FI Divisional Instructions

Judicial Practices and Procedures

Last updated 05/05/2026

Rosemarie Scher, Judge
Marianna Contreras, Judicial Assistant

Table of Contents

A. Communications with the Judicial Office

Method of Communication:

Family Law Division "FI": E-mail: CAD-DivisionFI@pbcgov.org.

The preferred method of communication with the judicial office for Division FI is email at CAD-DivisionFI@pbcgov.org. The subject line of any e-mail to the judicial office must contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter (e.g., 2024DR001234 SC – Doe v. Doe – 2-Hour Hearing Requested). Emails to Division FI must only relate to procedural or scheduling matters. Do not e-mail the Judicial Assistant, Judge or CAD divisional email about substantive court matters.

Ex parte Communications:

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 the parties concerning a pending or impending proceeding, unless authorized by law. All parties must be copied on any e-mail directed to the judicial office, unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.

Unsolicited Communications:

Parties may only contact the judicial office in accordance with these procedures and instructions. Unsolicited communications from non-parties will not be reviewed or considered by the Court.

Do Not Send Letters, Emails or Notes to the Court.

The Court does not act on letters, notes or emails sent by either party. The Court acts on petitions or motions properly filed with the Clerk of the Court. File the appropriate petition or motion with the Clerk of the Court, send a copy to the opposing side and a courtesy copy to the Court in order for requests to be addressed by the Court. All communication and/or documents emailed to the Court must state that they were emailed to the opposing side in the same email or they will be returned as ex parte communication.

E-Filing Portal Contact Information:

All attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an e-mail address to receive signed orders electronically, unless excused. Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.516. It is the responsibility of attorneys and self-represented litigants to update their contact information using Form 2.603 [Family Rule 12.915] any time there is a change in the e-mail account registered for electronic service.

Response to Inquiries:

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC: The Code of Judicial Conduct governing behavior by judges forbids the Judges of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit to discuss pending cases with the public. Please do not call the Court expecting to speak with a Judge about any case. The Court is only allowed to consider arguments made in the courtroom and in documents properly filed by actual parties in the case as authorized by law and the Rules of Court. The Court cannot ethically read or consider any other opinions or arguments about the case. Communications that do not meet these legal requirements cannot be forwarded to the Judges.

The judicial assistant is not authorized to provide legal advice.

The judicial assistant strives to substantively respond to all inquiries within one business day. If the judicial assistant is unable to substantively respond within one business day, your message will be acknowledged as received with an indication of when to expect a substantive response and alternate contact for immediate assistance.

When the judicial assistant is out of the office, your message will be acknowledged as received with an indication of when to expect a substantive response and an alternate contact for immediate assistance.

Other Communication Procedures:

Any e-mail sent to or from the judicial office may be a public record subject to disclosure.

B. Scheduling Procedures

Court Schedule:

Trials are scheduled per procedure described below: Setting Case for Trial.

Special Set Hearings must be requested by e-mail to: CAD-DivisionFI@pbcgov.org.

The uniform motion calendar is scheduled through the OnLine Scheduling System as described below.

Scheduling Hearings:

Uniform Motion Calendar (UMC):

• Please schedule UMC hearing online through the OnLine Scheduling System. UMC hearings are not scheduled with the judicial assistant.
• UMC hearing in Division FI are held on Tuesday and Thursday at 8:45 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. and Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
• UMC hearings must be coordinated with opposing counsel or pro se litigant (unless short notice is agreed by all parties).
• The Court will only allow a maximum of two (2) motions to be set on one case.
• Ten (10) minutes allotted (5 minutes per side).
• In order for the Court to consider any UMC motion, all notices and motions must contain a proper certificate of service listing the party and method of service. Certificates of service that generally "all counsel" or "per e-portal" are not accepted.
• Uncontested final hearings in dissolution, paternity, name change and temporary custody cases (without interpreter) will be heard on UMC.
• Contested evidentiary hearings and temporary custody cases (with interpreter) will not be heard on UMC.

