Court Rules
Judge Charles E. Burton
Judge

Judge Charles E. Burton

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Fifteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Palm Beach County

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Document For Court Review
10 pgs
Motion Brief And Authority
10 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Filings < 10 pages

  • Email • Upon Filing

Filings <= 10 pages

  • Email • Within 24 Hours

Filings > 10 pages

  • Mail • Within 24 Hours

Motion

  • Email • Upon Filing
  • Upon request

Adjournments

  • A trial continuance requires a hearing on the Uniform Motion Calendar.
  • A trial continuance will be granted only when an emergency exists.
  • If opposing counsel or a pro se litigant cannot accept the moving party's dates, opposing counsel—not the moving party—must promptly obtain new dates from the Judicial Assistant.

Request must include

Reason For RequestEmergency NatureProposed New Dates

Communication

Other Contacts4 contacts

  • 561-274-1424
  • 561-624-6523
  • cad-divisionaa@pbcgov.org
  • (561) 355-2108

Chambers2 contacts

  • cad-divisioniz@pbcgov.org
  • 561-330-1723

Clerk2 contacts

  • communications@mypalmbeachclerk.com
  • (561) 355-2937

Intake Unit1 contacts

  • cad-web@pbcgov.org
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingProposed OrdersExhibitsMemorandaBinders/TabsLettersTRO/InjunctionSettlement

Page & Word Limits2 rules

Page Limits

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

The court can print only documents totaling ten pages or fewer.

The court can only print documents that are ten (10) pages or less.

Document For Court Review

10 pages

Page Limits

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

For special-set hearings, motions, supporting or opposing memoranda totaling no more than ten pages, and case authorities are reviewed in advance.

Judge Burton will review all motions, memoranda of law ten (10) pages combined maximum - either in support or opposition to the motion), and case authority in advance of all special set hearings.

Brief

10 pages

Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecProbate - Service and Preparation of Orders

Document Format Requirements8 rules

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

The first page of every exhibit must contain blank space sufficient for the court's evidence stamp.

Each exhibit's first page must have "blank space" sufficient to hold he court's evidence stamp.

Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecDigital Evidence Portal FAQs
Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

All recorded documents, including final judgments, must include a 3-by-3 space in the upper-right corner.

All recorded documents (including final judgments) must provide a 3x3 space in the upper right hand corner.

FormattingCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

All submitted cases and legal authorities must be tabbed, and their pertinent sections must be highlighted.

All cases and legal authorities submitted to the court must be tabbed, with pertinent sections highlighted.

Order-Specially-Setting-Hearing-IZ-Probate-2023
|SecORDER SPECIALLY SETTING HEARING
Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

An exhibit lacking first-page blank space must have a blank page prepended for stamping.

Exhibits without blank space on the first page should be prepended with a blank page, which will be stamped.

Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecDigital Evidence Portal FAQs
Formatting

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Note

Documents that fit in the South County Courthouse drop-off box may be delivered there.

You may use the drop off box on the first floor at the South County Courthouse as long as the documents fit in the drop off box.

Formatting

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Remember to leave a 3x3 inch blank space in the upper right hand corner for recording.

Summary: A proposed order must leave a three-by-three-inch blank space in its upper-right corner for recording.

Layout & Binding
Margins
Top:3"
Right:3"
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecProbate - Service and Preparation of Orders
Formatting

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

The Clerk of Court will no longer accept documents for recording without this space.

Summary: The clerk will not accept a document for recording if it lacks the required upper-right-corner space.

Formatting

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

Exhibits can be uploaded in either .pdf or .jpeg format.

Summary: Exhibits may be uploaded to the Digital Evidence Portal as PDF or JPEG files.

Required Format

PDF

Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecDigital Evidence Portal FAQs

Document Filing Requirements35 rules

Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

If the issue is resolved fewer than 24 hours before the hearing, excluding weekends, the moving party must appear at the hearing with a proposed order.

If the issue is resolved less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the hearing (excluding weekends), the moving party shall appear before the Court at the scheduled time of hearing with their proposed order.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Order-Specially-Setting-Hearing-IZ-Probate-2023
|SecORDER SPECIALLY SETTING HEARING
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

A trial-setting notice must identify the specific motion or petition/counter-petition and estimate the time needed for trial.

Notices must include specific motion or petition/counter petition to be tried and the estimate of time necessary for trial.

