Court Rules
Judge

Judge Gary L. Wilkinson

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Clay, Duval and Nassau Counties

Limits & Logistics

Courtesy Copies

Motion

  • Email

Motion, Proposed Order

  • Email

Notice Of Settlement Or Dismissal

  • Email • Immediately Upon Filing

Pro Se filings

  • Mail

Communication

Email

Chambers

claxtonk@clayclerk.com
SchedulingEmergencies
Email
magistrate@clayclerk.com
Scheduling
Email
Scheduling
Email
Court-wide

Clerk

durhaml@clayclerk.com
Scheduling
Phone
Court-wide
904-255-1180
Scheduling
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingProposed OrdersLettersElectronicsExhibitsCourtesy CopiesTRO/InjunctionConferences

Document Format Requirements2 rules

Formatting

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

Trial evidence must be brought to court in hard copy on the trial day.

All evidence must be brought in hard copy on the day of trial and must include a completed Exhibit List form.

Required Format

Paper

Formatting

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

Proposed orders submitted to the Judicial Assistant must be in Word format.

Proposed Orders may be submitted via e-mail to the Judicial Assistant in Word format.

Document Filing Requirements18 rules

Filing Requirements

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

A Notice of Hearing must include a certificate of conferral stating whether the conference occurred, documenting any good-faith attempts if it did not, and identifying the conference date, participating attorneys, and results.

Counsel must file with the Notice of Hearing a “Certificate of Conferral Prior to Scheduling the Motion for Hearing” certifying that the meet and confer occurred (or did not occur and setting out the good faith attempts to schedule the conference) and identifying the date of the conference, the names of the participating attorneys, and the specific results obtained.

Document Type

Notice Of Hearing

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
Civil-Procedures-Wilkinson-2026 · p. 3
|SecMeet and Confer Requirement Prior to Scheduling a Hearing on the Motion
Filing Requirements

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

The cover letter must state that opposing counsel or the unrepresented party received the same materials as the court and whether that party agrees with the proposed order's language.

The letter must state that opposing counsel/unrepresented party has been provided with the same materials being provided to the Court and whether opposing counsel/unrepresented party agrees with the language of the proposed Order.

Document Type

Cover Letter

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Civil-Procedures-Wilkinson-2026 · p. 5
|SecVII. PROPOSED AGREED OR CONSENT ORDERS, OR ORDERS ON MOTIONS NOT OBJECTED TO, WITHOUT A HEARING
Filing Requirements

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

Every proposed order presented after a hearing must include a cover letter identifying the order and confirming that the same materials were provided to opposing counsel or unrepresented parties and stating whether they agree with the proposed order.

ALL PROPOSED ORDERS PRESENTED FOLLOWING HEARING, whether submitted to the Court in writing or via email as contemplated supra, MUST INCLUDE A COVER LETTER INDICATING: 1. What the Order is for (i.e. the case, the motion heard, including date and time, the title of the Order, etc.); and 2. That all opposing counsel/unrepresented parties have been provided with the same materials being provided to the Court, and whether the parties agree with the language of the proposed Order.

Document Type

Cover Letter

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Civil-Procedures-Wilkinson-2026 · p. 5
|SecVI. PROPOSED ORDERS FOLLOWING A HEARING
Filing Requirements

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

If a withdrawal motion is granted, the withdrawing attorney must prepare a written order containing the client's last known address, telephone number, and email address.

If the motion is granted, the attorney moving to withdraw shall prepare a written order setting forth the client’s last known address, telephone number, and email address.

Document Type

Withdrawal Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Civil-Procedures-Wilkinson-2026 · p. 5
|SecVIII. WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL / SUBSTITUTION OF COUNSEL
Filing Requirements

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

Every motion to withdraw must state the reasons for withdrawal and be set for hearing with proper notice to the client, all parties, and all attorneys.

All Motions to Withdraw must set forth reasons for withdrawal and be set for hearing, with proper notice to the client, in accordance with Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.505(f)(l), and all parties/attorneys.

