Christi J. Acker at a glance
- Current role
- Supreme Court Justice
- Jurisdiction
- New York · State
- Judicial service
- Active
- Term and retention
- Current term ends 2031
Christi J. Acker
Supreme Court Justice · Dutchess County Supreme Court
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Biography
Professional career
- Justice, New York Supreme Court, Dutchess County, 2018-present
- Justice of the Dutchess County Supreme Court in New York’s 9th Judicial District, elected in 2017 and serving until 2031
- Justice, Pine Plains, NY, 2008-2017
- Local Justice: Town Justice for Pine Plains (2008–2017)
- Principal Court Attorney, NYS Unified Court System, 2001-2017
- Acting Justice, New York Supreme Court, Richmond County, Staten Island, New York, NY, 2003-2006
- Associate Counsel, Putnam County Department of Social Servicess, 1997-2001
Education
- Villanova University — J.D. (1992)
- College of the Holy Cross — B.A. (1989)
Additional information
- Acker was elected to the Supreme Court bench on November 7, 2017 and re-elected for a term ending in 2031.
- Practitioner, Law Offices of Charles J. Acker & Christi J. Acker, 1993-2001
- handling misdemeanors, traffic, small claims, zoning, and animal enforcement
- Justice Acker presides in Courtroom 209 at the Dutchess County Supreme Court, 10 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY.
- She is also active in volunteer roles, including with the NY State Bar Association Mock Trials
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Recording and broadcasting
Statewide
New York statewide rules require permission before photographing, filming, videotaping, audiotaping, broadcasting, or telecasting in court facilities, including courtrooms.
Taking photographs, films or videotapes, or audiotaping, broadcasting or telecasting, in a courthouse including any courtroom, office or hallway thereof, at any time or on any occasion, whether or not the court is in session, is forbidden, unless permission of the Chief Administrator of the Courts or a designee of the Chief Administrator is first obtainedPart 29: Electronic Recording and Audio-Visual Coverage in Court Facilities and of Court Proceedings ↗
Exhibits
Statewide
The official Guide to New York Evidence identifies court control over presentation of evidence as a statewide evidence topic; counsel should expect the assigned judge to control the mode and order of proof.
1.07. COURT CONTROL OVER PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCEGuide to New York Evidence: Article 1, General Provisions and Court's Role ↗
Statewide
In New York Supreme Court and County Court civil cases, the court may require indexed trial exhibit binders, notebooks, or electronic equivalents for the court, counsel, and witnesses.
The court may direct that on the first day of trial or at such other time as the court may set, counsel shall submit an indexed binder or notebook, or the electronic equivalent, of trial exhibits for the court's use.Part 202: Uniform Civil Rules for the Supreme Court and the County Court ↗
Statewide
Civil trial counsel in New York Supreme Court and County Court must confer before trial and attempt to agree on exhibits to be offered without objection, unless the court directs otherwise.
Counsel for the parties shall consult prior to trial and shall in good faith attempt to agree upon the exhibits that will be offered into evidence without objection.Part 202: Uniform Civil Rules for the Supreme Court and the County Court ↗
Remote appearances
Statewide
For Commercial Division matters, New York rules encourage Virtual Evidence Courtrooms for managing and presenting trial evidence after authorization by request or court direction.
Virtual Evidence Courtrooms (VECs) may be used to facilitate real-time access to trial exhibits and other relevant documents.Part 202.70 Commercial Division Rules: Virtual Evidence Courtrooms and Trial Exhibits ↗
Statewide
For New York criminal proceedings, virtual and hybrid appearances are governed by Part 200 consent, objection, public-access, and calendar-update requirements.
For all hybrid proceedings, all electronic appearances shall be projected in the physical courtroom in which the in-person portion of the proceeding is taking place in such a manner as to provide a reasonable opportunity for members of the public to view and hear the participants appearing electronically.Part 200: Uniform Rules for Courts Exercising Criminal Jurisdiction ↗
Published courtroom rules
Judge and named-part rules
Published judge / part rules (94 excerpts)
See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding.
Official rules document ↗ · Collected 2026-10-27
Communications with chambers
A. Correspondence: All correspondence to the Court must be brief, concise and contain the full case title and Index Number of the action. Correspondence to the Court shall, without exception, be copied to all other counsel (or self-represented litigant(s)) simultaneously with transmittal to the Court. Correspondence between counsel and/or self-represented parties shall not be copied to the Court. The Court does not permit litigation by way of letter correspondence to the Court, or by way of being copied with letter correspondence by and between counsel. Any such submission shall be rejected by the Court without further action or consideration. Correspondence to the Court shall not be e-filed.
Source page 1Adjournments
1 Ms. Brady should not be emailed for routine inquiries or requests for adjournments. 1
Source page 1Communications with chambers
B. Telephone Calls: Except as set forth below, telephone calls to the Court staff are permitted only in situations requiring immediate attention that cannot otherwise be obtained by correspondence.
