Fort Lauderdale, FL – Chief Judge Peter Weinstein and Administrative Family Judge Susan Greenhawt announce the launch of electronic filing in the 17th Judicial Circuit’s Family Division. This is the second division within the circuit to transition to the e-filing service; the Probate Division piloted the program in April 2008. Utilizing the Clerk of Courts’ statewide portal, the e-filing system is voluntary and available only for existing cases.

“When I became Chief Judge, I formed a technology committee with the purpose of utilizing electronic communications to make the practice of law easier and more affordable for attorneys, litigants, and the court system,” says Chief Judge Peter Weinstein. “I extend my sincere thanks to Judge Mel Grossman, head of the committee, and his staff, for their continued efforts in this process. This gets us one step closer to accomplishing the goal of mandatory electronic filings in all cases in all divisions by the end of 2013, as recommended by the Florida Court Technology Commission.”

Attorneys wishing to utilize this service may go to www.myflcourtaccess.com to register an account and begin filing directly to the Clerk of Courts’ office. The Administrative Order may be viewed at 2011-53-UFC.

Several members of the Broward County legislative delegation and their staff visited the central courthouse on Wednesday, October 12, to hear first-hand how the court system is doing more with less. Court funding has been a top issue for several years now, as every tier of the judiciary has taken budgetary hits and suffered layoffs. In an effort to give legislators who represent Broward County citizens a better understanding of how the local courts are handling more cases with less staff, all were invited to visit with Chief Judge Weinstein and other 17 th Circuit judges, for an informal discussion, and a tour afterwards.

Victor Tobin, former Chief Judge of the 17^th Judicial Circuit, was honored at a luncheon today, October 4 in recognition of his years of service as Chief Judge. The luncheon was hosted by 17th Circuit Judges Jack Tuter and Robert Rosenberg, and was attended by many judges and court staff. Current Chief Judge Peter Weinstein presented an award to Judge Tobin in honor of his past service to the Circuit. Also making presentations were Public Defender Howard Finkelstein, State Attorney Michael J. Satz, Clerk of Courts Howard Forman and Judge of the 4th District Court of Appeal Dorian Damoorgian. Special thanks go to Mercedes Pacifico for organizing the event.



Ms. Annette Szorosy was sworn in today, October 3, as the newest General Magistrate for the 17^th Judicial Circuit of Florida. Ms. Szorosy will serve in the Family division at the central courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. Prior to her new appointment, Ms. Szorosy was a staff attorney with the 17th Circuit since 2009, handling family, civil and civil appeals cases. She has also worked for Florida’s 10th Circuit, and the 2nd and 4th District Courts of Appeal. Congratulations!

The 17^th Judicial Circuit welcomes Judge Raag Singhal, who was sworn in to office today, September 30, by Chief Judge Peter M. Weinstein. Florida Governor Rick Scott appointed the criminal defense attorney to the 17^th Circuit last month, to fill the judicial vacancy created this summer when Judge Victor Tobin resigned from the circuit.

Judge Singhal has practiced criminal law for more than 20 years, mostly serving in private practice. He served in the State Attorney’s Office from 1990-1993 and briefly in the civil field from 1989-1990. He obtained his law degree from Wake Forest University and his undergraduate degree from Rice University.

Judge Singhal is assigned to the criminal division, and will begin on the bench Monday, October 3.