Document Type

Motion To Withdraw

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Civil-Procedures-Wilkinson-2026 · p. 5
|SecVIII. WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL / SUBSTITUTION OF COUNSEL
Filing Requirements

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

Every substitution of counsel, including one within the same firm, must include the client's written signature showing knowledge and consent.

All Substitutions of Counsel, even if they are within the same firm, must include the client’s written signature indicating knowledge and consent.

Document Type

Substitution Of Counsel

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Civil-Procedures-Wilkinson-2026 · p. 5
|SecVIII. WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL / SUBSTITUTION OF COUNSEL
Filing Requirements

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

As an alternative, counsel may certify three good-faith attempts to contact opposing counsel about resolving the motion without a hearing, together with the date and time of each attempt.

I HEREBY CERTIFY that a lawyer in my firm with full authority to resolve this matter attempted in good faith to contact opposing counsel in person, by telephone, or by communication technology on: 1. ___ (Date)_____________ at ____(Time)________; 2. ___ (Date)_____________ at ____(Time)________; 3. ___ (Date)_____________ at ____(Time)________; to discuss resolution of this motion without a hearing and the lawyer in my firm was unable to speak with opposing counsel.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
Civil-Procedures-Wilkinson-2026 · p. 7
|SecExhibit A — Second Option — Certificate of Conferral Prior to Scheduling the Motion for Hearing
Filing Requirements

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

The certifying lawyer must state that an authorized firm lawyer had a substantive, good-faith discussion with opposing counsel before the motion was noticed for hearing, but no agreement was reached.

I HEREBY CERTIFY that a lawyer in my firm with full authority to resolve this matter had a substantive conversation in person, by telephone, or by communication technology with opposing counsel on [enter date] in a good faith effort to resolve this motion before the motion was noticed for hearing but the parties were unable to reach an agreement.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
Civil-Procedures-Wilkinson-2026 · p. 7
|SecExhibit A — First Option — Certificate of Conferral Prior to Scheduling Motion for Hearing
Filing Requirements

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

Trial evidence must include a completed Exhibit List form.

All evidence must be brought in hard copy on the day of trial and must include a completed Exhibit List form.

Document Type

Trial Evidence

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List
Filing Requirements

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

Agreed, consent, or stipulated orders must state on their face that all interested parties consent or do not object and include the parties' signatures.

Agreed/Consent/Stipulated Orders must show on its face that all interested Parties consent or do not object and will contain signatures of the Parties.

Document Type

Agreed Consent Or Stipulated Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

A Parenting Plan in a case involving shared parental responsibility must include language compliant with Florida Statute § 61.13(2)(b)3.a.

In cases where the parties will be exercising shared parental responsibility, the Parenting Plan must include language in compliance with Fla. Stat. 61.13(2)(b)3.a.

Document Type

Parenting Plan

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

For an entity client, the withdrawal order should notify the entity that it cannot proceed pro se through its owners, officers, directors, managers, or other representatives.

If the client is a corporation or other entity, the order should also contain a provision putting the client who is a business entity, trustee or a trust, personal representative of an estate, or otherwise named in a representative capacity, not an individual person, on notice that it cannot represent itself pro se through is owners, officers, directors, managers, or other representatives in Circuit Court.

Document Type

Withdrawal Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Civil-Procedures-Wilkinson-2026 · p. 5
|SecVIII. WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL / SUBSTITUTION OF COUNSEL
Filing Requirements

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

The written withdrawal order should give the client a reasonable period to retain an attorney.

In addition, the order should provide the client a reasonable time period to retain an attorney.

Document Type

Withdrawal Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Civil-Procedures-Wilkinson-2026 · p. 5
|SecVIII. WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL / SUBSTITUTION OF COUNSEL
Filing Requirements

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

The service list on a proposed order must include the e-filing addresses of opposing counsel or unrepresented parties.

