Hon. Melanie Dale Surber — Judicial Procedures
Juvenile Division
Quick operational summary based on publicly available court procedure materials. Always verify with the official court source before relying on this information.
Quick Rules
UMC / Motion Calendar
Routine, short non-evidentiary motions are heard on Wednesday and Friday mornings. Notices must be filed at least 72 hours before the hearing; otherwise, it must be filed as an emergency.
Verified Jun 9, 2026
Courtesy Copies
Emails directed to the judicial office must copy all parties to comply with prohibition on ex parte communications. Attorneys must keep their contact information updated for electronic service.
Verified Jun 9, 2026
Zoom Hearings
All delinquency and dependency hearings are live unless a motion for remote appearance is granted. Remote appearances require prior approval from the Court.
Verified Jun 9, 2026
Proposed Orders
The prevailing party must submit proposed orders within 3 days after the Court rules. All motions must be filed before setting a hearing.
Verified Jun 9, 2026
Special Set Hearings
Hearings lasting more than 15 minutes or involving evidentiary matters must be specially set by contacting the Judicial Assistant and providing case details, motion captions, docket numbers, and required time.
Verified Jun 9, 2026
Emergency Motions
Motions filed less than 72 hours before a scheduled hearing must be filed as an emergency and adhere to all procedural requirements.
Verified Jun 9, 2026
Discovery Disputes
Parties or attorneys must attempt to resolve discovery disputes in good faith before setting the matter for hearing. Compliance with Local Rule 4 is mandatory.
Verified Jun 9, 2026
Cancellations
Delinquency Judicial Reviews cannot be canceled or continued by agreed order. A motion must be filed for any changes, and the Court may require a new hearing date within 30 days.
Verified Jun 9, 2026
Other
All out-of-court communications must go through the Judicial Assistant, and case-related correspondence should include all parties and be limited to scheduling or providing pleadings/draft orders for review. Ex parte communications are prohibited unless authorized by law.
Verified Jun 9, 2026
Contact Information
Judicial Assistant
William Rivera
JA Email
Cad-DivisionJS@pbcgov.orgPhone
(561) 274-1455Courtroom
SC 4
Official Page
Court WebsiteLast Verified
June 30, 2026
Official Sources
Source: Official court page or published division procedure material.
Official court pageDivision procedures pageOther Palm Beach County judges
- Hon. April BristowCounty Criminal
- Hon. Ashley ZuckermanCounty Criminal
- Hon. August BonavitaCounty Criminal
- Hon. Bradley HarperJuvenile Division
- Hon. Carolyn BellCircuit Civil
- Hon. Caryn SipersteinCircuit Civil
