Court Rules
Judge Maxine Cheesman
Judge

Judge Maxine Cheesman

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Fifteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Palm Beach County

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Motion Or Memorandum
10 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Motion

  • Mail

Notice Of Trial

  • Mail

Courtesy copies

Court-wide

E Filed Document

Court-wide

Adjournments

  • A motion to amend a case management order must state the basis and timing of the need for an extension, whether it is opposed, the requested new deadline or trial-period date and whether all parties agree, the specific actions and dates needed to meet that deadline, and reasons for good cause.
  • Attorneys should cooperate with reasonable rescheduling requests that do not prejudice clients or unduly delay proceedings and should promptly offer alternative dates.
  • Attorneys should grant reasonable extensions for responding to pleadings, discovery, and other matters when they will not prejudice the client or unduly delay the proceeding.
  • +2 more

Request must include

Reason For RequestProposed Rescheduled DateProposed New DatesAffects Other Dates

Communication

Email

Chambers

cad-divisionao@pbcgov.org
Email

Chambers

cad-divisionaj@pbcgov.org
Scheduling
Email
cad-divisionalaj@pbcgov.org
Scheduling
Phone

Clerk

(561) 355-2986
Email

Chambers

Scheduling
Email
Court-wide

Clerk

communications@mypalmbeachclerk.com
Phone
Court-wide
(561) 355-2108
Scheduling
Phone
Court-wide

Duty Judge

Emergencies
Hours: after work hours
Phone
Court-wide

Chambers

No status inquiries
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingExhibitsProposed OrdersJuryMemorandaPage LimitsBinders/TabsTypography

Page & Word Limits1 rule

Page Limits

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

The Court has eliminated a strict page limit but encourages counsel to keep motions and memoranda, whether incorporated or separate, generally within 10 pages.

The court has removed its strict page limitation, but implores Counsel to understand that Motions and Memoranda of law, incorporated or separate, should rarely exceed 10 pages.

Motion Or Memorandum

10 pages

Applies to: Attorney

Fifteenth Fl:a0dd9bb7473722c3b300b2cc
|SecVII. Motions and Memoranda of Law — Writing

Document Format Requirements13 rules

FormattingCivil cases

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

The back of each exhibit must have an Exhibit Tag/Template applied either by taping a copy in place or using an adhered Avery 5164 label.

B. On the back of each exhibit, place an Exhibit Tag/Template (see attached tag/template form) Either i. Make copies of the exhibit tag(s) and tape one tag on the back of each exhibit, or ii. Use Avery labels 5164 which can then be placed adhered to the page. (Template can be scanned onto Avery Labels or any colored paper)

Pre-Marking-Guidelines · p. 1
|SecEXHIBIT LIST REQUIREMENTS
FormattingCivil cases

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

Exhibit lists may not use the terms “all,” “any,” or “any and all.”

F. Exhibit lists which state “all”, “any” and “any and all” are not accepted.

Pre-Marking-Guidelines · p. 1
|SecEXHIBIT LIST REQUIREMENTS
FormattingCivil cases

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

A smaller version must accompany every large demonstrative board intended for admission into evidence.

J. Large demonstrative boards that you want placed into evidence must be accompanied by a smaller version.

Pre-Marking-Guidelines · p. 1
|SecEXHIBIT LIST REQUIREMENTS
FormattingCivil cases

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

Each exhibit tab must be completed fully and legibly.

C. The exhibit tab must be filled out completely and legibly.

Pre-Marking-Guidelines · p. 1
|SecEXHIBIT LIST REQUIREMENTS
FormattingCivil cases

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

Each exhibit must have a numbered sticker in its top right-hand corner that clearly identifies the plaintiff or defendant.

A. Place a numbered sticker on the top right-hand corner of the front of each exhibit clearly identifying Plaintiff or Defendant.

Pre-Marking-Guidelines · p. 1
|SecEXHIBIT LIST REQUIREMENTS
FormattingCivil cases

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

Every exhibit that will be entered into evidence must be pre-marked using the Exhibit Tag/Template.

I. All exhibits that will be entered into evidence must be pre-marked using the Tag/Template

Pre-Marking-Guidelines · p. 1
|SecEXHIBIT LIST REQUIREMENTS
FormattingCivil cases

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

Exhibits must be securely bound with staples, Acco-type fasteners, or similar binding, and clips or rubber bands are prohibited.