The service list on the Order must contain e-filing addresses for opposing counsel/unrepresented parties.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Civil-Procedures-Wilkinson-2026 · p. 5
|SecVII. PROPOSED AGREED OR CONSENT ORDERS, OR ORDERS ON MOTIONS NOT OBJECTED TO, WITHOUT A HEARING
Filing Requirements

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

A proposed agreed or consent order, or an order on an unopposed motion presented without a hearing, may be submitted with a cover letter that must be copied to all opposing counsel or unrepresented parties.

Proposed agreed or consent orders, or orders on motions not objected to, without a hearing may be submitted to the Court with a cover letter, which must be copied to all opposing counsel/unrepresented parties.

Document Type

Cover Letter

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Civil-Procedures-Wilkinson-2026 · p. 5
|SecVII. PROPOSED AGREED OR CONSENT ORDERS, OR ORDERS ON MOTIONS NOT OBJECTED TO, WITHOUT A HEARING
Filing Requirements

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

counsel must seek leave of Court by filing a written motion setting forth good cause to grant the motion pursuant to Rule 2.530(b)(2), Fla. R Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. and providing a courtesy copy of the Motion and a proposed Consent Order to the Court via electronic mail.

Summary: A written good-cause motion and proposed consent order are required to participate in an evidentiary hearing through Zoom or other communication technology.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing Requirements

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

counsel must seek leave of Court by filing a written Motion and providing a courtesy copy of the Motion setting forth good cause to grant the Motion pursuant to Rule 2.530, Fla. R Gen. Prac. &. Jud. Admin. and proposed consent Order to the Court via electronic mail.

Summary: A written motion seeking leave to appear remotely and a proposed consent order are required for a non-evidentiary hearing longer than 30 minutes.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing Requirements

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

Requests for relief must be in the form of a motion or formal pleading and filed with the Clerk of the Court.

Summary: Requests for relief by pro se parties must be submitted as a motion or formal pleading and filed with the Clerk of the Court.

Document Type

Motion Or Formal Pleading

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

Proposed orders must be submitted to the court through the e-Portal.

Proposed Orders are to be submitted to the Court via the e-Portal.

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

Page 5 | VI. PROPOSED ORDERS FOLLOWING A HEARING

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

After hearing confirmation, the movant must file and email a notice of hearing within three business days.

Once your hearing is confirmed, the movant will have three (3) business days in which to file a notice of hearing and email a copy to the Judicial Assistant.

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

Page 2 | II. SETTING HEARINGS:

A proposed order must be submitted to the court within seven days of the hearing, with a copy provided to opposing counsel.

must be submitted to the Court within seven (7) days of the hearing, with a copy to opposing counsel.

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

Page 5 | VI. PROPOSED ORDERS FOLLOWING A HEARING

Pretrial stipulations must be submitted to the court three days before the pretrial conference.

Pretrial Stipulations are required to be submitted to the Court 3 days prior to the pretrial conference.

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

Page 2 | TRIAL PROCEDURES

If counsel is asked to prepare an order, the order must be drafted and circulated to opposing counsel within three working days.

If counsel is asked to prepare an order, the order should be drafted and circulated to opposing counsel within three (3) working days

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

Page 5 | VI. PROPOSED ORDERS FOLLOWING A HEARING

Service and Proof of Service Rules

The opposing counsel or party must be copied on all correspondence and pleadings filed, or the inquiry may not be considered.

The opposing counsel/party must be copied on any correspondence and pleadings filed, without which the inquiry may not be considered.

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

Page 3 | PRO SE LITIGANTS

The opposing counsel or party must be copied on emails to the Court’s Office, or the inquiry may not be considered.

The opposing counsel/party must be copied on any emails, without which the inquiry may not be considered.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 3 | PRO SE LITIGANTS

Courtesy Copy Requirements

To present testimony through Zoom or other communication technology at an evidentiary hearing, counsel must file a good-cause motion and provide the motion and proposed consent order to the court by email.

Should counsel desire to participate in an evidentiary hearing and present testimony through Zoom or other communication technology, regardless of the duration of the hearing, counsel must seek leave of Court by filing a written motion setting forth good cause to grant the motion pursuant to Rule 2.530(b)(2), Fla. R Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. and providing a courtesy copy of the Motion and a proposed Consent Order to the Court via electronic mail.

