Court Rules
Judge

Judge Bertila Soto

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, Miami-Dade County

Communication

Email

Chambers

mpaul@jud11.flcourts.org
Scheduling
Phone

Chambers

(305)349-7086
Scheduling
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingProposed OrdersLetters

Document Format Requirements1 rule

FormattingCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?

When submitting your proposed order, the title of the order must be typed in the title box provided by courtMAP

Summary: When submitting a proposed order in courtMAP, the title of the order must be typed into the title box provided by courtMAP.

Miami Dade:bf7d2952841ce15e1d432b37 · Sep 2020
|SecProposed Orders via courtMAP

Document Filing Requirements8 rules

Filing RequirementsCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

If you are submitting a proposed order after a hearing, you must submit a cover letter that includes the hearing details and the Court's oral ruling.

Summary: Proposed orders submitted after a hearing must be accompanied by a cover letter stating the hearing details and the Court's oral ruling.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Miami Dade:bf7d2952841ce15e1d432b37 · Sep 2020
|SecProposed Orders via courtMAP
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Please be aware that the checklist contains a certification of compliance which must be signed by the lawyer.

Summary: The checklist certification form contains a certification of compliance that must be signed by the lawyer.

Document Type

Checklist Certification Form

Content & Formatting
Local Rule Certificate
Miami Dade:bf7d2952841ce15e1d432b37 · Sep 2020
|SecREQUIRED CHECKLIST CERTIFICATION FORMS
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

All Motions for Telephonic Appearance must indicate the reason why a telephonic hearing is needed and submitted 5 days prior to hearing date.

Summary: Motions for Telephonic Appearance must state the reason a telephonic hearing is needed.

Document Type

Motion For Telephonic Appearance

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Miami Dade:bf7d2952841ce15e1d432b37 · Sep 2020
|SecAdditional Instructions (Special Set Hearings, Evidentiary Hearings, Telephonic Appearance, Cancellations)
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Emergency Petition/Motions MUST contain a statement indicating that opposing counsel has been notified in an attempt to resolve the matter in an amicable manner.

Summary: Emergency petitions/motions must include a statement that opposing counsel was notified in an attempt to resolve the matter amicably.

Document Type

Emergency Petition Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Miami Dade:bf7d2952841ce15e1d432b37 · Sep 2020
|SecAdditional Instructions (Emergency Petition/Motions)
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

attorneys are required to assert whether other parties are involved in their request for a hearing; whether the other party or parties have been consulted regarding scheduling the hearing; whether the other party or parties agree to the hearing date, and an affirmative confirmation from all parties regarding the scheduling of the hearing.

Summary: Hearing requests from attorneys must state whether other parties are involved, whether they were consulted, whether they agree to the hearing date, and include affirmative confirmation from all parties.

Document Type

Hearing Request

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Miami Dade:bf7d2952841ce15e1d432b37 · Sep 2020
|SecAdditional Instructions (Special Set Hearings, Evidentiary Hearings, Telephonic Appearance, Cancellations)
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

As of September 1, 2020, filings of petitions with proposed orders in CourtMap must include established checklist certification forms as supporting documents with your submissions.

Summary: Petitions filed with proposed orders in CourtMAP must include the established checklist certification forms as supporting documents.

Document Type

Petition With Proposed Order

Content & Formatting
Local Rule Certificate
Miami Dade:bf7d2952841ce15e1d432b37 · Sep 2020
|SecREQUIRED CHECKLIST CERTIFICATION FORMS
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Your Petition/Motion must contain a certification that the matter is a true emergency and cannot wait to be heard during a motion calendar.

Summary: Emergency petitions/motions must contain a certification that the matter is a true emergency that cannot wait for a motion calendar.

Document Type

Emergency Petition Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Miami Dade:bf7d2952841ce15e1d432b37 · Sep 2020
|SecAdditional Instructions (Emergency Petition/Motions)
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

All hearing require a checklist.

Summary: All hearings require a checklist.

Document Type

Hearing

Content & Formatting
Local Rule Certificate
Miami Dade:bf7d2952841ce15e1d432b37 · Sep 2020
|SecAdditional Instructions (Special Set Hearings, Evidentiary Hearings, Telephonic Appearance, Cancellations)

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

Proposed orders must not be submitted on contested matters or matters already set for hearing.

Do not submit proposed orders on matters that are contested and/or already set for hearing.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Proposed Orders via courtMAP

The petition/motion to be heard at a Special Appointment Hearing must be e-filed and appear on the Clerk of Court's docket.

Please ensure that the Petition/Motion to be heard at the Special Appointment Hearing has been e-filed and appears on the Clerk of Court's docket.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Additional Instructions (Special Set Hearings, Evidentiary Hearings, Telephonic Appearance, Cancellations)

Emergency petitions must be e-filed and appear on the Clerk of Court's docket before being uploaded to courtMAP.

