Judge Robin F. Fuson
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Case Law, Exhibits
Exhibits
Notice of Cancellation
Pretrial Memo
Adjournments
- A continuance request must be submitted at least five days before the scheduled court date.
- Continuances are disfavored and are granted only when good cause is shown.
- Unless good cause is shown, the continuance motion must be signed by the requesting party.
- The first case management conference may be canceled or rescheduled only with a written motion showing good cause and an order granting the cancellation or rescheduling.
- +2 more
Request must include
Communication
Chambers
Clerk
Clerk
Clerk
Phone
Court-wideChambers
Document Format Requirements7 rules
All motions will need to be typed (no handwritten motions) with opposing parties contact information included and filed with the Clerk of Court before asking for a hearing date.
Formatting
- •Motions must be typed; handwritten motions are prohibited
Exhibits must be labeled in the following format: “Petitioner/Plaintiff #1” or “Respondent/Defendant A”.
• Format: Physical/paper/hard copies of the case law and/or exhibits must be submitted to the Court.
- File type
- Paper
- Case law
- Exhibits
Competing proposed orders must be submitted in Word format.
- File type
- Word
- Competing proposed order
Court's wording
Proposed Orders that are NOT agreed upon by the parties, in other words, Competing Orders, should be submitted to the Judicial Assistant by e-mail and attached as a "WORD" formatted document, which will be forwarded to the Judge upon receipt of both proposed competing Orders or with a cover letter indicating the objections to portions of the proposed order.
Proposed Orders should have sufficient space in the signature area for the Court to sign (with the larger signature block) and not cover any of the proposed Order’s text.
Unless otherwise instructed, Proposed Orders that are agreed upon by both parties shall be submitted through the Florida E-Filing Portal in “PDF” format.
- File type
- Proposed order
• Submission Method: Physical/paper/hard copies of the exhibits may be submitted to the Court via mail or hand delivery.
- File type
- Paper
- Exhibits
Document Filing Requirements17 rules
All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.
A hearing notice must identify the motion, filing date and docket number, hearing time and date, location and courtroom, evidentiary status, court reporter status, and applicable Zoom information.
Court's wording
The hearing notice must include the following in addition to what the applicable law, including rules and administrative orders, requires: ===== PAGE 4 ===== The title of the motion to be heard The date the underlying motion was filed and docket number, if available The time and date of the scheduled hearing The hearing location, including courtroom # Whether the hearing is evidentiary Whether a court reporter has been reserved for the hearing Zoom Information if granted/applicable (Zoom ID: 543-055-2584)
The Court requires that a Notice of Hearing be filed for all hearings scheduled before the court.
A proposed Parenting Plan is also required if the case involves minor child(ren).
All post-judgment matters must have an order of referral to the Genera Magistrate filed at the same time the motion is filed.
A Final Disposition Form must be submitted at the time of submission of a proposed Final Order or Final Judgment in order to close the case.
Five (5) days prior to Trial in which alimony, child support and/or Attorney’s fees are an issue, each party is required to provide the Court a copy of their respective final financial affidavit highlighting only the entries that are contested.
When equitable distribution is at issue, attorneys must confer and submit one Excel ED worksheet distinguishing agreed and disputed items by highlight color.
Court's wording
If Equitable Distribution (ED) is an issue, please provide a single ED Worksheet in Excel highlighting those items the parties agree upon and a different highlight color for those items not agreed upon. Attorneys are required to confer prior to the submission and create one document for the Court’s consideration.
In cases involving children, the parties are required to upload a Certificate of Completion of Parenting Course and a Proposed Parenting Plan prior to PTC.
The parties in Dissolution of Marriage cases are required to upload an agreed Equitable Distribution chart prior to the PTC.
Division forms must be used for all relevant filings.
Before uploading to E-Portal, please ensure that the email of all parties associated with the case is listed on JAWS under “Associated Parties”.
All post-judgment matters MUST be mediated prior to the scheduling if ordered by the Court.
All Proposed Order should include a cover letter containing explanatory information, specifically: when the issue that is the subject of the proposed order was heard, the docket number of the motion, if the proposed order was provided to the opposing party, if an objection was received, if no response was received, and when the proposed order was provided to the opposing party.
• Requirements: Any request for a CMC or status conference must articulate the reasons for the necessity of the conference.
Please also organize the binders/documents with a “Table of Contents” with corresponding tabs displaying the documents.
Include
- •Table of contents
Failure to file these required documents may result in cancellation of the PTC and Trial.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
A Notice of Cancellation must be immediately e-filed with the clerk and sent by email to the division address as a courtesy copy.