Document Type

Notice To Set Trial

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecNotice/Motion to Set Cause for Trial
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

A special-set hearing may be canceled only by further court order unless the matter is settled with an agreed order presented to the court or is withdrawn.

Special set hearings are set by Court order and cannot be cancelled except by further order of the Court unless the matter is settled (with an agreed order presented to Court) or withdrawn.

Document Type

Order Specially Setting Hearing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecProbate - Service and Preparation of Orders
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

The signature page of verified documents must include four lines of text from the petition.

ALL VERIFIED DOCUMENT PAGES MUST CONTAIN A PORTION OF THE OF THE TEXT OF THE PETITION (4 lines) ON THE SIGNATURE PAGE.

Document Type

Verified Document

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecPlease Note Probate Administration
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

Before guardian appointment, every proposed guardian must complete a level-two criminal background check and obtain a credit report.

Prior to the appointment of a Guardian, all proposed guardians are required to submit to a level 2 criminal check and a credit report as required by Florida Statue 744.3131.

Document Type

Guardian Appointment

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecFingerprint-Electronic Only and Credit Reports for All Guardians
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

The signature page of an order must include some text from the order.

Administrative Order 5.204 (PDF) requires that some portion of text of the Order be included on signature page.

Document Type

Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecProbate - Service and Preparation of Orders
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

Every hearing notice must include a certificate of conferral documenting the discussion, the movant's detailed efforts if no response occurred, or that conferral rules do not apply.

As required under Rule 1.202 (PDF), all hearing notices must include a certificate of conferral certifying that counsel for the movant has discussed the relief requested with opposing counsel, or certify that the opposing party did not respond describing with particularity all of the efforts undertaken to accomplish dialogue with the opposing party prior to filing the motion, or that the rules do not apply to their motion.

Document Type

Hearing Notice

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecAdversary Probate Proceedings
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

A proposed order must be accompanied by a cover letter identifying the hearing date.

Proposed order should include a cover letter specifying the date of the hearing.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecProbate - Service and Preparation of Orders
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

No proposed order setting a special-set hearing may be prepared or sent until the court confirms the date.

Do not prepare/or send an order setting the hearing until the court has "confirm" the date for a special set hearing.

Document Type

Order Specially Setting Hearing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecRequesting a Special Set Hearing MORE THAN THIRTY (30) MINUTES.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

Multiple orders for one case must be uploaded as separate OLS submissions rather than attached to another order.

If multiple orders are being submitted for a case, they must be uploaded separately and not as an attachment to another order.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

Every property-related guardianship requires a restricted depository.

A Restricted Depository is required for all guardianship involving property.

Document Type

Guardianship Involving Property

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

A party seeking to exclude expert testimony under Daubert must file a motion specifically identifying the grounds for the challenge.

Any party seeking to exclude expert testimony under a Daubert analysis pursuant to F.S. 90.702 shall file a motion with the court specifically identifying the basis for the Daubert challenge.

Document Type

Daubert Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecNotice/Motion to Set Cause for Trial
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

After all deficiencies are cured and supporting documents appear on the docket, proposed orders must be sent through OLS with a notation confirming that every deficiency has been cured.

Once ALL the cited deficiencies have been cured and related documents have posted on the docket, please send your proposed order(s) through OLS with a notation that all deficiencies have been cured.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

A party receiving a deficiency or rejection memorandum, status order, or other deficiency order may avoid an ex parte hearing by immediately curing the deficiency and filing proof of the cure.

If you receive a Deficiency or Rejection Memorandum, Status Order, or other Order of Deficiency, you may avoid an ex-parte hearing by curing your deficiency immediately and filing all necessary documentation to show the deficiency has been cured.

Document Type

Deficiency Cure

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

A hearing on a motion to withdraw is required only when the client did not sign a consent.

hearings on motions to withdraw are required ONLY if your client did not sign a consent.

Document Type

Motion To Withdraw Hearing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecProbate Uniform Motion Calendar (UMC)
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

An attorney or guardian fee petition must describe the ward's asset nature and value, monthly income, and monthly expenses.

all fee petitions should include the nature and value of the Ward's assets at the time of filing the fee request, the monthly income earned and the monthly expenses of the Ward.

Document Type

Attorney Or Guardian Fee Petition

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecImportant Update: Effective 8/14/19:
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

Before a matter is placed on the motion calendar, the noticing party or counsel must attempt to resolve it and certify the good-faith resolution attempt.

