Hon. John J. Leo — Part 51 Rules
Suffolk County Supreme Court Civil Term
Appearance: Virtual
What John J. Leo's rules say, in the court's own words
Every answer below is copied exactly from the court's published page for this part. Nothing is paraphrased or inferred.
Must I appear in person, or may I appear virtually?
Virtual
“determined that a conference via Teams is sufficient.”
How much notice is required to adjourn?
3
“fully completed, fully executed PC Form and DRL Form is to be uploaded to NYSCEF at least three (3) business days prior to the PC date. The PC Form provided by this Court”
Who is the principal law clerk?
Secretary to Judge
“Principal Law Clerk Secretary to Judge”
What is the part's e-mail address?
SUFLEO@nvcourts.gov
“EMAIL: SUFLEO@nvcourts.gov”
Full published rules for part 51 rules
REVISED APRIL 2026
NEW YORK STATE UNIFIED COURT SYSTEM
HONORABLE ANDREW A. CRECCA
SUFFOLK COUNTY DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGE
HONORABLE JOHN J. LEO, J.S.C.
DEDICATED MATRIMONIAL PART 5,I
EMAIL: SUFLEO@nvcourts.gov
(631) 208-5653
Ann M. Walker, Esq. Gina Satiro
Principal Law Clerk Secretary to Judge
amwalke vcoutls.oov osatiro@nycourts.aov
Effective April 20, 2026
1.
APPEARANCES BEFORE THE COURT
a) ln-Person: Unless otherwise directed, counsel and parties must appear, in-
person before this Court, on all dates. ln the event the Court waived an in-person
appearance of a party, he/she must be available to their counsel by telephone, text
message or email. ln-person court appearances are subject to change to a virtual
Teams Meeting appearance at the Court's discretion. Please be advised all matters,
whether in-person or virtual, are scheduled for an appearance with a Teams link but
same is only sent for calendaring purposes and the provided link is not to be used
absent a specific direction from the court
1) Arrival in Cou It is important that counsel and
litigants be on time for all scheduled appearances and report
to the court officer upon arrival. lf counsel is scheduled on
other matters in the court complex, counsel shall provide the
court officer with the part information and cellular number
where he/she can be reached.
b)
Via TEAMS: When the Court has scheduled a virtual appearance by
TEAMS, all parties and counsel MUST use any available internet capable device (i.e.
computer, laptop, lpad, cellular phone, tablet, etc.) to log into the Microsoft Teams
application. ln advance of the appearance Counsel and the Parties are to ensure their
available device is in working order and able to log onto Microsoft Teams. Should either
Counsel or the Parties not have an available internet capable device they are to
promptly contact chambers. Counsel is reminded that absent a specific directive from
the court that the matter is scheduled for a virtual appearance, all appearances are to
be in-person. The Court restricts the use of any Al summarization or transcription
programs (i.e. Read.Al, ClickUp, Otter.Al, etc.) during virtual Teams conferences.
Should either a party or counsel use such program same may result in sanctions or an
award of counsel fees.
Page '1 of 16
REVISE D APRIL 2026
c) Knowledge & Authority of Counsel: On all matters before the Court,
counsel who appear must be familiar with the case, be fully prepared to discuss the
matter and be fully authorized to resolve the issues that are the subject of the
appearance. Failure to comply with this rule may be treated as a default for purposes
of 22 NYCRR 202.27 andlor may be treated as a failure to appear for purposes of 22
NYCRR 130.2.1
.
2,
ADJOURNME T REQUESTS:
a) Procedure: Any request for an adjournment, with or without consent of
opposing counsel, Attorney for the Children, and self-represented litigant, shall be made
as follows:
1) Time Period Shall be made at least twenty-four
(24) hours in advance and shall not be granted unless
extraordinary circumstances exist, i.e., family emergency,
medical emergency. This Court does not consider calendar
issues of an attorney, or his/her firm, an extraordinary
circumstance.
