Court Rules
Judge Carol Falvey
Judge

Judge Carol Falvey

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Florida 5 Judicial Circuit (Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, Sumter)

Limits & Logistics

Courtesy Copies

Motion In Limine, Memorandum, Response

  • Mail

Notice Of Hearing

  • Email

Communication

Email
anieves@circuit5.org
Phone

Chambers

352-341-6717
Scheduling
Email

Chambers

Scheduling
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantDiscoveryProposed OrdersEvidence/WitnessesTRO/InjunctionMemorandaConferences

Document Filing Requirements10 rules

Filing Requirements

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

A motion to compel discovery must fully quote each discovery item at issue, immediately follow it with the opposing party's complete objection and grounds or the response asserted to be insufficient, and, when relying on an insufficient response, state why the motion should be granted.

A Motion to Compel Discovery pursuant to Rule 1.380, Fla.R.Civ.P., or Rule 12.380, Fla.Fam.R.P., shall include quotation in full of each interrogatory, question on deposition, request for admission, or request for production to which the motion is addressed; each of which shall be followed immediately by quotation in full of the objection and grounds therefor as stated by the opposing party; or the answer or response which is asserted to be insufficient, immediately followed by a statement of the reason the motion should be granted.

Document Type

Motion To Compel

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
general-procedures-judge-falvey-2026 · p. 1
|SecMotions to Compel and for Protective Order
Filing Requirements

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

A privilege log must cover documents, electronically stored information, things, and oral communications withheld under privilege or work-product protection, except post-commencement attorney communications and post-commencement work product.

The assertion of privilege requires preparation of a privilege log with respect to all documents, electronically stored information, things and oral communications withheld on the basis of a claim of privilege or work product protection except the following: written and oral communications between a party and its counsel after commencement of the action and work product material created after commencement of the action.

Document Type

Privilege Log

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
general-procedures-judge-falvey-2026 · p. 2
|SecAssertion of Privilege and Privilege Logs
Filing Requirements

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

After conferring, filing counsel must submit a memorandum identifying unresolved motion-in-limine issues and presenting arguments and supporting case law for each disputed issue.

After the meet and confer requirement has been satisfied, counsel filing the Motion(s) in Limine shall submit to the Court a written memorandum of law, with supporting case law: a. Identifying each item in the Motion(s) in Limine that has not been agreed to by opposing counsel at the meet and confer; and b. Setting forth any arguments and case law in support of the disputed Motion(s) in Limine.

Document Type

Motion In Limine Memorandum

Content & Formatting
Legal Argument
general-procedures-judge-falvey-2026 · p. 4
|SecSTANDING PROCEDURES FOR MOTIONS IN LIMINE IN CIVIL CASES
Filing Requirements

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

The filing party must prepare a proposed order reflecting the court's rulings after any contested motion-in-limine hearing.

The party filing the Motion in Limine will prepare the proposed order on any contested hearing reflecting the Court’s rulings.

Document Type

Motion In Limine

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
general-procedures-judge-falvey-2026 · p. 4
|SecSTANDING PROCEDURES FOR MOTIONS IN LIMINE IN CIVIL CASES
Filing Requirements

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

The Notice of Hearing should identify each motion to be heard and its filing date.

The Notice of Hearing should list the motion(s) to be heard and their respective date(s) of filing.

Document Type

Notice Of Hearing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
general-procedures-judge-falvey-2026 · p. 1
|SecProcedures for Scheduling Circuit Civil and Family Law Hearings
Filing Requirements

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

A proposed order should accompany a motion for extension of time, leave to amend, appointment of a process server, or appointment of a guardian or attorney ad litem.

A proposed order should be submitted upon filing the following motions: Motion for Extension of Time Motion for Leave to Amend Complaint Motion to Appoint Process Server Motion to Appoint Guardian or Attorney Ad Litem

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing Requirements

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

No motion or order is required to appear telephonically before Judge Falvey.

Judge Falvey does not require a motion and order for telephonic appearances.

Document Type

Telephonic Appearance

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
general-procedures-judge-falvey-2026 · p. 2
|SecTelephonic Appearances for Hearings
Filing Requirements

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

The opposing party shall then respond in a similar fashion.

Summary: An opposing party responding to a motion to compel discovery must provide the information and quoted material in the same manner.

Document Type

Motion To Compel Response

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
general-procedures-judge-falvey-2026 · p. 1
|SecMotions to Compel and for Protective Order
Filing Requirements

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

Where a claim of privilege is asserted in objecting to any discovery request and a complete answer is not provided on the basis of such assertion:

Summary: A discovery objection withholding a complete answer based on privilege must provide the required identification and privilege information unless disclosure would reveal the privileged information.