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.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

Any document emailed to the court must state in the same email that it was also emailed to the opposing side, or it will be returned as an ex parte communication.

All 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.

Document Type

Email Document

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:422909061b377c5afad61131 · Jul 2022
|SecDo not Send Letters, Emails or Notes to The Court
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

A Uniform Motion Calendar hearing is required only for contested or adversary matters.

UMC hearings are only required for contested or adversary matters.

Document Type

Umc Hearing Request

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecProbate Uniform Motion Calendar (UMC)
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

An incomplete or inaccurate probate checklist will be returned through a deficiency or rejection memorandum.

Incomplete or inaccurate checklists will be returned with a deficiency or rejection memorandum in the ordinary course.

Document Type

Probate Checklist

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecProbate Checklists Now Required in Division IZ
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

In the notes/comments section you MUST indicate whether it is one of the following utilizing one of the formats and exact language below:

Summary: The notes/comments field of a proposed order must contain one of the exact prescribed statements indicating the order's status.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecImportant: Submitting Proposed Orders
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Notice of Unavailability must be filed when filing a notice to set trial.

Summary: A Notice of Unavailability must accompany a notice to set a trial.

Document Type

Notice To Set Trial

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecNotice/Motion to Set Cause for Trial
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Instead, the last line should read "DONE and ORDERED in Palm Beach County, Florida."

Summary: The final line of an electronically signed proposed order must read “DONE and ORDERED in Palm Beach County, Florida.”

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecImportant: Submitting Proposed Orders
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

You may obtain a trial date before completing mediation, but you must complete mediation prior to trial.

Summary: A trial date may be requested before mediation, but mediation must be completed before trial begins.

Document Type

Trial Notice

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecNotice/Motion to Set Cause for Trial
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

All orders must state a mailing address and e-mail address for each party being served and that have registered e-mail addresses with the Clerk of Court.

Summary: Each order must include the mailing address and registered email address of every party being served.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Advise the court of the special set request and how much time is required for the special set.

Summary: The special-set request must state that a hearing is requested and specify the amount of time needed.

Document Type

Special Set Hearing Request

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecRequesting a Special Set Hearing MORE THAN THIRTY (30) MINUTES.
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

All waivers, consents, renunciations and receipt of assets must be notarized.

Summary: Waivers, consents, renunciations, and receipts for assets must be notarized.

Document Type

Waiver Consent Renunciation Or Receipt

Content & Formatting
Local Rule Certificate
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecPlease Note Probate Administration
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

All submitted orders are required to have the appropriate checklist(s) prepared and filed.

Summary: Every submitted order must have the appropriate probate checklist prepared and filed.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Content & Formatting
Local Rule Certificate
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecProbate Checklists Now Required in Division IZ
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

SUBJECT LINE: Request special set hearing, case number and case style

Summary: A request for a special-set hearing longer than 30 minutes must identify the case number and case style in the email subject line.

Document Type

Special Set Hearing Request

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecRequesting a Special Set Hearing MORE THAN THIRTY (30) MINUTES.
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Credit check can be done with the 3 major credit bureaus- must include FICO score:

Summary: The required credit report must include a FICO score.

Document Type

Guardian Credit Report

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecFingerprint-Electronic Only and Credit Reports for All Guardians
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Failure to comply with these procedures will result in cancellation of your hearing by the Court.

Summary: Failure to comply with the special-set scheduling procedures will result in court cancellation of the hearing.

Document Type

Special Set Hearing Request

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecProbate - Service and Preparation of Orders
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Probate Checklists are now Required for all Probate Filings

Summary: A probate checklist is required for every probate filing.

Document Type

Probate Filing

Content & Formatting
Local Rule Certificate
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

The Court acts on petitions or motions properly filed with the Clerk of the Court.

Summary: Requests must be submitted through a properly filed petition or motion with the clerk of the court.

Document Type

Petition Or Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:422909061b377c5afad61131 · Jul 2022
|SecDo not Send Letters, Emails or Notes to The Court
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

Please make sure to fully complete the appropriate probate checklist.

Summary: Petitions to Determine Homestead must be accompanied by the appropriate fully completed probate checklist.

Document Type

Petition To Determine Homestead

Content & Formatting
Local Rule Certificate
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecPlease Note Probate Administration
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

Documents without a checklist WILL be forwarded to the case manager for review in the ordinary course.