2l Letter Required: A letter shall be sent to Justice
Leo at S U FLEO@ nvcou rts.qov , on notice to opposing
counsel, the Attorney for the Child(ren) and any
unrepresented party. The letter shall include the name of
the matter, the index number, appearance date, proposed
adjourned date and the reason for the request. The Court
will advise if the adjournment has been granted or denied via
email communication. lf the adjournment request is granted,
the Court will send a notification setting forth the new date
and time.
b) Enoaoement of Counsel Requests predicated upon engagement of
counsel must be by affirmation in conformity wilh 22 NYCRR 125.1 (e) and must
include: (1) the basis for the priority to be afforded the other matter; (b) the name of the
case in which the engagement is required; (3) the nature of the proceeding; (4) the
court; (5) the assigned jurist; (6) the date such engagement was calendared and (7)
whether the other court was made aware of this court's appearance date to which the
adjournment is sought.
c) Trial Adiournments All parties and counsel MUST appear on the scheduled
trial date unless excused by the court. Any requests for an adjournment upon the
consent of opposing counsel will not be granted without the express permission of the
Court. lf a case has been scheduled for trial at least two (2) months in advance and an
attorney scheduled to try the case is engaged on trial elsewhere, he or she must
provide substitute trial counsel. lf neither trial counsel nor substitute counsel is ready
Page 2 of 16
REVISED APRIL 2026
for trial on the scheduled date, the Court may, in its discretion, impose sanctions [22
NYCRR 125.1(s)1.
3 N PRACT]CE
a) Applications Seekinq lnterim Relief: Upon review of the application, the
Court will notify counsel of the date and time the Court will hear oral argument.
Notifications shall be provided by email. As a general rule, the Court will respond within
24 hours.
b) ln-Person Appearance Required: Unless otherwise directed, counsel and
parties shall appear, in-person, on the return date of the motion, and all adjourned
dates, prepared to conference the matter and proceed with oral argument, presentation
of evidence and witnesses.
c) Adjournment Requests: Motion ad.iournment requests should be made at
least three (3) days prior to the scheduled appearance for this Court's consideration.
1)
Except for good cause, all motions shall be adjourned
to the next scheduled conference date ONLY.
in lf
d) Resolution Advance of Application appropriate, counsel is
encouraged to resolve issues with opposing counsel prior to filing a motion. Counsel
may request a Team meeting with the Court for the purpose of assisting in the
resolution of disputes- Any issue resolved by a pre-motion conference, or otherwise,
must be memorialized in a written stipulation signed by counsel and both parties.
Alternatively, counsel may submit a proposed order to the Court.
e) Settlement of a Pending Motion: lf a pending motion is resolved, in whole
or in part, a Stipulation settling the motion, or a portion thereof, shall be promptly
uploaded to NYSCEF and an email sent to SuFlEO@nvcourts.gov alerting chambers
of the settlement.
0 Memoranda of Law: Where unique or novel issues of law are presented,
counsel should submit memoranda of law in support of their respective positions
g) Undecided/Pending motions: Attorneys and parties shall appear prepared
for a hearing and to present themselves and evidence at every court appearance.
h) Orders to Show Cause (22 NYCRR 202.8-d): Motions shall be brought on
by Order to Show Cause only when there is genuine urgency, such as applications for
provisional relief, a stay is required or is mandated by statute. Absent advance
permission of the Court, reply papers shall not be submitted, nor be accepted by this
Court, on applications made by Order to Show Cause.
Page 3 of 16
REVISED AP RIL 2026
l)
Artificial lntelligence use (AlX22 NYCRR 161.4): Effective June 1,2026,
every attorney or party who uses an Al tool in preparing any paper submited to this
Court is expected to understand that tool's capabilities and limitations. Attorneys and
parties need to be aware that Al tools, among other risks and limitations, can generate
fabricated information or fictitious citations to authority (commonly known as
hallucinations). Under existing authority, by signing a paper and submitting it to this
Court, an attorney or party certifies that the paper does not contain any false material
factual statement or any frivolous legal arguments (see e.9.22 NYCRR 130-1.1, 130-
.1a), and any attorney who submits any paper to this court is additionally bound by the
1
Rules of Professional Conduct. Accordingly, any attorney or party who uses an Al tool,
as defined in 22 NYCRR 161 .2(a), in preparing any paper, as defined in 22 NYCRR
161.2(b), filed in or submitted to this Court or served on another party in a case before
this Court is required to carefully review the paper and independently ensure that it
contains no fabricated or fictitious cases, statutes, or other material. By signing such
paper, an attorney or party certifies that such a review has been conducted and that the
paper contains no such fabricated or fictitious content. lf this Court determines that this
requirement has not been satisfied, such attorney or party may be subject to sanction or
other remedial action.