Document Type

Privilege Objection

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
general-procedures-judge-falvey-2026 · p. 2
|SecAssertion of Privilege and Privilege Logs
Filing Requirements

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

Personal appearances are required for Pre-Trial Conferences and Trials.

Summary: A personal appearance is mandatory for pre-trial conferences and trials rather than telephonic appearance.

Document Type

Pretrial Conference And Trial Appearance

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
general-procedures-judge-falvey-2026 · p. 2
|SecTelephonic Appearances for Hearings

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

Final judgments must be filed through the Florida Courts E-Portal at least 15 business days before the hearing.

All Final Judgments must be filed through the Florida Courts E-Portal 15 business days prior to the hearing.

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

Page 1 | Schedule a Hearing

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

The motion seeking a hearing must be filed before a hearing date and time may be obtained.

The Motion must be filed prior to obtaining a hearing date and time.

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

Page 1 | Procedures for Scheduling Circuit Civil and Family Law Hearings

All motions in limine must be filed at least 45 days before trial unless the court grants an extension.

Any and all Motions in Limine from any party must be filed no later than forty-five (45) days before trial unless extended by this Court.

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

Page 4 | STANDING PROCEDURES FOR MOTIONS IN LIMINE IN CIVIL CASES

A motion in limine may be abandoned if it is untimely, was not discussed during the meet-and-confer process, or, if unresolved, was not set for hearing.

Any Motions in Limine not timely filed and/or not discussed at the meet and confer and (if unresolved) not set for hearing will be considered abandoned.

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

Page 4 | STANDING PROCEDURES FOR MOTIONS IN LIMINE IN CIVIL CASES

A final judgment must be filed no later than 15 business days before the hearing.

All Final Judgments must be filed through the Florida Courts E-Portal 15 business days prior to the hearing.

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

Page 1 | Schedule a Hearing

Opposing counsel has five business days after submission to file a written response to a motion-in-limine memorandum if desired.

Opposing counsel will have five (5) business days to file a written response if they wish.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | STANDING PROCEDURES FOR MOTIONS IN LIMINE IN CIVIL CASES

Service and Proof of Service Rules

Every proposed order must include a certificate of service identifying all counsel and parties to be served.

All proposed orders shall include a certificate of service with the names of all counsel/parties to be served.

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

Page 3 | Proposed Orders

The original note and mortgage should be delivered directly to the Clerk of Court at least 15 business days before the hearing.

The original note and mortgage should be sent directly to the Clerk of Court at least 15 business days prior to the hearing.

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

Page 1 | Schedule a Hearing

Courtesy Copy Requirements

A hard copy of the motion, memorandum, and any response must be mailed or hand-delivered to chambers.

A hard copy of the motion, memorandum, and response must be provided to the Court (chambers) by U.S. Mail or hand delivery.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | STANDING PROCEDURES FOR MOTIONS IN LIMINE IN CIVIL CASES

One courtesy copy of the Notice of Hearing must be emailed to Ada Nieves Muller at the stated address.

Please email a courtesy copy of the Notice of Hearing to anieves@circuit5.org.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Procedures for Scheduling Circuit Civil and Family Law Hearings

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Counsel—not support or paralegal personnel—must confer by telephone and/or in person on every requested motion in limine before the court sets it for hearing.

Before setting the Motions in Limine for hearing before the Court, counsel, not support nor paralegal personnel, must meet either by telephone and/or in person and confer on each and every requested Motion in Limine.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | STANDING PROCEDURES FOR MOTIONS IN LIMINE IN CIVIL CASES

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Continuance requests should comply with the specified Florida civil, family-law, and judicial-administration rules.

Requests for continuances should comply with Rule 1.460, Fla.R.Civ.P., or 12.460, Fla.Fam.Law.R.P., and Rule 2.545(e) Fla.R.Jud.Admin.

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

Page 3 | Procedures for Cancelling Hearings/Trials and Continuances

Chambers Communication Rules

When cancelling a hearing, you must immediately notify the office by telephone or email, in addition to filing a notice of cancellation.

In addition to filing your notice of cancellation, immediately notify our office by telephone or email when a hearing is to be cancelled.

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

Page 3 | Procedures for Cancelling Hearings/Trials and Continuances

Telephone requests for hearing time should concern hearings longer than one hour and should identify the case number and hearing type.

Inquiries for hearing time by telephone should be limited to hearings that are lasting more than one hour. Your inquiry by telephone should include your case number and the type of hearing you are seeking.

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

Page 1 | Schedule a Hearing

A pro se litigant may contact Ada Nieves Muller for assistance scheduling and setting a Zoom hearing.

A pro se litigant may obtain assistance with scheduling and setting of a Zoom hearing by contacting Ada Nieves Muller.

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

Page 1 | Procedures for Scheduling Circuit Civil and Family Law Hearings

Counsel and parties may request telephonic appearance for a hearing by contacting Ada Nieves Muller at the stated number.