Summary: Documents submitted without a probate checklist will be forwarded to the case manager for ordinary review.

Document Type

Probate Filing

Content & Formatting
Local Rule Certificate
Fifteenth Fl:a5841e9c3c9213d3f3d0183c
|SecProbate Checklists Now Required in Division IZ

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

All exhibits must be uploaded to the Digital Evidence Portal.

ALL EXHIBITS MUST BE UPLOADED TO THE DIGITAL EVIDENCE PORTAL.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | ORDER SPECIALLY SETTING HEARING

Division IZ final judgments and orders emailed in Word format will be electronically signed and filed directly with the Clerk.

Probate Division "IZ" Final Judgments and Orders received by e-mail in WORD format, will be signed and filed directly with the Clerk of Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Probate - Service and Preparation of Orders

All proposed orders must be submitted in Word format through OLS for electronic signature.

All orders must be submitted in "Word format" via OLS for the court to electronically sign.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Online Services

A Notice of Hearing must be filed electronically, with a courtesy copy sent to the Judicial Assistant.

The Notice of Hearing must be e-filed and a courtesy copy sent to the Judicial Assistant.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Probate - Service and Preparation of Orders

After receiving a special-set hearing date and time, the requesting party must submit the proposed Order Setting Hearing in Word format through OLS.

Upon receipt of a special set hearing date and time, send proposed Order Setting Hearing in Word Format (See Divisional Forms and Orders) for Judge Burton's via OLS.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Probate - Service and Preparation of Orders

Probate proposed orders must be submitted through OLS and not emailed or mailed to chambers unless the court directs otherwise.

All proposed orders for probate cases must be submitted directly through the OLS system and should not be sent to the Judge's CAD division email or via us mail, unless otherwise instructed by the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Important: Submitting Proposed Orders

Emergency-hearing motions must be filed through the Clerk's e-portal using the designated Emergency Filing box.

Motions for Emergency Hearing should be filed with the Clerk's e-portal and then click the Emergency Filing box that states, "Check This Box to Specify That This is an Emergency Filing."

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Emergency Motions

All exhibits must be uploaded to the Digital Evidence Portal.

All Exhibits Must Be Uploaded to the Digital Evidence Portal.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Notice/Motion to Set Cause for Trial

Proposed orders should be submitted through OLS.

Proposed Orders should be submitted by OLS.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Probate - Service and Preparation of Orders

Guardian fingerprint and credit-check results must be electronically filed with a notice of confidential filing.

Results must be e-filed together with a notice of confidential filing within court file.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Fingerprint-Electronic Only and Credit Reports for All Guardians

The original notice or motion to set a cause for trial must be filed with the Clerk.

The original notice/motion to set cause for trial must be filed with the Clerk.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Notice/Motion to Set Cause for Trial

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

All memoranda and case authorities must be submitted to the court and opposing counsel at least five business days before the hearing, with the transmittal document identifying the hearing date and time.

All memoranda and/or case authority must be submitted to the Court and opposing counsel at least five (5) business days before the hearing and the transmittal document must designate the date and time of the hearing for which they are submitted.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | ORDER SPECIALLY SETTING HEARING

Parties must choose among the stated hearing-attendance or written-submission alternatives, and any Agreed Order disposing of the motion must be submitted at least 48 business hours before the hearing.

Accordingly, all counsel or self-represented parties must agree either: (1) to be present in person or appear via zoom if the special set hearing is two (2) hours or less; (2) be present in person if the hearing is two (2) hours or longer; [however, a witness may testify only in strict compliance with Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.530 and Fla. R. civ. P. 1.451]; (3) submit a written memorandum in lieu of personal appearance and oral argument; or (4) submit an Agreed Order disposing of the motion at least forty-eight (48) business hours prior to hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | ORDER SPECIALLY SETTING HEARING

A proposed final judgment may be submitted through OLS only within two days after the hearing or one day before it.

Proposed final judgments may be submitted via OLS only within two (2) days following the hearing or one (1) day prior to the hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Probate - Service and Preparation of Orders

Documents exceeding ten pages must be mailed for court review three business days before the hearing.

Any documents over the ten (10) page limit will have to be mailed to the court for review three (3) business days prior to the scheduled hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Online Services

Documents totaling ten pages or fewer may be emailed for court review at least three business days before the hearing.

