e-file stamp with the proposed Final Judgement submitted: 1. Petition or Counter Petition 2. Answer or Answer/Waiver 3. Marital Settlement Agreement and/or Parenting Plan. 4. If the Petition has been defaulted please attach the Order of Default. ... IF ALL DOCUMENTS ARE NOT UNDER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WITH YOUR PROPOSED ORDER IT WILL BE REJECTED.
Exhibit list required in the pre-trial catalogue; exhibits must be exchanged at least 10 days before trial and filed via Notice of Filing; unlisted/late exhibits may not be used except for good cause.
Court's wording
EXHIBIT LIST: The Pre-trial Catalogue shall contain a list of all exhibits which may be used at trial. Each exhibit must be exchanged with opposing counsel/pro se litigant at least ten (10) days before trial. Exhibits not specifically listed and timely exchanged may not be used at trial except for good cause shown. Prior to the trial date, e-file a Notice of Filing with each Exhibit attached.
**Ex-Parte Motions to Compel: must contain certification of "good faith effort" required by Rule 1.380(a)(2).
This calendar is for non-evidentiary matters only. Only 2 Motions per case will be heard on the same day. IF YOU SET MORE THAN 2 MOTIONS PER CASE THEY WILL BE CANCELLED.
CMCs cannot be set on motion calendar; a Request for CMC must be e-filed and forwarded to the JA by email.
Court's wording
CASE MANAGEMENT CONFRENCES CANNOT BE SET ON MOTION CALENDAR. To request a CMC, please e-file a Request for CMC which lists the matters to be addressed by the Court. Forward a copy of the e-filed request to the JA via e-mail and chambers will review and set a date or address the issues.
**Domestic Violence and Adoption cases are not compatible with CourtMAP, you must send proposed orders to chambers at giellamo@jud11.flcourts.org
YOU MUST ATTACH THE MOTION(S) BEING HEARD AS A "SUPPORTING DOCUMENT" ON COURTMAP TO THE HEARING. ALSO, PLEASE ATTACH A COPY OF THE NOTICE OF HEARING IN THE "SUPPORTING DOCUMENT" TAB ON COURTMAP.
A sworn Schedule of Assets must be filed concurrently with the pre-trial catalogue when asset division is disputed.
Court's wording
DIVISION OF ASSETS: In all cases in which there is a disputed question as to division of any assets, real or personal, concurrently with the Pre-trial catalogue each party shall file a SCHEDULE OF ASSETS, signed by the party in affidavit form, setting forth each asset to which a disputed question exists or to the division thereof.
Emergency motions must be uploaded to CourtMAP and chambers must be emailed after filing to advise of the emergency.
Court's wording
Upload your e-filed Emergency Motion, Request for Hearing, and Cover Letter to CourtMAP, under "Emergency Motions". Once the motion is filed, send an e-mail to chambers at 11thFC17@jud11.flcourts.org TO ADVISE US OF THE EMERGENCY SO THAT THE MATTER CAN BE DEALT WITH.
The attorneys/pro se litigants shall meet and communicate concerning settlement and all aspects of the trial not less than twenty (20) days prior to the scheduled trial.
All Non-Jury Trials shall be set through the Judicial Assistant. A Notice of Readiness for Trial must be filed for every case. (Must include time requested for both sides to complete Trial) Every case must attend Mediation prior to being set for Trial.
The pre-trial catalogue must include a witness list with names, addresses, and brief testimony statements; unlisted witnesses may not be called except for good cause.
Court's wording
WITNESS LIST: The Pre-trial Catalogue shall contain a list of witnesses to be called at trial. This includes rebuttal and impeachment witnesses who, in the exercise of diligent pre-trial preparation, you should know might be called. Expert witnesses shall be so specified. Such list shall contain names, addresses and a brief statement of testimony to be offered. Witnesses not listed will not be called at trial except for good cause shown.
Attorneys must select UCD Attorneys NOT UCD CASE MANAGER OR YOUR HEARING WILL BE CANCELLED
Proposed orders must be submitted via CourtMAP with supporting documents, and not on contested matters or matters already set for hearing.
Court's wording
*All proposed orders must be submitted via courtMap *Supporting documents (i.e.: motions, affidavits, cover letters, etc.) must always be submitted in support of a proposed order. *Do not submit proposed orders on matters that are contested and/or already set for hearing.
A MOTION WHICH IS NOT PROPERLY NOTICED WILL NOT BE HEARD BY THE COURT.
Motions to continue the trial must include a signature from the client agreeing to the continuance.
Upon resolution after a hearing is scheduled, the requesting party must immediately file a Notice of Cancellation and email chambers or the parties must appear as scheduled.
