Judicial Section Details

NOTE: DIVISION 17 MOTION CALENDAR IS STILL BEING HELD ON ZOOM / VIRTUAL COURT.

Commencing March 1, 2025 -- Judge Fernandez-Karavetsos' reoccurring link for Motion Calendar ONLY is:

Motion Calendar (Tuesday)     992-2065-2921
Motion Calendar (Thursday)   972-6226-2931

 

CASE MANAGEMENT CONFRENCES CANNOT BE SET ON MOTION CALENDAR. 

To request a CMC, please e-file a Request for CMC which lists the matters to be addressed by the Court. Forward a copy of the e-filed request to the JA via e-mail and chambers will review and set a date or address the issues.

"5-MINUTE" MOTION CALENDAR
The 5-Minute Motion Calendar takes place on Tuesday afternoons from 1:30 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. and on Thursday mornings from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M.
This calendar is for non-evidentiary matters only. Only 2 Motions per case will be heard on the same day.

IF YOU SET MORE THAN 2 MOTIONS PER CASE THEY WILL BE CANCELLED.

Please note as in a courtroom, you will be waiting for the Host until the Bailiff/JA brings you out of the Waiting Room and into the Hearing Room.  Make sure to name yourself correctly on the Zoom account, so that the Bailiff/JA can identify you as the correct party for your case. 

To set a matter on the Court's Motion calendar for hearing via courtMAP:

1. Search for the Court's Motion calendar availability (found on courtMAP).Motion calendar hearings CAN BE unilaterally set.
2. Create the event on CourtMAP (set your hearing), upload all supporting documents (filed motion, notice of hearing, division hearing request form, etc.). HEARINGS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN PROPERLY NOTICED WILL BE CANCELLED.
*DO NOT create multiple events (set multiple hearings); the system allows for two (2) motions to be set for each case.*
**The Court will not hear more than two (2) motions per case per motion calendar.** 
*Once a green "Success" message appears, the hearing has made calendar.  

IMPORTANT: Although the movant and the parties listed on the service list at the time the hearing is set will receive an email from courtMAP indicating that an event has been created, a notice of hearing will not automatically generate.  The movant MUST e-file the notice of hearing via the e-portal system.  Include 11thFC17@jud11.flcourts.org in all filings. 

A MOTION WHICH IS NOT PROPERLY NOTICED WILL NOT BE HEARD BY THE COURT.

 

YOU MUST ATTACH THE MOTION(S) BEING HEARD AS A "SUPPORTING DOCUMENT" ON COURTMAP TO THE HEARING. ALSO, PLEASE ATTACH A COPY OF THE NOTICE OF HEARING IN THE "SUPPORTING DOCUMENT" TAB ON COURTMAP. 

 

To confirm a hearing, click on the "calendar" tab in the navigation bar and then on "view events," select the hearing date; the scheduled hearing will appear.  You can also click on "calendar," then on "events by case" and enter the case number; all upcoming hearings for that case number will appear.  
To cancel a motion calendar hearing:
Movants cancelling a hearing shall e-file a notice of cancellation and also cancel the hearing on courtMAP.  To do this, click on: -calendar, -view events, -select the case, -click case status ready, -click cancel from the dropdown, -click save, -select cancellation reason, -click confirm cancellation.  

A Courtesy Copy of the e-file stamped Notice of Cancellation must be forwarded to the JA at 11thFC17@jud11.flcourts.org

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NOTE: DIVISION 17 TRIALS ARE BEING SET LIVE/IN-PERSON. CALENDAR CALL IS HELD ON ZOOM 

Calendar Call ZOOM ID: 935-5249-3487

All Non-Jury Trials shall be set through the Judicial Assistant.

A Notice of Readiness for Trial must be filed for every case. (Must include time requested for both sides to complete Trial) 

Every case must attend Mediation prior to being set for Trial. 

 

To request Trial dates:

Please e-mail the Judicial Assistant at 11thFC17@jud11.flcourts.org

Copying opposing counsel/party

Include a courtesy copy of the e-filed Notice of Readiness for Trial.

Trial dates will be provided and counsel is to coordinate amongst themselves and get back to chambers within 5 business days with their selection.

*CHAMBERS WILL NOT FOLLOW UP WITH COUNSEL FOR THEIR CASE TO BE SET. DATES ARE PROVIDED AND IT IS COUNSEL'S DUTY TO FINALIZE THEIR DATE SELECTIONS AFTER CONFERING WITH EACH OTHER.