Parties may e-mail documents ten (10) pages or less for the Courts review three (3) business days prior to the scheduled hearing to CAD-DivisionIZ@pbcgov.org.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Online Services

A proposed order must be submitted through OLS no later than 48 hours after the hearing or 48 hours before a future hearing.

All proposed orders shall be submitted to the court for review no later than 48 hours following the hearing via OLS or 48 hours prior to the scheduled hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Important: Submitting Proposed Orders

Guardian fingerprint and background records in the Clerk's database remain valid for two years.

Once in the data base the records remain valid on file for two (2) years.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Fingerprint-Electronic Only and Credit Reports for All Guardians

Service and Proof of Service Rules

All memoranda and case authorities must be submitted to opposing counsel at least five business days before the hearing.

All memoranda and/or case authority must be submitted to the Court and opposing counsel at least five (5) business days before the hearing and the transmittal document must designate the date and time of the hearing for which they are submitted.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | ORDER SPECIALLY SETTING HEARING

Trial orders must be served by email to every party registered for electronic service.

Trial Orders are served via email to all parties registered for e-service.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Notice/Motion to Set Cause for Trial

An order must not be emailed to an e-mail-excused attorney or an unconsenting pro se party; instead, the court must receive a hard copy and sufficient stamped return envelopes for service.

IF THE OPPOSING SIDE IS AN E-MAIL EXCUSED ATTORNEY OR A PRO SE party (unless pro se party has agreed to e-mail service) DO NOT SEND YOUR ORDER BY E-MAIL. A hard copy of the proposed order must be provided to the Court with sufficient self-addressed stamped envelopes provided to the Court for service.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Online Services

In mixed attorney-pro se cases, the trial notice must include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the pro se party, and the trial order will be emailed to counsel and mailed to the pro se party.

Submit the notice with a self-addressed stamped envelope stapled to the Notice for Trial for the pro se, and the trial order will be served via judicial e-service to the attorney and by U.S. Mail to the pro se party.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Notice/Motion to Set Cause for Trial

Matters must be noticed five days before hearings for in-state parties and ten days before hearings for out-of-state parties.

Matters brought before the court must be noticed five (5) days prior to the hearing for in-state residence and ten (10) days for out-of-state residence.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Probate - Service and Preparation of Orders

Filing Fees and Waivers

Guardian fingerprinting or criminal-check fees must be verified with the sheriff's department.

All fees must be verified with the sheriff department.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Fingerprint-Electronic Only and Credit Reports for All Guardians

Courtesy Copy Requirements

A properly filed petition or motion must be copied to the opposing side and accompanied by a courtesy copy to the court for the court to address the request.

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.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Do not Send Letters, Emails or Notes to The Court

If a motion is resolved before its hearing, the scheduled hearing must be canceled through OLS and an e-filed Notice of Cancellation must be emailed to Division IZ as a courtesy copy.

If you resolve your motion prior to the hearing date, please cancel your scheduled hearing via OLS and submit a courtesy copy of the e-filed Notice of Cancellation to CAD-DivisionIZ@pbcgov.org.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Probate Uniform Motion Calendar (UMC)

Counsel and parties must email courtesy copies of special-set motions, memoranda, and supporting case law five business days before the hearing and identify the referenced hearing date and time.

Accordingly, all counsel/parties should provide courtesy copies of their special set motions, memoranda of law and supporting case law to the Court via the following email address: CAD-DivisionIZ@pbcgov.org five (5) business days prior to the scheduled hearing and designate the date and time of the hearing which they reference.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Probate - Service and Preparation of Orders

The request for a special-set hearing longer than 30 minutes must include a courtesy copy of the motion to be heard.

Please attached a courtesy copy of the motion to be heard.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Requesting a Special Set Hearing MORE THAN THIRTY (30) MINUTES.

Counsel and parties must email courtesy copies of memoranda and supporting case law totaling no more than ten pages to the court five business days before the hearing and identify the referenced hearing date and time.

Accordingly, all counsel/parties are to provide courtesy copies of their memoranda of law and supporting case law (only if all documents combined are ten (10) pages or less) to the Court via the following e-mail address CAD-DivisionIZ@pbcgov.org five (5) business days prior to the scheduled hearing and designate the date and time of the hearing which they reference.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Courtesy Copies of Documents Less than 10 pages

Courtesy documents exceeding ten total pages must be mailed as hard copies five business days before the special-set hearing.

