Court Rules
Judge

Judge Rolf M. Thorsen

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
New York Supreme Court, Westchester County

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

ApplicationCourt-wide
3 pgs
ResponseCourt-wide
3 pgs
LetterCourt-wide
1 pgs
BriefCourt-wide
40 pgs
Affidavit AffirmationCourt-wide
25 pgs
Pre Mediation MemorandumCourt-wide
5 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Attorney filings

Court-wide
  • 1 copy • Following Initial Notification

Courtesy copies

Court-wide
  • Civil, Pro Se:
  • Not required
  • Civil, Pro Se:Within 48 Hours

Note Of Issue And Certificate Of Readiness

Court-wide
  • Within Two Business Days

Stipulation Of Discontinuance

Court-wide
  • 1 copy

Adjournments

36Hoursnotice
  • An appearance or motion adjournment request must be written, noticed, filed on NYSCEF at least 36 hours before the deadline, include the specified information, and obtain the Court's written approval; otherwise, the parties must appear.
Proposed New DatesReason For RequestNumber Of Previous RequestsPrevious Requests Granted Or Denied

Communication

Clerk4 contacts

  • jguardio@nycourts.gov
  • (914) 824-5446
  • (845) 476-3429
  • (914) 824-5623

Other Contacts3 contacts

  • efile@courts.state.ny.us
  • (646) 386-3033
  • (914) 824-5300

Chambers1 contacts

  • medmalwestchester@nycourts.gov
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingExhibitsProposed OrdersOral Argument

Document Format Requirements6 rules

Formatting

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory

Social security numbers in documents uploaded to NYSCEF must be formatted as xxx-xx-____.

All social security numbers contained in any documents uploaded onto NYSCEF shall be set forth in the following format: xxx-xx-____.

Formatting

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important

Every uploaded document must be properly identified.

Documents shall be properly identified.

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important

Exhibits must be uploaded as separate, properly identified documents rather than contained within an affirmation or other uploaded document.

Exhibits shall be uploaded separately and properly identified. (For example, an Affirmation shall be uploaded and identified as such and any exhibits referenced therein shall be uploaded as separate documents and NOT contained within the uploaded affirmation).

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Note

The court recommends using the NYS UCS website format for the Findings of Fact/Conclusions of Law and Judgment of Divorce.

a. The Findings of Fact/Conclusions of Law and Judgment of Divorce should be in the format found on the NYS UCS website.

PR RMThorsen · May 2024 · p. 7
|Sec9. Submission of Findings of Fact/Conclusions of Law and Judgment of Divorce
Formatting

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

c. Format your documents to ensure that the date and signature line is not the only content on the final page.

Summary: Documents must be formatted so the final page contains material other than the date and signature line.

PR RMThorsen · May 2024 · p. 7
|Sec9. Submission of Findings of Fact/Conclusions of Law and Judgment of Divorce
Formatting

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

d. Social security numbers should be set forth in the following format: xxx-xx-____.

Summary: Social security numbers should appear in the masked format xxx-xx-____.

PR RMThorsen · May 2024 · p. 7
|Sec9. Submission of Findings of Fact/Conclusions of Law and Judgment of Divorce

Document Filing Requirements4 rules

Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory

A proposed Order to Show Cause submitted for signature must be uploaded to NYSCEF.

Proposed Orders to Show Cause submitted for signature must be uploaded to NYSCEF.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
PR RMThorsen · May 2024 · p. 4
|Sec5. Motions — Orders to Show Cause
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory

A spousal-support application must be accompanied by a completed Spousal Support Worksheet.

any application regarding spousal support must be accompanied by a completed Spousal Support Worksheet.

Document Type

Spousal Support Application

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory

A child-support application must be accompanied by a completed Child Support Worksheet.

Any application regarding child support must be accompanied by a completed Child Support Worksheet

Document Type

Child Support Application

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important

Motions are decided on submission unless the Court directs otherwise, and a request for oral argument must state “Oral Argument Requested” on the first page of the papers.

All motions are by submission only unless otherwise advised by the Court. Parties may request oral argument by stating “Oral Argument Requested” on the first page of the papers submitted.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
PR RMThorsen · May 2024 · p. 4
|Sec5. Motions — Oral Argument

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

All documents and submissions in e-filing cases, including letters, proposed orders, and proposed judgments, must be filed on NYSCEF.