Court's wording
If you reach a resolution after a hearing has been scheduled, the party that requested the hearing must, IMMEDIATELY UPON REACHING A RESOLUTION, file a Notice of Cancellation with the Clerk or thru E-Portal AND E-MAIL CHAMBERS to remove the matter from calendar. If a Notice of Cancellation is not filed AND chambers is not informed, the Judge will expect the Parties to appear on the scheduled date.
The attorneys/pro se litigants are required to provide a completed CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINE WORKSHEET in support of his or her position regarding child support.
Movants must e-file the notice of hearing via the e-portal since courtMAP does not auto-generate one, and must include 11thFC17@jud11.flcourts.org in all filings.
Court's wording
IMPORTANT: Although the movant and the parties listed on the service list at the time the hearing is set will receive an email from courtMAP indicating that an event has been created, a notice of hearing will not automatically generate. The movant MUST e-file the notice of hearing via the e-portal system. Include 11thFC17@jud11.flcourts.org in all filings.
A current financial affidavit (Form 12.901(d) or (e)) must be attached to the pre-trial catalogue and exchanged with opposing parties.
Court's wording
A current, fully executed financial statement in accordance with Form 12.901(d) or (e) of the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure shall be attached to the Pre-trial Catalogue and exchanged with the attorneys/pro se litigants.
Movants cancelling a hearing shall e-file a notice of cancellation and also cancel the hearing on courtMAP.
I certify that a copy of this Motion(s) has been received by the opposing Counsel or Party.
The filer must either certify a good-faith conferral with opposing counsel or party to attempt resolution and determine the hearing time, or state the circumstances that prevented conferral.
Court's wording
I have conferred with the opposing Counsel or Pro Se party in a good faith effort to resolve the matter (s) without a hearing and to determine the amount of time requested for the hearing OR _____ I have been unable to confer with opposing counsel or pro se party because (state circumstances):___________________________________________________________
IMPORTANT NOTE: You must contact the other side prior to requesting a hearing so that we may assure the issue is in fact contested and that the appropriate amount of time is being set aside. Please contact all sides and only then submit your package.
*If you are submitting a proposed order after a hearing, you must submit a cover letter that includes the hearing details and the Court's oral ruling.
Orders on stipulations for substitution of counsel require the client's written consent and the new attorney's name and bar number in the body.
Court's wording
**If you are submitting an order on a Stipulation for Substitution of Counsel, you must submit the written consent of the client. Additionally, the name and bar number of the “new” attorney must be included within the body of the proposed order.
Prior to submitting this request, I have read and followed the instructions on the division's website.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must register for the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal and CourtMAP.
ALL ATTORNEYS AND SELF REPRESENTED LITIGANTS MUST SIGN UP FOR AN ACCOUNT AT FLORIDA COURTS E-FILING PORTAL AT https://www.myflcourtaccess.com/for filing pleadings or motions with the clerk, AND Sign up for COURTMAP at https://www.jud11.flcourts.org/Programs-and-Services/Online-Services/ for submitting emergency motions and proposed orders to your assigned Judge as well as requesting hearings.
Page 1 | IMPORTANT INFORMATION (E-Filing Portal and CourtMAP Requirements)
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Parties must be available for emergencies within minimum 1 hour and for urgent matters within minimum 2 days of notice.
FOR EMERGENCIES COUNSEL AND PARTIES WILL BE GIVEN NOTICE AND ARE TO MAKE THEMSELVES AVAILABLE WITHIN MINIMUM 1 HOUR. FOR URGENT MATTERS COUNSEL AND PARTIES WILL BE GIVEN NOTICE AND ARE TO MAKE THEMSELVES AVAILABLE WITHIN MINIMUM 2 DAYS.
Page 1 | Additional Instructions (Emergency Motions)
All discovery must be completed 10 days before trial; later discovery requires party agreement or good cause.
All discovery shall be completed ten (10) days prior to the date set for TRIAL and shall be allowed thereafter only upon agreement of the attorneys/pro se litigants or on a showing of good cause.
Page 1 | Pre-Trial Catalogue (Discovery)
All responses and replies must be e-filed no later than 3 days before an approved special set hearing.
ONCE A SPECIAL SET HEARING IS APPROVED: All responses, replies, etc. must be e-filed no later than 3 days prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | Request for Special Set Hearing before Division 17
Motion calendar hearings require 5 business days notice before hearing.
Motion Calendar Information Type: Open Notice Before Hearing: 5 Business Days
Page 1 | Motion Calendar Information
5 BUSINESS DAYS in ADVANCE of Scheduled Special Set Hearing date. **
5 BUSINESS DAYS in ADVANCE of Scheduled Special Set Hearing date. **
Page 2 | REQUEST FOR SPECIAL SET HEARING BEFORE DIVISION 17 (footnote)
Service and Proof of Service Rules
The email to chambers about an emergency motion must copy opposing counsel/party.
Opposing Counsel/Party MUST BE COPIED.