If the documents exceed ten (10) pages total, parties shall send courtesy hard copies via U.S. mail to the Court five (5) business days prior to the scheduled hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Probate - Service and Preparation of Orders

Courtesy documents exceeding ten total pages must be sent as hard copies by U.S. mail five business days before the hearing.

If the documents exceed ten (10) pages total, please send a courtesy hard copy only via US mail to the Court five (5) business days prior to the scheduled hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Courtesy Copies of Documents Less than 10 pages

Courtesy copies of motions, memoranda of law, and legal authority totaling under ten pages must be submitted to the court three business days before scheduled hearings.

Courtesy copies of documents less than ten (10) pages (ex.: motions, memorandum of law and legal authority) are be submitted to the Court for review in advance of all scheduled hearings three (3) business days prior to the hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Courtesy Copies of Documents Less than 10 pages

A courtesy copy of an emergency motion may be emailed to Division IZ.

Courtesy copies of Emergency Motions may be emailed to CAD-DivisionIZ@pbcgov.org.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Emergency Motions

A courtesy copy of the notice or motion to set a cause for trial should be emailed to the judge.

A courtesy copy should be emailed to the Judge via CAD-DivisionIZ@pbcgov.org.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Notice/Motion to Set Cause for Trial

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Every Daubert motion must be scheduled and heard before trial begins.

All Daubert motions shall be scheduled and heard prior to the commencement of the trial.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Notice/Motion to Set Cause for Trial

Movants must make a good-faith conferral effort with opposing parties before filing a non-dispositive motion.

Before filing a non-dispositive motion, movants must confer with opposing parties in a good faith effort to resolve the motion.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Adversary Probate Proceedings

A motion must be filed and docketed with the Clerk before a hearing date may be provided or set.

Motions must be filed and docketed with clerk before hearing dates can be given or a hearing can be set.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Probate - Service and Preparation of Orders

Counsel must re-confer after all responses and replies are filed and limit the hearing to unresolved issues.

The Court expects counsel to re-confer after all responses and replies have been filed, to ensure that only those issues which require Court resolution are set for hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Adversity Probate Proceedings

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

A trial continuance requires a hearing on the Uniform Motion Calendar.

Continuances of trial require a hearing on Uniform Motion Calendar.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Notice/Motion to Set Cause for Trial

A trial continuance will be granted only when an emergency exists.

Continuances will only be granted in cases of emergency.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Notice/Motion to Set Cause for Trial

If opposing counsel or a pro se litigant cannot accept the moving party's dates, opposing counsel—not the moving party—must promptly obtain new dates from the Judicial Assistant.

IF the opposing counsel or Pro-Se litigant is NOT available on the dates provided by the moving party, then the Opposing Counsel not the moving party shall be responsible for obtaining new dates from the Judicial Assistant ASAP.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Probate - Service and Preparation of Orders

Chambers Communication Rules

Before contacting Judicial Assistant Mary Beardsley at the stated number, the requesting party must confirm the proposed hearing availability with opposing counsel or the pro se litigant.

Person requesting hearing must confirm availability with opposing counsel or pro se litigant before contacting the Judicial Assistant, Mary Beardsley, to schedule a special set hearing at 561-330-1723.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Probate - Service and Preparation of Orders

Requests for special-set hearings longer than 30 minutes must be submitted through the Judicial Assistant.

Special Set Hearings more than thirty (30) minutes will continue to be requested through the Judicial Assistant.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Requesting a Special Set Hearing MORE THAN THIRTY (30) MINUTES.

A party disputing a status order or rejection memorandum must file a memo or email Division IZ instead of setting a UMC hearing.

If you receive a status order or rejection memo and you have a disagreement, do not set the matter for a UMC hearing. Instead, you should file a memo or send an email to the division IZ email for the judge to review.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Probate Uniform Motion Calendar (UMC)

The court does not act on letters, notes, or emails sent directly by either party.

The Court does not act on letters, notes or emails sent by either party.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Do not Send Letters, Emails or Notes to The Court

Self-represented pro se parties may contact the Probate/Guardianship Court case manager for questions and guidance regarding their case.

If you are a self-represented pro se party (with no attorney), you may contact the Probate/Guardianship Court case Manager for questions and guidance regarding your case.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Self-represented Parties (Pro Se)

The Probate Case Manager contact number is 561-274-1424.

Diane Kahn, Probate Case Manager at 561-274-1424

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Self-represented Parties (Pro Se)

The Guardian Case Manager contact number is 561-624-6523.

