FJ Divisional News
For Divisional Instructions specific for:
- Family Division FJ
- Probate / Guardianship Division IJ
Select the division dropdown on the right side of the page.
New Online Scheduling for Uniform Motion Calendar
Uniform Motion Calendar ("UMC") hearings are held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8:45 A.M. and are set through the Online Scheduling System. Only non-evidentiary motions that DO NOT require testimony can be scheduled during UMC.
Judge Kroll will review all Motions, Memoranda of Law and legal authority in advance of UMC Hearings. Accordingly, please provide a courtesy copy of all materials for review in advance of all hearings. Courtesy copies of all UMC materials should be uploaded to the E-Courtesy system as indicated below.
You do not need to call the Judicial Assistant to schedule or cancel a UMC hearing.
Parties MUST comply with Local Rule No. 4 when scheduling matters on the UMC docket.
Attorney must first file the original motion and notice of hearing with the Clerk's office and give opposing side(s) at least five (5) working days' notice, unless short notice has been agreed on by the parties.
DO NOT mail courtesy hard copies of the UMC Notice of Hearing or Motions to the court.
Parties are required to bring to court: copies of the motion, notice of hearing and proposed order with sufficient copies and stamped/addressed envelopes for all parties not registered for e-service.
Cancellation of hearings. To cancel a hearing scheduled for UMC, the scheduling attorney's office must login to the Online Scheduling System, select "Uniform Motion Calendar Scheduling"; Select "Cancel Hearings" and follow the directions on the screen. Please do not call the Judicial Assistant to schedule or cancel a UMC hearing. As a courtesy please notify opposing counsel when cancelling a UMC hearing.
Learn more about e-courtesy
Strict Compliance With Local Rule 4
Local Rule 4 has been amended and now requires attorneys to "make reasonable efforts to actually speak to one another" in a genuine effort to narrow disputes before seeking court intervention.
The certification requirement has also changed and provides only two options to be used without modification:
- Counsel has conferred with all parties who may be affected by the relief sought in the motion in a good faith effort to resolve or narrow the issues raised.
- Counsel has made reasonable efforts to confer with all parties who may be affected by the relief sought in the motion but has been unable to do so.
If you have not complied with these amended requirements, please reschedule your hearing.
Important E-Service Information
In accordance with the 15th Judicial Circuit's Administrative Order 2.310, please ensure that primary and secondary email addresses are registered with Court Administration E-Services .
Please be reminded that the filing of an e-mail designation with the Clerk's Office is NOT a registration with Court Administration for JUDICIAL e-service.
Judicial e-service is also NOT E-Filing. E-filing is done through the Clerk's Office E-portal.
Please Note - Important Information Below Regarding E-Service
Please be advised that Family Division "FJ is participating in Judicial E-Service (from the Court to Counsel), if all parties are represented by counsel and have a valid e-mail address. When submitting a proposed order or Judgement to our office, via U.S. Mail, for Judge Kroll's signature (If all parties are represented by Counsel and have a valid e-mail address, you DO NOT have to submit envelopes or extra copies of the order for conforming, as the Judicial Assistant will e-mail the signed Order / Judgement back to counsel. Pro Se litigants may also opt to received documents via E-Service by filing a Notice of Designation of Email Address for E-Service form.
Please make note of the new Administrative Order 2.311 which relates to Notice of Change of Address/Substitutions of Counsel and Designation of Attorney of Record. This Administrative Order contains specific language which must be included in the proposed Order submitted to the Court for signature.