JUSTICE BARBARA PARIENTE participated in a teleconference where a number of circuits simultaneously signed administrative orders implementing the Supreme Court’s long-awaited managed mediation program for foreclosure cases.


On February 26, judges from three of Florida’s judicial circuits met via video conference to simultaneously sign administrative orders implementing the long-awaited managed mediation program for foreclosure cases filed in their circuits.

Justice Barbara Pariente provided opening remarks for the ceremony and recognized the judges’ efforts.

“The Supreme Court’s administrative order created a framework that called upon chief judges in different locations to find a fair and orderly way to ‘help those who live in their homes remain in their homes,’” said Pariente, quoting from Chief Justice Peggy Quince’s administrative order, implemented earlier this year.

“We’re up here [in Tallahassee], while you’re in the trenches,” said Pariente. “We rely on your expertise to guide us, and you’ve done that.”

Eleventh Circuit Chief Judge Joel Brown, First Circuit Chief Judge Terry Terrell, and 19th Circuit Chief Judge Steven Levin participated in the teleconference, and together signed their circuits’ administrative orders. Fourth Circuit Chief Judge Donald Moran signed a separate order on February 25.

At the close of 2009, approximately 456,000 pending foreclosures existed statewide. Judges hope the managed mediation program will alleviate some of the burden from the courts.

“Mediation is always a preferred alternative to expensive, lengthy litigation,” said Judge Brown.

“It’s a win-win, and it’s finally a step in the right direction.”