The Emergency Petition must be e-filed and appear on the Clerk of Court's docket prior to uploading to courtMAP.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Additional Instructions (Emergency Petition/Motions)

All proposed orders must be submitted through courtMAP.

As of March 16, 2020, all proposed orders must be submitted via courtMap.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Proposed Orders via courtMAP

Add-on petitions/motions to special set hearings are not permitted without leave of Court.

ADD-ON Petitions/Motions to special set hearings are not permitted without leave of Court.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Additional Instructions (Special Set Hearings, Evidentiary Hearings, Telephonic Appearance, Cancellations)

Walk-in filings of motions, pleadings, and proposed orders are not allowed.

No walk in's motions/pleadings and proposed orders are allowed

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Proposed Orders via courtMAP

Checklist certification forms must be filed through the e-filing portal and uploaded to CourtMAP with the petition, and omission results in summary rejection.

The checklist certification forms must be filed through the e-filing portal and also uploaded as a supporting document to the petition through CourtMap. Failure to include the checklist certification form will result in summary rejection of your submission.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | REQUIRED CHECKLIST CERTIFICATION FORMS

Responses to special appointment calendar matters must be e-filed with the Clerk and submitted via CourtMAP under the Special Appointment case number and hearing date.

Parties wishing to submit a response to a matter set on the Special Appointment Calendar must e-file said Response with the Clerk of Court's and submit the Response via CourtMAP under "Special Appointment" case number and hearing date, 10 days prior to the hearing date.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Additional Instructions (Special Set Hearings, Evidentiary Hearings, Telephonic Appearance, Cancellations)

To cancel a special set hearing, the movant must e-file a Notice of Cancellation and cancel the hearing on courtMAP.

If you need to cancel a special set hearing, Movant cancelling a hearing must e-file a Notice of Cancellation, cancel the hearing on courtMAP and email chambers at mpaul@jud11.flcourts.org to inform the court of cancellation.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Additional Instructions (Special Set Hearings, Evidentiary Hearings, Telephonic Appearance, Cancellations)

Motions for Telephonic Appearance must be e-filed and then submitted for the Court's approval through the proposed orders option on courtMAP.

A Motion for Telephonic Appearance must be e-filed then submitted for the Court's approval via the proposed orders option on courtMap.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Additional Instructions (Special Set Hearings, Evidentiary Hearings, Telephonic Appearance, Cancellations)

DNR petitions/motions must be filed as an Emergency Hearing.

DNR Petition/Motions need to be filed as an Emergency Hearing.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Additional Instructions (Emergency Petition/Motions)

Documents must not be emailed to the judicial assistant.

Please do not email your documents to the judicial assistant.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | REQUIRED CHECKLIST CERTIFICATION FORMS

Special sets under 1 hour may be self-scheduled on courtMAP; hearings needing more time require an email to the judicial assistant.

You may schedule your Special Set on courtMap if it is less than 1 hour. If you require more time, please send email to JA.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Additional Instructions (Special Set Hearings, Evidentiary Hearings, Telephonic Appearance, Cancellations)

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Responses to special appointment calendar matters are due 10 days before the hearing date.

Parties wishing to submit a response to a matter set on the Special Appointment Calendar must e-file said Response with the Clerk of Court's and submit the Response via CourtMAP under "Special Appointment" case number and hearing date, 10 days prior to the hearing date.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Additional Instructions (Special Set Hearings, Evidentiary Hearings, Telephonic Appearance, Cancellations)

Petitions/motions, case law, and proposed orders must be submitted for review within 48 hours of setting the hearing.

Submit Petitions/Motions, case law and Proposed Orders for review within 48 hours of setting hearing.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Additional Instructions (Special Set Hearings, Evidentiary Hearings, Telephonic Appearance, Cancellations)

Supporting documents must be uploaded to CourtMAP at least 5 days before the hearing or the hearing is subject to cancellation.

Please remember that supporting documents must be uploaded to CourtMAP at least 5 days prior to hearing. If supporting documents are not uploaded or hard copies not received within 5 days of the hearing, your hearing is subject to cancellation.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | REQUIRED CHECKLIST CERTIFICATION FORMS

Motions for Telephonic Appearance must be submitted 5 days before the hearing date.

All Motions for Telephonic Appearance must indicate the reason why a telephonic hearing is needed and submitted 5 days prior to hearing date.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Additional Instructions (Special Set Hearings, Evidentiary Hearings, Telephonic Appearance, Cancellations)

For evidentiary hearings, all support documents must be added in courtMAP one week before the hearing date and exhibits/evidence must be arranged with the Clerk of Courts beforehand.

