Bridging Borders: 17th Circuit Hosts Delegation from Indonesia

All Posts in "Unified Family Court"

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

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

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

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 Sallie James — 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 Sallie James — 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 Sallie James — June 26, 2025 in Admin Orders