4,
POST-JUDGMENT OTION PRACTICE:
ln addition to the rules set forth in section 3 above
a) Service Provisions: Post-judgment applications shall not provide for service
upon an opposing party's prior attorney unless the supporting papers state that said
attorney has been retained to accept such service. Service shall be required on the
opposing party in the same manner required to initiate a special proceeding or as
otheruvise directed by the Court.
& q
b) Custody Parentin Time lssues: Any post-judgment application
concerning custody or parenting time issues must identify any previously appointed
Attorney for the Children.
5.
EX-PARTE APPLICATIONS:
In addition to the rules set forth in section 4 above:
a) Order to Show Cause with Temporary Relief Requested: Appearances
are required by all parties and counsel on the date and time set by the court. counsel
and parties should be prepared for oral argument, presentation of evidence and
witnesses and shall have three (3) copies of any exhibits that such moving party will be
offering for evidence at a hearing.
Page 4 of 16
REVISED APRIL 2025
b) ired No e 22 NYCR n 22 NYCRR 20
ln any application for temporary ex pafte relief, the movant must identify counsel for the
opposing party, if any, and must include a sworn statement that counsel, Attorney for
the Children or self-represented litigant, has been notified of the application. Failure to
do so,absent a specific affidavit addressing the basis for failure to notify, will result in the
immediate denial of the request for temporary ex parie reliet.
c) Continuation of Ex-Parte fernporary relief: Where the consent of the
opposlng party cannot be obtained, oral applications to continue, or vacate, any ex-
parte relief contained in an Order to Show Cause shall be made on the return date of
the motion. All parties are required to appear for oral argument on the return date and
any adjourned dates.
d) Sworn Statement of Net Worth: ln any application for child support and/or
temporary maintenance, counsel shall annex, as an exhibit, a current Statement Net
Worth for his/her client including all required attachments (i.e. tax returns, paystubs, w-2
statements and 099 statements).
1
e) Temporary Support Guidelines Worksheet: ln any pendente lite application
seeking child support and/or spousal maintenance, completed worksheets shall be
annexed as an exhibit in support of, or in opposition to, any such application.
6.
PRELIMINARYGONFERENCES:
a) Time Period: AII Preliminary Conferences (PC's) must be conducted within
45 days of the filing of the Request for Judicial lntervention (RJl) t22 NYCRR 2o2.16(f).1
A PC is scheduled based on the Court's availability. No adjournments will be granted
beyond that time except for good cause shown.
b) Scheduling Order. etc: The Court will email counsel and/or self-represented
litigants a PC Scheduling Order, PC Form & DRL 5240(1)(a-1) lnformation Sheet. A
fully completed, fully executed PC Form and DRL Form is to be uploaded to NYSCEF at
least three (3) business days prior to the PC date. The PC Form provided by this Court
simultaneously with the order scheduling the conference MUST BE USED. (See
attached).
c) Statements of Net Worth: Pursuant to 22 NYCRR 202.16(f)(1), ten (10)
days prior to the Preliminary Conference date the parties are required to exchange
Statements of Net Worth (SNWs), attorney's retainer statements, all paycheck stubs for
the current calendar year, the last paycheck stub for the immediately preceding
calendar year, all W-2 wage and tax statements, state and federal income tax returns
for the past three (3) years, and financial account statements. Statements of Net Worth
and supporting financial documents are to be uploaded to NYSCEF, at least three (3)
business days prior to the Preliminary Conference. ln section lll of all statements of net
Page 5 of 16
REVISED APRIL 2026
worth the parties are to include a specific listing of their incomes and not reference the
income tax filings.