H. Exhibits MUST be bound; i.e., Stapled, Acco-type fasteners, etc. Binders. Clips and Rubber Bands ARE NOT ALLOWED.

Layout & Binding
Binding Style
Securely Bound
Pre-Marking-Guidelines · p. 1
|SecEXHIBIT LIST REQUIREMENTS
Formatting

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

Proposed orders must be submitted in Word format through the 15th Circuit's Online Services system.

Proposed Orders should be submitted in Word Format through the Online Services System by visiting the 15th Circuit Court's Online Services page and click the online scheduling button.

Required Format

DOCX

Fifteenth Fl:a0dd9bb7473722c3b300b2cc
|SecVIII. Proposed Orders and Final Judgments — Online Submission of Orders
Formatting

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

Public-record final orders must reserve a 3-by-3-inch area in the upper-right corner, use one-inch margins, and have consecutively numbered pages.

All final orders that may be filed in the public records require a 3 x 3 inch available space in the right upper hand corner; one inch margin on all sides of documents; and pages must be consecutively numbered.

Layout & Binding
Margins
Top:1"
Left:1"
Right:1"
Bottom:1"
Fifteenth Fl:a0dd9bb7473722c3b300b2cc
|SecVIII. Proposed Orders and Final Judgments — Final Order Formatting
FormattingCivil cases

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

Depositions and pleadings ordinarily are not marked as exhibits, but documents or pleadings for which judicial notice is sought or that are published to the jury must be marked for identification using the Tag/Template.

i. Deposition(s) and Pleading(s) are NOT marked as exhibits, EXCEPT, When any document or pleading that the party would like the court to take judicial notice of or is published to the jury. These exhibits must be marked for ID by using the Tag/Template.

Pre-Marking-Guidelines · p. 1
|SecEXHIBIT LIST REQUIREMENTS
FormattingCivil cases

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

Exhibits containing multiple sections should be identified using both numbers and letters, such as 1a, 1b, and 1c.

E. Any exhibit(s) with multiple sections should be designated by number and letter; i.e. 1a, 1b, 1c, etc.

Pre-Marking-Guidelines · p. 1
|SecEXHIBIT LIST REQUIREMENTS
Formatting

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

Online-submitted proposed orders need not contain a date or signature line because the Court adds them electronically.

Orders submitted online do not need a date or signature line, as the orders will be signed and dated electronically.

Fifteenth Fl:a0dd9bb7473722c3b300b2cc
|SecVIII. Proposed Orders and Final Judgments — Online Submission of Orders
FormattingCivil cases

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

G. Loose photographs are NOT accepted. Photos MUST be individually marked and mounted.

Summary: Loose photographs are prohibited; each photograph must be individually marked and mounted.

Pre-Marking-Guidelines · p. 1
|SecEXHIBIT LIST REQUIREMENTS

Document Filing Requirements16 rules

Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

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

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

Document Type

Exhibit List

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List
Pre-Marking-Guidelines · p. 1
|SecCIRCUIT CIVIL PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

The exhibit list must use sequential numbering.

D. The exhibit list must be numbered sequentially.

Document Type

Exhibit List

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List
Pre-Marking-Guidelines · p. 1
|SecEXHIBIT LIST REQUIREMENTS
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

A special set hearing request must identify the motion and filing date, hearing duration, Calendar Call and trial-readiness dates, and at least five dates on which all counsel and parties are available, preferably Mondays, after counsel coordinate the dates.

If you are requesting a special set hearing date in Circuit Civil Division AJ, please provide the following information by one joint email with copies to all counsel and parties of record to CAD- DivisionAJ@pbcgov.org: 1. *The motion(s) to be heard and the filing date of the motion(s); 2. The amount of time needed for the hearing; 3. The date when the case is set for Calendar Call, when the case shall be trial ready at calendar call; and 4. At least five available dates that all counsel/parties are available; preferably on a Monday. Counsel shall coordinate dates with each other and send one joint email.

Document Type

Special Set Hearing Date Request

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Special-Set-Hearing-Requests-Circuit-Civil-DivisionAJ-2025-a · p. 1
|SecIN RE: SPECIAL SET HEARING DATES (CIRCUIT CIVIL DIVISION AJ)
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

Within 30 days after service of the Claim, an opposing party must specify each disputed line item and its legal or factual basis and identify any rebuttal expert by name and address.

Within 30 days after service of the itemized Claim required by paragraph 2 of this Order, any party opposing any part of the Claim shall respond to the movant(s) by providing specific objection to each disputed line item and the legal or factual basis for each objection. They shall also identify the name and address of any expert it intends to use in rebuttal.

Document Type

Claim Objection

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Order-on-fee-cost-motions
|SecOrder Directing Pre-Hearing Schedule for Attorney Fees and Cost Motions
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

Within 60 days, the movant must provide the opposing parties with the expert's name and address and the billing records, timesheets, invoices, and other evidence supporting the Claim.