All documents in efile cases must be filed on NYSCEF. All submissions to the Court, including letters, proposed orders, and proposed judgments must be filed on NYSCEF.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026

Page 3 | 3. E-Filing

Parties must upload the required letter and, as soon as practicable, e-file a fully executed stipulation of settlement or discontinuance on NYSCEF.

notify the Court by uploading a letter to NYSCEF. As soon as is practicable, the parties shall e-file a fully executed stipulation of settlement or discontinuance.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026

Page 3 | 3. E-Filing

All motion papers and accompanying documents must be uploaded to NYSCEF with the motion sequence number properly identified.

All motion papers and accompanying documents must be uploaded to NYSCEF and properly identify the motion sequence number.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026

Page 4 | 5. Motions

A proposed Order to Show Cause submitted for signature must be uploaded electronically to NYSCEF.

Proposed Orders to Show Cause submitted for signature must be uploaded to NYSCEF.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026

Page 4 | 5. Motions — Orders to Show Cause

Working copies are not required, and all documents must be filed electronically.

The Court does not require working copies of documents; all documents are to be electronically filed.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026

Page 3 | 3. E-Filing

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

A fully executed stipulation of settlement or discontinuance must be e-filed as soon as practicable.

As soon as is practicable, the parties shall e-file a fully executed stipulation of settlement or discontinuance.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026

Page 3 | 3. E-Filing

motions must be returnable on Friday.

Motions shall be made returnable on Friday.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026

Page 4 | 5. Motions — Return Date

Service and Proof of Service Rules

A subpoena directed to a municipal or state department or bureau must be issued by motion with at least one day's notice to both the agency and the adverse party.

CPLR Section 2307 requires the issuance of a subpoena on “a department or bureau of a municipal corporation or of the state” be done by motion on at least one day’s notice to the agency and to the adverse party.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026

Page 7 | 10. Subpoenas

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

An Order to Show Cause may be brought only for a genuine emergency, when a stay is required, or for a post-judgment application.

An Order to Show Cause shall be brought only when there is genuine emergency, a stay is required, or the application is being filed post-judgment.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026

Page 4 | 5. Motions — Orders to Show Cause

A party seeking a motion must give notice and upload a written pre-motion conference request stating the anticipated motion's basis; the request and any permitted response are limited to two pages, and a response must be filed through NYSCEF within one business day after service.

Pursuant to Section C.3. (Motions) of the Matrimonial Part Operational Rules, any party seeking to make a motion must file a written letter request for a pre-motion conference on notice to all other parties and upload the letter to NYSCEF. The letter request should state the basis of the anticipated motion and may not exceed two (2) pages. All parties so served may serve and file a letter response, not to exceed two (2) pages, via NYSCEF within one (1) business day from service of the notification letter

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026

Page 4 | 5. Motions — Pre-Motion Conference

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Hearing or trial adjournment requests are not permitted except as provided in 22 NYCRR § 125.1.

Requests to Adjourn Hearings/Trials: A request for an adjournment of a hearing/trial is not permitted except as provided in 22 NYCRR § 125.1.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026

Page 2 | 1. Scheduling and Calendar Matters

An appearance or motion adjournment request must be written, noticed, filed on NYSCEF at least 36 hours before the deadline, include the specified information, and obtain the Court's written approval; otherwise, the parties must appear.

Requests to Adjourn an Appearance/Motion: A request for an adjournment of an appearance or a motion shall be made in writing at least thirty-six (36) hours prior to the appearance or motion deadline, on notice to the other parties and shall be filed on NYSCEF. If the request is not made at least thirty-six (36) hours prior to the appearance or motion deadline, the parties must appear on the appearance date or motion return date. Any party seeking an adjournment must attempt to obtain consent from all other parties in the action. Applications for adjournments must state: (1) the appearance/motion date, (2) three proposed adjourned dates/times on consent, (3) the reason for the request, (4) the number of prior adjournments, and (5) whether the opposing party(ies) consent(s) or object(s) to the request. Absent explicit approval from the Court in writing, the adjournment is not deemed granted, even if the adjournment request is on consent. To the extent that counsel seeks an adjournment based upon engagement of counsel, compliance with the Rules of the Chief Administrative Judge Part 125 shall be complied with, including, but not limited to, the filing of an Affirmation of Engagement.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 2 | 1. Scheduling and Calendar Matters

Chambers Communication Rules

Communications with the Court must be written and e-filed with simultaneous copies to all counsel or self-represented parties, and must identify the action, copied recipients, and requested relief; the Court may not be copied on party correspondence unless directed.

Letters: Communications with the Court shall be in writing and e-filed, with copies simultaneously delivered to all counsel or self-represented parties. All correspondence sent to the Court must bear the full title and index number of the action, indicate that all counsel or self-represented parties were copied, and state the relief sought or action requested to be taken by the Court. The Court shall not be copied on correspondence between counsel and/or self-represented litigants, unless the Court so directs.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026

Page 2 | 2. Communications with the Court

Self-represented parties must direct all communications through the Part Clerk.