Source page 2Communications with chambers
C. E-Mail: E-mails to the Court’s Part Clerk or Confidential Secretary is the preferred method of communication. All e-mails should be brief and concise, stating the relief or action requested to be taken by the Court.
Source page 2Communications with chambers
D. Facsimiles: See Uniform Rule §202.5-a. Unless specifically approved by the Court in advance in a particular case, the Court does not accept legal papers of any kind by fax transmission. Faxed communications are not to exceed 3 pages unless prior permission is obtained from the Court or the Court staff.
Source page 2Conferences and appearances
E. E-Courts: While E-Courts can be a useful tool, it is not always accurate. In the event of a conflict between the appearance date provided by the Court and E-Courts, the parties should appear on the date and time provided by the Court.
Source page 2Filing and working copies
A. E-Filing Protocols: Counsel and self-represented litigants shall familiarize themselves with the statewide E-Filing Rules (§§202.5-b and 202.5-bb of the Uniform Rules, available at www.nycourts.gov/efile) and the Joint Protocols for New York
Source page 2Filing and working copies
General questions about e-filing should be addressed to the E-Filing Resource Center at (646) 386-3033 or efile@nycourts.gov. Specific questions about local procedures should be addressed to the Dutchess County and Supreme Court Clerk’s Office at (845) 431- 1720.
Source page 2Communications with chambers
All documents in mandatory e-filed cases, except documents subject to the opt-out provision of §202.5-bb of the Uniform Rules, or documents subject to e-filing in which consent is being withheld, are to be filed through the New York State Courts E-Filing System (NYSCEF). All submissions to the Court, except correspondence (see Rule I(A), supra), must be electronically filed.
Source page 2Communications with chambers
B. Working Copies: Counsel and self-represented litigants are requested to provide working copies of all legal papers which require judicial action (e.g., Orders to Show Cause, motions, notices of settlement, ex parte applications and proposed orders). The working copy of a motion must include all documents filed in support of the motion,
Source page 2Motion practice
including exhibits WITH external tabs, as required by Rule IV(A)(6) below.2 Working copies of foreclosure motions need only contain exhibits as set forth in Rule VI (E). Working copies of proposed judgments, orders and separation agreements must be separated from the motion submission for ease of uploading. Bindings or fastenings either on top or left-side of the page shall not encroach upon, delete, or otherwise omit the content of the papers. Do not bind papers with heavy-duty staples.
Source page 3Communications with chambers
Counsel shall not submit working copies of letters to the Court that have been uploaded to the system where such correspondence has been e-mailed or faxed to Chambers.
Source page 3Communications with chambers
A. General Rules: See Uniform Rules §§202.1 (f), (g) and §202.11. In addition, the Court’s calendar, in Courtroom 209 of the Dutchess County Courthouse, will be called at 9:30 a.m. Counsel and self-represented parties are expected to appear for all Court appearances on time and be fully prepared to discuss all factual and legal issues presented. If counsel or a party is unable to appear on time due to unforeseen circumstances (delays due to inclement weather or road closures, for example), he/she should contact opposing counsel and advise the Part Clerk or Court’s staff by telephone or e-mail as soon as possible.
Source page 3Communications with chambers
Counsel who are scheduled to appear before this Court and another Court must communicate that fact to Chambers prior to the date of appearance so that the conflicting appearances can be reconciled. Otherwise, Counsel should provide the Court with an Affidavit of Engagement. Counsel are not to rely on opposing counsel to advise the Court of their conflict when the case is called. In the event Counsel does not advise the Court of a conflict, the Court may proceed in that counsel’s absence. Who Must Appear: Only counsel who are fully familiar with a case and authorized to enter into binding agreements on all aspects of the case are to appear for conferences. (This means that counsel for the plaintiff(s) must be prepared to make a settlement demand and counsel for the defendant(s) must be prepared to respond to the demand.) In non-matrimonial actions, represented parties need not appear for conferences unless directed to do so by the Court. Where a party is being indemnified by an insurer, appearing counsel must be able to advise the Court of the applicable policy limits afforded to the defendant as well as the name, claim number and phone number of the adjuster assigned to the matter.
Source page 3Conferences and appearances
In matrimonial actions, litigants must appear with their counsel for all conferences unless such appearance is excused by the Court.
Source page 3Motion practice
2 Should a motion include extensive exhibits, the working copy of said exhibits may be submitted on a flash drive (not a DVD).
Source page 3Adjournments
C. Adjournment of Conferences: A request to adjourn a conference must be made in writing, preferablybyemailorbyfax (one method only), to Chambers at least two (2) full business days in advance of the scheduled conference, unless there is an emergency. All applications for adjournments must set forth: 1) the reason why an adjournment is necessary; 2) whether the opposing party(ies) consent(s) or object(s) to the application; and 3) the length of the adjournment sought or, if on consent, a date all parties are available. All such communications must be copied to all counsel and self-represented parties.
