OVERVIEW OF PRESENTATION Documents generally Notices of
Hearings Motions Proposed Orders
Slide 3
Slide 4
Header In the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
In and For Palm Beach County, Florida In the County Court In and
For Palm Beach County, Florida Case Number Division
Slide 5
Title Include specifics not simply Motion or Order Plaintiff,
John Does, Motion for Partial Summary Judgment Order Denying
Plaintiff, John Does, Motion for Partial Summary Judgment
Slide 6
Slide 7
Date, Time, Location List in the Notice of Hearing Check to
make sure Judge has not suspended calendar Special Set Hearings
check with division re: online scheduling Make sure you have
correct room number
Slide 8
ADA Language Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.540 All
summonses and notices of hearings shall include the approved ADA
language in bold 14 point font (times new roman or courier font). 7
days advance notice is required. Administrative Order 2.207 Must
include Spanish and Creole translations. Language found at
www.15thcircuit.com
Slide 9
Example 1
Slide 10
Example 2
Slide 11
Example 3 Different Header/wrong local rule
Slide 12
Example 4 certificate of compliance
Slide 13
Wrong ADA Language
Slide 14
Used correct ADA format
Slide 15
Re-Notice of Hearing
Slide 16
There is no UMC Clerk
Slide 17
Slide 18
Title of Motion Clearly set forth the party seeking relief
State relief that is being sought
Slide 19
Body of Motion Should set forth statutes, rules, case law under
which motion should be granted Should set forth facts supporting
the basis upon which the motion should be granted Each point set
forth in different numbered paragraph Legal Argument should be in a
Memorandum of Law which is NOT filed with the Clerk of Court
Slide 20
Certificate of Service Include street address and email address
in Certificate of Service. Do NOT put copies provided to all
counsel of record. Must list specific attorneys
Slide 21
Wherefore Clause Set forth relief you want from court Dont ask
for attorneys fees unless there is a basis.
Slide 22
Signature Line Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.515
Every pleading and other document shall be signed by at least 1
attorney of record Signature is to include: Name Address on file
with The Florida Bar Telephone number with area code Primary e-mail
address and secondary e-mail addresses, if any Constitutes a
certificate that the attorney has read the pleading or document and
that to the best of the attorneys knowledge, information and
belief, there is good ground to support it and that it is not
interposed for delay.
Slide 23
Example 1
Slide 24
Example 2
Slide 25
Example 3
Slide 26
This is really a memo of law
Slide 27
Slide 28
Title of Order State whether the order was granted or denied
State the motion that is being ruled upon. Order Granting
Plaintiff, John Does, Motion for Partial Summary Judgment. Order
Granting in Part and Denying in Part Defendant Susan Smiths Motion
to Compel Production of Documents.
Slide 29
Body of Order May need to recite factual or procedural history
May need to recite findings of the court May need to recite case
law being relied upon
Slide 30
Ordered and Adjudged Clause Set forth what the court is
ordering It is hereby Ordered and Adjudged that the Plaintiff, John
Jones Motion to Compel is hereby Granted. It is further Ordered and
Adjudged that the Defendant, Susan Smith, shall pay the defendants
fees and costs in bringing this motion in the amount of
$500.00.
Slide 31
Done and Ordered Clause Done and Ordered this day of, 2013 in
Chambers in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County Florida. Done and
Ordered in Open Court in Delray Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida
this day of, 2013.
Slide 32
Signature Line Page containing judges signature MUST have text
of the order. Signature cannot be on a page by itself. List Judges
Name and underneath County Court Judge or Circuit Judge. Should
clearly identify Judge.
Slide 33
Service List Must separately list the names of attorneys or pro
se litigants receiving copy of order Cannot list Copies provided to
all counsel of record
Slide 34
Example 1
Slide 35
Example 2
Slide 36
Agreed Orders Parties agree and mail in order. Order must have
cover letter outlining case name, case number, if it is agreed, and
self addressed stamped envelopes (if judge not using
e-service)