Administrative Order Viewer

In the Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit in and for
DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties, Florida

Administrative Order No: 2019–4.5

(supersedes Administrative Order 2017–13.5)

The procedures for assigning adversary probate proceedings has changed and Administrative Order 2003-04-05 is outdated and in conflict with current practices. Pursuant to the power vested in the chief judge under article V, section 2(d), Florida Constitution, section 43.26, Florida Statutes, and Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.215, and to improve the administration of justice within the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, it is

Ordered that effective immediately, adversary probate proceedings requiring resolution by trial will be assigned as follows:

1. The Probate Divisions in Desoto County, and South County Division H will preside over all adversary probate proceedings requiring resolution by trial, including all pre-trial motions and trials.
2. In Manatee County and Sarasota County (excluding South County Division H), any adversary probate proceeding requiring resolution by a trial expected to last more than a half-day (three hours) will be transferred to the Civil Division when ready to be placed on a trial calendar. Pre-trial motions pertaining to the cases transferred pursuant to this paragraph will be heard by the Probate Division.
3. This Administrative Order supersedes Administrative Order 2017-13.5.

Done and ordered in Sarasota County, Florida, this 22^nd day of February, 2019.

Charles E. Williams
Chief Judge