Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Orange and Osceola Counties
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Memoranda, Case Law, Other Hearing Materials
- Before Hearing
Memoranda, Case Law, Other Materials
- At Least 5 Court Days Before Scheduled Hearing
Communication
Phone
Clerk
Phone
Clerk
Clerk
Chambers
Phone
Chambers
Document Format Requirements14 rules
All incorporated exhibits must be properly tagged with a Clerk’s evidence tag.
Court's wording
Counsel must bring the original proposed Final Judgment and an Income Withholding Order (if applicable) and all incorporated exhibits (MSA, Parenting Plan, etc.) properly tagged with a Clerk’s evidence tag to the final hearing.
Please fill out all of the information listed below with DATES. Do not use check marks, X’s or N/A. Each line must have a date.
- Verified checklist
Formatting
- •Enter a date on every line
PDF of FJ to includes Parties’ Names and Addresses, unless included in Agreement or PP
- File type
Documents must be prepared as either WORD documents, WordPerfect, or Adobe PDF
Formatting
- •WORD documents
- •WordPerfect
- •Adobe PDF
NOTE: This IWO must be regular on its face.
• Staple the completed tag to the bottom left corner on the first page of the exhibit or tape to back of larger exhibits (poster boards, demonstrative aids, etc).
- Binding
- Stapled
- Exhibits
NOTE: This IWO must be regular on its face.
Please do not use any type of labels on the tags.
Formatting
- •Do not use any type of label on evidence tags
Staple the completed tag to the bottom left corner on the first page of the exhibit or tape to back of larger exhibits (poster boards, demonstrative aids, etc).
Please do not use any type of labels on the tags.
3. Write the identification letter. Plaintiff’s and defendant’s name is not written on the tag unless there are multiple defendants. In this case please follow the instructions on the back.
2. Write case number, i.e. 2020-CA-121212
1. Circle party filing exhibits or circle joint if exhibits are agreed by both sides
- Exhibits
Formatting
- •Circle the filing party's designation
If multiple defendants are submitting exhibits, please write the name of the party submitting the exhibit on the right side of the evidence tag.
Document Filing Requirements99 rules
The proposed Final Judgment must include a proper certificate of service that includes both parties.
- Document
- Proposed final judgment
Must include
- •Certificate of service
REMEMBER THAT ALL FINAL JUDGMENTS THAT INVOLVE CHILDREN MUST INCLUDE FULL NAMES AND DOB AND ALL CHILD SUPPORT DETAILS.
Counsel must bring the original proposed Final Judgment to the final hearing.
Court's wording
Counsel must bring the original proposed Final Judgment and an Income Withholding Order (if applicable) and all incorporated exhibits (MSA, Parenting Plan, etc.) properly tagged with a Clerk’s evidence tag to the final hearing.
Please certify all relevant items listed below are in the court file at the time you set a final hearing. If any required listed item is missing, the court will cancel the final hearing.
___/____/___Petition for Dissolution
___/____/___Most recent Financial Affidavit for Petitioner
___/____/___Notice of Social Security Number for Respondent
___/____/___ Civil Cover/case information sheet
___/____/___Notice of Social Security Number for Petitioner
___/____/___ Notice of Related Cases
___/____/___Answer
___/____/___Copy of driver’s license, Florida ID card, Florida voter registration card or Affidavit of Corroborating Witness with proper ID
___/____/___ Notice of Hearing
BRING TO HEARING: Bring Final Judgment that indicates agreements are attached and all agreements, with a complete certificate of service including both parties to the Final Hearing.
- Document
- Final judgment
Include
- •Certificate of service
I hereby certify that all of the above relevant items are in the court file and the case is ready for an uncontested final hearing.
A hard copy must be brought to the final hearing tagged with a Clerk’s evidence tag as Petitioner’s/Respondent’s Exhibit 2.
Parenting Plan (state in Final Judgment “identified as Exhibit 2 and filed herein”) This should be filed separately from the Final Judgment.
Marital Settlement Agreement (state in FJ “identified as Exhibit 1 and filed herein”).
Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (must match the child support stated in the Final Judgment)
A hard copy of the MSA must be brought to the final hearing, tagged with a Clerk’s evidence tag as Petitioner’s/Respondent’s Exhibit 1.
NOTE: ATTORNEY SIGNING BELOW WILL BE REQUIRED TO FILE A NOTICE OF CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE OF FINAL JUDGMENT ON OPPOSING PARTY WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RECEIVING SIGNED FINAL JUDGMENT FROM THE COURT.
- Document
- Notice of certificate of service
Must include
- •Certificate of service
A Final Judgment involving child support must contain specified recipient, child, payment, start-date, step-down, termination, pay-period, SDU, IDO/IWO, and deviation-order information.
Court's wording
Final Judgment w/ Child Support: must contain recipient's name and address, Children's full names and DOBs, child support amounts with START date (not just date from agreement if payments made since) stepdown and termination dates, pay periods of payor, payment through SDU until IDO/IWO is entered, if amount is deviation a reference to Order granting same
You must email this COMPLETED checklist with all documents required herein
If you receive this document from someone other than a State or Tribal CSE agency or a Court, a copy of the underlying order must be attached.
_______ Parenting Course Certificates and Complete Parenting Plan if there are any minor children
You must email this COMPLETED checklist with all documents required herein
_______ Settlement Agreement(s) as to all financial and property issues signed by both Parties
_______ Answer, Default entered, or Answer and Waiver by Respondent
SEPARATE Vital Statistics form
_______ Financial Affidavit for both Parties or exception: _____________________________________
SEPARATE Final Disposition form - Form 1.998
_______ Motion /Waiver of Hearing / Final Hearing Testimony signed by both Parties
3. COMPLETE CHECK LIST: Along with this application, a complete and accurate Required Check List related to all necessary filings will be filed and provided to the Court.
REMEMBER THAT ALL FINAL JUDGMENTS THAT INVOLVE CHILDREN MUST INCLUDE FULL NAMES AND DOB AND ALL CHILD SUPPORT DETAILS.
Counsel must bring the original proposed Final Judgment and an Income Withholding Order (if applicable) and all incorporated exhibits (MSA, Parenting Plan, etc.) properly tagged with a Clerk’s evidence tag to the final hearing.
The proposed Final Judgment must include a proper certificate of service that includes both parties. Once the Final Judgment is signed, counsel must sign the certificate of service and provide copies to all parties.
- Document
- Proposed final judgment
Must include
- •Certificate of service
Please certify all relevant items listed below are in the court file at the time you set a final hearing. If any required listed item is missing, the court will cancel the final hearing. This completed checklist must be filed and viewable in the Clerk’s system at the time of the final hearing.
___/____/___UCCJEA: confirm the court has jurisdiction over child(ren)
BRING TO HEARING: Bring Final Judgment that indicates agreements are attached and all agreements, with a complete certificate of service including both parties to the Final Hearing.
___/____/___Parenting Plan (state in Final Judgment “identified as Exhibit 2 and filed herein”) This should be filed separately from the Final Judgment.
Marital Settlement Agreement (state in FJ “identified as Exhibit 1 and filed herein”).
A hard copy of the MSA must be brought to the final hearing, tagged with a Clerk’s evidence tag as Petitioner’s/Respondent’s Exhibit 1.
___/____/___Certificate of completion of parenting class for Respondent
___/____/___Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (must match the child support stated in the Final Judgment)
___/____/___Certificate of completion of parenting class for Petitioner
A hard copy must be brought to the final hearing tagged with a Clerk’s evidence tag as Petitioner’s/Respondent’s Exhibit 2.
Each party to a dissolution action shall file a certificate of completion of the course with the court prior to the entry of the final judgment.
All Notices for Hearing must contain a meet-and-confer certification in the form required by Administrative Order 2014-19 (as may be amended).
- Document
- Notice of hearing
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
2. Also attached to your email must be: The Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage in Word, along with the Settlement Agreement, and Parenting Plan when applicable. As a separate PDF document.