All support documents need to be added to the scheduled hearing in courtmap 1 week prior to the hearing date and exhibits and/or evidence submission need to be arranged with the Clerk of Courts prior to hearing.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Additional Instructions (Special Set Hearings, Evidentiary Hearings, Telephonic Appearance, Cancellations)

Specially set hearings are not scheduled until the Court approves the submission; rejected submissions receive a rejection notice and approved ones are confirmed by courtMAP email with an e-filed notice of hearing.

Specially set hearings are NOT scheduled until they are approved by the Court.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Additional Instructions (Special Set Hearings, Evidentiary Hearings, Telephonic Appearance, Cancellations)

Filing Bundling Requirements

Pleadings needed to administer the estate must be filed at the same time as the Petition to Reopen a case dismissed or closed for inactivity.

Please note that if a case has been dismissed or closed due to inactivity, pleadings needed to administer the Estate must be filed contemporaneously with the filing of a Petition to Reopen the case.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Proposed Orders via courtMAP

Supporting documents such as petitions, motions, checklists, affidavits, and cover letters must always be submitted together with the proposed order.

Supporting documents (i.e.: petitions, motions, checklist, affidavits, cover letters, etc.) must always be submitted in support of your proposed order.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Proposed Orders via courtMAP

Chambers Communication Rules

Hearings longer than the 55-minute special set limit require a Special Set form with two dates all parties are available, emailed to chambers for approval.

If you are attempting to schedule a hearing for more than 55 minutes, you must fill out the Special Set form (located in the "Documents" section), with two possible dates that all parities are available and email request to chambers at mpaul@jud11.flcourts.org for approval.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Additional Instructions (Special Set Hearings, Evidentiary Hearings, Telephonic Appearance, Cancellations)

Trial Hearing requests must be emailed to the judicial assistant, allowing 48 hours for a response.

Please email the Judicial Assistant at mpaul@jud11.flcourts.org to request a Trial Hearing. Please allow 48 hours for response time.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Additional Instructions

Documents sent to chambers require coordination with the judicial assistant by email at least 10 days before the hearing date.

Due to COVID-19, If documents need to be sent to chambers, please coordinate with the Judicial Assistant 10 days prior to the hearing date by emailing mpaul@jud11.flcourts.org.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Additional Instructions (Special Set Hearings, Evidentiary Hearings, Telephonic Appearance, Cancellations)

Resolved hearings must be cancelled in CourtMAP, or by emailing the judicial assistant if the filer lacks CourtMAP access.

If you resolve your matter, please cancel the hearing in CourtMAP. If you do not have access to CourtMAP, cancel the hearing by emailing Maritza De Paul, the judicial assistant at mpaul@jud11.flcourts.org

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | REQUIRED CHECKLIST CERTIFICATION FORMS

In-person hearings are scheduled by calling chambers at (305) 349-7086 so the judicial assistant can assist with scheduling.

If you would like to schedule an in-person hearing, please call chambers (305)349-7086 and the judicial assistant will help you schedule the hearing.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Additional Instructions (Special Set Hearings, Evidentiary Hearings, Telephonic Appearance, Cancellations)

The movant cancelling a special set hearing must also email chambers to inform the court of the cancellation.

If you need to cancel a special set hearing, Movant cancelling a hearing must e-file a Notice of Cancellation, cancel the hearing on courtMAP and email chambers at mpaul@jud11.flcourts.org to inform the court of cancellation.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Additional Instructions (Special Set Hearings, Evidentiary Hearings, Telephonic Appearance, Cancellations)

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 7 rules apply across Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, Miami-Dade County. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Requirements

All 6
  • Applies to
    Forms packet

    Pro se parties must acquire and utilize the Eleventh Judicial Circuit forms packet (or forms substantially in compliance therewith) from the Clerk's Office, unless waived for good cause by the Administrative or Associate Administrative Judge.

  • Applies to
    Self help program registration

    Pro se parties must register with the Circuit's Family Court Self Help Program to receive information, instructions, referrals, and assistance, unless waived for good cause by the Administrative or Associate Administrative Judge.

  • Applies to
    Pleadings and papers

    At the time of filing, pro se parties must have their pleadings and papers reviewed as to form by the Family Court Self Help Program, unless waived for good cause by the Administrative or Associate Administrative Judge.

Fees

All 1
  • Fee
    $35
    Applies to
    Forms packet

    The required forms packet is available from the Clerk's Office at a cost not to exceed $35.00, subject to good-cause waiver of the procedures by the Administrative or Associate Administrative Judge.

About Judge Bertila Soto

Bertila Soto is a judge on the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, which serves Miami-Dade County through circuit and county court divisions.

This judge's procedures are published through the court's general rules.