Tiffany Metz, Guardian Case Manager at 561-624-6523

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Self-represented Parties (Pro Se)

All parties must appear by Zoom unless all parties agree to appear in person.

NOTE: ALL PARTIES ARE TO APPEAR VIA ZOOM, UNLESS ALL PARTIES AGREE TO COME IN PERSON.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 1 | ORDER SPECIALLY SETTING HEARING

All involved parties must be copied on the email requesting a special-set hearing.

INCLUDE ALL INVOLVED PARTIES ON THE E-MAIL when requesting a special set hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Requesting a Special Set Hearing MORE THAN THIRTY (30) MINUTES.

Technical support requests must be submitted by email to cad-web@pbcgov.org.

For technical issues please write cad-web@pbcgov.org. Due to the volume of requests and our limited staffing, all requests must be submitted via email.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Digital Evidence Portal FAQs

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 783 rules apply across Fifteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Palm Beach County. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Requirements

All 385
  • Applies to
    Exhibit list

    An updated, legible, and specific exhibit list must be provided to the trial clerk on the first day of trial.

  • Applies to
    Demonstrative board

    A large demonstrative board intended for admission into evidence must be accompanied by a smaller version.

  • Applies to
    Date of birth form

    The Date of Birth Form must be completed and filed with the Clerk's Office in all new and reopened Unified Family Court cases.

Service

All 127
  • Applies to
    Petition for rehearing or motion for reconsideration

    A petition for rehearing or motion for reconsideration must be filed with the clerk, and a copy must be furnished to the assigned judge with a copy of the original order.

  • Applies to
    Pleadings

    A lawyer must timely serve all pleadings on the opposing party to prevent prejudice or delay.

  • The moving party must timely provide opposing counsel, or the opposing party if unrepresented, a copy of all materials submitted to the court under the rule.

Filing Timing

All 64
  • The Court Reporter Appearance form must be filed before the proceeding commences.

  • The Clerk must schedule the initial hearing within 30 days after a truancy petition is filed.

  • The parties must complete all written discovery within the number of days stated in the order.

Fees

All 49
  • Fee
    $70
    Applies to
    Foreclosure sale

    Foreclosure plaintiffs must submit the $70.00 Clerk Sale Fee before the sale date.

  • Fee
    $70
    Applies to
    Certificate of title

    The Clerk will not issue the Certificate of Title until the $70.00 clerk sale fee and all other fees are paid.

  • Fee
    $50
    Applies to
    Motion to cancel foreclosure sale

    A motion to cancel a foreclosure sale that results in reopening the case must include payment of the $50 reopen fee.

About Judge Charles E. Burton

**Current assignment** **Division:** Probate IZ **Courtroom:** SC 8 **Room number:** 2W-145 **Courthouse:** South County Courthouse **Phone:** (561) 330-1723 **Judicial assistant:** Mary Beardsley

Common questions about Judge Charles E. Burton's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Charles E. Burton?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for notice of cancellations. Details: delivery upon filing, by email. If a motion is resolved before its hearing, the scheduled hearing must be canceled through OLS and an e-filed Notice of Cancellation must be emailed to Division IZ as a courtesy copy.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Probate Uniform Motion Calendar (UMC)

Does Judge Charles E. Burton require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Charles E. Burton's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. Movants must make a good-faith conferral effort with opposing parties before filing a non-dispositive motion.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Adversary Probate Proceedings

What page or word limits apply to document for court review before Judge Charles E. Burton?

Judge Charles E. Burton's rule states these limits: 10 pages. The court can print only documents totaling ten pages or fewer.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Online Services

What page or word limits apply to motion brief and authority before Judge Charles E. Burton?

Judge Charles E. Burton's rule states these limits: 10 pages. For special-set hearings, motions, supporting or opposing memoranda totaling no more than ten pages, and case authorities are reviewed in advance.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Probate - Service and Preparation of Orders

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Charles E. Burton?

Judge Charles E. Burton's formatting rule includes margins top 3 inches, right 3 inches and leave a three-inch by three-inch blank area in the upper-right corner for recording.. A proposed order must leave a three-by-three-inch blank space in its upper-right corner for recording.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Probate - Service and Preparation of Orders

What must be included with proposed order filings before Judge Charles E. Burton?

The rule requires proposed order. If the issue is resolved fewer than 24 hours before the hearing, excluding weekends, the moving party must appear at the hearing with a proposed order.