At this time, the Court is not requiring a copy of the Notice of Hearing and Motion to be mailed/e-mailed to Chambers prior to the UMC hearing. Please be sure the motion and Notice of Hearing is docketed to the case prior to the hearing so that the Court may review all documents prior to the hearing. The Notice of Hearing must include the Court's Zoom information given in the OnLine System when scheduling the matter.

The Judge will review all motions and proposed orders for UMC prior to the hearing. Accordingly, prior to the scheduled hearing, please upload the proposed order and any supporting documents or required attachments (in PDF format) through the online services system. Please only submit your proposed orders 48 hours prior to your hearing and no sooner.

All notices of cancellation are to be filed with the Clerk of Court. The party setting the event in the OnLine System is required to cancel the event in the OnLine System. There is a cut off on the scheduling program of 24 hours prior to the event. If you are not able to cancel the UMC event through the system, notify the Court at CAD-DivisionFI@pbcgov.org and attach a courtesy copy of the filed notice of cancellation. No domestic violence matters may be set on the UMC unless directed by the Court. All motions are to be filed with the Clerk in the Domestic Violence Division. The motion will be forwarded to the Judge for review. The judicial assistant cannot cancel or change hearing dates/times.

Uncontested Dissolutions of Marriage

Uncontested Dissolutions of Marriage require a hearing at UMC. See instructions above. They may be conducted in person and/or hybrid as parties can choose to appear both by Zoom and in person. Parties appearing via Zoom must provide proper notice to all parties. The Court's static Zoom link is listed below and is given at the time of scheduling in the Online System. The proposed final judgment must be submitted via OLS only in WORD format. Documents listed below must be attached to the proposed final judgment in PDF format:

1. The Final Disposition Form;
2. Testimony Form;
3. Mediated Settlement Agreement - It is parties' duty to notify the Court if they are requesting the agreement not be attached to the final judgment;
4. Parenting Plan and Child Support Guidelines;
5. A copy of your client's driver's license - The driver's license issue date must demonstrate residency 6 months prior to filing of the petition;
6. A cover letter needs to specify that all parties, pro se or opposing counsel, have reviewed the Final Judgment and have no objection. Also, if there are children involved, the Final Judgment needs to incorporate specifics on child support (i.e. how much, how it is to be paid, & how often it is to be paid.)

Notice of Hearing:

A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.

A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must list the judge's remote platform credentials (see this website).

All Notices of Hearing must contain ADA notification language required by Florida Rule of General Practice & Judicial Administration 2.540 and Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Administrative Order 2.207 (as amended).

All evidentiary hearings require an Order Setting Hearing not a Notice of Hearing. Please see Uniform Motion Calendar instructions on UMC.

Certificates of Service with the language "All Parties", "e-portal", or other general language are NOT accepted in this Division. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE SHALL LIST EACH PARTY SERVED and the method of service (i.e. address, email etc.).

Submission Deadlines:

Case Law shall be sent by hard copy and received three (3) business days prior to the hearing. No more than three (3) cases per issue.

Order of Proceedings:

Continuance Procedure:

All Motions for Continuances must be in compliance with Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.545(e):

All motions for continuance shall be in writing unless made at a trial and, except for good cause shown, shall be signed by the party requesting the continuance. All motions for continuance in priority cases shall clearly identify such priority status and explain what effect the motion will have on the progress of the case.

Continuances are disfavored and will be granted only upon good cause shown. The motion shall indicate whether the party has sought any prior continuances. Lack of due diligence is not grounds for granting a continuance.

Cancelling Hearings:

Matters set by order of the Court (trials and evidentiary hearings) can only be cancelled by order of the court.

UMC hearings only may be cancelled by a Notice of Cancellation and removal of the event from the OnLine System. Please immediately notify the judicial assistant. You must also immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

Other Scheduling Procedures:

Notices of Unavailability:

When setting special set hearings and trials Division FI shall consider previously filed Notices of Unavailability. In reviewing the same, the Court will take into account all Court ordered events with case number annotated, scheduled CLE commitments, and pre-paid personal vacations. The Court has discretion whether to consider other dates not delineated including depositions and mediations that are not Court ordered. The Court will not consider blanket statements of unavailability. It is counsel's responsibility to update and file Notices of Unavailability.

