Judge Thomas R. Eineman
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Case Law
- At Least Two Days Before Hearing
Notice Of Hearing
Time Sensitive Pleading
- Upon Filing
Adjournments
- A continuance request must be submitted at least three days before the scheduled court date unless extenuating circumstances apply.
Communication
Chambers
Clerk
Chambers
Document Format Requirements1 rule
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Every proposed order must be submitted in Word format.
Format: All proposed orders must be submitted in Word Format.
DOCX
Document Filing Requirements12 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
A draft notice of hearing must be provided to the judicial assistant so a Zoom link can be sent.
A draft of your notice of hearing must be provided to the judicial assistant so that a zoom link can be sent out.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
A request for a case management or status conference must explain why the conference is necessary.
Any request for a CMC or status conference must articulate the reasons for the necessity of the conference.
Document Type
Conference Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
A detailed motion requesting an emergency hearing must state the issues to be resolved, why the hearing is necessary, and the time needed for each party's presentation.
Requirements: If a party believes there is a factual basis for setting an emergency hearing, a detailed motion setting forth the following must be filed: (1) the issues to be resolved, (2) reasons why an emergency hearing is necessary, and (3) the amount of time needed for each party’s presentation.
Document Type
Emergency Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
The Zoom link must be added to the notice of hearing, which must be filed and served immediately after the hearing time is reserved.
Once you receive the zoom link you must include this information on your notice of hearing and it must be filed and served immediately after reserving the hearing time.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
The notice of hearing must include every participant's email address.
You must include everyone’s email address on your notice.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Every notice of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.
All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Unless good cause is shown, the requesting party must sign the continuance motion.
Except for good cause shown, the motion must be signed by the party requesting the continuance, as required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.545(e).
Document Type
Continuance Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
A proposed order must include a cover letter that either certifies unanimous agreement or identifies the parties' disagreement concerning the order.
All proposed orders must be accompanied by a cover letter either (1) certifying that all parties agree to the order or (2) containing a statement identifying any disagreement of the parties as to the proposed order.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Counsel must disclose to the court and opposing counsel a schedule identifying all trial exhibits and documentary evidence no later than five days before the pretrial conference.
Counsel shall disclose to the court and to opposing counsel a schedule specifically identifying all exhibits and documentary evidence which may be used in trial, no later than 5 days before the pre-trial.
Document Type
Exhibit Schedule
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Procedure: File a notice for trial to set the case for trial and send a copy to mstevens@circuit5.org. A PTC will be set, at which time a trial date will be selected.
Summary: To set a case for trial, a notice for trial must be filed and a copy emailed to the judicial assistant; a pretrial conference will then be scheduled and a trial date selected.
Document Type
Notice For Trial
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
At least 5 days prior to said pre-trial conference, counsel shall deliver, by mail, or personally, to the undersigned judge at 20 N. Main Street, Brooksville, Florida, 34601 and a copy thereof to opposing counsel, a brief memorandum setting forth the following:
Summary: Counsel must deliver a brief pretrial memorandum to the judge and opposing counsel at least five days before the pretrial conference, containing specified information about the marriage, children, alimony, property, and attorney’s fees and costs.
Document Type
Pretrial Memo
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
Please list your case name, case number, and amount of time required.
Summary: A hearing-date request must identify the case name, case number, and amount of time required.
Document Type
Hearing Date Request
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an email address for electronic receipt of signed orders and update it through Form 2.603 when the registered email changes, unless excused.
E-Filing Portal Contact Information: All attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an e-mail address to receive signed orders electronically, unless excused. Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.516. It is the responsibility of attorneys and self-represented litigants to update their contact information using Form 2.603 any time there is a change in the e-mail account registered for electronic service.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office
All exhibits must be emailed to the judicial assistant, and a hard copy must also be delivered to chambers.
Submit all exhibits electronically by e-mail to the judicial assistant at mstevens@circuit5.org, and a hard copy must be delivered to chambers.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
A proposed order may be submitted by email to the judicial assistant or through the E-Filing Portal.
Submission Method: Either via e-mail to mstevens@circuit5.org, or E-Filing Portal.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Submission of Orders and Judgments
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Chambers must receive all exhibits five business days before the evidentiary proceeding.
Deadline for Submissions: All exhibits must be received in chambers five business days before the evidentiary proceeding.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 1 | Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
The court must receive all hearing exhibits no later than five business days before the hearing.
Submission Deadlines: The court must receive all exhibits for the hearing no later than five business days before the hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
A pretrial memorandum must be filed five business days before the pretrial conference.
Other Procedures for Setting Case for Trial: You must file a pretrial memorandum 5 business days prior to the PTC.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 1 | Setting Case for Trial
Ten days should be allowed for orders to be processed.
Other Communication Procedures: Please allow 10 days for orders to be processed.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office
Proposed orders must be submitted within 10 days after the hearing.
Deadline for Submissions: Proposed orders must be submitted within 10 days after any hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Submission of Orders and Judgments
The judicial assistant should be allowed 24 hours to respond to an email and may not provide legal advice.