A Notice of Cancellation MUST be immediately e-filed with the Clerk of Court AND a courtesy copy of said Notice of Cancellation sent to the division email address at FAMLAWDIVL@fljud13.org.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
An agreed proposed order for continuance must be uploaded to the E-Portal for electronic signature.
Upload the AGREED proposed Order for Continuance to the E-Poral for electronic signature.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Mutually agreed proposed orders must be submitted through the Florida E-Filing Portal in PDF format unless the court instructs otherwise.
Unless otherwise instructed, Proposed Orders that are agreed upon by both parties shall be submitted through the Florida E-Filing Portal in “PDF” format.
Page 8 | Submission of Orders and Judgments — Format
Each party must electronically file and serve its pretrial memorandum on the other party at least three business days before the pretrial conference.
A Pre-Trial Memorandum SHALL be electronically filed and served on each party by the other party, as well as a copy of both delivered to the Judge, at least three (3) business days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference.
Page 11 | I. Setting Case for Trial
After all parties agree on the trial date, the uniform order setting trial and pretrial must be uploaded through the E-Portal as a proposed order.
Once all parties agree to the trial date, the Uniform Order Setting Trial and Pre-Trial shall be uploaded, through the E-Portal as a proposed order, within 48-hours.
Page 11 | I. Setting Case for Trial
Competing proposed orders must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant as Word-format documents, with both orders or a cover letter explaining the objections received.
Proposed Orders that are NOT agreed upon by the parties, in other words, Competing Orders, should be submitted to the Judicial Assistant by e-mail and attached as a "WORD" formatted document, which will be forwarded to the Judge upon receipt of both proposed competing Orders or with a cover letter indicating the objections to portions of the proposed order.
Page 8 | Submission of Orders and Judgments — Format
Mutually agreed proposed orders should be submitted electronically to the judge in Family Law Division I through the Florida E-Filing Portal.
Proposed Orders that are agreed upon by the parties should be submitted to the Judge in Family Law Division "I" electronically through the Florida E-Filing Portal.
Page 8 | Submission of Orders and Judgments — Submission Method
Incoming withholding orders may be uploaded through the Florida E-Filing Portal.
Incoming Withholding Orders can be uploaded into E-Filing Portal.
Page 8 | Submission of Orders and Judgments — Format
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Exhibits, motion responses, and case-law copies received less than five business days before the hearing will not be reviewed or considered.
Any exhibits, responses to motions and copies of case law received by the Court less than five (5) business days before the hearing will not be reviewed or considered at the hearing.
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Exhibits, motion responses, and copies of case law must be delivered or mailed to the judge's chambers at least five business days before the hearing, with copies provided to all case parties.
Exhibits, responses to motions and copies of case law must be delivered or mailed to the Judge's chambers (copies of any documents provided to the Judge must be provided to all parties to the case) five (5) business days before the hearing.
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
At least two business days before a temporary-relief hearing, the moving party must file the original memorandum, serve all parties, and deliver a copy to the judge.
At least two (2) business days prior to the scheduled Hearing, the moving party shall file the original Temporary Relief Hearing Memorandum with the Clerk of the Court and serve a copy on all parties, as well as deliver a copy to the Judge.
Page 6 | TEMPORARY RELIEF
The party directed to prepare an order or judgment must submit the proposed order within 10 business days after the court’s decision.
Unless otherwise specified by the Court, the Attorney or self-represented party directed to prepare the Order or Judgment must submit the proposed order to the Court within ten (10) business days after the Court’s decision.
Page 8 | Submission of Orders and Judgments — Deadline for Submissions
If the designated party fails to submit the order or judgment, the opposing party may submit it within 5 business days after the initial 10-business-day period.
If the Attorney or self-represented party designated to prepare the Order or Judgement fails to submit it, the Attorney for the opposing party or the opposing self-represented party may submit a Proposed order or Judgment within five (5) business days after that initial ten (10) day period.
Page 8 | Submission of Orders and Judgments — Deadline for Submissions
Responses to motions and copies of case law must be delivered to the court three days before the proceeding.
• [Other Courtesy Copies Procedures]: Responses to motions and copies of case law must be delivered to the Court three (3) days prior to any proceeding.
Page 9 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Courtesy copies must be submitted at least five days before the proceeding in which the case law or evidence will be used.
• Deadline for Submissions: Courtesy copies must be submitted to the Court no less than five (5) days prior to any proceeding in which case law/evidence is to be used.
Page 9 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Responses to motions and copies of case law must be delivered to the court three days before any proceeding.