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C. Remote Appearance

Remote Appearance Procedure:

Parties must comply with Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Procedure. 2.530.

Platform Used:

The court uses Zoom for remote appearances.

Platform Meeting ID#:

Dial by your location:
US Toll-free 877-835-5257
US Toll-free 888-475-4499

Requirements:

Certain hearings are eligible for remote appearance without court approval. These include: UMC and Uncontested dissolutions.

Any person appearing remotely must be in a private location that is quiet and free from distractions. Under no circumstances will a participant be permitted to appear remotely from a moving vehicle. Under no circumstances should a minor child be within listening distance of any court proceedings.

Any person appearing remotely must enable the person's camera when joining the proceeding and keep the camera turned on until instructed otherwise by the court.

Any person appearing remotely must mute the person's microphone when joining the proceeding and keep the microphone turned off until instructed otherwise by the court.

If a witness appears remotely, the party calling the witness must ensure the witness has a functioning camera and microphone and has tested the internet connection before the hearing. The oath will be administered in accordance with Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.530.

Technology Needs:

The Court follows the procedures set forth in Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.530 when seeking to utilize communication technology during a court proceeding.

Court Technology will be able to assist with technological courtroom equipment. For more information, please review this page Court Technology.

Other Remote Appearance Procedures

Any witness appearing via video will be sworn-in by the court. Out of state witnesses appearing remotely must agree to being sworn in by video / zoom. It is incumbent upon the proponent of the witness to confirm the witnesses agrees prior to the hearing.

Any witness appearing via telephone (no video) must have a notary public available to be sworn-in or have filed an Affidavit if a notary is not available.

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D. Submission of Orders and Judgments

Format:

All proposed orders must be submitted via the Online System on the 15th Circuit website in Word format and provided to opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

Submission Method:

All proposed orders must be submitted to the court by the Online System on the 15th Circuit website.

Self-represented litigants excused from e-mail service may submit proposed orders to the court by U.S. mail or hand-delivered to the judicial office.

This division does NOT use e-courtesy.

Proposed Orders

All proposed orders must be submitted through the OnLine System. In the notes/comments section you MUST indicate whether it is one of the following utilizing one of the formats and exact language below:

• AGREED ORDER WITHOUT HEARING: [Name of Order / attached motion / agreement].
• ORDER AFTER HEARING: Parties agree the order [Name of Order] accurately reflects the Court's ruling after the hearing on [DATE AND TIME OF HEARING].
• PARTIES CANNOT AGREE ON A PROPOSED ORDER [DATE AND TIME OF HEARING]. Attached is the transcript. Attached is [Husband/Wife's] proposed order and Husband/Wife's proposed changes/ disagreement to the same. The parties (attorneys and clients) understand the parties have a duty to attempt to resolve any conflicts and accurately set forth the ruling made by the Court. The parties understand the Court may enter an order sanctioning the party whose disagreement is contrary to the Court's clear ruling in the transcript.
• FUTURE PROPOSED ORDER FOR HEARING ON [DATE AND TIME OF HEARING]: Wife/Husband's Proposed Order that has been provided to opposing counsel.

Proposed orders no longer require the date in the "DONE AND ORDERED" section and no longer requires a signature line for the judge ad orders are now signed electronically.

Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)

Please comply with Administrative Order 5.213 when seeking entry of a QDRO.

After all requirements have been met pursuant to the A.O., please upload the proposed QDRO via OLS with the Motion for Entry of a QDRO and the letter of plan approval as attachments. The Judge will review the Motion and proposed QDRO and either sign and issue the QDRO, set the matter for hearing, or generate a rejection memo outlining any issues.

Use Of Generative Artificial Intelligence

With parties' and counsels' increased reliance on Artificial Intelligence, the Chief Judge has issued Administrative Order 2.109-4/26. Administrative Order 2.109 applies to attorneys and self-represented litigants appearing before the Circuit and County Courts of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit.