Within 60 days, the movant(s) shall submit to the parties from whom fees or costs are sought the name and address of the fee/cost expert that will be used in support of the motion along with copies of all billing, timesheets, invoices for costs, and any other documentary evidence relating to attorneys' fees and/or court costs claimed (collectively the "Claim").

Document Type

Fee Cost Claim Disclosure

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Order-on-fee-cost-motions
|SecOrder Directing Pre-Hearing Schedule for Attorney Fees and Cost Motions
Filing Requirements

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

At least two days before trial, counsel must provide chambers with proposed jury instructions and, for disputed instructions, each party's proposal and supporting legal grounds.

At least 2 days before trial, counsel must: Provide Chambers with one set of proposed jury instructions. If any are disputed, provide each parties respective proposals and the legal grounds supporting them.

Document Type

Jury Instructions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:a0dd9bb7473722c3b300b2cc
|SecVI. Calendar Call and Trial Dockets
Filing Requirements

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

Each notice for trial must state whether the trial is jury or non-jury, estimate its length, state when the case will be trial-ready, and provide each participant's contact information.

Each notice for trial shall include: Whether the trial will be jury or non-jury; Its estimated length; The date by which the parties expect the case to be ready for trial; The name, telephone number, mailing address and email address of each lawyer or self-represented party in the case.

Document Type

Notice Of Trial

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:a0dd9bb7473722c3b300b2cc
|SecIV. Notices for Trial and Orders Setting Trial and Pretrial Scheduling
Filing Requirements

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

Cancelling a UMC hearing requires filing a Notice of Cancellation and completing the online cancellation process.

To cancel a hearing scheduled for UMC, the scheduling attorney's office must file a Notice of Cancellation and must log in to the 15th Judicial Circuit's Online Scheduling System, select "Uniform Motion Calendar "UMC" Scheduling; select "Cancel Hearings" and follow the directions on the screen.

Document Type

Notice Of Cancellation

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:a0dd9bb7473722c3b300b2cc
|SecIII. Hearings — Setting and Cancelling Hearings
Filing Requirements

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

The listed ex parte motions must be accompanied by proposed orders and served on all parties.

The following motions with proposed orders may be submitted to Chambers ex parte but not without being served upon all parties:

Document Type

Ex Parte Motion

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Fifteenth Fl:a0dd9bb7473722c3b300b2cc
|SecVII. Motions and Memoranda of Law — Ex Parte Motions
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

Anyone deeming hearing materials necessary for the presiding judge’s preparation for a Special Set hearing, UMC and/or Trial must send them in hard copy to the judge’s office at least (7) seven business days before the hearing.

Any hearing materials that one may deem necessary to be reviewed by the presiding Judge Maxine Cheesman in preparation of a Special Set hearing, UMC and/or Trial must be sent (in HARD COPY) to the Judge's Office at least (7) seven business days prior to the hearing.

Document Type

Hearing Materials

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:6d0587026d9cc6ce9729e14d
|SecNew Procedure for Special Set Hearings
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

Every continuance motion must include a proposed amended DCMO that resets remaining pretrial deadlines and states the month the case can be trial-ready.

Any motion for a continuance must include a proposed Amended DCMO resetting each pretrial deadline that remains applicable and indicating the month the case can be ready for trial.

Document Type

Continuance Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Fifteenth Fl:6d0587026d9cc6ce9729e14d
|SecScheduling, Continuances and Pretrial Deadlines
Filing Requirements

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

After a hearing or decision, the drafting attorney should promptly prepare an accurate proposed order, seek opposing counsel's approval and timely objections, and submit the proposed order to the court or tribunal while stating whether opposing counsel agrees or objects.

Attorneys should draft proposed orders promptly after a hearing or decision and the orders should fairly and adequately represent the ruling of the court or tribunal. Attorneys should promptly provide, either orally or in writing, proposed orders to opposing counsel for approval. In response, opposing counsel should communicate promptly any objections to the drafting attorney. The drafting attorney then should promptly submit a copy of the proposed order to the court or other tribunal and state whether opposing counsel agrees or objects to the form of the order.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Standards-of-Professional-Courtesy-and-Civility · p. 4
|SecIV. Candor to the Court/Tribunal and Opposing Counsel
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

If the parties cannot resolve the Claim, they shall file a joint report within 15 days of meeting that: (a) Lists each specific line items of the Claim that remains in dispute; (b) Identifies by line item the legal or factual basis for each objection and the specific response of the movant(s) to each objection; (c) Provides legal authorities in support of each parties position, and (d) Proposes the exact amount of time necessary for an evidentiary hearing.