Response to Inquiries: The judicial assistant is not authorized to provide legal advice. Please allow the judicial assistant 24 hours to respond to your email.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office
Service and Proof of Service Rules
A notice of cancellation must be immediately filed and served on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
You must also immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
A true and correct copy of the order was served by U.S. mail.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing was sent by U.S. Mail on this ___ day of ____________, 2014, to the following:
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | Certificate of Service
Courtesy Copy Requirements
An attorney of record or pro se litigant must provide the assigned judge one courtesy copy of an original pleading anticipating an emergency or expeditious ruling contemporaneously with filing, unless specific arrangements are made with the clerk.
Whenever any attorney practicing before the Courts of Hernando County, or any pro se litigant, files any original pleading with the Clerk of the Court that anticipates an emergency or expeditious ruling by the Court, that the Judge assigned to such case shall, contemporaneously with the filing of the original pleading, receive a courtesy copy of the time sensitive pleading from the ATTORNEY OF RECORD, or from the PRO SE LITIGANT. That absent such practice being followed by those bringing cases before the Court, or unless other specific arrangements are explicitly made with the Clerk of the Court by the litigant or counsel, the Court cannot reasonably be expected to, nor can they practically and expeditiously rule on such matters not otherwise brought to their attention by a courtesy copy of the pleading being immediately filed with the judge assigned to such case.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 2 | ORDERED
The requesting party must prepare and file a Notice of Hearing and comply with the Administrative Order governing courtesy copies.
It is YOUR responsibility to prepare and file a Notice of Hearing and to comply with the Administrative Order as to courtesy copies.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 1 | Office Information
Courtesy copies of case law may be submitted to the court and opposing party or counsel when the case presents a novel legal issue.
When Required: Courtesy copies of case law may be submitted to the court and opposing party/counsel for review in those cases where there is a novel issue of law to be decided by the Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 1 | Courtesy Copies of Case Law
Courtesy copies must reach the court no later than two days before the hearing.
Deadline for Submissions: Courtesy copies must be delivered to the court no later than two days before any hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Courtesy Copies of Case Law
Courtesy copies of case law must be submitted to the court by email.
Submission Method: e-mail to mstevens@circuit5.org
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Courtesy Copies of Case Law
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Case management conferences are mandatory for attorneys and self-represented litigants unless the court excuses them in advance.
Unless excused by the court in advance, all CMCs are mandatory for attorneys and self-represented litigants.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 1 | Pretrial Procedures and Conferences
A party represented by counsel is not required to appear at the case management conference.
Parties represented by counsel are not required to appear at a CMC.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 1 | Pretrial Procedures and Conferences
The court strongly encourages early use of a case management conference in complex cases, multiparty litigation, and cases that might benefit from court intervention.
The court strongly encourages the early use of CMC in more complex cases, multiple-party litigation, or any case that might benefit from court intervention.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 1 | Pretrial Procedures and Conferences
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Continuances are disfavored and may be granted only for good cause.
Continuance Procedure: Continuances are disfavored and will be granted only upon good cause shown.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
A continuance request must be submitted at least three days before the scheduled court date unless extenuating circumstances apply.
A request for continuance must be submitted at least three (3) days prior to the scheduled court date, absent extenuating circumstances.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Chambers Communication Rules
A hearing must be cancelled by immediately notifying the judicial assistant.
You must cancel hearings by notifying the judicial assistant immediately.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
All parties must be copied on email to the judicial office unless ex parte communication is authorized by law.
All parties must be copied on any e-mail directed to the judicial office, unless an ex-parte communication is authorized by law.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office
All communications to the judicial office must be sent by email to mstevens@circuit5.org.
Method of Communication: All communications to the judicial office must be submitted by e-mail to mstevens@circuit5.org.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office
If a hearing date and time cannot be identified within five days, the scheduling party should email the judicial assistant and copy opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
If parties are unable to identify a hearing date and time within 5 days, the scheduling party should e-mail the judicial assistant, copying opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant, to coordinate the scheduling of the hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
A copy of any motion discussed by email to the judicial office must be attached to the email.
Further, you must include a copy of your motion in your e-mail.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office
A hearing must be requested by email to the judicial assistant.
Hearings must be requested by e-mail to mstevens@circuit5.org.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
Hearings are held via Zoom, and an in-person hearing must be requested when the hearing is scheduled.
All hearings are held via zoom. If you want an in person hearing this must be requested at the time of scheduling your hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Remote Appearance
An email to the judicial office must identify the case number, case name, and relevant matter in its subject line.
The subject line must contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter (e.g., 2024 DR 001234 SC – Doe v. Doe - 2-Hour Hearing Requested.)
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office
The court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties.
Unsolicited communications from non-parties will not be considered by the court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office
After the court finds a conference necessary, the requesting party may schedule it through the judicial assistant by email.
If the court agrees that a CMC or status conference is required, the moving party may schedule the CMC or status conference through the Judicial Assistant at mstevens@circuit5.org.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Pretrial Procedures and Conferences
Requests for hearing or trial interpreters should be emailed to interpreters@circuit5.org.
Interpreter Requests: If an interpreter is needed for a hearing or trial, please send your request to: interpreters@circuit5.org
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Other Division Procedures
Use TREcalendarrequest@circuit5.org to request a hearing date.
Please use the following address to request a hearing date: TREcalendarrequest@circuit5.org
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Office Information