Common questions about Judge Bertila Soto's rules

What must be included with petition with proposed order filings before Judge Bertila Soto?

The rule requires local rule certificate. Petitions filed with proposed orders in CourtMAP must include the established checklist certification forms as supporting documents.

View ruleSource: page 1, section REQUIRED CHECKLIST CERTIFICATION FORMS

What must be included with checklist certification form filings before Judge Bertila Soto?

The rule requires local rule certificate. The checklist certification form contains a certification of compliance that must be signed by the lawyer.

View ruleSource: page 1, section REQUIRED CHECKLIST CERTIFICATION FORMS

How may parties contact Judge Bertila Soto's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Bertila Soto's chambers. The rule lists email mpaul@jud11.flcourts.org. Hearings longer than the 55-minute special set limit require a Special Set form with two dates all parties are available, emailed to chambers for approval.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Additional Instructions (Special Set Hearings, Evidentiary Hearings, Telephonic Appearance, Cancellations)

Does Judge Bertila Soto require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Judge Bertila Soto requires bundling for covered papers. Supporting documents such as petitions, motions, checklists, affidavits, and cover letters must always be submitted together with the proposed order.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Proposed Orders via courtMAP

Is electronic filing required before Judge Bertila Soto?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Checklist certification forms must be filed through the e-filing portal and uploaded to CourtMAP with the petition, and omission results in summary rejection.

View ruleSource: page 1, section REQUIRED CHECKLIST CERTIFICATION FORMS

What filing deadlines apply to supporting documents filings before Judge Bertila Soto?

Supporting documents must be uploaded to CourtMAP at least 5 days before the hearing or the hearing is subject to cancellation.

View ruleSource: page 1, section REQUIRED CHECKLIST CERTIFICATION FORMS
Complete rules summary for Judge Bertila Soto

Petitions filed with proposed orders in CourtMAP must include the established checklist certification forms as supporting documents.

Checklist certification forms must be filed through the e-filing portal and uploaded to CourtMAP with the petition, and omission results in summary rejection.

The checklist certification form contains a certification of compliance that must be signed by the lawyer.

Supporting documents must be uploaded to CourtMAP at least 5 days before the hearing or the hearing is subject to cancellation.

Documents must not be emailed to the judicial assistant.

All proposed orders must be submitted through courtMAP.

Resolved hearings must be cancelled in CourtMAP, or by emailing the judicial assistant if the filer lacks CourtMAP access.

Emergency petitions must be e-filed and appear on the Clerk of Court's docket before being uploaded to courtMAP.

Emergency petitions/motions must contain a certification that the matter is a true emergency that cannot wait for a motion calendar.

Emergency petitions/motions must include a statement that opposing counsel was notified in an attempt to resolve the matter amicably.

DNR petitions/motions must be filed as an Emergency Hearing.

Trial Hearing requests must be emailed to the judicial assistant, allowing 48 hours for a response.

Supporting documents such as petitions, motions, checklists, affidavits, and cover letters must always be submitted together with the proposed order.

Proposed orders submitted after a hearing must be accompanied by a cover letter stating the hearing details and the Court's oral ruling.

When submitting a proposed order in courtMAP, the title of the order must be typed into the title box provided by courtMAP.

Proposed orders must not be submitted on contested matters or matters already set for hearing.

Pleadings needed to administer the estate must be filed at the same time as the Petition to Reopen a case dismissed or closed for inactivity.

Walk-in filings of motions, pleadings, and proposed orders are not allowed.

The petition/motion to be heard at a Special Appointment Hearing must be e-filed and appear on the Clerk of Court's docket.

Special sets under 1 hour may be self-scheduled on courtMAP; hearings needing more time require an email to the judicial assistant.

Hearing requests from attorneys must state whether other parties are involved, whether they were consulted, whether they agree to the hearing date, and include affirmative confirmation from all parties.

All hearings require a checklist.

Specially set hearings are not scheduled until the Court approves the submission; rejected submissions receive a rejection notice and approved ones are confirmed by courtMAP email with an e-filed notice of hearing.

Petitions/motions, case law, and proposed orders must be submitted for review within 48 hours of setting the hearing.

Add-on petitions/motions to special set hearings are not permitted without leave of Court.

For evidentiary hearings, all support documents must be added in courtMAP one week before the hearing date and exhibits/evidence must be arranged with the Clerk of Courts beforehand.

Responses to special appointment calendar matters must be e-filed with the Clerk and submitted via CourtMAP under the Special Appointment case number and hearing date.

Responses to special appointment calendar matters are due 10 days before the hearing date.

Documents sent to chambers require coordination with the judicial assistant by email at least 10 days before the hearing date.

Motions for Telephonic Appearance must be e-filed and then submitted for the Court's approval through the proposed orders option on courtMAP.

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