View ruleSource: page 1, section ORDER SPECIALLY SETTING HEARING

What must be included with motion to withdraw hearing filings before Judge Charles E. Burton?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. A hearing on a motion to withdraw is required only when the client did not sign a consent.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Probate Uniform Motion Calendar (UMC)

How may parties contact Judge Charles E. Burton's chambers?

All parties must appear by Zoom unless all parties agree to appear in person.

View ruleSource: page 1, section ORDER SPECIALLY SETTING HEARING

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Charles E. Burton?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. The request must include reason for request. A trial continuance requires a hearing on the Uniform Motion Calendar.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Notice/Motion to Set Cause for Trial

Is electronic filing required before Judge Charles E. Burton?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. All exhibits must be uploaded to the Digital Evidence Portal.

View ruleSource: page 1, section ORDER SPECIALLY SETTING HEARING

Are filing fees or waivers addressed before Judge Charles E. Burton?

The rule addresses filing fees, payment, or waiver procedures. Guardian fingerprinting or criminal-check fees must be verified with the sheriff's department.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Fingerprint-Electronic Only and Credit Reports for All Guardians

What filing deadlines apply to agreed order filings before Judge Charles E. Burton?

Parties must choose among the stated hearing-attendance or written-submission alternatives, and any Agreed Order disposing of the motion must be submitted at least 48 business hours before the hearing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section ORDER SPECIALLY SETTING HEARING

What rule applies to serving the opposing party before Judge Charles E. Burton?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: recipient: the opposing party, timing: 5 business days before hearing. All memoranda and case authorities must be submitted to opposing counsel at least five business days before the hearing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section ORDER SPECIALLY SETTING HEARING
Complete rules summary for Judge Charles E. Burton

All parties must appear by Zoom unless all parties agree to appear in person.

If the issue is resolved fewer than 24 hours before the hearing, excluding weekends, the moving party must appear at the hearing with a proposed order.

Parties must choose among the stated hearing-attendance or written-submission alternatives, and any Agreed Order disposing of the motion must be submitted at least 48 business hours before the hearing.

All memoranda and case authorities must be submitted to the court and opposing counsel at least five business days before the hearing, with the transmittal document identifying the hearing date and time.

All memoranda and case authorities must be submitted to opposing counsel at least five business days before the hearing.

All submitted cases and legal authorities must be tabbed, and their pertinent sections must be highlighted.

All exhibits must be uploaded to the Digital Evidence Portal.

A Uniform Motion Calendar hearing is required only for contested or adversary matters.

A hearing on a motion to withdraw is required only when the client did not sign a consent.

Every property-related guardianship requires a restricted depository.

Movants must make a good-faith conferral effort with opposing parties before filing a non-dispositive motion.

Every hearing notice must include a certificate of conferral documenting the discussion, the movant's detailed efforts if no response occurred, or that conferral rules do not apply.

Counsel must re-confer after all responses and replies are filed and limit the hearing to unresolved issues.

Waivers, consents, renunciations, and receipts for assets must be notarized.

The signature page of verified documents must include four lines of text from the petition.

Petitions to Determine Homestead must be accompanied by the appropriate fully completed probate checklist.

A probate checklist is required for every probate filing.

A party disputing a status order or rejection memorandum must file a memo or email Division IZ instead of setting a UMC hearing.

If a motion is resolved before its hearing, the scheduled hearing must be canceled through OLS and an e-filed Notice of Cancellation must be emailed to Division IZ as a courtesy copy.

The court can print only documents totaling ten pages or fewer.

Documents totaling ten pages or fewer may be emailed for court review at least three business days before the hearing.

Documents exceeding ten pages must be mailed for court review three business days before the hearing.

Documents that fit in the South County Courthouse drop-off box may be delivered there.

After all deficiencies are cured and supporting documents appear on the docket, proposed orders must be sent through OLS with a notation confirming that every deficiency has been cured.

All proposed orders must be submitted in Word format through OLS for electronic signature.

Multiple orders for one case must be uploaded as separate OLS submissions rather than attached to another order.

Each order must include the mailing address and registered email address of every party being served.

An order must not be emailed to an e-mail-excused attorney or an unconsenting pro se party; instead, the court must receive a hard copy and sufficient stamped return envelopes for service.

Requests for special-set hearings longer than 30 minutes must be submitted through the Judicial Assistant.

A request for a special-set hearing longer than 30 minutes must identify the case number and case style in the email subject line.

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