Any attorney or self-represented litigant who uses any generative artificial intelligence tool in the preparation of a pleading, motion, memorandum, response, proposed order or other court document, must disclose such use on the face of the filing.

Deadline for Submissions:

All proposed orders are to be submitted to the court for review no later than 48 hours following the hearing and no earlier than 48 hours prior to the hearing via OLS. Any extensions to this 48-hour deadline must be otherwise stated by the Court at the time of the hearing.

Other Procedures Relating to Submission of Orders and Judgments:

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E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

When Required:

Courtesy copies of memorandum of law and legal authority must be submitted to the court before any hearing or trial.

Division FI does not use e-courtesy.

The court does not require the submission of courtesy copies of Notices of Hearing or Orders Setting Hearing.

Format:

E-mail courtesy copies of documents less than 10 pages (ex.: motions, memorandum of law and legal authority) for Special Set Hearings to the Court for review in advance of all hearings 3 business days prior to the scheduled hearing. Judge Scher will review all motions, memorandum of law and legal authority prior to all Special Set Hearings.

Courtesy copies must be submitted in PDF/a format.

Memorandums must not exceed ten (10) pages without good cause.

Legal authority is to be limited to the best three cases per issue absent good cause and no string citations.

E-mail courtesy copies of documents less than 10 pages (ex.: motions, memorandum of law and legal authority) for Special Set Hearings.

Courtesy copies must be printed on 8.5 x 11-inch paper and submitted in three-hole punched binders when greater that 20 pages.

Submission Method:

Courtesy copies of documents less than 10 pages (ex.: motions, memorandum of law and legal authority) for Special Set Hearings must be submitted to the court by e-mail to CAD-DivisionFI@pbcgov.org.

Courtesy copies of documents more than 10 pages (ex.: motions, memorandum of law and legal authority) for Special Set Hearings must be submitted to the court by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to the judicial drop box in the courthouse. Note: the Court generally takes approximately three days to receive any documents dropped in the judicial drop box.

Self-represented litigants excused from e-mail service may submit courtesy copies to the court by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to the judicial drop box in the courthouse.

Deadline for Submissions:

Courtesy copies must be submitted to the court no later than three (3) days before any hearing or trial.

Any deviation from this deadline will be detailed in the Order Setting Hearing or Order Setting Trial for that event.

Other Courtesy Copies Procedures:

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F. Emergency and Other Urgent Matters

Requirements:

Emergency Matters for cases will be determined according to Administrative Order. 5.203.

Scheduling:

If the court determines that an emergency exists, a hearing will be scheduled unilaterally by the court. All parties shall make themselves available for the emergency hearing, barring exigent circumstances.

Other Procedures Relating to Emergency and Other Urgent Matters:

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G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

Submission Method:

Judge Scher does not use Electronic Exhibits submitted through the OnLine System.

Hard copies of exhibits do not need to be submitted to Judge Scher's office prior to the hearing or trial.

For hearings with the General Magistrate or Senior Judge, parties may submit Electronic Exhibits submitted through the OnLine System

Format:

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.

Exhibits must be labeled in the following format:

• Petitioner (Wife / Husband) or Respondent (Wife / Husband)
• Case Number:
• Date:
• Exhibit Number:
• Objection: Yes / No
• Admitted: Yes / No
• Received by Judge Rosemarie Scher

There in an example of a "sticker" format for labeling evidence available on the Clerk of Court website.

Deadline for Submissions:

If the event is in person and more than one hour, you must provide opposing counsel in writing the opportunity to review exhibits two (2) days prior to hearing and bring pre-marked exhibits to the event. Any order setting hearing or trial will control if any deadline differs from the one set forth herein. This rule does not apply if the matter was set in less than 7 calendar days, is one hour or less, or is a Domestic Violence proceeding.

Other Procedures Relating to Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings:

If the event is assigned to Division FI and scheduled before the General Magistrate, please see that magistrate's website for directions on submission of evidence.