Counsel and parties may appear telephonically for a hearing by contacting Ada Nieves Muller at 352-341-6717.

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

Page 2 | Telephonic Appearances for Hearings

Case-law submissions under five pages may be emailed to anieves@circuit5.org, while submissions over five pages must be sent by U.S. Mail sufficiently early for pre-hearing review.

If you have case law for the Judge to consider and the submission is less than five (5) pages, you may email it to anieves@circuit5.org or send it by U.S. Mail (all submissions over 5 pages) giving the Court sufficient time to review it prior to the hearing date.

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

Page 3 | Case Law

When all parties are represented, submitting proposed orders by email to anieves@circuit5.org is permitted.

If all parties are represented by counsel, proposed orders maybe submitted by email to anieves@circuit5.org.

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

Page 3 | Proposed Orders

After coordinating a hearing with all counsel, counsel must confirm it remains available with the court office before preparing the Notice of Hearing because dates cannot be held.

Once a hearing date and time has been coordinated with all counsel, confirm the date with this office prior to preparing your Notice of Hearing to assure that date and time is still available as hearing dates cannot be “held.”

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Procedures for Scheduling Circuit Civil and Family Law Hearings

When seeking a hearing date and time by email, counsel should have the case number, case style, motion type, requested hearing duration, and names of all counsel available.

When e-mailing or calling to obtain hearing dates and times, please have available the case number, case style, type of motion to be scheduled, the amount of hearing time requested, and names of all counsel of record.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Procedures for Scheduling Circuit Civil and Family Law Hearings

After filing a Notice for Trial, the attorney’s office must contact Ada Nieves Muller to coordinate the case management conference date and time.

If a Notice for Trial has been filed, the attorney’s office shall contact Ada Nieves Muller to coordinate a date and time for a case management conference.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Schedule a Hearing

Members of the public must not call the Court seeking to discuss a pending case with a judge.

*NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC:* The Code of Judicial Conduct governing behavior by judges forbids the Judges of the Fifth Judicial Circuit to discuss pending cases with the public. Please do not call the Court expecting to speak with a Judge about any case.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 77 rules apply across Florida 5 Judicial Circuit (Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, Sumter). Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Formatting

All 34
  • Format
    DOCX

    Proposed orders must be created in the latest version of Microsoft Word in .docx format.

  • Do not place spaces before the JJJJ, GGGG, or AAAA codes, and use the Right Alignment button to position signature fields.

  • Proposed orders must not contain page breaks or section breaks.

Filing Requirements

All 30
  • Applies to
    Proposed order
    Must include
    proposed order

    Proposed orders must use the specified signature-field code pairs, including DDDD/JJJJ, MMMM/AAAA, RRRR/GGGG, and CCCC.

  • Applies to
    Proposed order

    Each electronic-signature code must contain all four capital letters and may appear only once per line.

  • Applies to
    Proposed order
    Must include
    case number

    Every proposed order must include the Unified Case Number.

Communication

All 4
  • Non-lawyer personnel may communicate with judges, judicial officers, or other court personnel only about scheduling and other ministerial matters.

  • A lawyer must avoid substantive ex-parte communications with the presiding judge in a pending case.

  • A lawyer must notify opposing counsel of communications with the court or tribunal unless the communication concerns only scheduling or clerical matters.

E-Filing

All 3
  • Applies to
    Cover letter

    A cover letter is optional, but if submitted it must be an Adobe PDF containing relevant details and must be uploaded separately from the proposed order.

  • Applies to
    Proposed order

    When multiple proposed orders are submitted in one filing, each order must be uploaded separately to the E-Portal.

  • Applies to
    Foreclosure packet

    All foreclosure packet documents must be e-filed with the clerk when hearing time is reserved.

About Judge Carol Falvey

Carol Falvey, Administrative Judge, Citrus County Circuit Court. Judicial assistant: Ada Nieves. Office: (352) 341-6717.

- Citrus County Courthouse 110 N. Apopka Avenue Inverness, FL 34450

Common questions about Judge Carol Falvey's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Carol Falvey?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for motion in limines, memorandums, and responses. Details: by mail. A hard copy of the motion, memorandum, and any response must be mailed or hand-delivered to chambers.

View ruleSource: page 4, section STANDING PROCEDURES FOR MOTIONS IN LIMINE IN CIVIL CASES

Does Judge Carol Falvey require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Carol Falvey's rules set a pre-motion procedure for motions in limine. Counsel—not support or paralegal personnel—must confer by telephone and/or in person on every requested motion in limine before the court sets it for hearing.