3. Also attached to your email must be: a Vital Statistics Form, a Final Disposition Form, and if this is a case where child support is ordered, an Income Deduction Order. These are to be attached as separate PDF documents.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been furnished to:; this ______ day of September, 2020.
- Placement
- Certificate section
Include
- •Certificate of service
Counsel with full settlement authority must confer before scheduling the hearing and include a Certificate of Compliance confirming the conference in the Notice of Hearing filed with the court.
- Document
- Notice of hearing
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
- •Certificate of Compliance
Court's wording
Counsel with full authority to resolve the matter shall confer before scheduling the hearing on the motion to attempt to resolve or otherwise narrow the issues raised in the motion, and include a Certificate of Compliance (attached hereto as “Exhibit A”) that the conference has occurred in the Notice of Hearing filed with the court.
Counsel shall include in the Notice of Hearing the Certificate of Compliance certifying that the meet and confer occurred (or did not occur and setting out the good faith attempts to schedule the conference) and identifying the date of the conference, the names of the participating attorneys, and the specific results obtained.
- Document
- Notice of hearing
- Placement
- Certificate section
Must include
- •Local rule certificate
Counsel must promptly respond to the hearing-noticing counsel’s scheduling communications; after three (3) good faith unsuccessful contact attempts, the noticing counsel must list the attempt dates and times in the Certificate of Compliance.
- Document
- Certificate of compliance
- Placement
- Certificate section
Must include
- •Local rule certificate
Court's wording
Counsel must respond promptly to inquiries and communications from opposing counsel who notices the hearing and is attempting to schedule the conference. If counsel who notices the hearing is unable to reach opposing counsel to conduct the conference after three (3) good faith attempts, counsel who notices the hearing must identify in the Certificate of Compliance the dates and times of the efforts made to contact opposing counsel.
When communicating with the judicial assistant by e-mail correspondence the case name, number and attorney name must be included.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a lawyer in my firm with full authority to resolve this matter attempted in good faith to contact opposing counsel in person or by telephone on: 1. (Date) at (Time) ; 2. (Date) at (Time) ; and 3. (Date) at (Time) ; to discuss resolution of this motion without a hearing and the lawyer in my firm was unable to speak with opposing counsel.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
The completed Verified Checklist must be filed and viewable in the Clerk’s system.
This completed checklist must be filed and viewable in the Clerk’s system at the time of the final hearing.
Civil cases
Page 2 | VERIFIED CHECKLIST FOR ATTORNEY UNCONTESTED DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE
The checklist must be completed, scanned, and sent to the court by email.
1. The Checklist shall be completed, scanned, and forwarded by email to the Court.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Instructions for Final Judgments of Dissolution of Marriage via Electronic Submission
Before emailing the court, the submitting party must complete and electronically file the Motion for Written Ex Parte Final Hearing, Waiver of Appearance, and sworn-testimony exhibit, and attach a stamped copy confirming eportal submission.
4. Prior to emailing the Court, The Motion for Written Ex Parte Final Hearing, Waiver of Appearance and attached exhibit of sworn testimony shall be completed and filed with the Court. Attach a copy of the filed Motion and attachment with the stamp viewable, verifying that it was submitted via the eportal.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Instructions for Final Judgments of Dissolution of Marriage via Electronic Submission
Self-represented litigants filing specified new Domestic Relations Division cases must file in the Osceola County Clerk of Court Office.
All self-represented litigants filing a new dissolution of marriage, name change, paternity, or temporary/concurrent custody by an extended family, stepparent adoption, adoption by relative, or supplemental and modification cases in the Domestic Relations Division, must file in Osceola County Clerk of Court Office.
Page 2 | 1. Initial Filing and Case Management Process
The court will electronically file the necessary documents under the current procedure, which may change.
5. At this time the Court will e-file the necessary documents. This procedure may change.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Instructions for Final Judgments of Dissolution of Marriage via Electronic Submission
Self-represented parties may choose to file documents electronically through the state-wide e-filing portal.
Are you representing yourself? Did you know that self-represented parties may choose to electronically file documents on line using the state wide e-Filing portal?
Pro se cases
Page 1 | File Your Documents Online!