If the event is assigned to Division FI and scheduled before the Senior Judge, please submit evidence electronically through OnLine Services.

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H. Pretrial Procedures and Conferences

Case Management Conference (CMC):

Parties frequently request a case management conference. Prior to setting a request for case management conference on UMC via OnLine System, the requesting party shall file a notice with all of the following identified by docket number when appropriate, and date of filing:

1. Indicate the docket numbers of the controlling pleadings;
2. Indicate the docket numbers of the responsive pleadings including any counter-petitions and answers;
3. If post judgment, identify the docket numbers of the referral to the Magistrate, timely Objection, and Order regarding the Objection;
4. Indicate the date mediation was attended AND what issues, if any, were resolved;
5. Indicate the docket numbers of both parties' Financial Affidavits and dates filed;
6. Indicate the docket numbers of both parties' social security numbers filed;
7. Indicate the docket numbers of both parties Notice of compliance with Mandatory Disclosure;
8. If children: indicate the docket numbers of each parties' certificate of completion of Parenting Course (NOTE: the person requesting case management MUST have completed course).
9. The requesting party must have a telephone or zoom conference with the other party's counsel to discuss and include in the motion any outstanding motions that have been filed and requests to be heard prior to trial and all matters set forth in Family Rule of Procedure 12.200 and file a joint statement addressing all of the above.
10. Upon compliance of the above, counsel may coordinate a UMC via the OLS system for case management conferences / pretrial conferences certifying compliance with above.

Status Conference:

Follow case management procedures.

Requirements:

Any request for a CMC or status conference must articulate the reasons for the necessity of the conference.

Scheduling:

If the court grants the request for a CMC or status conference, the moving party must schedule the CMC or status conference pursuant to the procedures noted under the above Scheduling Procedures.

Other Procedures Relating to Pretrial Procedures and Conferences

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I. Setting Case for Trial

Procedure:

Requests for Trial Date:

When a case is at issue, file a Notice for Trial with a courtesy copy to Court including the following:

1. Indicate the docket numbers of the pleadings at issue ready to be tried with AMOUNT OF TIME REQUESTED;
2. Indicate the docket numbers of the responsive pleadings at issue ready to be tried including any counter-petitions and answers;
3. If post judgment, identify the docket numbers of the referral to the Magistrate, timely Objection, and Order regarding the Objection;
4. Indicate the date mediation was attended AND what issues, if any, were resolved;
5. Indicate the docket numbers of both parties' Financial Affidavits and dates filed;
6. Indicate the docket numbers of both parties' social security numbers filed;
7. Indicate the docket numbers of both parties Notice of compliance with Mandatory Disclosure;
8. If children: indicate the docket numbers of each parties' certificate of completion of Parenting Course (NOTE: the person requesting trial MUST have completed course).

Instructions for Special Set Hearings

Use of Online System for setting 30 minute hearings is temporarily suspended for Division FI. Please send request for time to CAD-DivisionFI@pbcgov.org, copying the other parties. The email request must provide case number, complete style of the case, amount of time needed, the motion(s) to be heard including full title of the motion and filing date(s) of the motion(s) or docket entry number(s), if available.

Please email the Court's judicial assistant for special set hearings that require longer than a UMC hearing. (No evidentiary matters (other than uncontested dissolutions / paternity final hearings) are heard on UMC.) Submit requests to CAD-DivisionFI@pbcgov.org, copying the other parties, to obtain available dates and times to coordinate with the opposing party. In the email request, the party requesting the hearing shall provide case number, complete style of the case, amount of time needed, the motion(s) to be heard including full title of the motion and filing date(s) of the motion(s) or docket entry number(s), if available. Please be advised the requests are logged and processed in order of administrative priority, statutory guidelines, and date of receipt. Once all parties have coordinated in good faith and selected a date, the party requesting the hearing is to email the judicial assistant to verify that the date selected is still available. Once parties receive an email confirmation that the date and time is secured they may submit their Order Setting Hearing through the Online System for the Court's signature (not a Notice of Hearing filed with the Clerk of Court). Kindly be advised, delay in coordination and securing the date may result in losing the date.

