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.

Page 10 of 16

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).

Page 13 of 16

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

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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.

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Updated by the court: not stated on the court's page
Checked by us: Oct. 9, 2026, 11:04 a.m.

Other judges in Suffolk

Read the court's own published rules for Hon. John J. Leo.

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