IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDA
Case No.: ___________________
________________________________, Division ___________________
Petitioner,
and
_______________________________,
Respondent.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FAMILY LAW DIVISION
THE TWELVE RULES OF COURTROOM CIVILITY
The judges, general masters and hearing officers assigned to the Family Law Division in
Hillsborough County expect that all litigants, whether or not they are represented by attorneys,
will conduct themselves in an appropriate fashion so that all parties will be afforded a fair
opportunity to present their case.
The following guidelines are meant to assist you in meeting appropriate standards of
conduct when you appear in court.
1. Be truthful in all statements that you make to the court. False statements under
oath constitute perjury which is a criminal offense.
2. Do not call or write to the judge. As a general rule, documents and testimony can
be read or heard by the judge only in the presence of both parties.
3. Be courteous. Other than to make appropriate objections, do not interrupt anyone
who is speaking. If you are representing yourself and you have an objection to
something a witness says, merely say, "Objection" and the court will allow you to
state the nature of your objection.
4. Treat all court personnel with respect, including bailiffs, judicial assistants, clerks,
court investigators, judges, general masters and hearing officers.
5. Do not make faces or gestures at the opposing party, his or her attorney, witnesses
or the judge while in the courtroom. Speak d irectly to the judge or your at torney,
not the opposing party or a witness. You will be given an opportunity to be heard
by the court.
6. Show your respect for the court by dressing appropriately and wearing clean
clothes. Coats, ties, suits and dresses are welcome but not required. Shorts, blue
jeans, t-shirts and sneakers are not appropriate.
7. Do not bring any food or beverage into the courtroom and do not chew gum or eat
candy in the courtroom.
8. Do not bring children to the courthouse (except in adoption cases), unless the
court has so ordered.
9. Be aware that witnesses you bring to court are not usually permitted to remain in
the courtroom while you, your spouse or former spouse, or other witnesses testify.
10. Bring at least four (4) copies of any documents that you intend to offer into
evidence.
11. All documents should be pre-marked with a case number, name, the date and a
space for the judge to admit the document into evidence.
12. The courthouse is located in a congested area. Parking is limited and takes time.
Plan your time so you can park and be available at least fifteen (15) minutes
before the hearing is scheduled to begin.
I have read and acknowledge my responsibilities as a litigant.
__________________________________ _____________
Signature of Petitioner Date
__________________________________ _____________
Signature of Respondent Date
I have read and reviewed with my client his or her responsibilities as a litigant.
__________________________________ _____________
Signature of Attorney Date