Self-represented parties must direct all communications through the Part Clerk.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026

Page 2 | 2. Communications with the Court

The Court does not accept correspondence or legal papers by fax transmission.

Fax Transmissions: The Court does not accept correspondence or legal papers of any kind by fax transmission.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026

Page 2 | 2. Communications with the Court

Telephone calls and emails to Chambers are permitted only for immediate matters that cannot be handled through written correspondence; ex parte communications are prohibited, and self-represented parties must use the Part Clerk.

Telephone Calls and E-mails: Telephone calls and e-mails to Chambers are permitted only in situations requiring immediate attention that cannot otherwise be obtained by written correspondence. Any ex parte communication is strictly prohibited. Self-represented parties must direct all communications through the Part Clerk.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026

Page 2 | 2. Communications with the Court

Scheduling and calendar inquiries should be emailed to Part Clerk Justine Guardiola.

Any inquiries regarding scheduling and calendar matters should be directed to the Part Clerk, Justine Guardiola, via email at jguardio@nycourts.gov.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026

Page 2 | 1. Scheduling and Calendar Matters

General questions about e-filing rules may be sent by email to efile@courts.state.ny.us.

General questions about E-Filing Rules should be addressed to the E-Filing Resource Center at efile@courts.state.ny.us or (646) 386-2022.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026

Page 3 | 3. E-Filing

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 448 rules apply across New York Supreme Court, Westchester County. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Requirements

All 140
  • Applies to
    Preliminary conference order
    Must include
    proposed order

    At least 10 days before the Preliminary Conference, the parties’ attorneys must meet in person or by meaningful phone conference to review and complete the proposed order and address specified issues.

  • Applies to
    Statements of net worth

    The required Statements of Net Worth and attachments must be exchanged between counsel and/or self-represented parties.

  • Applies to
    Conference request
    Must include
    local rule certificate

    A written conference request must identify the issues and available participants and include a detailed 22 NYCRR §130-1.1(a) certification of the prior conference or good-faith resolution attempts.

E-Filing

All 60
  • Applies to
    Proposed order

    The proposed Preliminary Conference Order must be submitted through NYSCEF at least two days before the scheduled conference.

  • Applies to
    Stipulation

    A written custody stipulation must be executed in deed-recordable form and filed through NYSCEF for the court to so order it, unless the parties instead place the agreement on the record and provide a transcript.

  • Applies to
    Request for sur reply

    A request to submit a sur-reply must be filed on NYSCEF and emailed to the assigned justice’s chambers or a court-attorney referee.

Filing Timing

All 55
  • The proposed Preliminary Conference Order is due at least two days before the scheduled conference.

  • Counsel and self-represented parties must file the required Statements of Net Worth and attachments no later than 10 days before the Preliminary Conference.

  • A party opposing any part of an application must submit its opposition and basis within five days after receiving the application.

Communication

All 51
  • Contact
    Email

    The listed email address may be used only to request an initial foreclosure settlement conference for a voluntary case; the Court will respond by mail rather than email.

  • Contact
    Email

    If a motion or part of a motion settles before its return date or decision, the parties must immediately notify chambers or the court-attorney referee in writing by email.

  • When specified Family Court relief is sought while a matrimonial action remains pending and process has been served, the parties must promptly notify the assigned justice’s chambers or court-attorney referee.

About Judge Rolf M. Thorsen

- **Courtroom:** 1002 - **Assistant Law Clerk:** Alison McCaffrey, Esq. - **Part Clerk:** Justine Guardiola - **Principal Court Attorney:** Stephanie A. Small, Esq. - **Email:** 9jd-JudgeThorsen@nycourts.gov - **Address:** Westchester County Courthouse

Common questions about Judge Rolf M. Thorsen's rules

Does Judge Rolf M. Thorsen require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Yes. A pre-motion letter is required for covered motions. Details: 2 pages, response due in 1 days. A party seeking a motion must give notice and upload a written pre-motion conference request stating the anticipated motion's basis; the request and any permitted response are limited to two pages, and a response must be filed through NYSCEF within one business day after service.

View ruleSource: page 4, section 5. Motions — Pre-Motion Conference

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Rolf M. Thorsen?

Judge Rolf M. Thorsen's formatting rule includes set forth social security numbers in the format xxx-xx-. Social security numbers should appear in the masked format xxx-xx-____.

View ruleSource: page 7, section 9. Submission of Findings of Fact/Conclusions of Law and Judgment of Divorce

What must be included with proposed order filings before Judge Rolf M. Thorsen?