A document filed electronically does not require a paper copy to be filed with the Clerk and Comptroller’s Office.
When you e-File a document you do not need to file a paper copy with the Clerk and Comptroller’s Office.
Pro se cases
Page 1 | Still have questions about your filing?
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The Verified Checklist and Notice of Final Hearing must be filed at the same time.
The Verified Checklist for Attorney Uncontested Dissolution of Marriage and the Notice of Final Hearing must be filed as separate documents at the same time.
Civil cases
Page 1 | ATTORNEY-REPRESENTED UNCONTESTED DISSOLUTIONS
The completed Verified Checklist must be filed and viewable in the Clerk’s system by the final hearing.
This completed checklist must be filed and viewable in the Clerk’s system at the time of the final hearing.
Civil cases
Page 2 | VERIFIED CHECKLIST FOR ATTORNEY UNCONTESTED DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE
The 20-day statutory waiting period from the filing date must have expired before proceeding with entry of final judgment without a personal appearance.
4. WAITING PERIOD: The waiting period of 20 days (Sect. 61.19, F.S.) from the date of filing has expired.
Civil cases
Page 3 | WAITING PERIOD
Unless excused for good cause, the Petitioner must complete the parenting course within 45 days after filing, while all other parties must complete it within 45 days after service.
Unless excused by the court for good cause, the Petitioner must complete the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course within 45 days after the filing of the petition, and all other parties must complete the course within 45 days after service of the petition.
Page 4 | 3. PARENTING CLASS REQUIRED
Each party must file an accurate and complete Financial Affidavit within 45 days after service of the initial pleading on the respondent, unless the deadline is accelerated for temporary financial relief.
Each party must file an accurate and complete Financial Affidavit within 45 days of service of the initial pleading on the Respondent.
Page 6 | 8. FINANCIAL AFFIDAVITS; MANDATORY DISCLOSURE
A party seeking to cancel a scheduled hearing must immediately notify the judge’s judicial assistant and file a notice of cancellation with a copy to that assistant as soon as the hearing is cancelled.
In the event that a party seeks to cancel a hearing that has been previously scheduled with the Court, the party must immediately notify the judge’s judicial assistant and file a notice of cancellation with a copy to the judicial assistant as soon as it is cancelled.
Civil cases
Page 2 | 3. Cancellation of scheduled hearings
Each party must complete the parenting course within 45 days after an acknowledgment or adjudication of paternity or an order granting visitation or support.
party must complete the course within 45 days after an acknowledgment of paternity by that party, an adjudication of paternity of that party, or an order granting visitation to or support from that party.
Page 5 | Parenting Class Required
The completed checklist must be filed and available in the Clerk’s system by the final hearing.
This completed checklist must be filed and viewable in the Clerk’s system at the time of the final hearing.
Civil cases
Page 2 | VERIFIED CHECKLIST FOR ATTORNEY UNCONTESTED DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE
All required documents must be filed with the Osceola County Clerk before any hearing is scheduled.
All required documents must be filed with the Osceola County Clerk of Court before any hearing will be scheduled.
Page 2 | 2. Scheduling of Uncontested Final Hearings
Service and Proof of Service Rules
After the Final Judgment is signed, counsel must sign its certificate of service and provide copies to all parties.
Once the Final Judgment is signed, counsel must sign the certificate of service and provide copies to all parties.
Civil cases
Page 1 | ATTORNEY-REPRESENTED UNCONTESTED DISSOLUTIONS
The obligor must notify the obligee and, when applicable, the IV-D agency within seven days after a change in address or payor information.
The obligor is required to notify the obligee and, when the obligee is receiving IV-D services, the IV-D agency, within 7 days of any changes in the obligor’s address, payors, and the addresses of the obligor’s payors.
Civil cases
Page 3 | STATEMENT OF OBLIGOR’S RIGHTS, REMEDIES, AND DUTIES
A copy of the Income Deduction Order must be served on the obligor’s payor or payors.
A copy of the Income Deduction Order will be served upon the obligor’s payor or payors.