The Court is cognizant that many evidentiary hearings cannot be handled remotely unless the parties can reach agreement on some of the procedural or evidentiary rules. Parties must have had a remote conference prior to the evidentiary hearing to discuss evidentiary and witness stipulations. If the parties have not complied with these instructions and a remote hearing may not be effectively conducted, the Court will discontinue the hearing and reset the hearing for an in-person hearing.

If you believe that your case requires emergency action pursuant to Family Administrative Order 5.203-1/17, you should file the appropriate motion in writing. DO NOT CONTACT THE COURT UNLESS YOUR MOTION HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE CLERK.

Contested Evidentiary Hearings and Dissolution Trials

For all trials:

A pre-trial stipulation must be filed no later than 2 business days prior to hearing with a courtesy copy submitted to the Court via email. If a joint stipulation cannot be reached, counsel must certify the attempts to obtain one, including that counsel provided the submitted unilateral proposed stipulation to opposing counsel at least 48 hours prior to submission to the Court with no response. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the Court cancelling your trial.

The stipulation must include the witnesses to be called, not just attaching the witness lists, the agreed to issues and any stipulated facts, disputed issues with the relief requested by each party, disputed assets and liabilities (see below), proposed parenting plan, proposed child support guidelines.

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J. Forms

Access:

Division forms are available on the Division FI Forms and Orders page.

A complete listing of Administrative Orders for the 15th Circuit is available under the Court Reference and Research section of the 15th Circuit Website. [see Administrative Orders]

Florida Supreme Court Family Law Forms are available on the Florida Court's website.

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K. Other Division Procedures

ADA Accommodations:

• If you need an ADA accommodation, please contact the ADA Coordinator via the Court's ADA page.
• Information on ADA accommodations can be found on the Court's ADA page.

Interpreter Requests:

• Information on interpreters' services can be found on the circuit's website on the Court Interpreters page.
• If an interpreter is needed for you, a party or witness in your case, it shall be the responsibility of the party needing same to provide a qualified interpreter.

Other Division Procedures:

Uncontested Dissolutions via Zoom on UMC:

At least 48 hours prior to an uncontested dissolution final hearing and no sooner, Counsel shall upload via OnLine Services a copy of the proposed judgment in Word format which has been approved by the other party and includes the amount of child support, if applicable, and direction on same. All attachments (such as marital settlement agreement, child support guidelines) must be in PDF format. A cover letter or the comments must indicate the proposed final judgment has been approved. Additionally, attached to the proposed final judgment must be any agreements in PDF, parenting plan with child support guidelines if applicable, proof of residency (DL or Witness Affidavit or Florida ID), a testimony form, and a final disposition form

Failure to provide this information will result in the matter not being heard and the parties will be required to reset the matter.

Motions to Withdraw:

On March 20, 2025 the Florida Supreme Court published revisions to the Florida Rules of General Procedure and Judicial Administration. Rule 2.515(b)(2)((A) states: "A party not represented by an attorney must file and serve a designation of a primary e-mail address and up to 2 additional e-mail addresses for service using Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration Form 2.602 unless . . ." specific exemptions apply.

Additionally, a party must be served by paper if the unrepresented party has failed to register for the portal or designate an e-mail address for service. (See Rule 2.515(3)(B)(iii)).

If your client has executed a written consent and you have certified that you have provided Form 2.602 [Family Law Rule 12.915] to the client, a hearing is not necessary. You may submit the motion with the following:

1. An executed client consent;
2. Attorney certification that Form 2.602 [Family Law Rule 12.915] has been provided to the client;
3. A proposed order with the following: granting the motion to withdraw; stating the client must file Form 2.602 [Family Law Rule 12.915] within ten days of the order; a current client e-mail, address, and telephone number; and, directing the clerk to update the file.

Otherwise, a hearing that notices the client must be set on UMC via the OLS system.