d) Consultation between Counsel: Pursuant to 22 NYCRR 202.23, counsel
for all parties shall consult prior to a Preliminary/Compliance Conference regarding the
resolution of the matter, in whole or in part; discovery of electronically stored information
and any other issues to be discussed at the conference; the use of alternate dispute
resolution to resolve all, or some, issues in the litigation and any voluntary and informal
exchange of information that the parties agree would help aid early settlement of the
case. Counsel shall make a good faith effort to reach agreement on these matters in
advance of the conference.
e) Aopearance: ln-person appearances are mandatory at the Preliminary
Conference for all parties and counsel [22 NYCRR 20216 (f)l Failure to appear for a
Preliminary Conference, unless excused by the Court, may result in the imposition of
costs or sanctions against the defaulting party. lf a party does not appear at the
scheduled Preliminary Conference date, a default shall be entered against that party
and an inquest appearance date will be scheduled.
f) Preliminary Conference Order: At the conclusion of the Preliminary
Conference, the parties shall stipulate, in writing or on the record, as to all resolved
issues and set forth a schedule of discovery for all unresolved issues which the Court
will then "so order". The Preliminary Conference Order shall include date(s) certain for
depositions of the parties. A date for trial may be selected to be held no later than six
months from the date of the Preliminary Conference, unless the Court determines that
it is a complex case.
g) Disclosure: Discovery proceedings must be completed within six (6) months
of the date of the Preliminary Conference, and a Note of lssue filed, unless, and
depending upon the circumstances of the matter, otherwise shortened or extended by
this Court [22 NYCRR 202.16(t).)
h) Note of lssue: The failure to file a Note of lssue as directed in the
Preliminary Conference Order, or subsequent order, may result in dismissal pursuant to
cPLR
S3216.
i)
Compliance. Any party who fails to comply with a Preliminary Conference
Order requiring discovery may be subject to penalties prescribed in CPLR 93126.
7 antt MUNICATIONS WITH THtr Nr)I IElT
a) Ex-Parte: There shall be no ex-pafte communications with the court
concerning substantive matters. Letters or emails sent to the court will not be
considered unless there is an indication that a copy has been sent to opposing counsel,
Attorney for the Children and any unrepresented party.
Page 6 of 16
REVISED APRIL 2026
b) Requests for Teleohone ConferenceslTeam Meetings: All requests for
conferences with the Court must be prearranged with chambers, by letter on notice to
all parties, including the Attorney for the Child(ren), and EMAILED to Chambers. lf a
telephone conference is scheduled, counsel will be advised via email. lf a Teams
conference is scheduled, a link will be sent to all parties.
8.
APPOINTMENTS BY THE COURT:
a) Neutral Expert Witness: On its own initiative, or on consent of the parties,
the Court may appoint a neutral expert witness.
1) By Parties on Consent: Shall be by written
agreement and shall set forth the following: (a) name and
address of the expert; (b) the asset to be valued; (b)
allocation of payment between the parties; (c) that the
parties agree to be bound OR not bound by the expert's
opinion; (c) if any party does not agree to be bound by the
expert's opinion, then the agreement must provide that the
qualifications of the expert will not be challenged.
2) Bv the Court: ln its discretion, the Court shall
appoint a neutral expert, specify the asset to be valued and
make a direction, in its discretion, as to allocation of payment
between the parties for production of the report and trial
testimony, subject to reallocation upon application of either
party.
3)
The expert's report shall be submitted under oath by
the expert who shall be present and available for cross-
examination [22 NYCRR 202.16 (g).]
4)
ln the discretion of the Court, the expert's written
report may be used to substitute for direct testimony at the
trial. The parties are encouraged to use same specifically
with respect to financial and real estate experts to streamline
trial time and promote judicial economy.
b) Attorney for the Child(ren) IAFCI: Upon the Court's appointment of an
AFC, the parties must comply with all directives set forth in the Order of Appointment.
1)
Absent a subsequent Order relieving the AFC, neither
counsel nor party may take it upon themselves to inform the
AFC that his/her services are no longer needed.
Page 7 of 16
REVIS ED APRIL 2026
2)
Counsel must keep the AFC informed and copied on all
requests for conferences and requests for adjournments.
3) Absent written objection by counsel, the AFC is free to
speak to the parties regarding the children.
4)
Upon settlement of any matter where an AFC has been
appointed, counsel must inform and obtain the written
approval of the AFC concerning any custody, parenting time
and child support issues.
5)
Until such time as all issues concerning the children are
resolved (legal and residential custody, parenting time and
child support) the AFC will remain assigned and involved in
the on-going proceedings.
9.
PRE-TRIAL CONFERENGE FILING;
a) Scheduling: The Court shall issue an Order setting a date for a Pre-Trial
Conference, the filing of a Note of lssue and the filing of a Joint Pre-Trial Order.
b) Joint Pre-Trial Order: The Joint Pre-Trial Order controls the subsequent
course of the trial, unless the order is modified upon consent of the parties and the
Court, or by order of the Court to prevent manifest injustice.
c) Exchange Between Parties: The parties shall exchange proposed pretrial
orders at least fourteen (14) days prior to the Pre-Trial conference.
d) Electronic Filing: No less than three (3) days prior to the Pretrial
Conference, the parties MUST upload to NYSCEF the Joint Pretrial Order. lf the
parties cannot agree to the content of a Joint Pretrial Order, including exhibits to be
presented, the attorneys/parties MUST upload the Joint Pretrial Order to NYSCEF no
less than three (3) days prior to the Pretrial Conference with objections to disputed parts
set forth therein. ln the Court's discretion, the failure to timely upload shall result in an
adjournment of the Pre-Trial Conference and trial date. A sample Order is attached for
reference.
e) Separately Labeled Schedule: Each of the following topics shall be
addressed in a separately labeled schedule:
1) The full caption of the action.
2) The names (including firm names), addresses, telephone
numbers, cellular numbers and email addresses of all trial
counsel.
Page 8 of 16
REVISED APRIL 2026
3) A brief statement by Plaintiff as to the basis of subject
matter jurisdiction, and a brief statement by each party as to
the presence or absence of subject matter jurisdiction. Such
statement shall include citation to all statutes relied on and
relevant facts as to citizenship.
4) A summary by each party of the claims and defenses
he/she has asserted that remain to be tried, without recital of
evidentiary matters, but including citations to all statutes
relied upon. Such summaries shall identify all claims and
defenses previously asserted which are not to be tried.
5) A statement of the number of trial days needed
6) Any stipulations or statements of fact or law that have
been agreed to by all parties such as date of marriage, age
of parties, children's names and ages, retirement assets,
address of marital residence/other real estate owned by both
parties and grounds.
7) Witnesses: A list of names and add resses of all
wrtnesses, including possible witnesses who will be called
only for impeachment or rebuttal purposes and so
designated, together with a brief narrative statement of the
expected testimony of each witness. Only listed witnesses
will be permitted to testify. ln addition, for expert witnesses,
the area of expertise must be listed. The parties shall list
and briefly describe the basis for any objections that they
have to any witnesses designated by any party.
8) Deposition Testimony: A designation by each party of
those portions of deposition testimony intended to be offered
into evidence, with any cross-designations and objections by
any other party. A designation by each party of deposition
testimony to be offered as its case in chief, with any cross
designations and objections by any other party.
f) Trial Exhibit Filino: No less than three (3) days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference
date, all exhibits to be presented at trial shall be uploaded to the NYSCEF Virtual Evidence
Room. The Court requires one (1) hard coDv of the proposed pre-marked exhibits in a
suitable binder.
1) Schedule of Exhibits A schedule listing exhibits,
including a brief description sufficient to identify, to be
offered in evidence, the party that will be offering them,
Page I of 16
REVIS ED AP RIL 2025
including possible impeachment documents and/or exhibits
and exhibits that will be offered only on rebuttal.
The parties will list and briefly describe the basis for any
objections that they have to the admissibility of any exhibits
to be offered by any other party.
Parties are expected to resolve all issues of authenticity,
chain of custody and related grounds, before the Pretrial
Conference. lf the Parties cannot agree on issues of
authenticity, chain of custody and related grounds, the Court
will make its determination at the Pretrial Conference.
Only listed exhibits will be received in evidence, except for
good cause shown.
2) Meritless Objections: Parties are not to interpose
meritless objections.
