What is an order of referral to general magistrate Florida?
A referral to a magistrate is generally done for temporary needs hearings, which is when a party is requesting a temporary order be entered with the court until the final hearing so that each party has what s/he may need to get to a final hearing, like child support, alimony, or use of the home.
Can a general magistrate finalize a divorce in Florida?
The General Magistrate has the power to dissolve the marriage. But there will be an additional 10-day delay before your divorce is fully finalized. There will be no such delay if a Circuit Court Judge handles your case.

What is a general magistrate in Florida?
A general magistrate is an attorney appointed by a judge to take testimony and recommend decisions on certain matters connected with a divorce. These recommendations are then reviewed by the judge and are generally approved unless contrary to the law or the facts of the case.
What is notice of related cases Florida?
A Notice of Related Cases serves as a means to conserve judicial resources and promote an efficient determination of actions in the Florida courts. Through this notice, a court is aware of any conflict that may arise prior to the commencement of a proceeding.
What does a magistrate do in Family Court?
Magistrates are volunteers who hear cases in courts in their community. They can hear cases in the criminal court, the family court, or both.

What happens at final divorce hearing in Florida?
Final hearings don’t take long. The entire process is usually over in less than 10 minutes. You will have to testify under oath that you or your spouse has been a Florida resident for at least six months prior to filing a petition for dissolution of marriage. A Florida driver’s license can be used as proof.
Do magistrates deal with divorce?
The magistrate is often an attorney and can be considered as an assistant to the judge, who has been delegated specific responsibilities, such as deciding temporary matters that are valid until the divorce is granted or helping spouses that are not represented by a lawyer organize their case and prepare for trial.
What is difference between judge and magistrate?
A Judge is a judicial officer who analyses evidence which is presented to him in relation to a legal case. A judge administers proceedings of the court and passes his judgements on the case. A Magistrate does not have the power to award life imprisonment or a death sentence.
What is a notice of related cases?
Whenever a party in a civil action knows or learns that the action or proceeding is related to another action or proceeding pending, dismissed, or disposed of by judgment in any state or federal court in California, the party must serve and file a Notice of Related Case.
How do I file a parenting plan in Florida?
Filing for Parental Responsibility in Florida: 4 Steps
- Step 1: Complete your family court forms.
- Step 2: File your family court forms and pay fees.
- Step 3: Serve the other parent.
- Step 4: Wait for the other parent to respond.
- Information for respondents.
- Department of Revenue (DOR) Child Support Program.
Do magistrates get expenses?
Expenses can cover certain costs, including travel and subsistence where required. It is expected that magistrates will commit to a minimum of 26 half-day sittings in court each year.
What type of cases do the magistrates courts hear?
Magistrates deal with three kinds of cases:
- Summary offences. These are less serious cases, such as motoring offences and minor assaults, where the defendant is not usually entitled to trial by jury.
- Either-way offences.
- Indictable-only offences, such as murder, manslaughter, rape and robbery.
Can a party object to a referral to a magistrate?
Any party can object to the referral to a General Magistrate, so long as he does so within 10 days after service of the referral upon that party. Otherwise, the law assumes you consent to the referral. Additionally, a Party can object before the time a responsive pleading is due, if the referral occurred within 20 days of when action filed.
What do you need to know about a notice of referral?
The notice of referral must state with specificity what the Court is referring to the General Magistrate . If the General Magistrate makes recommendations or findings of fact on issues that weren’t included in the notice of referral, those recommendations or findings have no effect.
Where can I find the current administrative order-domestic relations/family law information and procedures?
For all cases all parties should review the current Administrative Order-Domestic Relations/Family Law information and procedures which can be accessed by clicking on the link and following the remainder tabs: www.fljud13.org All Court proceedings shall be conducted with dignity, decorum, courtesy and civility.
What is a general magistrate report and recommendation?
Instead of issuing a Final Order, the General Magistrate submits her report and recommendation to the Circuit Court Judge who assigned to your case. The report and recommendation must contain findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations.