Department J

Courtroom Protocol

No weapons are allowed. There is no eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in any courtroom.

Proper courtroom attire is required. No shorts or tank tops are allowed in the courtroom, shoes are required. T-shirts, which show offensive slogans or pictures, are not allowed. Hats should be removed before entering the courtroom.

While in the courtroom, sit quietly when court is in session. Do not talk or whisper. The court proceedings are being recorded by a court recorder and noise can interfere with the preparation of this important record.

All beepers, cellular telephones, and electronic devices must be turned off before entering the courtroom. Avoid reading newspapers, or books in the courtrooms, particularly if your use of such material may be a distraction to others.

Attorneys are expected to maintain the highest ethical standards at all times, and to strictly adhere to the opportunities, requirements, limitations, and deadlines set by the judge. All counsel are to be punctual for all conferences, hearings and trials. They are to be civil to one another as well as to all parties, witnesses, and court personnel – whether in front of a jury or the court.

Department J Zoom Information (Effective January 29th 2024)

Chamber Calendar

• Adoptions in chambers – No

Telephonic Appearances

• Pursuant to EDCR and prior notice to the court, appearances may be made telephonically for calendar matters. Call chambers to confirm the arrangements to be made with each separate department.
• Follow the statute and case law regarding telephonic appearances at trial and evidentiary hearings.

Unopposed Motions

• Department grants unopposed motions in advance of the hearing date: No
• Department permits Zoom Orders:No
• Unopposed motions to withdraw can be zoomed; unopposed motions to reduce or increase child support will be granted. Unopposed motions for withdrawal, unopposed motions to continue, and matters on default.

Joint Preliminary Injunctions

• Department requires a JPI to be a Court Order to be enforceable: Yes

Prove-up Hearings

• Does your department require a prove-up hearing for:
  • Name changes for adults? No
  • Name changes for juveniles? Yes
  • Final custody orders? Yes
  • Summary Divorce? No

Submission of Orders

• Does your department require prevailing counsel to submit a draft order to opposing counsel for review? Yes
• Does your department impose a period of time for opposing counsel to review and return an Order? Yes.
• Reasonable period of time for opposing counsel to review and return an Order? 7-10 days
• The desired method for resolving disputes regarding proposed orders? Submit Order with explanatory letter for chambers review with courtesy copy to opposing counsel.

Telephonic Conferences

• Is your department available for telephonic conferences with counsel? Sometimes
• What are some of the circumstances in which your department will engage in a telephonic conference?
  • Minor discovery issue
  • Emergencies regarding the children (medical, educational)
  • Attorney emergencies (health, conflicting trials, etc.)

Stacking Trails

• Does department stack trials? Yes