The rule requires proposed order. A proposed Order to Show Cause submitted for signature must be uploaded to NYSCEF.

View ruleSource: page 4, section 5. Motions — Orders to Show Cause

What must be included with child support application filings before Judge Rolf M. Thorsen?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. A child-support application must be accompanied by a completed Child Support Worksheet.

View ruleSource: page 4, section 5. Motions

How may parties contact Judge Rolf M. Thorsen's chambers?

The rule addresses letter ecf communications. Communications with the Court must be written and e-filed with simultaneous copies to all counsel or self-represented parties, and must identify the action, copied recipients, and requested relief; the Court may not be copied on party correspondence unless directed.

View ruleSource: page 2, section 2. Communications with the Court

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Rolf M. Thorsen?

Requests should be made at least 36 hours in advance when this rule applies before Judge Rolf M. Thorsen. The request must include proposed new dates, reason for request, number of previous requests, and previous requests granted or denied. An appearance or motion adjournment request must be written, noticed, filed on NYSCEF at least 36 hours before the deadline, include the specified information, and obtain the Court's written approval; otherwise, the parties must appear.

View ruleSource: page 2, section 1. Scheduling and Calendar Matters

Is electronic filing required before Judge Rolf M. Thorsen?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Parties must upload the required letter and, as soon as practicable, e-file a fully executed stipulation of settlement or discontinuance on NYSCEF.

View ruleSource: page 3, section 3. E-Filing

What filing deadlines does Judge Rolf M. Thorsen set?

motions must be returnable on Friday.

View ruleSource: page 4, section 5. Motions — Return Date

What service or proof of service rules apply before Judge Rolf M. Thorsen?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. A subpoena directed to a municipal or state department or bureau must be issued by motion with at least one day's notice to both the agency and the adverse party.

View ruleSource: page 7, section 10. Subpoenas
Complete rules summary for Judge Rolf M. Thorsen

Scheduling and calendar inquiries should be emailed to Part Clerk Justine Guardiola.

Social security numbers in documents uploaded to NYSCEF must be formatted as xxx-xx-____.

An appearance or motion adjournment request must be written, noticed, filed on NYSCEF at least 36 hours before the deadline, include the specified information, and obtain the Court's written approval; otherwise, the parties must appear.

Hearing or trial adjournment requests are not permitted except as provided in 22 NYCRR § 125.1.

Communications with the Court must be written and e-filed with simultaneous copies to all counsel or self-represented parties, and must identify the action, copied recipients, and requested relief; the Court may not be copied on party correspondence unless directed.

Telephone calls and emails to Chambers are permitted only for immediate matters that cannot be handled through written correspondence; ex parte communications are prohibited, and self-represented parties must use the Part Clerk.

Self-represented parties must direct all communications through the Part Clerk.

The Court does not accept correspondence or legal papers by fax transmission.

Parties must upload the required letter and, as soon as practicable, e-file a fully executed stipulation of settlement or discontinuance on NYSCEF.

A fully executed stipulation of settlement or discontinuance must be e-filed as soon as practicable.

All documents and submissions in e-filing cases, including letters, proposed orders, and proposed judgments, must be filed on NYSCEF.

General questions about e-filing rules may be sent by email to efile@courts.state.ny.us.

Working copies are not required, and all documents must be filed electronically.

Every uploaded document must be properly identified.

Exhibits must be uploaded as separate, properly identified documents rather than contained within an affirmation or other uploaded document.

All motion papers and accompanying documents must be uploaded to NYSCEF with the motion sequence number properly identified.

A party seeking a motion must give notice and upload a written pre-motion conference request stating the anticipated motion's basis; the request and any permitted response are limited to two pages, and a response must be filed through NYSCEF within one business day after service.

motions must be returnable on Friday.

Motions are decided on submission unless the Court directs otherwise, and a request for oral argument must state “Oral Argument Requested” on the first page of the papers.

An Order to Show Cause may be brought only for a genuine emergency, when a stay is required, or for a post-judgment application.

A proposed Order to Show Cause submitted for signature must be uploaded to NYSCEF.

A proposed Order to Show Cause submitted for signature must be uploaded electronically to NYSCEF.

A child-support application must be accompanied by a completed Child Support Worksheet.

A spousal-support application must be accompanied by a completed Spousal Support Worksheet.

The court recommends using the NYS UCS website format for the Findings of Fact/Conclusions of Law and Judgment of Divorce.

Documents must be formatted so the final page contains material other than the date and signature line.

Social security numbers should appear in the masked format xxx-xx-____.

A subpoena directed to a municipal or state department or bureau must be issued by motion with at least one day's notice to both the agency and the adverse party.

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