Bridging Borders: 17th Circuit Hosts Delegation from Indonesia

All Posts in "Sallie James"

Bridging Borders: 17th Circuit Hosts Delegation from Indonesia

A contingent of Indonesian judicial delegates recently visited the 17th Judicial Circuit to learn about Florida’s family court system. They discussed The 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, Florida’s Child Welfare system, and general family court practices with Judge Jose Izquierdo, the Circuit’s Hague Convention representative.

The group also received a detailed overview of child custody and child support procedures. Judge Izquierdo shared his expertise on Florida’s approach to international child abduction cases.

Thank you to Judge Izquierdo for hosting the delegation and to attorney Ashley Bober for participating in the visit.

The visit took place on July 23, 2025.

by Sallie James — August 29, 2025 in Announcements

Driving Teens Toward Success: Judge Williams Shares His Perspective

Circuit Judge Elijah H. Williams recently sat down with BraveMan Media for an upcoming PR campaign spotlighting the Youth Automotive Training Center, where he proudly serves on the Board of Directors. Judge Williams shared how the program equips teens with discipline, practical skills, and the tools they need to succeed long after graduation.

by Sallie James — August 15, 2025 in Announcements

Official Sign Now Marks Community Court’s Downtown Home

After being displaced following the flooding at Fort Lauderdale City Hall, the Fort Lauderdale Community Court — now located at 18 NW First Ave. in downtown Fort Lauderdale — proudly displays new signage to welcome community members seeking services. The sign marks a new chapter for the court.

📸 Pictured: Presiding Judge Florence Taylor Barner — known affectionately as Judge Flo — who continues to lead the court in its mission to connect individuals with the resources they need. Her bailiff Leticia Johnson is on the right.

by Sallie James — August 14, 2025 in Announcements

17th Circuit Judges Share Expertise at Statewide Conference

Judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit served as both learners and leaders at the 2025 Florida Conference of Circuit Judges in Orlando earlier this month.

Judge Jeffrey R. Levenson led a session on case management.
Judge Keathan B. Frink spoke on judicial and personal security.
Judge Lauren M. Alperstein presented “Show Me the Money – Beyond the Basics of Equitable Distribution.”

We’re proud to have such exceptional knowledge and experience right here in the 17th Judicial Circuit.

by Sallie James — August 13, 2025 in Announcements

Come Celebrate the Robing of our Newest Judge!

Join us in celebrating the investiture of Marlon J. Weiss as a Circuit Court Judge in the 17th Judicial Circuit at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, September 12th, 2025 in the ceremonial courtroom #WW17150. This special ceremony honors Judge Weiss’s commitment to justice and public service. We look forward to welcoming colleagues, friends, and community members to mark this important milestone.

by Sallie James — August 12, 2025 in Announcements

Judges Focus on Families at Statewide Training

Unified Family Court Judges from the 17th joined peers statewide at the Florida Conference of Circuit Court Judges earlier this month. During the conference, they explored hot topics in domestic relations—including updates in alimony law, identifying psychological disorders and developmental disabilities in family cases, overcoming 50/50 timesharing presumptions, and the latest case law from 2025. Judge Alperstein taught a session “Show me the money – beyond the basics of equitable distribution.” Staying sharp to better serve families!

(Pictured left to right: Judges Catalina Avalos, Elaine A. Carbuccia, Jonathan D. Lott, Lauren M. Alperstein, Kevin P. Tynan, Michael G. Kaplan (DV Chairperson) and Kristen R. Kanner.)

by Sallie James — August 11, 2025 in Announcements