Civil cases
Page 3 | STATEMENT OF OBLIGOR’S RIGHTS, REMEDIES, AND DUTIES
The signing attorney must file notice of certificate of service of the final judgment on the opposing party within 72 hours after receiving the signed final judgment from the court.
ATTORNEY SIGNING BELOW WILL BE REQUIRED TO FILE A NOTICE OF CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE OF FINAL JUDGMENT ON OPPOSING PARTY WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RECEIVING SIGNED FINAL JUDGMENT FROM THE COURT.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Required Check List for Entry of Final Judgment without Personal Appearance
After the final judgment is signed, counsel must sign its certificate of service and provide copies to every party.
Once the Final Judgment is signed, counsel must sign the certificate of service and provide copies to all parties.
Civil cases
Page 1 | ATTORNEY-REPRESENTED UNCONTESTED DISSOLUTIONS
A complete certificate of service identifying service on both parties must accompany the final-hearing submission.
with a complete certificate of service including both parties to the Final Hearing.
Civil cases
Page 3 | CASES WITH MINOR CHILDREN - THE FOLLOWING ARE ALSO REQUIRED:
The Petitioner must give the Standing Temporary Order to the process server for service on the Respondent with the dissolution petition.
In addition, the Petitioner shall deliver a copy of this Standing Temporary Order to the process server to be served on the Respondent with the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.
Page 3 | 1. SERVICE, APPLICATION, AND TERM OF THIS ORDER
A self-represented party must file pleadings with the Clerk of Court and simultaneously send copies to all other lawyers or self-represented parties.
A self-represented party must file his or her pleadings with the Clerk of Court and send copies simultaneously to other lawyers or self-represented parties.
Page 5 | 6. SELF-REPRESENTED PARTIES
A self-represented party must immediately notify the Clerk of Court and all other lawyers or parties in writing when contact information changes.
Self-represented parties must immediately notify the Clerk of Court and all other lawyers or parties in writing of any change in mailing address, telephone number, or email address.
Page 6 | 6. SELF-REPRESENTED PARTIES
Each party must provide the other party with the extensive financial documents required by Family Law Rule 12.285 within 45 days after service of the petition on the respondent.
Family Law Rule 12.285 requires each party to provide extensive financial documents to the other party within 45 days from the date of service of the Petition on the Respondent.
Page 6 | 8. FINANCIAL AFFIDAVITS; MANDATORY DISCLOSURE
Law enforcement must serve the respondent with the injunction petition and the order setting the final hearing.
Law enforcement must serve the RESPONDENT with the Petition for injunction and the order setting the final hearing.
Court notice
Page 1 | THINGS TO CONSIDER FOR THE DAY OF THE HEARING
After the court e-portals the original document, the submitting party must provide it to the other party and file a certificate of service within 72 hours.
6. The submitting party shall be responsible for dissemination to the other party after the original has been e-portaled by the Court and shall file a certificate of service within 72 hours.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Instructions for Final Judgments of Dissolution of Marriage via Electronic Submission
A copy of the Income Deduction Order must be served on each of the obligor's payors.
A copy of the Income Deduction Order will be served upon the obligor’s payor or payors.
Civil cases
Page 1 | STATEMENT OF OBLIGOR’S RIGHTS, REMEDIES, AND DUTIES
If the employee works in a different state or for a different tribe than the issuing jurisdiction, a copy of the IWO must be provided to the employee.
If the employee/obligor works in a State or for a Tribe that is different from the State or Tribe that issued this order, a copy of this IWO must be provided to the employee/obligor.
Civil cases
Page 1 | INCOME WITHHOLDING FOR SUPPORT ORDER AND FLORIDA ADDENDUM
The Petitioner must deliver the Standing Temporary Order to the process server for service on the Respondent with the paternity or parental-responsibility petition.
In addition, the Petitioner shall deliver a copy of this Standing Temporary Order to the process server to be served on the Respondent with the Petition for Paternity or other petition requesting the Court to establish parental responsibility and time-sharing.
Page 3 | Service, Application, and Term of This Order
A self-represented party must file pleadings with the clerk and simultaneously send copies to every other represented or self-represented party.