Responses to motions and copies of case law must be delivered to the Court three (3) days prior to any proceeding.
Page 10 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Material delivered after the applicable hearing deadline will not be reviewed or considered at the hearing.
Any material delivered to this court less than the deadline provided above for the hearing WILL NOT BE REVIEWED OR CONSIDERED AT THE HEARING.
Page 10 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
The proposed uniform order setting trial and pretrial must be uploaded within 48 hours after all parties agree to the trial date.
Once all parties agree to the trial date, the Uniform Order Setting Trial and Pre-Trial shall be uploaded, through the E-Portal as a proposed order, within 48-hours.
Page 11 | I. Setting Case for Trial
The pretrial memoranda and copies delivered to the judge are due at least three business days before the pretrial conference.
A Pre-Trial Memorandum SHALL be electronically filed and served on each party by the other party, as well as a copy of both delivered to the Judge, at least three (3) business days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference.
Page 11 | I. Setting Case for Trial
Service and Proof of Service Rules
A Notice of Hearing may be filed and served only after the Court confirms the hearing date or the other party fails to respond under the stated unilateral-setting procedure.
Only after the Court confirms the hearing date in the email, or if there has been no response from the other party pursuant to the above regarding the unilateral setting of a hearing, will the requesting party file and serve a Notice of Hearing.
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Attorneys must file a Notice of Hearing with the Clerk’s Office and serve notice on opposing counsel or a self-represented party.
Attorneys must file a Notice of Hearing with the Clerk’s Office and serve notice upon opposing counsel or a self-represented party in accordance with the applicable rules of procedure.
Page 5 | UNIFORM MOTION CALENDAR (UMC)/OPEN DOCKET & 10 MIN HEARING
Parties must be served with the filed motion or documents.
Parties on the case will need to be served with the filed motion or documents.
Page 6 | MOTIONS
Each party must serve its pretrial memorandum on the other party at least three business days before the pretrial conference.
A Pre-Trial Memorandum SHALL be electronically filed and served on each party by the other party, as well as a copy of both delivered to the Judge, at least three (3) business days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference.
Page 11 | I. Setting Case for Trial
Copies of documents provided to the judge must also be provided to all parties in the case.
copies of any documents provided to the Judge must be provided to all parties to the case
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Courtesy Copy Requirements
When a self-represented party has no email address associated with the case, the person submitting the proposed order through the portal must also mail that party a copy.
However, if one of the parties to the case is representing themselves and does not have an email address associated with the case, the individual submitting the Proposed Order through the E-Filing Portal must send a copy of the Proposed Order to the party that is self-represented and without an email address via mail.
Page 8 | Submission of Orders and Judgments — Format
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring enough copies of each exhibit for the court and every party.
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring sufficient copies of each exhibit for the Court and each party to review during the hearing or trial.
Page 9 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
An extra copy of the exhibits must be provided to the clerks at the time of the hearing.
AN EXTRA COPY MUST BE PROVIDED AT THE TIME OF THE HEARING FOR THE CLERKS.
Page 9 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Copies of both parties' pretrial memoranda must be delivered to the judge at least three business days before the pretrial conference.
A Pre-Trial Memorandum SHALL be electronically filed and served on each party by the other party, as well as a copy of both delivered to the Judge, at least three (3) business days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference.
Page 11 | I. Setting Case for Trial
A courtesy copy of the Notice of Cancellation must be emailed to the division address at FAMLAWDIVL@fljud13.org.
a courtesy copy of said Notice of Cancellation sent to the division email address at FAMLAWDIVL@fljud13.org.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Courtesy paper copies of case law and exhibits may be submitted by U.S. mail or hand delivery.
• Submission Method: Physical/paper/hard copies of the case law and/or exhibits may be submitted to the Court via U.S. mail or hand delivery.
Page 9 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A continuance request must be submitted at least five days before the scheduled court date.
A request for continuance must be submitted at least five days prior to the scheduled court date.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Unless good cause is shown, the continuance motion must be signed by the requesting party.
Except for good cause shown, the motion must be signed by the party requesting the continuance, as required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.545(e).
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
The first case management conference may be canceled or rescheduled only with a written motion showing good cause and an order granting the cancellation or rescheduling.
The First Case Management Conference will not be canceled or rescheduled absent good cause shown by written motion and an order canceling or rescheduling.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A CMC reset continuance requires emailing the Judicial Assistant and copying all parties.
Contact JA by email, copying all parties, to request a continuance of CMC Reset.
Page 5 | Resetting CMC
Continuances are disfavored and are granted only when good cause is shown.
