Hearing Prep Mode
Walk in organized. Walk out with a plan.
Hearing preparation is organization, not argument coaching: know the procedure, bring the proof, respect the format. Pick your county to pull its actual hearing procedures from BenchPath.
The universal prep list
01
Confirm the hearing
Date, time, length, judge/magistrate, and whether it's Zoom or in person. The notice of hearing controls.
02
Know what the hearing decides
A motion calendar hearing is short and narrow; a special set or evidentiary hearing takes testimony. Prepare for the one you actually have.
03
Organize exhibits
Number them, bring the required copies, and know your county's submission procedure — many divisions require pre-submission for Zoom hearings.
04
Line up witnesses
Who, why, and whether they need subpoenas. Confirm remote-appearance rules if any witness is remote.
05
Draft the timeline
One page: the key dates and facts you need the judge to absorb quickly.
06
Check the proposed-order procedure
Some divisions want proposed orders before the hearing, in editable format, through a specific channel.
07
Plan court day
Parking, security lines, childcare (children generally should not come), documents in a binder, phone silenced.
08
Plan the after
Who prepares the order, when it's due, and what you must start doing the moment it's signed.
Seminole hearing & division procedures
E-FilingEighteenth Judicial Circuit
Proposed Orders in .DOCX with DJMCA Codes; Cover Letters in PDF — 18th Circuit
The Eighteenth Judicial Circuit (Seminole and Brevard) requires cover letters in PDF format and proposed orders in .docx format using DJMCA formatting codes, submitted through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Special Set HearingsCharlie Crawford · Brevard
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Charlie Crawford: Hearing & argument time
35 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Charlie Crawford's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersKelly J. McKibben · Brevard
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Kelly J. McKibben: Proposed orders
47 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Kelly J. McKibben's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersKimberly Musselman · Brevard
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Kimberly Musselman: Proposed orders
33 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Kimberly Musselman's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersLaura Moody · Brevard
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Laura Moody: Proposed orders
38 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Laura Moody's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersMark E. Herr · Seminole
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Mark E. Herr: Proposed orders
86 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Mark E. Herr's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersMelanie Chase · Seminole
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Melanie Chase: Proposed orders
13 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Melanie Chase's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersMelissa D. Souto · Seminole
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Melissa D. Souto: Proposed orders
32 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Melissa D. Souto's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Special Set HearingsMichael Rudisill · Seminole
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Michael Rudisill: Hearing & argument time
41 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Michael Rudisill's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Special Set HearingsMichelle L. Naberhaus · Brevard
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Michelle L. Naberhaus: Hearing & argument time
34 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Michelle L. Naberhaus's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersMichelle Vitt Baker · Brevard
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Michelle Vitt Baker: Proposed orders
29 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Michelle Vitt Baker's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersRobert Segal · Brevard
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Robert Segal: Proposed orders
34 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Robert Segal's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersSamuel Bookhardt III · Brevard
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Samuel Bookhardt III: Proposed orders
37 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Samuel Bookhardt III's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Special Set HearingsSteve Henderson · Brevard
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Steve Henderson: Hearing & argument time
25 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Steve Henderson's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersSusan Stacy · Seminole
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Susan Stacy: Proposed orders
44 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Susan Stacy's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersSylvia Grunor · Seminole
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Sylvia Grunor: Proposed orders
73 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Sylvia Grunor's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Remote / Zoom HearingsThomas J. Brown · Brevard
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Thomas J. Brown: Remote appearances
14 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Thomas J. Brown's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersWayne Culver · Seminole
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Wayne Culver: Proposed orders
55 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Wayne Culver's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersWilliam S. Orth · Seminole
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge William S. Orth: Proposed orders
36 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge William S. Orth's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersAaron J. Peacock · Brevard
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Aaron J. Peacock: Proposed orders
26 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Aaron J. Peacock's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Special Set HearingsCarsandra D. Buie · Seminole
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Carsandra D. Buie: Hearing & argument time
56 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Carsandra D. Buie's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersChristina Serrano · Brevard
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Christina Serrano: Proposed orders
6 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Christina Serrano's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersChristopher Sprysenski · Seminole
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Christopher Sprysenski: Proposed orders
85 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Christopher Sprysenski's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersClarissa Harrell · Brevard
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Clarissa Harrell: Proposed orders
41 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Clarissa Harrell's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Special Set HearingsCurt Jacobus · Brevard
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Curt Jacobus: Hearing & argument time
86 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Curt Jacobus's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersDavid C. Koenig · Brevard
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge David C. Koenig: Proposed orders
26 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge David C. Koenig's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersDebra Krause · Seminole
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Debra Krause: Proposed orders
14 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Debra Krause's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Special Set HearingsDonna M. Goerner · Seminole
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Donna M. Goerner: Hearing & argument time
180 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Donna M. Goerner's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersGeorge T. Paulk · Brevard
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge George T. Paulk: Proposed orders
67 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge George T. Paulk's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersJames Dekleva · Seminole
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge James Dekleva: Proposed orders
12 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge James Dekleva's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Special Set HearingsJessica Recksiedler · Seminole
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Jessica Recksiedler: Hearing & argument time
79 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Jessica Recksiedler's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersJohn D. Galluzzo · Seminole
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge John D. Galluzzo: Proposed orders
32 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge John D. Galluzzo's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Remote / Zoom HearingsJonathan Skinner · Brevard
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Jonathan Skinner: Remote appearances
27 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Jonathan Skinner's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Special Set HearingsKathryn M. Speicher · Brevard
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Kathryn M. Speicher: Hearing & argument time
49 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Kathryn M. Speicher's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Remote / Zoom HearingsKatie Jacobus · Brevard
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Katie Jacobus: Remote appearances
27 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Katie Jacobus's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Remote / Zoom HearingsKristina Paulter · Seminole
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Kristina Paulter: Remote appearances
29 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Kristina Paulter's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersMary Nardi · Seminole
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Mary Nardi: Proposed orders
48 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Mary Nardi's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersMichelle Studstill · Brevard
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Michelle Studstill: Proposed orders
34 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Michelle Studstill's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersStanley Silver · Seminole
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Stanley Silver: Proposed orders
48 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Stanley Silver's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.
Proposed OrdersTesha Ballou · Brevard
Eighteenth Cir. — Judge Tesha Ballou: Proposed orders
80 verbatim courtroom requirements from Judge Tesha Ballou's published division procedures.
Court procedures change without notice. Verify urgent deadlines or unusual requirements with the court, the clerk, or a Florida attorney. If a specific order in your case says otherwise, that order controls over any county, division, or judge default shown here.