View ruleSource: page 4, section STANDING PROCEDURES FOR MOTIONS IN LIMINE IN CIVIL CASES

What must be included with privilege log filings before Judge Carol Falvey?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. A privilege log must cover documents, electronically stored information, things, and oral communications withheld under privilege or work-product protection, except post-commencement attorney communications and post-commencement work product.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Assertion of Privilege and Privilege Logs

What must be included with motion to compel filings before Judge Carol Falvey?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. A motion to compel discovery must fully quote each discovery item at issue, immediately follow it with the opposing party's complete objection and grounds or the response asserted to be insufficient, and, when relying on an insufficient response, state why the motion should be granted.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Motions to Compel and for Protective Order

How may parties contact Judge Carol Falvey's chambers?

After coordinating a hearing with all counsel, counsel must confirm it remains available with the court office before preparing the Notice of Hearing because dates cannot be held.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Procedures for Scheduling Circuit Civil and Family Law Hearings

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Carol Falvey?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. Continuance requests should comply with the specified Florida civil, family-law, and judicial-administration rules.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Procedures for Cancelling Hearings/Trials and Continuances

Is electronic filing required before Judge Carol Falvey?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Final judgments must be filed through the Florida Courts E-Portal at least 15 business days before the hearing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Schedule a Hearing

What filing deadlines does Judge Carol Falvey set?

The motion seeking a hearing must be filed before a hearing date and time may be obtained.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Procedures for Scheduling Circuit Civil and Family Law Hearings

What rule applies to service for proposed order before Judge Carol Falvey?

Proof of service is required for the covered service rule. Every proposed order must include a certificate of service identifying all counsel and parties to be served.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Proposed Orders
Complete rules summary for Judge Carol Falvey

When seeking a hearing date and time by email, counsel should have the case number, case style, motion type, requested hearing duration, and names of all counsel available.

The motion seeking a hearing must be filed before a hearing date and time may be obtained.

A privilege log must cover documents, electronically stored information, things, and oral communications withheld under privilege or work-product protection, except post-commencement attorney communications and post-commencement work product.

After coordinating a hearing with all counsel, counsel must confirm it remains available with the court office before preparing the Notice of Hearing because dates cannot be held.

A pro se litigant may contact Ada Nieves Muller for assistance scheduling and setting a Zoom hearing.

One courtesy copy of the Notice of Hearing must be emailed to Ada Nieves Muller at the stated address.

The Notice of Hearing should identify each motion to be heard and its filing date.

A motion to compel discovery must fully quote each discovery item at issue, immediately follow it with the opposing party's complete objection and grounds or the response asserted to be insufficient, and, when relying on an insufficient response, state why the motion should be granted.

An opposing party responding to a motion to compel discovery must provide the information and quoted material in the same manner.

A discovery objection withholding a complete answer based on privilege must provide the required identification and privilege information unless disclosure would reveal the privileged information.

Counsel and parties may request telephonic appearance for a hearing by contacting Ada Nieves Muller at the stated number.

No motion or order is required to appear telephonically before Judge Falvey.

A personal appearance is mandatory for pre-trial conferences and trials rather than telephonic appearance.

When cancelling a hearing, you must immediately notify the office by telephone or email, in addition to filing a notice of cancellation.

Continuance requests should comply with the specified Florida civil, family-law, and judicial-administration rules.

A proposed order should accompany a motion for extension of time, leave to amend, appointment of a process server, or appointment of a guardian or attorney ad litem.

When all parties are represented, submitting proposed orders by email to anieves@circuit5.org is permitted.

Every proposed order must include a certificate of service identifying all counsel and parties to be served.

Case-law submissions under five pages may be emailed to anieves@circuit5.org, while submissions over five pages must be sent by U.S. Mail sufficiently early for pre-hearing review.

All motions in limine must be filed at least 45 days before trial unless the court grants an extension.

Counsel—not support or paralegal personnel—must confer by telephone and/or in person on every requested motion in limine before the court sets it for hearing.

After conferring, filing counsel must submit a memorandum identifying unresolved motion-in-limine issues and presenting arguments and supporting case law for each disputed issue.

Opposing counsel has five business days after submission to file a written response to a motion-in-limine memorandum if desired.

A hard copy of the motion, memorandum, and any response must be mailed or hand-delivered to chambers.

A motion in limine may be abandoned if it is untimely, was not discussed during the meet-and-confer process, or, if unresolved, was not set for hearing.

The filing party must prepare a proposed order reflecting the court's rulings after any contested motion-in-limine hearing.

Members of the public must not call the Court seeking to discuss a pending case with a judge.

Telephone requests for hearing time should concern hearings longer than one hour and should identify the case number and hearing type.

After filing a Notice for Trial, the attorney’s office must contact Ada Nieves Muller to coordinate the case management conference date and time.

Final judgments must be filed through the Florida Courts E-Portal at least 15 business days before the hearing.

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