Continuances are disfavored and will be granted only upon good cause shown.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
An agreed proposed order continuing a reset CMC should state the rescheduled hearing date and time.
Any agreed proposed order of continuance should include the CMC rescheduled hearing date and time.
Page 5 | Resetting CMC
Chambers Communication Rules
All parties must be copied on email sent to the Judicial Office unless ex parte communication is authorized by law.
Ex parte Communications: All parties must be copied on any e-mail directed to the Judicial Office, unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
The Court and Judicial Assistant should not be copied on scheduling emails with the opposing party.
Do not include the Court/Judicial Assistant in your scheduling emails with the opposing party.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Post-judgment motions must be referred to the General Magistrate and mediated if the Court orders mediation.
If your motion is Post-Judgment, IT MUST be referred to the General Magistrate and mediated if ordered to do so.
Page 5 | 15 MIN/30 MIN HEARING DOCKET
A scheduling request for a hearing longer than 30 minutes must be submitted by email to the court’s office.
Please email our office for any scheduling request for more than 30 minutes.
Page 6 | MORE THAN 30 MIN HEARINGS
Post-judgment hearings must be scheduled by emailing the Judicial Assistant.
You must email the Judicial Assistant to schedule post-judgment hearings.
Page 6 | MOTIONS
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an email address for electronic receipt of signed orders unless excused.
E-Filing Portal Contact Information: All attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an e-mail address to receive signed orders electronically, unless excused.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Hearing times are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, but a hearing will not be held until all parties agree on the time.
Hearing times are provided on a first come first served bases, however they will not be held until all parties have agreed upon the hearing time.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
The Court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties, and parties must follow the division’s communication practices and procedures.
Unsolicited Communications: Unsolicited communications from non-parties will not be considered by the Court. Parties may only contact the judicial office in accordance with these practices and procedures.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must update their registered electronic-service email information using Form 2.603 whenever the email account changes.
It is the responsibility of attorneys and self-represented litigants to update their contact information using Form 2.603 any time there is a change in the e-mail account registered for electronic service.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
A party or attorney receiving proposed hearing dates by email must respond with availability within two business days.
If the requesting party sends the dates the opposing part or attorney (whichever is applicable) by email, that responding party or the attorney’s office is responsible for responding with his/her availability within two (2) business days of receiving the request.
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Scheduling requests for hearing times should be sent by email to the Judicial Assistant, with the opposing party copied.
The requesting party should e-mail the JA for hearing time(s) and copy opposing party (if opposing party is not included, it will delay the response).
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
If the responding party does not respond within two business days, the requesting party may select a hearing date and time under the Administrative Order.
If the responding part or attorney fails to respond within two business dates of the request, the requesting party may pic the hearing date and time of his/her choice per the Administrative Order.
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
When all parties agree to a continuance, the Judicial Assistant must be contacted to remove the hearing or trial from the docket.
If a continuance is agreed upon by all parties, contact the Judicial Assistant to remove the Hearing and/or trial from the docket.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A party unable to obtain time on an available Motion Docket may email the Judicial Assistant for alternative hearing times and must copy all parties.
If you are unable to clear time on an available Motion Docket, you may email the Judicial Assistant to obtain alternative hearing times, with all partied copied on email.
Page 5 | 15 MIN/30 MIN HEARING DOCKET
All parties must be copied on scheduling emails, and a CMC may be set if a party has trouble obtaining hearing times.
All parties must be copied on the email, and if a party encounters any issues obtained hearing times, you may set a Case Management Conference (CMC) on the Open Docket so that the Court may address it.
Page 6 | MORE THAN 30 MIN HEARINGS
The JA may send communications outside business hours but might not respond to incoming communications.
ALTHOUGH THE JA MAY SEND COMMMUNICATIONS OUTSIDE OF BUSINESS HOURS, SHE MIGHT NOT RESPOND TO INCOMING COMMUNICATIONS.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
All communication with the Judicial Office should include: case number, case name, which party you represent, what you are asking to be set, and how long you will need for the Hearing.
All communication with the Judicial Office should include: case number, case name, which party you represent, what you are asking to be set, and how long you will need for the Hearing.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Email is the preferred method for communicating with the Judicial Office.
Method of Communication: The preferred method of communication with the Judicial Office is e-mail at FAMLAWDIVL@fljud13.org.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
The Judicial Assistant cannot answer legal questions or explain a party’s situation to the Judge; opportunities to address the Judge occur in court.
Response to Inquiries: The Judicial Assistant CANNOT answer your legal questions and will not explain your situation to the Judge. Your opportunity to speak to the Judge happens in court.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office