A self-represented party must file his or her pleadings with the Clerk of Court and send copies simultaneously to other lawyers or self-represented parties.
Page 6 | Self-Represented Parties
Self-represented parties must immediately notify the clerk and all other parties in writing of changes to their mailing address, telephone number, or email address.
Self-represented parties must immediately notify the Clerk of Court and all other lawyers or parties in writing of any change in mailing address, telephone number, or email address.
Page 6 | Self-Represented Parties
After the Final Judgment is signed, counsel must sign the certificate of service and provide copies to all parties.
• Once the Final Judgment is signed, counsel must sign the certificate of service and provide copies to all parties.
Civil cases
Page 1 | ATTORNEY-REPRESENTED UNCONTESTED DISSOLUTIONS
A complete certificate of service identifying both parties must accompany the final hearing submission.
with a complete certificate of service including both parties to the Final Hearing.
Civil cases
Page 3 | CASES WITH MINOR CHILDREN - THE FOLLOWING ARE ALSO REQUIRED
A copy of the income deduction order must be served on the obligor’s payor or payors.
A copy of the Income Deduction Order will be served upon the obligor’s payor or payors.
Civil cases
Page 1 | STATEMENT OF OBLIGOR’S RIGHTS, REMEDIES, AND DUTIES
Filing Fees and Waivers
The recording fee must be paid directly to the Clerk of Court.
RECORDING FEE: Recording fee must be paid directly to the Clerk of Court
Civil cases
Page 1 | Required Check List for Entry of Final Judgment without Personal Appearance
The recording fee must be paid directly to the clerk of court.
RECORDING FEE: Recording fee must be paid directly to the Clerk of Court
Civil cases
Page 1 | Required Check List for Entry of Final Judgment without Personal Appearance
Any fees due for an electronic filing may be paid by credit card or electronic check through the portal's payment tab.
On the payment tab, you may pay any fees that may be due. You may pay by credit card or electronic check.
Pro se cases
Page 1 | How do I access the E-Filing Portal?
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Counsel must provide courtesy copies of all materials intended for reliance at a hearing to the court and opposing counsel at least three court days before the hearing.
Counsel is required to provide the court (and opposing counsel) with courtesy copies of any memoranda, case law or any other materials on which counsel may rely at a scheduled hearing at least three (3) court days before the scheduled hearing.
Civil cases
Page 3 | 5. Courtesy copies of materials for hearings
Counsel must provide the court and opposing counsel courtesy copies of materials relied upon at a scheduled hearing at least five court days before the hearing.
Counsel is required to provide the court (and opposing counsel) \ /ith courtesy copies of any memoranda, case law or any other materials on which counsel may rely at a scheduled hearing at least five (5) court days before the scheduled hearing.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Ninth Judicial Circuit Court Circuit Civil Court Guidelines
Filing Bundling Requirements
The Verified Checklist and Notice of Final Hearing must be filed as separate documents simultaneously.
The Verified Checklist for Attorney Uncontested Dissolution of Marriage and the Notice of Final Hearing must be filed as separate documents at the same time.
Civil cases
Page 1 | ATTORNEY-REPRESENTED UNCONTESTED DISSOLUTIONS
All agreements must be attached to the Final Judgment in a single PDF file.
all Agreements attached to Final Judgment in ONE .PDF file.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Required Check List for Entry of Final Judgment without Personal Appearance
All agreements must be attached to the final judgment in one PDF file.
ALL Agreements attached to Final Judgment in ONE .PDF file.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Required Check List for Entry of Final Judgment without Personal Appearance
The verified checklist and notice of final hearing must be filed simultaneously as separate documents.
The Verified Checklist for Attorney Uncontested Dissolution of Marriage and the Notice of Final Hearing must be filed as separate documents at the same time.
Civil cases
Page 1 | ATTORNEY-REPRESENTED UNCONTESTED DISSOLUTIONS
The verified checklist and notice of final hearing must be filed as separate documents simultaneously.
• The Verified Checklist for Attorney Uncontested Dissolution of Marriage and the Notice of Final Hearing must be filed as separate documents at the same time.