Summary: If the Claim remains unresolved, the parties must file a joint report within 15 days of the meeting identifying disputed items, the parties' positions and authorities, and the requested hearing duration.

Document Type

Joint Report

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Order-on-fee-cost-motions
|SecOrder Directing Pre-Hearing Schedule for Attorney Fees and Cost Motions
Filing Requirements

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

As set out in Local Rule 4 (PDF), ALL hearing notices shall include a certificate of good faith effort to resolve the issue and avoid the need for a hearing.

Summary: Every hearing notice must include a certificate of good-faith effort to resolve the issue without a hearing.

Document Type

Notice Of Motion

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
Fifteenth Fl:a0dd9bb7473722c3b300b2cc
|SecIII. Hearings — Good Faith Conferral Prior to Filing All Motions - Eliminating Unnecessary Hearings - Strict Compliance with Local Rule 4
Filing Requirements

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

At the Forms and Orders link to the right side of this web page you will find a standard proposed order form to submit with your motion for appointment.

Summary: A standard proposed order form must accompany a motion for appointment of a guardian or administrator ad litem.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Fifteenth Fl:a0dd9bb7473722c3b300b2cc
|SecX. Foreclosures — Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem/Administrator Ad Litem
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

*If the motion is for summary judgment, counsel for the respective parties should sign and file a Stipulation indicating whether they concluded all discovery relevant to the issues in the motion, and submit a copy of the Stipulation along with their request.

Summary: For a summary-judgment special set hearing request, counsel for each respective party should sign and file a stipulation stating whether discovery relevant to the motion's issues was completed and submit a copy with the request.

Document Type

Summary Judgment Stipulation

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Special-Set-Hearing-Requests-Circuit-Civil-DivisionAJ-2025-a · p. 1
|SecIN RE: SPECIAL SET HEARING DATES (CIRCUIT CIVIL DIVISION AJ)

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

Evidence for evidentiary hearings and trials should be pre-marked and uploaded through the OLS to the E-evidence portal.

All evidence for each evidentiary hearings and trial should be pre-marked in accordance with the Clerk of Court's instructions and uploaded to the E-evidence portal via the OLS.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | III. Hearings — Evidentiary Hearings

UMC hearings may be scheduled through the 15th Circuit's Online Services system.

UMC hearings may be set through the 15th Circuit's Online Services (Go to Online Services).

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | III. Hearings — 10 Minute Hearings - Uniform Motion Calendar (UMC) - Online Scheduling

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Unless additional time is granted, a proposed order must be submitted through the online system within 24 hours after an oral ruling.

After an oral ruling, a proposed order should be submitted within 24 hours (unless additional time is granted) through the online system as described in Section VIII.C, below.

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

Page 1 | VIII. Proposed Orders and Final Judgments — Orders After Hearings and Trials

The parties must upload the Joint Status Report through the Circuit's Online Scheduling System at least seven days before the DCM Conference.

The parties must upload the Joint Status report at least 7 days in advance of a DCM Conference through the OLS feature of the Circuit's Online Scheduling System.

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

Page 1 | Scheduling, Continuances and Pretrial Deadlines

Hearing materials must be mailed or dropped off at least seven days before the hearing.

The Court reviews hearing materials in advance via mail or drop of seven days prior to the scheduled hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | III. Hearings — Submission of Hearing Materials, Preparation and Conduct of Hearings

Responsive memoranda for a Daubert challenge must be filed and provided to the Court at least 10 days before the hearing.

Responsive memos shall be filed and provided with the motion to the Court at least 10 days in advance of hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | VII. Motions and Memoranda of Law — Evidentiary Motions (in Limine, Daubert, etc.) and Depo Designations

The UMC notice of hearing and motion must be mailed or dropped off at least seven days before the hearing to avoid cancellation.

The Notice of Hearing and Motion for UMC must be mailed or dropped off, seven days prior to the hearing to avoid cancellation.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | III. Hearings — 10 Minute Hearings - Uniform Motion Calendar (UMC) - Online Scheduling

The OLS will not schedule UMC hearings on five days' notice or less, and cancellations must also be confirmed online.

Please note the OLS system will not allow hearings be set on 5 days or less notice. CANCELLATIONS MUST BE CONFIRMED ONLINE AS WELL.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | III. Hearings — 10 Minute Hearings - Uniform Motion Calendar (UMC) - Online Scheduling

Dismissal papers must be uploaded to JVS within 30 days after settlement, unless the parties report what prevents closure and when closure is anticipated.