3) Voluminous Exhibits:
(a) When exhibits are voluminous, they should
be uploaded to NYSCEF under one Exhibit
number or letter labeled as to their exhibit
n umber.
(b)
Schedules or charts, containing abstracts or
summaries, should be included with all
voluminous records for ease of reference
during trial (see e.g. Public Operating v
Weingafi,257 AD 379).
4) Each hibit shall be identified and described
Plaintiffs exhibits shall be identified by numbers (1 ,2, 3...).
Defendant's exhibits shall be identified by letters (A, B, C...)
5) Legal Memoranda: Counsel for each party shall provide
the court with legal memoranda addressing all contested
legal issues in the Joint Pretrial Order Including anticipated
evidentiary problems.
6) Motions in Limine: All such application shall be filed
and uploaded to NYSCEF at least three (3) days prior to the
Pre-Trial Conference.
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REVISE D APRIL 2026
7) Adiournment: An adjournment of the Pretrial
Conference does not adjourn the filing of the Pretrial Order.
B) Trial counsel: Each must attend the Pretrial conference
and sign and date the Pretrial Order.
g) One Week Prior to Trial: Unless directed otherwise, the following shall be
uploaded at least one (1) week prior to Trial.
'1) Legal Memorandum: ln addition to filing through
NYSCEF, each party shall file and provide hard courtesy
copies to the Court of legal memorandum addressing all
contested legal issues including evidentiary issues or in any
case where such party believes it would be useful.
2) Exhibits - Paper Copies: Each party shall file provide
two (2) hard copies to the Court of the proposed exhibits,
pre-marked in suitable binders (one for the Judge, one for
use when questioning witnesses).
3) Statement of Proposed Disposition. Pursuant to 22
NYCRR 202.16(h), Statements of Proposed Disposition are
required to be filed by both parties. A hard copy is to be
provided to the Court.
4) Confirmation of trial date: Three business days prior
to any scheduled trial, counsel must call or email chambers
to confirm the court's availability for trial. Failure to be ready
to proceed on a scheduled trial date may result in a
dismissal of the cause of action.
5) Marked Pleadings: lf grounds are to be tried, marked
pleadings, in accordance with CPLR 54012 are to be filed
with the court one week prior to Trial.
6) Post-Trial Submissions: At the conclusion of the trial.
the Parties shall forthwith order the transcript(s) of the
proceedings and shall notify the Court. via email to
SUFLEO@nycourts.gov when the transcript(s) have been
uploaded to NYSCEF.
Within 30 davs of the Parties receipt of the transcript(s),
each Party shall upload to NYSCEF his/her Post-Trial
Memorandum ("Memorandum"). The Memorandum shall
not exceed 25 pages. Same shall address soecifically
each prayer for relief the Parties seeks to be awarded and
Page11of16
REVISED APRIL 2026
not refer the urt to review anv other document. Failure
to do so will result in the waiver of any claim not
specifi cally addressed therein.
Sim ultaneous with the filino of the Mem randum. each
Partv shall upload to NYSCEF his/her pro sed Findinqs
of Fact and Conclusions of Law ("Fi dinos"). The
Findings shall not exceed 30 pages.
Each Partyls Memorandum and Findings shall cite to the
record and shall refer to page/line numbers.
The failure to follow the above directives shall result in a
rejection of the submission for correction.
Each Party shall notifv this Court via email to
SUFLEO@nvcourts.gov when the foregoing documents
have been uploaded,
OF EACH PARTY'
FINDINGS IS TO BE EMAILED TO TH OURT AT
SUFLEO@NYCOURTS.GOV IN "WORD" AND/OR
,.WORDPERFECT."
Upon written request of the Parties. an additional 30-dav
adiournment to submit the reqoinq documents shall be
considered by the Court. upon good cause shown.
h) General Decorum at Trials/Hearinqs/Oral Argument: A trial or hearing is a
rational and civilized inquiry to seek a just result.
1) Attorneys are expected to adhere to appropriate
courtroom behavior. Disruptive tactics or appeal to prejudice
are not acceptable.
2) Colloquy between counsel and Parties on the record is
not permitted. All remarks are to be addressed to the Court.