Civil cases
Page 1 | ATTORNEY-REPRESENTED UNCONTESTED DISSOLUTIONS
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Parties must discuss any motion with the opposing party before setting it for a hearing, and the discussion must be conducted by telephone or in person rather than solely by email or text.
The Court has a meet-and-confer rule that requires parties to discuss any motion before a party sets the motion for a hearing to see if the parties can reach agreement.
Page 8 | 14. COMMUNICATION WITH OPPOSING PARTY, COURT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
For motions to be set for hearing in the domestic division, counsel must conduct a mandatory meet-and-confer process before scheduling the hearing, except for motions for injunctive relief without notice, judgment on the pleadings, and summary judgment.
A mandatory meet and confer process is hereby established, as set forth below, for all motions to be set for hearing in the domestic division and must occur before scheduling the hearing, except for the following motions: injunctive relief without notice; judgment on the pleadings; or summary judgment.
Civil cases
Page 2 | 4. Mandatory meet and confer process
Parties must discuss any motion with the opposing party or counsel by telephone or in person before setting it for a hearing; exchanging emails or texts does not satisfy the requirement.
The Court has a meet-and-confer rule that requires parties to discuss any motion before a party sets the motion for a hearing to see if the parties can reach agreement. This meet-and-confer requirement cannot be fulfilled by the exchange of emails or texts; the parties or their attorneys must have a conversation over the telephone or in person.
Counsel must complete a mandatory meet-and-confer process before scheduling a hearing on motions in the circuit civil division, except for motions for injunctive relief without notice, judgment on the pleadings, summary judgment, or maintenance of a class action.
A mandatory meet and confer process is hereby established, as set forth below, for all motions to be setfor hearing in the circuit civil division and to occur before scheduling the hearing except for the following motions: injunctive relief without notice; judgment on the pleadings; summary judgment; or to permit maintenance of a class action.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Ninth Judicial Circuit Court Circuit Civil Court Guidelines
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A party unable to complete pretrial requirements should file a timely motion to continue the pretrial and state how many additional days are needed.
The Court expects that any Party who cannot provide a completed Equitable Distribution Spreadsheet and cooperate timely with the preparation of a Joint Pre-trial Memorandum/Stipulations will not file a Notice for Trial and will file a timely Motion to Continue the Pretrial. Any Motion to Continue should indicate how many days are needed to complete all requirements.
Civil cases
Page 72 | Cooperation Problems
Chambers Communication Rules
Counsel scheduling the hearing must inform the court and judicial assistant of any issue narrowing or other resolution resulting from the conference.
Counsel who notices the hearing shall ensure that the court and the court’s judicial assistant are aware of any narrowing of the issues or other resolution as a result of the conference.
Civil cases
Page 3 | 4. Mandatory meet and confer process
After agreeing on a hearing time, the party setting the hearing must confirm it with the judicial assistant by email.
Once a hearing time is agreed to, the party seeking to set the hearing shall then send an e-mail correspondence to the judicial assistant to confirm the hearing time.
Civil cases
Page 3 | 6. Scheduling hearing time and coordinating conflicts
Communications with chambers about scheduling hearings generally must be sent by email with the opposing party copied, unless the judicial assistant permits phone communication or directs another method.
All communications from a party to scheduling hearings shall be by e-mail correspondence copying the opposing party, unless the judicial assistant allows communication by phone or specifies otherwise.
Civil cases
Page 4 | 7. Communications regarding hearing scheduling
A party must provide any follow-up or confirmation email requested by the judicial assistant regarding hearing scheduling.
If the judicial assistant requests a follow-up or confirmation e-mail correspondence, the party shall comply.
Civil cases
Page 4 | 7. Communications regarding hearing scheduling
Legal papers and other written materials should not be sent to the judge unless the judge requests them or law or administrative procedures require them.
Copies of legal papers or other written materials should not be sent to the Judge unless specifically requested by the Judge or unless required by law or administrative procedures.
Page 6 | Self-Represented Parties
Parties are prohibited from communicating privately with the judge by any stated or other method.