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

Page 2 | II. SETTING HEARINGS:

To appear by telephone or Zoom at a non-evidentiary hearing longer than 30 minutes, counsel must file a written motion seeking leave, provide an emailed courtesy copy stating good cause, and provide a proposed consent order by email.

Should counsel desire to attend a non-evidentiary hearing scheduled for more than thirty (30) minutes via telephone or Zoom, counsel must seek leave of Court by filing a written Motion and providing a courtesy copy of the Motion setting forth good cause to grant the Motion pursuant to Rule 2.530, Fla. R Gen. Prac. &. Jud. Admin. and proposed consent Order to the Court via electronic mail.

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

Page 2 | II. SETTING HEARINGS:

When a case settles or is voluntarily dismissed, counsel must immediately email the Judicial Assistant a courtesy copy of the e-filed Notice of Settlement or Dismissal.

If a case settles or is voluntarily dismissed, please provide the Court’s Judicial Assistant with a courtesy copy of an e-filed Notice of Settlement or Dismissal immediately by email to allow the Court to free up hearing/trial time for other cases.

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

Page 4 | V. SETTLEMENT OR DISMISSAL OF CASES

A courtesy copy of the motion, joint stipulation, or related material underlying a proposed order must be provided.

A courtesy copy of the motion, joint stipulation, etc. related to the proposed Order must be provided.

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

Page 5 | VII. PROPOSED AGREED OR CONSENT ORDERS, OR ORDERS ON MOTIONS NOT OBJECTED TO, WITHOUT A HEARING

When pro se litigants are involved, proposed orders must be mailed with the required copies and self-addressed stamped envelopes for distribution to all parties.

If there are pro se litigants, you are required to mail-in proposed Orders along with providing the required amount of copies and self-addressed stamped envelopes for distribution for all parties.

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

Page 2 | PROPOSED ORDERS

A hearing request must include a courtesy copy of the motion and its docket number.

Attach a courtesy copy of the motion and reference the docket number;

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | SCHEDULING HEARINGS

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Counsel must conduct a substantive meet-and-confer before scheduling a hearing on motions in Circuit Civil Division F, subject to the listed motion-type exceptions.

A mandatory meet and confer process is hereby established as set forth below, for all motions to be set for hearing in Circuit Civil Division F and to occur before scheduling the hearing except for the following motions: injunctive relief without notice; judgment on the pleadings; default, default final judgment, default summary judgment; summary judgment; or to permit maintenance of a class action.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 3 | Meet and Confer Requirement Prior to Scheduling a Hearing on the Motion

The attorney scheduling the hearing is responsible for arranging the required conference.

Counsel who schedules the hearing shall arrange the conference.

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

Page 3 | Meet and Confer Requirement Prior to Scheduling a Hearing on the Motion

Chambers Communication Rules

A hearing request must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant, copied to the required counsel or pro se parties, and include the case number, motions, docket numbers, and requested hearing duration.

The party requesting the hearing shall email the Court’s Judicial Assistant at claxtonk@clayclerk.com and copy the assistant(s) for opposing counsel, or the pro se parties, and must provide the case number, the motion(s) to be set for hearing, corresponding docket number(s), and how much time is being requested.

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

Page 2 | II. SETTING HEARINGS:

Emergency motions must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant for review.

Emergency Motions must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant for review.

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

Page 1 | EMERGENCY MOTIONS

Hearing-date requests must be submitted by email to the Judicial Assistant.

To request a hearing date please submit your request via e-mail to the Judicial Assistant.

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

Page 1 | SCHEDULING HEARINGS

The Judicial Assistant will provide proposed hearing dates and times for coordination with the opposing party.

Proposed hearing dates & times will be provided for you to coordinate with opposing party.

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

Page 1 | SCHEDULING HEARINGS

Ex parte dates may be requested from the Judicial Assistant.

Ex parte dates may be requested from the Judicial Assistant.

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

Page 1 | EX PARTE

Email to the Court’s Office may be used for scheduling and for agreements between the parties.

