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.