All Posts in "Unified Family Court"

Strengthening the Bench and Bar at the 2025 Trial Advocacy Workshop

Judges Lauren M. Alperstein and Judge Christopher Wigand of the 17th Judicial Circuit shared their expertise at the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar Trial Advocacy Workshop, held July 23–27 at the JW Marriott Marquis in Miami.

Judge Alperstein served as a workshop leader, while Judge Wigand delivered a lecture on practical trial tips. The intensive program offered attendees the opportunity to sharpen their courtroom skills, work with expert witnesses, and receive one-on-one feedback as they prepared and presented a full family law case. Participants were paired with opposing counsel and mentored in small groups led by experienced judges, magistrates, and Board-Certified attorneys.

We’re proud to have judges who not only excel in the courtroom but are also deeply committed to advancing legal education and fostering excellence within the legal community.

by — July 28, 2025 in Announcements
Honoring Our Outstanding Team Members

✨ For the second time this year, Court Administration celebrated employees reaching milestone anniversaries of five years or more with special recognition awards.

Trial Court Administrator Joe D’Amico honored 22 dedicated team members for their exemplary service to the 17th Judicial Circuit. Sixteen honorees were present for the ceremony, while six were recognized in absentia.

A special congratulations to Beth Ranalli, who received the “Shining Star” Award for exceptional service! 🌟

Joe plans to make this celebration a regular tradition to remind employees just how valued they are.

👏 Thank you for your years of hard work and commitment—you are the heart of our Circuit’s success!

Pictured left to right last row: Diana Sobel, Maureen Hoefner, Jaki Mullings, Matt Dreis, Marta Prieto, Sharon Alleyne, Robert Grieper, Beth Plotkin and Joe D’Amico.

Second row, left to right: Diane St. Amand Scott, Omar MacAnuff, Taiwo Akinkunmi, Paloma Sanchez, Samantha Scott, Rafael Ferrans and Jenelle Denson.

First row: Russell Edwards and Fausto Alvarez Ravelo. Not pictured: Sunil Nemade, Andre Simmons, Patricia Cantrell, Lucy Catena and Satmatee Misram. Beth Ranalli, winner of the Shining Star award, was also absent.

by — June 27, 2025 in Announcements
Congratulations on Your Appointment by Florida Supreme Court Justice Carlos G. Muñiz

Congratulations to Brittany Simpson Joseph for your appointment to the state Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules and Policy. Brittany is the Director of the 17th Judicial Circuit’s Court Mediation and Arbitration Program. Florida Supreme Court Justice Carlos G. Muñiz appointed Brittany to this prestigious committee, which reviews all the governing rules of the court-appointed mediators. As a committee member, Brittany will contribute her thoughts to any pending cases or needed updates. The 17th Judicial Circuit is lucky to have you on our team, Brittany!

by — June 26, 2025 in Admin Orders
17th Circuit Team Attends RISE25 Conference on Justice and Recovery

Representatives from the 17th Judicial Circuit attended the RISE25 Conference, held May 28–31 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida.
This national event brought together professionals from Juvenile, Dependency, and Adult Drug Courts, as well as Mental Health and Veterans Courts, to share ideas and best practices. Attendees from our Circuit included a judge, attorneys, program managers, coordinators, case managers, peer specialists, and representatives from ChildNet. The conference—recognized as the leading event on substance use, mental health, and justice innovation—offered powerful opportunities for learning, connection, and recommitment to building healthier, safer communities.

by — June 5, 2025 in Announcements
Judge Lauren Alperstein Honored with Tzedek Award

Congratulations to Judge Lauren M. Alperstein on being honored with the prestigious Tzedek Award! This accolade is a testament to Judge Alperstein’s unwavering commitment to justice and fairness. The Tzedek Award is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exemplary dedication to upholding the principles of justice and equality, making this recognition both significant and well-deserved. Judge Alperstein’s contributions to the legal community and their impact on society are commendable, inspiring others to pursue justice with integrity and compassion. The Jewish Bar Association of Broward County & Broward Bar Association honored Judge Alperstein with the Tzedek Award on May 29, 2025 in observance of Jewish American Heritage Month. Once again, congratulations on this remarkable achievement! (pictured with her father Gary Marks, Esq.)

by — June 2, 2025 in Announcements
Graduation Day in Dependency Drug Court

Graduation day is always a time to celebrate but graduation in Dependency Drug Court is a life-changing event. This week success was measured in triplet as three mothers graduated from this unique court program, ensuring reunification with their minor children. The mothers each completed requirements based on tailored substance abuse evaluations. Each graduate received a certificate, and each graduate presented a certificate to someone who was influential in helping them succeed. Participants have one year to complete the program, during which they must submit to random drug testing while being assigned advocates, case managers, a peer, medical personnel and a therapist. “This was a really happy day,” noted Beth Plotkin, Dependency Drug Court Coordinator. The graduation coincided with Problem-Solving Court Month (May).

Pictured left to right: Drug Court Specialist Wendy Buchanan (4th from left), Judge Hope Tieman Bristol (6th from left), Dependency Case Manager Daynason Eugene, Dependency Drug Coordinator Beth Plotkin, and Peer Specialist Dianne Grant.

by — May 23, 2025 in Announcements
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