3) Vigorous advocacy does not preclude courtesy to
opposing counsel and witnesses and respect for the Court.
Calling attorneys, a witness or a party by first names on the
record is not appropriate.
4) You are bound by written stipulation or those made in
open Court whether made by you or by predecessor counsel
Page 12 of 16
REVISED APRIL 2026
unless you have been relieved therefrom by order of the
Court.
5) Prior to trial, the attorneys should attempt to stipulate to
the testimony ol all pro forma witnesses, e,9., if the secretary
of the XYZ Corporation were called to testify, he would
testify that Exhibit A was kept in the ordinary course of
business, etc., is admissible.
10. TRIAL RULES & PROGEDURE:
Guidelines for the conduct of trials, pretrials, pendente lite application hearings
and other appearances.
a) Examination of Witnesses:
1) The parties are encouraged to use affidavits in lieu of
direct testimony specifically with respect to financial and real
estate experts to streamline trial time and promote judicial
economy.
b) Conduct of Trial:
'1) The Court expects counsel and the witnesses to be
present and ready to proceed promptly at the appointed
hour-normally starting at 9:30 a.m. A witness on the stand
when a recess is taken should be back on the stand when
the recess ends.
2) Have enough witnesses available in court to fill the time
available.
3) Trials normally are conducted from day to day. Do not
assume that the Court will recess on any given day at any
given time or times unless prior arrangements have been
made with the Court and counsel.
4)
Attorneys are expected to cooperate with each other in
the scheduling and production of witnesses. Witnesses may
be taken out of order where necessary. An effort should be
made to avoid calling a witness twice (as an adverse witness
and later as a party's witness).
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REVISED APRIL 2026
11. HEARING RULES & PROCEDURE:
a) Exhibits: At least seven (7) days prior to the hearing date, all exhibits shall
be exchanged between the parties. At least five (5) days prior, parties and shall meet to
consult and agree on what documents are to be admitted on consent- At least three (3)
days prior, each party shall upload exhibits to the Virtual Evidence Room via NYSCEF.
The Court requires one (1) courtesy copy of the proposed pre-marked exhibits in a
suitable binder.
b) Witness Lists: At least seven (7) days prior to the hearing date, each party's
witness lists shall be exchanged. At least three (3) days prior, each party shall upload
his/her witness list to NYSCEF.
12. SETTLEMENTS:
a) Where a case has been settled prior to the trial date or any other court date,
in lieu of appearing in court, chambers must be notified in writing in advance that a
stipulation has been executed by both sides resolving all outstanding issues. lf a case
has been settled by a stipulation, counsel will forward the first and last pages bearing
the parties signatures and the complete agreement shall be uploaded to NYSCEF.
b) On any date that the case appears on the calendar and the parties are
present, a stipulation of settlement may be placed on the record and, in its discretion,
"so ordered" by the court.
c)
No case shall be marked as settled or disposed unless an oral stipulation has
been placed on the record or written notification is submitted to chambers confirming
that a stipulation of settlement has been executed by both sides. lf a written agreement,
see (a) above.
d) At the time of a global settlement, the case will be adjourned to a judgment
submission calendar to assure that the Judgment of Divorce and supporting documents
are timely submitted.
13. JUDGMENT SUBMISSIONS:
a) Time Period: Submission packages must be submitted within 60 days of the
date the case was marked settled by the court unless extended by the court for good
cause. Counsel for the submitting party must file the submission through NYSCEF.
Requests for submission extensions must be in writing and supported by good cause.
b) Form/Required Languaqe: Follow the forms on the nycourts.gov website for
Judgments (#UD-1 1) and Findings (#UD-10). You do not need to use the form, but
please make sure all required language is included in the document submitted by your
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REVISED APRIL 2026
firm. Also make sure you include the language at 22 NYCRR 202.50(b)(3)&(4).