Dismissal papers must be uploaded to the Court's JVS system within 30 days of settlement or the parties shall report to the Court what is preventing the case from being closed out and when the parties anticipate it can be.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | IX. Settlement, Dismissal or Stay Of Cases

Within 30 days after a case is fully pleaded, the parties must file a notice for trial or, if they believe the case is not ready to be set, appear for a case management conference within 30 additional days.

Within 30 days after a case is at issue, i.e. fully plead, the parties shall file a notice for trial, unless they feel that the case is not ready to be set. In that case, they shall appear for a case management conference within 30 additional days.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | IV. Notices for Trial and Orders Setting Trial and Pretrial Scheduling

Listing trial conflicts other than planned vacations or medical/family leave causes the form to be rejected and requires submission of a new form.

If the parties list other trial conflcits, the form will be rejected and a new one must be submitted.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | VI. Calendar Call and Trial Dockets

Service and Proof of Service Rules

The listed ex parte motions may be submitted to chambers only if served on every party.

The following motions with proposed orders may be submitted to Chambers ex parte but not without being served upon all parties:

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

Page 1 | VII. Motions and Memoranda of Law — Ex Parte Motions

The order must be served on the day it is entered.

The order shall then be served the same day it is entered.

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

Page 1 | VIII. Proposed Orders and Final Judgments — Service of Orders

Every writ-of-possession motion must be set on the Uniform Motion Calendar with proof of proper, timely notice to all parties, including unknown tenants.

All motions for Writ of Possession (to vacate premises) must be set at Uniform Motion Calendar with proof of proper and timely notice to all parties, including unknown tenants.

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

Page 1 | X. Foreclosures — Motions for Writ of Possession

The order provides electronic service to parties served electronically and U.S. mail to pro se parties.

Copies furnished via E-SERVICE (U.S. MAIL to pro se parties) to:

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

Page 1 | ORDER SETTING PLAINTIFF(S)' MOTION FOR ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COSTS ON NON-JURY TRIAL DOCKET

The plaintiff must serve the certified order through the sheriff’s office or a certified process server and file the return of service with the clerk at least 10 days before the hearing.

It shall be Plaintiff’s responsibility to secure service of a certified copy of this Order upon ___________________., through the Sheriff’s office or a certified process server and the return of service shall be filed with the Clerk of Court at least 10 days before the hearing.

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

Page 1 | ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

Postpaid envelopes are required only for parties who are not registered for electronic service.

Envelopes with postage are now only needed for parties not on e-service.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | VIII. Proposed Orders and Final Judgments — Service of Orders

Courtesy Copy Requirements

A courtesy copy of the Notice for Trial should be mailed to the Judicial Assistant when requesting a trial date.

A courtesy copy of the Notice should be sent via U.S. regular mail to the Judicial Assistant for the setting of a trial date.

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

Page 1 | IV. Notices for Trial and Orders Setting Trial and Pretrial Scheduling

Copies of motions for rehearing, clarification, or reconsideration should be mailed to chambers for judicial review.

In accordance with Local Rule No. 6 (PDF), copies of any motion for rehearing, clarification or reconsideration should be provided to Chambers, by U.S. regular mail, for the Judge's review and determination whether to order a response or set it for hearing.

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

Page 1 | VII. Motions and Memoranda of Law — Motions for rehearing, clarification, rehearing and new trial

Filing Bundling Requirements

When a matter involves more than a handful of relatively short documents, the parties must provide chambers with one joint binder of hard copies by mail or hand delivery.

BUT IF YOUR MATTER INVOLVES MORE THAN A HANDFUL OF RELATIVELY SHORT DOCUMENTS: please provide hard copies to chambers IN ONE JOINT BINDER by postal system (USPS, Fed-Express, UPS etc.) or hand delivered to the 1st floor drop-box.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | III. Hearings — Submission of Hearing Materials, Preparation and Conduct of Hearings

A proposed order must not be uploaded more than once.

DO NOT SUBMIT/UPLOAD MORE THAN ONCE.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | VIII. Proposed Orders and Final Judgments — Online Submission of Orders

A hearing may be cancelled if the allotted time is inadequate or hearing materials are not received, requiring the parties to reset it.

If the court believes more time is needed then requested or materials not received, the hearing will be cancelled and the parties will need to reset the hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | III. Hearings — Submission of Hearing Materials, Preparation and Conduct of Hearings

Parties should not reserve hearing time for unready matters and should promptly cancel hearings that are no longer needed.