No party may communicate privately with the Judge either by letter, telephone, email, in person, or otherwise.
Page 6 | Self-Represented Parties
Before scheduling a hearing, conference, or deposition, counsel must make a good-faith effort to coordinate the date and time with opposing counsel and certify that effort in the notice of hearing.
When setting hearings, conferences, and depositions, an attorney may not schedule any matter without first making a good faith effort to coordinate the date and time with opposing counsel’s office and certifying on the notice of hearing that a good faith effort has been made with opposing counsel to resolve the issues of the motion.
If the judicial assistant requests confirmation by email, the party must provide the requested confirmation.
If the judicial assistant requests confirmation via an e-mail correspondence, the party shall comply.
Civil cases
Page 2 | 3. Cancellation of scheduled hearings
The hearing-time confirmation may be made by phone when the judicial assistant permits it.
This may be done by phone if allowed by the judicial assistant.
Civil cases
Page 3 | 6. Scheduling hearing time and coordinating conflicts
Parties must communicate with the judicial assistant by telephone or email, as directed, for non-scheduling matters and must provide any requested follow-up or confirmation email.
All communications from a party, other than those relating solely to scheduling hearing time, with ajudicial assistant for any given matter before the court shall be by telephone or by e-mail correspondence, depending on the judicial assistant's preference. If the judicial assistant requests a follow-up or confirmation e-mail correspondence, the party shall comply.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Ninth Judicial Circuit Court Circuit Civil Court Guidelines
Employees and obligors may contact the Orange County Clerk of Courts by phone at 407-836-2059, by email, or through the court website for questions.
To Employee/Obligor: If the employee/obligor has questions, contact ORANGE COUNTY, CLERK OF COURTS (Issuer name) by phone at 407-836-2059, by fax at N/A , by email or website at WWW.MYORANGECLERK.COM.
Civil cases
Page 7 | CONTACT INFORMATION
Employers and income withholders may contact the Orange County Clerk of Courts by phone at 407-836-2059, by email, or through the court website for questions.
To Employer/Income Withholder: If you have any questions, contact ORANGE COUNTY, CLERK OF COURTS (Issuer name) by phone at 407-836-2059, by fax at N/A , by email or website at: WWW.MYORANGECLERK.COM
Civil cases
Page 7 | CONTACT INFORMATION
Questions may be directed to the Orange County Clerk of Courts by email or through the listed website.
If you have any questions, contact ORANGE COUNTY, CLERK OF COURTS (Issuer name) by phone at 407-836-2059, by fax at N/A , by email or website at: WWW.MYORANGECLERK.COM
Civil cases
Page 1 | CONTACT INFORMATION
Questions may be directed to the Orange County Clerk of Courts by phone at 407-836-2059 or by email/website at the listed address.
If you have any questions, contact ORANGE COUNTY, CLERK OF COURTS (Issuer name) by phone at 407-836-2059, by fax at N/A , by email or website at: WWW.MYORANGECLERK.COM
Civil cases
Page 1 | CONTACT INFORMATION
Questions about an electronic filing may be directed to the Orange County Clerk of Court online or by telephone at 407-836-2000.
Still have questions about your filing? Contact the Orange County Clerk of Court online at www.myorangeclerk.com or call 407-836-2000
Pro se cases
Page 1 | Still have questions about your filing?
Employees or obligors with questions may contact the Orange County Clerk of Courts by phone at 407-836-2059.
To Employee/Obligor: If the employee/obligor has questions, contact ORANGE COUNTY, CLERK OF COURTS (Issuer name) by phone at 407-836-2059, by fax at N/A , by email or website at WWW.MYORANGECLERK.COM.
Civil cases
Page 1 | CONTACT INFORMATION
Employers or income withholders with questions may contact the Orange County Clerk of Courts by phone at 407-836-2059 or through the listed website.
To Employer/Income Withholder: If you have any questions, contact ORANGE COUNTY, CLERK OF COURTS (Issuer name) by phone at 407-836-2059, by fax at N/A , by email or website at: WWW.MYORANGECLERK.COM
Civil cases
Page 1 | CONTACT INFORMATION