Additionally kindly submit all documents using font style "Times New Roman" at 12 font
size with standard bottom center page numbering.
c) Rejection: Proposed judgment submissions rejected for noncompliance with
the Rules of the Chief Judge, or any other deficiency, must be corrected and
resubmitted to the Court within thirty (30) days of the notice of rejection. A failure to
comply may result in restoration of the case to the calendar for appearance by all
parties and, in the event of non-appearance of parties or counsel, the action may be
dismissed. Requests for extensions must be in writing and supported by good cause.
d) Outstandinq motions: Motions pending at the time a case is marked settled
are to be formally withdrawn by Stipulation and filed through NYSCEF.
14. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS:
a) Part Calendar vs. E-Court Calendar: All court appearances and adjourned
dates are provided directly from this Part via email and not always updated/reflected
accurately by e-courts. Counsel should rely on Part communications.
b) Notice Team Meeting: This Part provides a link via email communication
'.
regarding dates and times of conferences, etc. Counsel are required to accept the link
for confirmation purposes of his/her receipt of the notification. THIS DOES NOT MEAN
THAT A TEAMS MEETING HAS BEEN SCHEDULED. Counsel and/or staff must read
the email link which will reflect the manner of appearance - the heading will reflect
whether an in-person appearance is required or, alternatively, if the court has
determined that a conference via Teams is sufficient.
c) Restoration of Case to Calendar: An application to restore a case that has
been dismissed or marked off the calendar and deemed abandoned pursuant to CPLR
53404 shall be by motion unless the party seeking the restoration was granted leave to
restore on letter notice.
d) Withdrawal of Counsel by Motion: An attorney moving for permission to
withdraw as counsel shall appear in court on the return date of the motion and shalt
advise the court if there are any open motions pending or if a hearing or trial has been
scheduled that would be delayed by the granting of the attorney's application.
e) Writs of Habeas Conrus.. On the return of a writ of habeas corpus involving
custody or visitation disputes, the child(ren) must be brought to court unless their
presence has been excused by the Court.
0 Reouired Notifications Counsel and self-representing litigants are under a
continuing obligation to notify the Court, as promptly as possible, by letter, on notice to
opposing counsel, Attorney for the Child ren and self-represented litigants, specifical ly
Page 15 of 16
REVISED APRIL 2026
referencing the character of the resolution and attach the pertinent documentation, via
NYSCEF and email to SUFlEO@nycourts.gov, in the event of the following: (1) lf an
action is settled, in whole or in part; (2) lf a pending motion is settled or become moot,
in whole or in part; (3) lf an action is discontinued; (a) The death of a litigant and (5) A
litigant has filed a petition in bankruptcy.
g) Page Numbering: Any document submitted to the Court must include page
numbers.
h) Settlement Agreements: All global settlement agreements shall have a
Table of Contents.
l) lnquests on Default: Should the matter be scheduled for inquest on default,
counsel, or a pro se litigant who has signed on to the NYSCEF e-filing system, are
directed to upload all proposed exhibits into the Virtual Evidence Courtroom the day
before the scheduled appearance date. On the failure to upload the exhibits, the
previously scheduled inquest on default will be adjourned and calendared for a date
convenient to the court.
Page 16 of 16
Other judges in Suffolk
- John J. Andrews — Part 44
- Valerie M. Cartright — Part 21
- John B. Collins — Part 14
- Carl J. Copertino — Part 82
- Mark A. Cuthbertson — Part 80
- Joseph Farneti — Part 37
- Aletha V. Fields — Part 81
- Michael A. Gajdos, Jr. — Part 54
- Alfred C. Graf — Part 77
- C. Stephen Hackeling — Part 12
- Paul M. Hensley — Part 70
- Cheryl A. Joseph — Part 19
- Linda J. Kevins — Part 29
- Maureen Liccione — Part 78
- James F. Matthews — Part 24
- Peter R. McGreevy — Part 76
- Christopher Modelewski — Part 17
- David A. Morris — Part 12c
- Glenn A. Murphy — Part 25
- Alison J. Napolitano — Part 74
- George Nolan — Part 55
- Deanna D. Panico — Part 23
- Joseph Pastoressa — Part 34
- Deborah Poulos — Part 35
- James F. Quinn — Part 41
- Denis Reo — Part 85
- Frank A. Tinari — Part 50
- S. Betsy Heckman Torres — Part 18
- Thomas F. Whelan — Part 33
Read the court's own published rules for Hon. John J. Leo.
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