Please do not block time slots for matters not ready to be heard. Also, PLEASE give your colleagues and the Court the courtesy of timely cancelling when a hearing is no longer needed.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | III. Hearings — Setting and Cancelling Hearings

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

The parties and their experts must confer over every disputed Claim item within 15 days after service of the objections.

Within 15 days after service of any objections required by paragraph 3 of this Order, the parties and their respective experts shall meet for the purposes of conferring over each disputed item of the Claim.

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

Page 1 | Order Directing Pre-Hearing Schedule for Attorney Fees and Cost Motions

Every party must make a good-faith effort to confer and resolve the matter before setting a hearing.

All counsel shall read and strictly adhere to Local Rule 4 that applies to All hearings. Particularly important is the REQUIREMENT for EVERY party setting a hearing to FIRST confer in a good faith effort to resolve the matter without the need for hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | III. Hearings — Good Faith Conferral Prior to Filing All Motions - Eliminating Unnecessary Hearings - Strict Compliance with Local Rule 4

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Attorneys should grant reasonable extensions for responding to pleadings, discovery, and other matters when they will not prejudice the client or unduly delay the proceeding.

Attorneys should grant reasonable requests by opposing counsel for extensions of time within which to respond to pleadings, discovery and other matters when such an extension will not prejudice their client or unduly delay a proceeding.

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

Page 2 | I. Scheduling

Attorneys should cooperate with reasonable rescheduling requests that do not prejudice clients or unduly delay proceedings and should promptly offer alternative dates.

Further, attorneys should cooperate with one another regarding all reasonable rescheduling requests that do not prejudice their clients or unduly delay a proceeding and promptly offer reasonable alternative dates to reschedule a matter.

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

Page 2 | I. Scheduling

By agreement, the parties may extend any deadline in the Order by up to 30 days without obtaining a further court order.

To that end, the parties may, by agreement, extend each deadline imposed in this Order by up to 30 days without further Order of the Court.

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

Page 1 | Order Directing Pre-Hearing Schedule for Attorney Fees and Cost Motions

A motion to amend a case management order must state the basis and timing of the need for an extension, whether it is opposed, the requested new deadline or trial-period date and whether all parties agree, the specific actions and dates needed to meet that deadline, and reasons for good cause.

Rule 1.200(e) provides that a party may seek to amend a case management order. The motion must specify : (i) the basis of the need for the extension, including when the basis became known to the movant; (ii) whether the motion is opposed; (iii) the specific date to which the movant is requesting the deadline or projected trial period be extended, and whether that date is agreed by all parties; and (iv) the action and specific dates for the action that will enable the movant to meet the proposed new deadline or projected trial period. State your reason(s) for good cause

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

Page 1 | WRITTEN STATUS REPORT FORM

A trial continuance requires a motion set for a DCM conference, must be filed within 30 days after the last defendant is served or when the need for continuance arises, and is permitted only for good cause.

If a case cannot be ready for trial by the Calendar Call despite all good faith efforts, a motion to continue trial must be set for a Differentiated Case Management (DCM) Conference as described in the 15th Circuit's Administrative Order 3.110 (PDF) (as amended). ... The Motion must be filed and the DCM Case Management Conference set no more than 30 DAYS from the last Defendant being served or as soon as circumstances giving rise to the need for a continuance becomes known and only for good cause.

We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Scheduling, Continuances and Pretrial Deadlines

Chambers Communication Rules

A request for a special set hearing date must be submitted by one joint email to the Circuit Civil Division AJ email address, with copies to all counsel and parties of record.

If you are requesting a special set hearing date in Circuit Civil Division AJ, please provide the following information by one joint email with copies to all counsel and parties of record to CAD- DivisionAJ@pbcgov.org:

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

Page 1 | IN RE: SPECIAL SET HEARING DATES (CIRCUIT CIVIL DIVISION AJ)

A resolved or conflicting specially set hearing must be cancelled or rescheduled by email to the Judicial Assistant immediately.

If a special set motion has been resolved or a conflict arises with the hearing date and time, you must email the Judicial Assistant to cancel or reschedule the hearing. Please have the courtesy of doing so immediately so others may use the time slot.

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

Page 1 | III. Hearings — 15-30-60 Minute Hearings or more

Copies of the joint report should be emailed to Chambers at CAD-DivisionAO@pbcgov.org.

Copies of the joint report should be sent to Chambers by email at CAD-DivisionAO@pbcgov.org.

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

Page 1 | Order Directing Pre-Hearing Schedule for Attorney Fees and Cost Motions

A special-set-hearing request must be submitted by one joint email copying all counsel and parties of record to the division email address.

