Please click here to view the AO. 

The Fifteenth Judicial Circuit is implementing a new procedure for probate and guardianship cases.  Per A.O. 6.201-3/22, effective March 23, 2022, checklists are now required to be filled out and e-filed with the following petitions:

1. Petition for Summary Administration of Testate Estate
2. Petition for Formal Administration of Testate Estate
3. Petition for Formal Administration of Intestate Estate
4. Petition for Summary Ancillary Administration
5. Petition for Summary Administration of Intestate Estate
6. Petition for Formal Ancillary Administration
7. Petition to Sell Real Property
8. Petition for Appointment of Guardian
9. Petition to Determine Homestead
10. Petition for Discharge

We believe the establishment of uniform procedures for the filing of petitions in the probate and guardianship divisions of the court will facilitate the efficient and timely review, processing and resolution of matters brought before the court.  Our hope is that the utilization of checklists to aid attorneys will ensure compliance with statutory filing requirements and reduce the processing time of petitions.

Please note that after March 23, 2022, any petitions filed without the checklist, will be rejected with leave to refile.  The approved checklists can be found on our website at:    

https://www.15thcircuit.com/services/probate-division

Calling all volunteers: 

•  JNC appointment application deadline was extended to March 21, 2022. https://www.floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-news/deadline-extended-to-apply-for-all-26-jncs/
• In addition, for appointment to the Florida Board of Bar Examiners, the deadline for applications has been extended to March 21, 2022:
  • For attorney applicants:  https://www.floridabar.org/news-release/bar-announcements/may-board-of-bar-examiners-appointments-to-be-filled/
  • For non-attorney “public” applicants:  https://www.floridabar.org/news-release/bar-announcements/committee-seeks-applicants-for-board-of-bar-examiners-seat-4/

In addition, ballots for President-Elect are due by midnight on 3/14.  https://vote.escvote.com/flabar/

Effective March 07, 2022, the Chief has authorized the following Magistrate assignments:

• Magistrate Printz will move to Main Courthouse Family assigned to: all non DOR post-judgment matters in Division FD and Even Case Numbers in Division FC
• Magistrate J. Williams will move to Juvenile to preside over Judicial Review Hearings in Divisions JO, JL, JM, and JK
• Magistrate Klee will move to North County Family and is assigned to: all post-judgment matters in Division FI, Even Case Number post-judgment matters in Division FJ,  and Even cases in Marchman Assessment Hearings
• Magistrate Kirigin will move to South County Family and is assigned to: all post-judgment matters in Division FX, Even Case Number post-judgment matters in Division FZ,  and Even cases in Marchman Assessment Hearings.
• Magistrate Peter Bassaline will remain in South County Family but is now assigned to: all post-judgment matters in Division FY, all post-judgment matters in Division FW, Odd Case Number post-judgment matters in Division FZ,  and odd cases in Marchman Assessment Hearings

Magistrates Maxine Williams, Thomas Baker, and Judi Fanelli will remain in their current assignments.

For specific case assignments for each Magistrate, please refer to AO 5.104 or the Magistrates’ page on our website https://www.15thcircuit.com/magistrates

Please click here to view the judicial directory. 

To view the March judicial calendar, please click here.

Please click here to view AO. 

Effective March 07, 2022, the Chief has authorized the following Magistrate assignments:

• Magistrate Printz will move to Main Courthouse Family assigned to: all non DOR post-judgment matters in Division FD and Even Case Numbers in Division FC.
• Magistrate J. Williams will move to Juvenile to preside over Judicial Review Hearings in Divisions JO, JL, JM and JK.
• Magistrate Klee will move to North County Family and is assigned to: all post-judgment matters in Division FI , Even Case Number post-judgment matters in Division FJ,  and Even cases in Marchman Assessment Hearings.
• Magistrate Kirigin will move to South County Family and is assigned to: all post-judgment matters in Division FX, Even Case Number post-judgment matters in Division FZ, and Even cases in Marchman Assessment Hearings.
• Magistrate Peter Bassaline will remain in South County Family but is now assigned to: all post-judgment matters in Division FY, All post-judgment matters in Division FW, Odd Case Number post-judgment matters in Division FZ,  and odd cases in Marchman Assessment Hearings.
• Magistrates Maxine Williams and Thomas Baker will remain in their current assignments.

For specific case assignments for each Magistrate, please refer to AO 5.104 or the Magistrates’ page by visiting: https://www.15thcircuit.com/magistrates.

Please click here to view the AO. 

Please click here to view the AO. 

Please click here to view the AO. 

The Fifteenth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission (“JNC”) takes pleasure in certifying the following nominees to fill the vacancy for a Circuit Court Judge position created by the retirement of Judge Joseph Marx:

1. Lauren Godden Burke
2. Judge John Parnofiello
3. Darren Shull
4. Judge Melanie Surber
5. Schnelle Tonge

A list of members of the Fifteenth Circuit JNC is available at https://www.flgov.com/judicial-and-judicial-nominating-commission-information/.
If you have any questions, please contact Robert Harvey at (561) 303-2918, or by email at [email protected]