What to Expect at a Family Law Hearing in Florida

Types of hearings in Florida family court

Florida family courts hold several types of hearings. Knowing which one you are attending helps you prepare properly.

• Uniform Motion Calendar (UMC) hearing: Short hearings (typically 5–15 minutes) for procedural and non-evidentiary motions. No live witness testimony. The judge rules based on written filings and brief oral argument.
• Temporary relief hearing: A hearing to obtain temporary orders while the case is pending. Limited testimony is allowed. The standard is often whether there is an immediate, documented need.
• Evidentiary hearing: A more formal hearing where witnesses testify and evidence is formally admitted. Used for contested issues that require factual findings.
• Final hearing (trial): The culminating hearing where all remaining contested issues are decided. Both parties present evidence, call witnesses, and make arguments. The judge issues a final judgment.

Before the hearing: preparation checklist

• Confirm the date, time, courthouse, and courtroom number. Check the court's website or call the clerk for any scheduling changes.
• Review all documents you have filed and all documents filed by the other party. Know what is in the record.
• Organize your exhibits with tabs, numbered in order, and prepare three copies (judge, other party, and yourself).
• If you have witnesses, confirm they are available and know the courtroom location and time.
• Review the best-interest factors in § 61.13(3) (if child-related) or the § 61.08 alimony factors (if financial issues are involved) and identify which factors your evidence supports.
• Prepare a brief outline of the key points you want to make. Do not plan to read a speech — have talking points.
• Arrange childcare for the hearing day. Children should not be in the courtroom unless the judge specifically orders their presence.

At the courthouse

Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Florida courthouses have security checkpoints and lines can be long in the morning.

Check in with the clerk or courtroom deputy when you arrive. Let them know you are present. Review the calendar posted outside the courtroom to find your case name and confirm which courtroom you are in.

• Bring a government-issued ID
• Dress professionally — business casual at minimum
• Turn your phone to silent before entering the courtroom
• Do not bring food or drinks into the courtroom

In the courtroom

When your case is called, both parties approach the tables in front of the judge. The petitioner sits at the table on the left (facing the bench); the respondent sits at the table on the right.

• Always stand when the judge enters or exits and when speaking to the judge (unless instructed otherwise)
• Address the judge as “Your Honor”
• Speak clearly and directly. If you do not understand a question, say so and ask for clarification.
• Do not interrupt the judge or the other party
• If you want to object to something, stand up, say “Objection, Your Honor,” and briefly state the basis (hearsay, relevance, etc.)
• Refer to the other party by their name or “the Respondent/Petitioner,” not by a nickname

How a final hearing proceeds

A contested final hearing follows this general order:

1. Opening statements: Each party briefly tells the judge what they are seeking and why.
2. Petitioner's case: The petitioner presents evidence and calls witnesses. Witnesses are examined (direct examination), then cross-examined by the other party, then re-examined if needed.
3. Respondent's case: The respondent presents their evidence and witnesses in the same manner.
4. Closing arguments: Each party summarizes their case and what they are asking the court to order.
5. Judge's ruling: The judge may rule from the bench or take the matter under advisement and issue a written order later.

After the hearing

If the judge rules from the bench, they will issue an oral ruling. The written order may take days or weeks to be signed and filed. Until the written order is entered, the oral ruling is generally controlling. If you are the prevailing party, you (or your attorney) may be asked to prepare the proposed written order for the judge's signature.

Once the order is signed, both parties receive a copy. The order is immediately enforceable. If the other party fails to comply, you may file a motion for contempt with the court.