Email to the Court’s Office may be used for scheduling and agreements between the parties.

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

Page 3 | PRO SE LITIGANTS

The General Magistrate's Office must be contacted directly by email at magistrate@clayclerk.com or by phone at 904-269-6302 to schedule temporary needs.

You must contact the General Magistrate’s Office directly for scheduling at magistrate@clayclerk.com or 904-269-6302.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | SCHEDULING TEMPORARY NEEDS

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 62 rules apply across Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Clay, Duval and Nassau Counties. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Requirements

All 30
  • Applies to
    Motion
    Must include
    case number

    A motion must be entered on the clerk's docket, with its docket number provided, before hearing time may be requested.

  • Applies to
    Motion to set for hearing

    A motion to set a hearing is required when the requested hearing will exceed one hour.

  • Applies to
    Notice of hearing

    The notice of hearing must satisfy Rule 2.530(b), including identifying the communication technology and providing access directions.

Filing Timing

All 13
  • Counsel may not file a notice of hearing until the court confirms the hearing by email.

  • Counsel must file a compliant notice of hearing within three days after hearing confirmation, identifying the communication technology and providing access directions.

  • Proposed orders for remote-hearing requests must be submitted at least one week before the hearing.

Communication

All 7
  • Contact
    Email to clerk

    All scheduling must be conducted by email with the clerk.

  • Contact
    Email

    Proposed orders subject to this direction must be emailed directly to the judicial assistant.

  • The court must be notified upon settlement so the case can be removed from the trial docket.

Service

All 6
  • Service
    Electronic service

    The court cannot use electronic service as the sole method for a party who has not filed a Notice of Designation of Email Address.

  • Service
    Email

    All pro se parties must serve a designation of a primary email address, and may obtain the form from the clerk of court.

  • Applies to
    Papers and pleadings
    Service
    Mail to opposing party

    Further papers and pleadings may be served by mail or email, and service is complete upon mailing or emailing.

About Judge Gary L. Wilkinson

**Division or court number:** F **Court level:** Circuit **Phone:** 904-269-6302

Common questions about Judge Gary L. Wilkinson's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Gary L. Wilkinson?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for motions and proposed orders. Details: by email. To appear by telephone or Zoom at a non-evidentiary hearing longer than 30 minutes, counsel must file a written motion seeking leave, provide an emailed courtesy copy stating good cause, and provide a proposed consent order by email.

View ruleSource: page 2, section II. SETTING HEARINGS:

Does Judge Gary L. Wilkinson require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Gary L. Wilkinson's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. Counsel must conduct a substantive meet-and-confer before scheduling a hearing on motions in Circuit Civil Division F, subject to the listed motion-type exceptions.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Meet and Confer Requirement Prior to Scheduling a Hearing on the Motion

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Gary L. Wilkinson?

Judge Gary L. Wilkinson's formatting rule includes file format paper. Trial evidence must be brought to court in hard copy on the trial day.

View ruleSource: page 2, section TRIAL PROCEDURES

What must be included with withdrawal order filings before Judge Gary L. Wilkinson?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. If a withdrawal motion is granted, the withdrawing attorney must prepare a written order containing the client's last known address, telephone number, and email address.

View ruleSource: page 5, section VIII. WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL / SUBSTITUTION OF COUNSEL

What must be included with motion filings before Judge Gary L. Wilkinson?

The rule requires proposed order. A written motion seeking leave to appear remotely and a proposed consent order are required for a non-evidentiary hearing longer than 30 minutes.

View ruleSource: page 2, section II. SETTING HEARINGS:

How may parties contact Judge Gary L. Wilkinson's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Gary L. Wilkinson's chambers. The rule lists email claxtonk@clayclerk.com. A hearing request must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant, copied to the required counsel or pro se parties, and include the case number, motions, docket numbers, and requested hearing duration.

View ruleSource: page 2, section II. SETTING HEARINGS:

Is electronic filing required before Judge Gary L. Wilkinson?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Proposed orders must be submitted to the court through the e-Portal.

View ruleSource: page 5, section VI. PROPOSED ORDERS FOLLOWING A HEARING

What filing deadlines does Judge Gary L. Wilkinson set?

After hearing confirmation, the movant must file and email a notice of hearing within three business days.

View ruleSource: page 2, section II. SETTING HEARINGS:

What rule applies to serving the opposing party before Judge Gary L. Wilkinson?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: recipient: the opposing party. The opposing counsel or party must be copied on all correspondence and pleadings filed, or the inquiry may not be considered.

View ruleSource: page 3, section PRO SE LITIGANTS
Complete rules summary for Judge Gary L. Wilkinson

If a withdrawal motion is granted, the withdrawing attorney must prepare a written order containing the client's last known address, telephone number, and email address.

The written withdrawal order should give the client a reasonable period to retain an attorney.

A hearing request must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant, copied to the required counsel or pro se parties, and include the case number, motions, docket numbers, and requested hearing duration.

After hearing confirmation, the movant must file and email a notice of hearing within three business days.

To appear by telephone or Zoom at a non-evidentiary hearing longer than 30 minutes, counsel must file a written motion seeking leave, provide an emailed courtesy copy stating good cause, and provide a proposed consent order by email.

A written motion seeking leave to appear remotely and a proposed consent order are required for a non-evidentiary hearing longer than 30 minutes.

To present testimony through Zoom or other communication technology at an evidentiary hearing, counsel must file a good-cause motion and provide the motion and proposed consent order to the court by email.

A written good-cause motion and proposed consent order are required to participate in an evidentiary hearing through Zoom or other communication technology.

Counsel must conduct a substantive meet-and-confer before scheduling a hearing on motions in Circuit Civil Division F, subject to the listed motion-type exceptions.

The attorney scheduling the hearing is responsible for arranging the required conference.

A Notice of Hearing must include a certificate of conferral stating whether the conference occurred, documenting any good-faith attempts if it did not, and identifying the conference date, participating attorneys, and results.

When a case settles or is voluntarily dismissed, counsel must immediately email the Judicial Assistant a courtesy copy of the e-filed Notice of Settlement or Dismissal.

If counsel is asked to prepare an order, the order must be drafted and circulated to opposing counsel within three working days.

A proposed order must be submitted to the court within seven days of the hearing, with a copy provided to opposing counsel.

Proposed orders must be submitted to the court through the e-Portal.

Every proposed order presented after a hearing must include a cover letter identifying the order and confirming that the same materials were provided to opposing counsel or unrepresented parties and stating whether they agree with the proposed order.

A proposed agreed or consent order, or an order on an unopposed motion presented without a hearing, may be submitted with a cover letter that must be copied to all opposing counsel or unrepresented parties.

A courtesy copy of the motion, joint stipulation, or related material underlying a proposed order must be provided.

The cover letter must state that opposing counsel or the unrepresented party received the same materials as the court and whether that party agrees with the proposed order's language.

The service list on a proposed order must include the e-filing addresses of opposing counsel or unrepresented parties.

Every motion to withdraw must state the reasons for withdrawal and be set for hearing with proper notice to the client, all parties, and all attorneys.

For an entity client, the withdrawal order should notify the entity that it cannot proceed pro se through its owners, officers, directors, managers, or other representatives.

Every substitution of counsel, including one within the same firm, must include the client's written signature showing knowledge and consent.

The certifying lawyer must state that an authorized firm lawyer had a substantive, good-faith discussion with opposing counsel before the motion was noticed for hearing, but no agreement was reached.

As an alternative, counsel may certify three good-faith attempts to contact opposing counsel about resolving the motion without a hearing, together with the date and time of each attempt.

The opposing counsel or party must be copied on all correspondence and pleadings filed, or the inquiry may not be considered.

Email to the Court’s Office may be used for scheduling and for agreements between the parties.

Ex parte dates may be requested from the Judicial Assistant.

Hearing-date requests must be submitted by email to the Judicial Assistant.

A hearing request must include a courtesy copy of the motion and its docket number.

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