Civil Procedure Flashcards
Until when can a person move for a belated directed verdict?
15 days after the return of the verdict
How many copies of the complaint and summons must be served if multiple defendants?
Each defendant is to receive one summons AND one copy of the complaint
When does service of process begin?
When the clerk of court or judge issues a summons
Does failure to make proof of service taint the service?
No
When must a party be personally served with the answer and counterclaims?
Only when directed by the court
Who is generally served with answers and counterclaims?
The plaintiff’s attorney
How do you get a nonparty to sit for a deposition?
Only with a subpoena
A subpoena can compel attendance of a resident of Florida where?
Only in the county where the deponent resides, is employed, or transacts business in person, or such other convenient place as is fixed by court order
A subpoena can compel attendance of a non-resident of Florida where?
Only in the county where the deponent was served or such other convenient place as the court orders
Where can the deposition of a nonparty witness be taken?
In any county in Florida where the witness may be validly served or anywhere else in the U.S. by using the subpoena power of an appropriate court there
What happens when service of process is made by publication?
The clerk of the court must mail D a copy of P’s published notice to D’s last known address
If process made by valid process server, what happens if affidavit of service is not filed?
Process is not invalid
When is a certificate required?
When service is by mail or personal service
What is the effect of proof of service?
Prima facie evidence of service
When can service by publication be made?
When defendant is outside of Florida, cannot be found for personal service after a diligent search, or is unknown
When can a plaintiff take an oral deposition of a party or non-party?
More than 30 days after initial pleasing and service, and upon reasonable notice to all parties, unless the defendant seeks discovery sooner or deponent is leaving the jurisdiction and special notice is given
Do you NEED a subpoena to depose a party?
No, usually the notice of deposition is enough to compel attendance if the deponent is a party
What is the only type of case in which a party may move for involuntary dismissal on the ground that the opposing party has not proved her case?
Nonjury trial
Can an action be dismissed without a court order?
Yes by filing a stipulation of dismissal signed by all parties who have appeared in the action
When can a plaintiff voluntarily dismiss the action by filing notice?
Prior to the retirement of the jury or submission to the court in a nonjury case, unless a MSJ is pending or if property has been seized/in custody of the court
What is the effect on a lis pendens if there is now a notice of stipulation of voluntary dismissal of that party of the entire case?
Lis pendens canceled without the need for a court order
How long must a case be inactive before you can file a motion to dismiss for lack of prosecution?
10 months
What is the only limitation on the power of the court to grant a voluntary dismissal?
Pendency of a counterclaim that cannot stand alone if the main action is dismissed
When to use long arm statute?
For specific jurisdiction
When is PJ okay if a nonresident does something outside of FL that causes injury in FL?
1) D engaged in solicitation or service activities in FL; or
2) its products are used in FL in the ordinary course of commerce
Circuit courts have exclusive jurisdiction over what?
1) Probate and estate, guardianship, incompetency
2) cases involving juveniles
3) cases involving title or boundaries to realty
4) ejectment cases (except landlord evicting tenants-not exclusive)
5) Equity and law actions exceeding $30,000
If D is a FL resident, where is venue proper?
Either where defendant resides, cause of action accrued, or where the property in litigation is located
If D is not a FL resident, where is venue proper?
Any county
What is the legal effect of a clause in a contract to improve realty in FL requiring parties to litigate out of FL?
Void
How long does plaintiff have to pay transfer costs if venue is improper?
30 days
When must motion to transfer venue be made if the motion is on the grounds of convenience?
60 days
Who may serve process in FL?
Nonparty adult appointed by the court or the sheriff/sheriff’s appointee
If serving someone at home, who can you give it to?
Someone who is 15 years old and resides there
What is needed for substituted service?
1) usual place of abode,
2) someone 15 years old living there
3) server tells the person the content of the documents
When can landlord nail and mail service?
Landlord failed twice at least 6 hours apart to make personal or substituted service in a dispossessory action
How long for defendant to return waiver of service form?
20 days
How long does defendant have to respond if waived service?
60 days from receipt of the waiver form
Wihtin how many days does plaintiff need to serve defendant to toll statute of limitations?
120 days
What matters must be pled with particularity?
Fraud, facts supporting punitive damages, special damages
Can plaintiff originally plead for punitive damages?
No
How long does defendant have to respond to a complaint (different than federal)?
20 days
What does it mean that waivable defenses need to be included in defendant’s first defensive response?
An answer or request for affirmative relief
How long does defendant have to answer if previous motion is denied?
10 days
How long does plaintiff have to serve a reply?
20 days
What can plaintiff address in reply?
Affirmative defenses that it wishes to avoid
If defendant files a permissive counterclaim, what must the plaintiff do?
Respond within 20 days
Does Florida have required disclosures like in federal court?
No
What is the max number of interrogatories and RFAs?
30