Motions for Continuance: 

All Motions for Continuance of Trial must be e-filed at least 5 business days prior to Trial. 

E-mail a copy of the e-filed Motion for Continuance to Chambers at 11thFC17@jud11.flcourts.org 

 

NON-JURY TRIALS
THE ATTORNEYS/PRO SE LITIGANTS SHALL MEET:  The attorneys/pro se litigants shall meet and communicate concerning settlement and all aspects of the trial not less than twenty (20) days prior to the scheduled trial. 

PRE-TRIAL CATALOGUE:  Each party shall file a pre-trial catalogue with the clerk and forward a courtesy copy to the court not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the trial. 


The Pre-trial Catalogue shall contain the following information:
THE MARRIAGE:
Date and place of marriage.
Date of separation.
A concise statement of the marital history.

THE CHILDREN:
A list of the names and ages of the children.
A statement in compliance with Sec. 61.522, Florida Statutes.
A statement concerning the current parenting plan.
A statement of whether the children are presently covered under any medical and/or dental insurance policy.
A statement of any special medical problems of any of the children.

PARENTING PLAN:  In all cases where any aspect of the parenting plan is at issue a statement of the client's claims or defenses, together with the factual and legal basis for the position.

CHILD SUPPORT:
The attorneys/pro se litigants are required to provide a completed CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINE WORKSHEET in support of his or her position regarding child support.
A statement of the amount of child support proposed.
A statement setting forth the specific factual and legal basis in support of the party's claim and/or defense for child support.

ALIMONY – SPECIAL RELIEF:  In all cases where either party seeks alimony or other special relief a STATEMENT OF CLIENT'S CLAIM for alimony and/or special relief is required and shall state the nature of alimony claimed, whether lump sum, rehabilitative or permanent, together with the factual and legal basis therefore.

WITNESS LIST:  The Pre-trial Catalogue shall contain a list of witnesses to be called at trial. This includes rebuttal and impeachment witnesses who, in the exercise of diligent pre-trial preparation, you should know might be called.  Expert witnesses shall be so specified.  Such list shall contain names, addresses and a brief statement of testimony to be offered.  Witnesses not listed will not be called at trial except for good cause shown.

EXPERT WITNESSES: ONLY ONE (1) EXPERT, PER SPECIALTY, PER SIDE, is permitted, unless otherwise ordered by the court.

EXHIBIT LIST: The Pre-trial Catalogue shall contain a list of all exhibits which may be used at trial.  Each exhibit must be exchanged with opposing counsel/pro se litigant at least ten (10) days before trial.  Exhibits not specifically listed and timely exchanged may not be used at trial except for good cause shown. Prior to the trial date, e-file a Notice of Filing with each Exhibit attached. (i.e. Notice of Filing Exhibit "A" with said exhibit attached.) THIS APPLIES TO BOTH ZOOM AND IN PERSON HEARINGS. 

DIVISION OF ASSETS:  In all cases in which there is a disputed question as to division of any assets, real or personal, concurrently with the Pre-trial catalogue each party shall file a SCHEDULE OF ASSETS, signed by the party in affidavit form, setting forth each asset to which a disputed question exists or to the division thereof.  Said Schedule shall reflect: a description of the asset and non-marital assets (so identified); in whose name the title or ownership lies; the date of acquisition; the value at the time of acquisition; the value at time of filing of petition or, if another date is used, explain why another date is used; the present value thereof; the basis for any claim of unequal distribution thereto; and
the basis for allowance of, (or any portion thereof,) of EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION; a list of suggested disposition of each asset. THE SCHEDULE MUST BE SWORN TO BY THE PARTY.

DIVISION OF DEBTS: In all cases in which there is a disputed question as to division of any debts, concurrently with the Pre-Trial catalogue each party shall file a Schedule of Debts, signed by the party in affidavit form, which shall reflect: a description of the marital debts and non-marital debts: in whose name the debt is in; the date debt wasincurred; the amount of the debt when it was first incurred; the amount of the debt at the time of filing of the petition.  If another date is also used, explain why another date is also used and state the amount of the debts as of that date; the present amount of the debt; a list containing a suggested disposition of each debt and the basis for the suggested disposition. THE SCHEDULE MUST BE SWORN TO BY THE PARTY.

A SUMMARY OF ANY UNIQUE AREAS OF LAW OR FACTS TO BE ASSERTED.
STIPULATION: The attorneys/pro se litigants shall review testimony and stipulate to the admissibility, where appropriate, of all records and testimony which can be read into the record at final hearing.  A list of Admissions and Stipulation is to be included in the Pre-trial Catalogue.

FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT: A current, fully executed financial statement in accordance with Form 12.901(d) or (e) of the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure shall be attached to the Pre-trial Catalogue and exchanged with the attorneys/pro se litigants.

MEDIATION/PARENTING CLASS/SANDCASTLES PROGRAM: The attorneys or the parties shall include a statement advising that the parties have scheduled a full mediation conference as to all issues (except in cases where there are domestic violence issues) and, if minor children are involved, completed the parenting class titled "Children of Divorcing Parents" and for children over six (6) years of age that they have completed the "Sandcastles" program, both of which are offered by Miami Dade Community College.

DISCOVERY: All discovery shall be completed ten (10) days prior to the date set for TRIAL and shall be allowed thereafter only upon agreement of the attorneys/pro se litigants or on a showing of good cause.

SETTLEMENT:  The attorneys/pro se litigants shall immediately notify the court in the event of settlement.

All cases must attend mediation prior to filing a Notice of Readiness for Trial.
Notice of Readiness shall include the specific issues to be tried by the court (e.g. timesharing, alimony, child support).

Notice of Readiness for Trial must be filed through the e-filing portal or with the Clerk’s office. Please include 11thFC17@jud11.flcourts.org in the service list and contact chambers to schedule a hearing date.
Motions to continue the trial must include a signature from the client agreeing to the continuance.

The Court will not grant Motions for Continuance just because they are "agreed to." Email chambers with agreed to continuances and they will be granted/denied at the Court's discretion. 

Go to CourtMAP

*All proposed orders must be submitted via courtMap
*Supporting documents (i.e.: motions, affidavits, cover letters, etc.) must always be submitted in support of a proposed order.
*Do not submit proposed orders on matters that are contested and/or already set for hearing. 
*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. 
*If you are submitting an AGREED order, please select the AGREED order option.
*When submitting a proposed/agreed order, the title of the order must be typed in the title box provided by courtMAP, NOT within the body of the proposed/agreed order.  
*NOTE: courtMAP automatically adds the case style, order title, judge's signature block and the done and ordered language to the order.  

**If you are submitting an order on a Stipulation for Substitution of Counsel, you must submit the written consent of the client. 
Additionally, the name and bar number of the “new” attorney must be included within the body of the proposed order. 

**If submitting a Motion to Withdraw as counsel, please identify if the case is currently set for trial.  If a Final Judgment has been entered, please indicate this in your motion. 

**Ex-Parte Motions to Compel: must contain certification of “good faith effort” required by Rule 1.380(a)(2).

 

**Domestic Violence and Adoption cases are not compatible with CourtMAP, you must send proposed orders to chambers at giellamo@jud11.flcourts.org


To check the status of a proposed/agreed order, please log on to courtMAP and access your workbench folder.  A list of all pending, approved and rejected submissions appear in your workbench folder. 

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NOTE: DIVISION 17 SPECIAL SET HEARINGS ARE BEING SET LIVE/IN-PERSON FOR HEARINGS OF AN HOUR OR MORE. HEARINGS OF AN HOUR OR LESS ARE HELD VIA ZOOM/VIRTUAL COURTROOM. 

Commencing March 1, 2025 -- Judge Fernandez-Karavetsos' reoccurring link for Special Set Calendar ONLY is:
Meeting ID: 956-9359-9979

 

CASE MANAGEMENT CONFRENCES ARE BEING HEARD ON ZOOM.

ZOOM MEETING ID: 958-6353-4839

Parties may request to set hearings that are a duration of one hour or less through CourtMap. Parties are not required to schedule these hearings through the judicial assistant.

Hearings that require more than one hour, must be set through the judicial assistant.

TO SCHEDULE A SPECIAL SET HEARING  BEFORE JUDGE FERNANDEZ-KARAVETSOS
*The moving party MUST coordinate the date/time with opposing counsel based on the Court's availability, which is found on courtMap. Once the date has been agreed to, the moving party shall submit a copy of the filed motion and the Court's request form under the supporting documents option on courtMAP when selecting the proposed hearing date for the Court's approval. After your hearing has been approved you may file a Notice of Hearing with the Motion(s) title(s) and the docket entry number(s) to each.

To schedule a hearing for more than one (1) hour, e-mail the Judicial Assistant at gcanales@jud11.flcourts.org (copying all parties) with the case information, the amount of time you are seeking and the reason for seeking that amount of time.  Please attach a copy of the e-file stamped motion, request for hearing and any other relevant information necessary to schedule the hearing.

