All Posts in "Unified Family Court"

Congratulations to Magistrate Denise Kistner!

Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips swore in Magistrate Kistner today as the 17th Judicial Circuit’s newest magistrate. She officially assumes the bench today, succeeding longtime Magistrate Vicki Plant, who retired this month after 15 years of dedicated service.

A graduate of St. Thomas University School of Law, Magistrate Kistner previously ran her own law firm before joining the Circuit. Her mother, husband and son attended the ceremony in person, while her daughter joined via video call from Tampa, where she’s earning her master’s degree at the University of South Florida.

Welcome aboard, Magistrate Kistner — we’re delighted to have you on our team!

#BrowardCourts #JudicialCircuit17 #SwearingIn #Welcome #CourtFamily #NewMagistrate

by — November 10, 2025 in Announcements
Teens from Seagull Alternative High School Explore Justice in Action

Students from Fort Lauderdale’s Seagull Alternative High School got an inside look at the justice system during a courthouse tour that included visits with Judge Corey B. Friedman in First Appearance Court and Judge Stacy Ross in Delinquency Court.

They observed detention hearings, watched as inmates appeared before Judge Friedman via video call, and wrapped up their visit at the Lamar Warren Law Library, where they learned the art of fingerprinting from a Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab expert.

The day ended with an interactive Q&A led by a Public Defender’s Office community outreach coordinator, who shared insight into the vital role public defenders play in the courtroom.

by — November 6, 2025 in Announcements
Judges Share Expertise at Florida College of Advanced Judicial Studies

Judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit recently headed to Orlando for the Florida College of Advanced Judicial Studies where Judges Lauren M. Alperstein, Elaine A. Carbuccia, and Kristen R. Kanner served as instructors in the Family Law Track. The trio shared their experience while also continuing their own professional growth.

Other participating judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit included Judges Fabienne E. Fahnestock, Francis Viamontes, Natasha DePrimo, Thomas J. Coleman, Martin S. Fein, Jose Izquierdo and Stacey Schulman.

The annual program provides a forum for Florida’s judges to learn, collaborate, and stay ahead of emerging legal issues. The program offers comprehensive continuing judicial education courses for Florida’s trial and appellate court judges, magistrates, and hearing officers.

The College provides judges with an opportunity to sharpen their skills and dive deeply into specialized areas of the law.

Kudos to our judges whose leadership reflects our Circuit’s commitment to lifelong learning, elevating the judiciary, and giving back to the legal community.

by — November 3, 2025 in Announcements
From Courtroom to Crime Lab: Students Explore Justice System

Students in grades 6–12 from J.P. Taravella High School’s Women of Tomorrow mentorship program got a firsthand look at the justice system this week!

Their experience included visits to the courtrooms of Judge Michael G. Kaplan and Judge Elijah H. Williams, where they observed proceedings and learned about the judicial process. They also heard an informative presentation from Jorge Bello, Manager of the Firearms & Tool Mark Unit at the Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab, and gained insights into defense representation from Janelle Floyd, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Public Defender’s Office.

From real-life law and order moments in the courtroom to a CSI-style look at forensic science, the students explored multiple sides of the justice system — wrapping up with a visit to the Lamar Warren Law Library.

Thank you to all who helped inspire the next generation of leaders!

by — October 31, 2025 in Announcements
A Midday Stroll for Health and Connection

Trading computer screens for river views, nearly 30 Court Administration employees on Tuesday stepped outside for a Health and Wellness Riverwalk on October 28, 2025. Employees enjoyed a brisk 15–20 minute walk along the New River — a perfect way to get some fresh air, stretch their legs, and recharge together.

These Riverwalks offer a simple but meaningful reminder that a few steps can go a long way toward better health and workplace camaraderie. Until next time!

by — October 29, 2025 in Announcements
Future Voters (and Game Show Contestants) Meet the Bench


Students from Hallandale High School, Nova Middle and High Schools, and Millennium 6-12 on Friday took part in the Informed Voters Project, a collaboration between the 17th Judicial Circuit, the Broward County Supervisor of Elections, and Broward County Public Schools.

They learned about the judicial system, the importance of voting, and the process of becoming a judge through presentations by judges, an attorney, and representatives from the Supervisor of Elections office, then tested their knowledge in a lively game of Jeopardy!

Participating judges included Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips, Judge Giuseppina Miranda, Judge Florence Taylor Barner, Judge Jose Izquierdo, Judge Michael Robinson, Judge Stacey Schulman, and Judge Natasha DePrimo.

by — October 27, 2025 in Announcements
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