Judicial Profile

Specific Comments or Advice for Litigants

Specific Requirements or Preferences

The Court has deep respect for the judicial process and for the professionals and litigants who appear before it. The Court strives to show that respect to all who appear before it and asks the same from all participants.  
 
Likewise, Court staff play a critical role in the administration of justice. They are entitled to the same courtesy and professionalism shown to the Court. Court staff cannot provide legal advice or interpret rulings.  
 
Physical Courtroom:  
222 E. Javelina Ave.  
Courtroom 203 (2nd Fl.)  
Mesa, AZ 85210  
 
Virtual Courtroom:  
Microsoft Teams  
www.tinyurl.com/jbazmc-drj19  
Phone: +1 917-781-4590  
Conf ID: 865 783 452#  
• Please note: the Court prefers VIDEO appearances.  
 
All participants are expected to conduct themselves with courtesy, patience, and professionalism. Respect for the Court, for one another, and for court staff is essential to the fair administration of justice.  
 
Family court matters often involve issues of significant personal importance. The Court is mindful that its decisions affect the lives of children and families, and it endeavors to ensure that all parties are heard within the limits imposed by time, procedure, and the Rules and applicable law.

Pre-Trial Practice and Management Issues

Motion Practice

• With electronic filing available, hard copies of pleadings are generally not required unless the Court specifically orders them. Matters are considered by the Court based on properly filed pleadings.  
 
• Filings are expected to follow the applicable Rules of Procedure, including requirements for format, length, and disclosure. Reviewing these rules in advance can help avoid delays.  
 
• Motions are most helpful to the Court when they clearly state the relief requested and, when appropriate, include the position of the opposing party or describe efforts made to obtain that position.  
 
• If expedited consideration is requested, including an explanation of the need for urgency and any efforts made to confer with the other side assists the Court in evaluating the request.  
 
• When a proposed order is appropriate, submitting it in final form and ensuring it accurately reflects the relief requested helps the Court process the matter efficiently.  
 
• Parties and counsel should carefully review all minute entries issued by the Court, as they often contain important information about next steps, instructions, and deadlines.  

Trial Practice and Protocol

Trial Schedule

• The Court will set time limits at the pre-trial hearing. Each party will receive equal time.  
 
• The Court will track the time and provide time reminders. Parties are expected to manage their presentations accordingly.  
 
• Speaking objections are discouraged.  

Courtroom Etiquette

• Participants are encouraged to always maintain professional and respectful conduct, whether appearing in person or remotely, to help proceedings run smoothly.  
 
• During hearings, directing comments to the Court rather than to opposing parties helps keep the focus on the issues before the Court.  
 
• Appropriate courtroom attire is required. No hats or sandals are permitted.  
 
• To protect the integrity of the record, recording or photographing proceedings is not permitted unless authorized by court order.  
 
• Food is not permitted. Beverages may be allowed at counsel table at the Court’s discretion.  
 
• Personal electronic devices should be silenced.  
 
• Please avoid profanity during proceedings, except when quoting from an exhibit or the record.  
 
• If these guidelines are not followed, the Court may ask an individual to step out of the courtroom or may pause the proceedings and continue them to a later date to maintain order and fairness.