If you are requesting a special set hearing date in Circuit Civil Division AJ, please provide the following information by one joint email with copies to all counsel and parties of record to CAD-DivisionAJ@pbcgov.org:

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

Page 1 | New Procedure for Special Set Hearings

Questions may be directed to the Clerk by calling (561) 355-2986.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Clerk at (561) 355-2986

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

Page 1 | CIRCUIT CIVIL PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES

Do not appear in chambers for the E-Calendar Call; email the form to CAD-DivisionAJ@pbcgov.org instead.

Please do not come in for calendar call. Email your form to CAD-DivisionAJ@pbcgov.org

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

Page 1 | AJ Divisional News

The E-Calendar Call form must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant at least ten days before the scheduled E-Calendar Call.

The E-Calendar Call form must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant at Cad-DivisionalAJ@pbcgov.org , ten days prior to the E-Calendar Call date.

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

Page 1 | ORDER SETTING PLAINTIFF(S)' MOTION FOR ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COSTS ON NON-JURY TRIAL DOCKET

A special-set-hearing email must identify the motions, hearing duration, calendar-call and trial-readiness dates, and at least five dates available to everyone, preferably on a Monday.

The motion(s) to be heard and the filing date of the motion(s); The amount of time needed for the hearing; The date when the case is set for Calendar Call, when the case shall be trial ready at calendar call; and At least five available dates that all counsel/parties are available; preferably on a Monday. Counsel shall coordinate dates with each other and send one joint email.

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

Page 1 | New Procedure for Special Set Hearings

Additional time for a pretrial conference may be requested by email to the Judicial Assistant.

An email can also to be to the Judicial Assistant, if additional time is needed.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | V. Pretrial Conferences

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 Maxine Cheesman

**Current assignment** **Division:** Circuit Civil AJ **Courtroom:** 11D **Room number:** 11.1215 **Courthouse:** Judge Daniel T. K. Hurley Courthouse **Phone:** (561) 355-7552 **Judicial assistant:** Monique Harris **Email:** CAD-DivisionAJ@pbcgov.org

Common questions about Judge Maxine Cheesman's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Maxine Cheesman?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for notice of trials. Details: by mail. A courtesy copy of the Notice for Trial should be mailed to the Judicial Assistant when requesting a trial date.

View ruleSource: page 1, section IV. Notices for Trial and Orders Setting Trial and Pretrial Scheduling

Does Judge Maxine Cheesman require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Maxine Cheesman's rules set a pre-motion procedure for attorney fees. The parties and their experts must confer over every disputed Claim item within 15 days after service of the objections.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Order Directing Pre-Hearing Schedule for Attorney Fees and Cost Motions

What page or word limits apply to motion or memorandum before Judge Maxine Cheesman?

Judge Maxine Cheesman's rule states these limits: attorney: 10 pages. The Court has eliminated a strict page limit but encourages counsel to keep motions and memoranda, whether incorporated or separate, generally within 10 pages.

View ruleSource: page 1, section VII. Motions and Memoranda of Law — Writing

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Maxine Cheesman?

Judge Maxine Cheesman's formatting rule includes the exhibit tab must be filled out completely and legibly.. Each exhibit tab must be completed fully and legibly.

View ruleSource: page 1, section EXHIBIT LIST REQUIREMENTS

What must be included with exhibit list filings before Judge Maxine Cheesman?

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

View ruleSource: page 1, section CIRCUIT CIVIL PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES

What must be included with special set hearing date request filings before Judge Maxine Cheesman?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. A special set hearing request must identify the motion and filing date, hearing duration, Calendar Call and trial-readiness dates, and at least five dates on which all counsel and parties are available, preferably Mondays, after counsel coordinate the dates.

View ruleSource: page 1, section IN RE: SPECIAL SET HEARING DATES (CIRCUIT CIVIL DIVISION AJ)

How may parties contact Judge Maxine Cheesman's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Maxine Cheesman's chambers. A request for a special set hearing date must be submitted by one joint email to the Circuit Civil Division AJ email address, with copies to all counsel and parties of record.

View ruleSource: page 1, section IN RE: SPECIAL SET HEARING DATES (CIRCUIT CIVIL DIVISION AJ)

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Maxine Cheesman?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. The request must include reason for request, proposed rescheduled date, proposed new dates, and affects other dates. A motion to amend a case management order must state the basis and timing of the need for an extension, whether it is opposed, the requested new deadline or trial-period date and whether all parties agree, the specific actions and dates needed to meet that deadline, and reasons for good cause.

View ruleSource: page 1, section WRITTEN STATUS REPORT FORM

Does Judge Maxine Cheesman require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Judge Maxine Cheesman requires bundling for covered papers. When a matter involves more than a handful of relatively short documents, the parties must provide chambers with one joint binder of hard copies by mail or hand delivery.

View ruleSource: page 1, section III. Hearings — Submission of Hearing Materials, Preparation and Conduct of Hearings

Is electronic filing required before Judge Maxine Cheesman?

Electronic filing is permitted for the covered filings. Evidence for evidentiary hearings and trials should be pre-marked and uploaded through the OLS to the E-evidence portal.

View ruleSource: page 1, section III. Hearings — Evidentiary Hearings

What filing deadlines apply to hearing materials filings before Judge Maxine Cheesman?

Hearing materials must be mailed or dropped off at least seven days before the hearing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section III. Hearings — Submission of Hearing Materials, Preparation and Conduct of Hearings

What rule applies to service for order to show cause before Judge Maxine Cheesman?

Proof of service is required for the covered service rule. Details: timing: before hearing. The plaintiff must serve the certified order through the sheriff’s office or a certified process server and file the return of service with the clerk at least 10 days before the hearing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE
Complete rules summary for Judge Maxine Cheesman

A motion to amend a case management order must state the basis and timing of the need for an extension, whether it is opposed, the requested new deadline or trial-period date and whether all parties agree, the specific actions and dates needed to meet that deadline, and reasons for good cause.

Questions may be directed to the Clerk by calling (561) 355-2986.

A smaller version must accompany every large demonstrative board intended for admission into evidence.

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

Each exhibit must have a numbered sticker in its top right-hand corner that clearly identifies the plaintiff or defendant.

The back of each exhibit must have an Exhibit Tag/Template applied either by taping a copy in place or using an adhered Avery 5164 label.

Each exhibit tab must be completed fully and legibly.

Depositions and pleadings ordinarily are not marked as exhibits, but documents or pleadings for which judicial notice is sought or that are published to the jury must be marked for identification using the Tag/Template.

The exhibit list must use sequential numbering.

Exhibits containing multiple sections should be identified using both numbers and letters, such as 1a, 1b, and 1c.

Exhibit lists may not use the terms “all,” “any,” or “any and all.”

Loose photographs are prohibited; each photograph must be individually marked and mounted.

Exhibits must be securely bound with staples, Acco-type fasteners, or similar binding, and clips or rubber bands are prohibited.

Every exhibit that will be entered into evidence must be pre-marked using the Exhibit Tag/Template.

A request for a special set hearing date must be submitted by one joint email to the Circuit Civil Division AJ email address, with copies to all counsel and parties of record.

A special set hearing request must identify the motion and filing date, hearing duration, Calendar Call and trial-readiness dates, and at least five dates on which all counsel and parties are available, preferably Mondays, after counsel coordinate the dates.

For a summary-judgment special set hearing request, counsel for each respective party should sign and file a stipulation stating whether discovery relevant to the motion's issues was completed and submit a copy with the request.

Attorneys should cooperate with reasonable rescheduling requests that do not prejudice clients or unduly delay proceedings and should promptly offer alternative dates.

Attorneys should grant reasonable extensions for responding to pleadings, discovery, and other matters when they will not prejudice the client or unduly delay the proceeding.

After a hearing or decision, the drafting attorney should promptly prepare an accurate proposed order, seek opposing counsel's approval and timely objections, and submit the proposed order to the court or tribunal while stating whether opposing counsel agrees or objects.

The plaintiff must serve the certified order through the sheriff’s office or a certified process server and file the return of service with the clerk at least 10 days before the hearing.

By agreement, the parties may extend any deadline in the Order by up to 30 days without obtaining a further court order.

Within 60 days, the movant must provide the opposing parties with the expert's name and address and the billing records, timesheets, invoices, and other evidence supporting the Claim.

Within 30 days after service of the Claim, an opposing party must specify each disputed line item and its legal or factual basis and identify any rebuttal expert by name and address.

The parties and their experts must confer over every disputed Claim item within 15 days after service of the objections.

If the Claim remains unresolved, the parties must file a joint report within 15 days of the meeting identifying disputed items, the parties' positions and authorities, and the requested hearing duration.

Copies of the joint report should be emailed to Chambers at CAD-DivisionAO@pbcgov.org.

Every hearing notice must include a certificate of good-faith effort to resolve the issue without a hearing.

Every party must make a good-faith effort to confer and resolve the matter before setting a hearing.

The listed ex parte motions must be accompanied by proposed orders and served on all parties.

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