*Special set hearings are not scheduled until they are approved by the Court.  If the submission is rejected, the moving party will receive a rejection notice from courtMAP which will detail the reason for the rejection (this rejection will also appear in the submitter's workbench/rejected folder).  The moving party must proceed to resubmit the entire submission to correct the issues detailed in the rejection. Once the Court has approved the submission, the parties will receive an email from courtMAP indicating same.  A notice of hearing will also be generated, e-filed, and served upon the parties via courtMap.  


ONCE A SPECIAL SET HEARING IS APPROVED: All responses, replies, etc. must be e-filed no later than 3 days prior to the hearing.

 

Evidence must be submitted in accordance with the Administrative Order

*ADD-ON motions to special set hearings are not permitted. Please e-mail chambers to request add-ons.



To confirm a special set hearing:  Moving parties  may check the workbench/approved folder via courtMAP.  All parties may confirm hearings by selecting calendar, events by case number (entering the case number), and clicking on the magnifying glass.  A list of all upcoming hearings on the case searched will appear.  Hearings that appear in green or "ready" are confirmed.  Hearings that appear in gray or "cancelled" are not set.   
 
SPECIAL SET HEARING CANCELLATIONS: To cancel a special set hearing, you must email the J.A. at  giellamo@jud11.flcourts.org  and CC all parties involved. Your email must include the case information (style, hearing type, date set, etc.) as well as the reason why you are seeking the cancellation of said hearing.  If you have not received a response from the J.A. within 24 hours, you must follow up with a telephone call to chambers to confirm the cancellation. **Parties will NOT be able to cancel a special set hearing on courtMAP.**

IMPORTANT:
If you reach a resolution after a hearing has been scheduled, the party that requested the hearing must, IMMEDIATELY UPON REACHING A RESOLUTION, file a Notice of Cancellation with the Clerk or thru E-Portal  AND E-MAIL CHAMBERS to remove the matter from calendar.  If a Notice of Cancellation is not filed AND chambers is not informed, the Judge will expect the Parties to appear on the scheduled date.  

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PLEASE NOTE: UCD CALENDAR DOES NOT REQUIRE ANY HEARINGS!! 

Judge Fernandez-Karavetsos handles all Uncontested Dissolution of Marriage, Uncontested Paternity, Uncontested Temporary Custody, and Change of Name hearings administratively. This means you ARE NOT required to be present when the Final Order is entered.

Once your case is resolved, on COURTMAP, Click on Special Sets- Uncontested Calendar for the Division/Judge to add your case on the UCD/RUCD calendar.

(Attorneys must select UCD Attorneys NOT UCD CASE MANAGER OR YOUR HEARING WILL BE CANCELLED)

NOTE: You will NOT receive a Zoom link for this calendar as all UCD orders are Administrative and processed without a hearing.
Once your case is resolved, on COURTMAP, Click on Uncontested Calendar for the Division/Judge and follow the steps below. 

Please be sure to attach the following supporting documents with an e-file stamp with the proposed Final Judgement submitted: 
1. Petition or Counter Petition
2. Answer or Answer/Waiver 
3. Marital Settlement Agreement and/or Parenting Plan. 
4. If the Petition has been defaulted please attach the Order of Default. (Cases with minor children where there is a Default entered will be set for a Best Interest Hearing- See Case Law: Corridon v. Corridon) 
5. A copy of the Petitioner's and/or Counter Petitioner’s Valid Driver's License, Florida State ID or Voter’s Registration card.  
6. Affidavit that MSA and/or PP in best interest of child, signed by both parties.   
7. Financial Affidavits
8. UCCJEA Affidavit
9. Special Affidavit for Remote Uncontested/No Hearing
 

Attorneys: Please send a proposed Final Judgment to the Judge via COURTMAP, including a cover letter advising the Judge that this is a proposed Final Judgement. You must submit a Proposed Final Judgement through CourtMAP under PROPOSED ORDERS. Please ensure any supporting documents including the driver's license is attached to the proposed final judgement under the "supporting documents" section. IF ALL DOCUMENTS ARE NOT UNDER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WITH YOUR PROPOSED ORDER IT WILL BE REJECTED.

Self-Represented Litigants:  You will not have to appear in court. The Judge will prepare a final judgment  and you will receive a copy via CourtMAP. 

 

You may find a list of approved parenting courses on:

https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/child-family/child-and-family-well-being/parent-education-and-family-stabilization

 

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