Certificate of Service

Certificates of Service with the language "ALL PARTIES" are NOT accepted in this Division. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE SHALL LIST EACH PARTY SERVED and the manner which the party was served (listing email or address).

Equitable Distribution Pursuant to Florida Statute Section 61.075 (3):

In any contested dissolution action wherein a stipulation and agreement has not been entered and filed, any distribution of marital assets or marital liabilities shall be supported by factual findings in the judgment or order based on competent substantial evidence with reference to the factors enumerated in subsection (1). The distribution of all marital assets and marital liabilities, whether equal or unequal, shall include specific written findings of fact as to the following:

1. Clear identification of nonmarital assets and ownership interests;
2. Identification of marital assets, including the individual valuation of significant assets, and designation of which spouse shall be entitled to each asset;
3. Identification of the marital liabilities and designation of which spouse shall be responsible for each liability;
4. Any other findings necessary to advise the parties or the reviewing court of the trial court's rationale for the distribution of marital assets and allocation of liabilities.

Counsel must provide the Court a written numbered list of every disputed asset and liability with proposed value addressing all of the above no later than 2 business days prior to the hearing.

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence

With parties' and counsels' increased reliance on Artificial Intelligence, the Chief Judge has issued Administrative Order 2.109-4/26. Administrative Order 2.109 applies to attorneys and self-represented litigants appearing before the Circuit and County Courts of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit.

Any attorney or self-represented litigant who uses any generative artificial intelligence tool in the preparation of a pleading, motion, memorandum, response, proposed order or other court document, must disclose such use on the face of the filing.

General Magistrate Referrals

Pursuant to FL. Fam. Law. R.P. 12.490 General Magistrates and Administrative Order 5.104, all post judgment and non-child support matters are to be referred to the General Magistrate.

Pursuant to FL. Fam. Law. R.P. 12.491, for post judgment child support only no referral is necessary and the matter shall be heard by the child support hearing officer / General Magistrate.

Post judgment matters other than those dealing with child support, require an Order of Referral to Magistrate. The Order of Referral must include the date of filing of the motion, the specific Magistrate assigned, and the hearing room number of the Magistrate listed immediately above the style of the case.

Order of Referral to General Magistrates are to be sent directly to the Magistrates for review. Please see Administrative Order 5.104 regarding Appointment of Magistrates Please review the Magistrate's webpage for the instructions on submitting proposed orders via OnLine System, procedures for contacting that office and instructions for scheduling hearings with the magistrate.

Local Rule 4

The Court requires strict compliance with amended Local Rule 4. Prior to setting a matter on the motion calendar, the party or counsel noticing the motion shall attempt to resolve the matter and shall certify the good faith attempt to resolve. See amended Local Rule 4.

If all parties agree, Judge Scher will rule on any motions based on the written pleadings and responses without the necessity of a hearing.

For questions regarding how to upload or schedule via Online Services, visit our Court YouTube channel, CourtHelp4U for instructional videos.

Service by Publication

For information on the Court's requirements for Affidavits of Diligent Search and/or Service by Publication. Please go to the Service by Publication Information Sheet and Court's Minimum Requirements page.

Self-Represented Parties (Pro Se)

If you are a self-represented pro se party (with no attorney), you must contact the Family Court Case Manager for questions and procedural guidance regarding your case. Status inquiries should be made using the Family Case Inquiry system.

Child Custody Exchange Locations

Please take note that the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office has designated the neutral safe locations (a.k.a. "purple light" locations) for child custody exchanges pursuant to the Cassie Carli Law which went into effect on July 1, 2024.

The locations are as follows:

District 1 - West Palm Beach - 3228 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406

District 3 - North County - 8130 Jog Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33412

District 5 - Western Palm Beach County - 38840 State Road 80, Belle Glade, FL 33430-5617

District 7 - Boca Raton - 17901 State Road 7, Boca Raton, FL 33498

District 9 - Village of Royal Palm Beach - 11498 Okeechobee Blvd., Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411

Please check back frequently as this website is subject to change.

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