Page 1 | Additional Instructions (Emergency Motions)
A certificate of service must certify that a true and correct copy of the request and accompanying motions was sent via mail to the opposing parties pursuant to the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.
I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing and accompanying motions has been sent via mail this ___ day of ___________________,________, pursuant to the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure to the following:
Page 2 | CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Trial date requests require emailing the JA (copying opposing counsel) with a courtesy copy of the e-filed Notice of Readiness, and counsel must reply with their selection within 5 business days.
To request Trial dates: Please e-mail the Judicial Assistant at 11thFC17@jud11.flcourts.org Copying opposing counsel/party Include a courtesy copy of the e-filed Notice of Readiness for Trial. Trial dates will be provided and counsel is to coordinate amongst themselves and get back to chambers within 5 business days with their selection.
Page 1 | Hearing Documents - ADMIN MEMO - INTRODUCTION OF EVIDENCE
Each party must file a pre-trial catalogue with the clerk and forward a courtesy copy to the court at least 15 days before trial.
Each party shall file a pre-trial catalogue with the clerk and forward a courtesy copy to the court not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the trial.
Page 1 | Pre-Trial Catalogue
A courtesy copy of the e-file stamped Notice of Cancellation must be emailed to the JA.
A Courtesy Copy of the e-file stamped Notice of Cancellation must be forwarded to the JA at 11thFC17@jud11.flcourts.org
Page 1 | 5-MINUTE MOTION CALENDAR
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Special set hearings over one hour must be set through the judicial assistant; hearings of one hour or less may be set via CourtMAP.
Hearings that require more than one hour, must be set through the judicial assistant.
Page 1 | Request for Special Set Hearing before Division 17
Special set hearings require coordination with opposing counsel and submission of the filed motion and request form on CourtMAP for Court approval.
*The moving party MUST coordinate the date/time with opposing counsel based on the Court's availability, which is found on courtMap. Once the date has been agreed to, the moving party shall submit a copy of the filed motion and the Court's request form under the supporting documents option on courtMAP when selecting the proposed hearing date for the Court's approval.
Page 1 | Request for Special Set Hearing before Division 17
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Motions for continuance of trial must be e-filed at least 5 business days before trial and emailed to chambers.
All Motions for Continuance of Trial must be e-filed at least 5 business days prior to Trial. E-mail a copy of the e-filed Motion for Continuance to Chambers at 11thFC17@jud11.flcourts.org
Page 1 | Hearing Documents - ADMIN MEMO - INTRODUCTION OF EVIDENCE
Chambers Communication Rules
Special set hearing cancellations must be emailed to the JA with all parties CC'd; if no response within 24 hours, follow up by phone; CourtMAP cancellation is not allowed.
To cancel a special set hearing, you must email the J.A. at giellamo@jud11.flcourts.org and CC all parties involved. Your email must include the case information (style, hearing type, date set, etc.) as well as the reason why you are seeking the cancellation of said hearing. If you have not received a response from the J.A. within 24 hours, you must follow up with a telephone call to chambers to confirm the cancellation. **Parties will NOT be able to cancel a special set hearing on courtMAP.**
Page 1 | Request for Special Set Hearing before Division 17
Parties must immediately notify the court of settlement.
The attorneys/pro se litigants shall immediately notify the court in the event of settlement.
Page 1 | Pre-Trial Catalogue (Settlement)
Motions must not be emailed directly to the judicial assistant before the emergency-motion filing steps are completed.
Please do not email your motion directly to the judicial assistant prior to the above steps being completed.
Page 1 | Additional Instructions (Emergency Motions)
Add-on motions to special set hearings are not permitted; add-ons must be requested by emailing chambers.
*ADD-ON motions to special set hearings are not permitted. Please e-mail chambers to request add-ons.
Page 1 | Request for Special Set Hearing before Division 17
To schedule a special set hearing lasting more than one hour, the party must email the judicial assistant.
(TO SCHEDULE A HEARING FOR MORE THAN ONE (1) HOUR, EMAIL THE J.A.)
Page 1 | REQUEST FOR SPECIAL SET HEARING BEFORE DIVISION 17
Chambers inquiries should be directed to the Judicial Assistant by email at gcanales@jud11.flcourts.org; email is the most efficient method.
Inquiries may be directed to the Judicial Assistant at gcanales@jud11.flcourts.org
Page 1 | Judge Information
Pro se litigants may contact Family Court Self-Help at 305-349-7800 or visit the court website for packets and forms.
PRO-SE LITIGANTS MAY CONTACT SELF-HELP AT 305-349-7800 OR VISIT ON THE WEB FOR MORE INFO AT: https://www.jud11.flcourts.org/Family-Court-Self-Help-Packets-And-Forms
Page 1 | PRO-SE LITIGANTS MAY CONTACT SELF-HELP