Source page 4Adjournments
Where the adjournment sought is not on consent, the requesting party should briefly set forth why the adjournment is necessary, the length of the adjournment sought and the reason offered by the non-consenting party for his/her lack of consent. Opposing counsel or self-represented party may succinctly provide their reasons for objecting to the requested adjournment if opposing counsel believes that his/her position has been stated incorrectly.
Source page 4Adjournments
No further communication concerning the request for adjournment will be permitted. The request and the response, if any, are NOT to be used to advocate a position on the substantive dispute and shall address only the reason that consent for the requested adjournment is being declined.
Source page 4Adjournments
The Court will advise the requesting party if the requested adjournment has been granted. The requesting party shall advise all other parties to the action if the adjournment request was granted and the new date. The parties should not assume that the request for adjournment has been granted until the Court has specifically addressed the request.
Source page 4Conferences and appearances
D. Preliminary Conference Order: 3 The Court will upload a proposed Preliminary Conference Order to be completed after a Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) has been filed on a matter. The Part Clerk will upload a letter with the proposed order and provide the date on which the proposed Preliminary Conference Order must be submitted.
Source page 4Conferences and appearances
The party who files the RJI shall advise all other parties of the date by which the Preliminary Conference Order shall be submitted. If the order is not submitted by that date, a conference will be scheduled where personal appearances by counsel for all parties is required.
Source page 4Discovery
The executed Preliminary Conference Order will set specific dates for completion of various items of discovery, the date by which a Note of Issue must be filed and a date for a Compliance Conference. All counsel and self-represented litigants are expected to abide by and comply with the Court’s discovery schedule and deadlines. No modifications of the dates set by the Court are permitted except by Order of the Court. See Uniform Rule §202.20-e.
Source page 4Conferences and appearances
§202.56(b). Counsel in labor law actions shall consult and exchange the names of all known contractors and/or employers in preparation for the Preliminary Conference.
Source page 5Discovery
E. Compliance Conference: The Court will conduct a Compliance Conference as directed in the Preliminary Conference Order. At the Compliance Conference, the Court will ensure that discovery proceeded as scheduled. The Court may also conduct a settlement conference at this time. Counsel are to be fully familiar with the action as well as all settlement discussions that have previously taken place so that meaningful discussions can be held. In all cases where a party is being indemnified by an insurer, appearing counsel must be able to advise the Court of the applicable policy limits afforded to the defendant as well as the name, claim number and phone number of the adjuster assigned to the matter.
Source page 5Communications with chambers
In a proper case, the Court may contact the claims adjuster by telephone or direct that the claims adjuster shall appear for a conference.
Source page 5Conferences and appearances
F. Settlement Conference: The Court will also conduct at least one Settlement Conference. Counsel attending the Settlement Conference must be fully familiar with the action and authorized to discuss all factual and legal issues presented by the litigation, settlement demands or offers, witness scheduling, and trial procedure – including, for example, whether any party or witness will require a translator or accommodation for a physical challenge. Counsel must also be authorized to enter into binding settlements on terms agreeable to the parties and to the Court. The parties (including adjusters) must be available by phone if not present for the conference. The Court will explore limitation of issues for trial (e.g., whether liability may be conceded or certain claims or defenses withdrawn in an appropriate case).
Source page 5Conferences and appearances
On or before the date of the Settlement Conference, counsel (or self- represented parties) must provide the Court and opposing counsel (or self-represented
Source page 5Conferences and appearances
Counsel are advised that, in an effort to foster open settlement discussions, the Court may meet with one side or the other apart from opposing counsel. Counsel are presumed to have consented to the Court doing so unless an objection is stated.
Source page 5Conferences and appearances
G. Pre-Trial Conference: See Uniform Rules §§202.26 (b), (c), 202.20-h and 202.37. A Pre-Trial Conference with all counsel and self-represented parties will be conducted before the commencement of jury selection or of a non-jury trial. The parties must be available by phone if not present for the conference.
Source page 6Trial exhibits and witnesses
2. Requests to Charge. A complete list of requested jury charges, drawn from the Pattern Jury Instructions (PJI) of the then current year, must be jointly submitted by email in MSWord format to the Court's Principal Law Clerk or Confidential Secretary. Where the requested charge comes directly from the PJI, only the PJI title and section number need to be provided. Where deviations from, or additions to, the PJI are requested, the full text of such requests must be submitted with the modifications in bold, together with any supporting legal authority. To the extent that there is disagreement on the charges, the attorneys shall highlight the charges that are not on consent, which party is requesting the charge and the nature of the objection.
Source page 6Filing and working copies
3. Proposed Verdict Sheet. A proposed Verdict Sheet, jointly prepared by all parties, typewritten and in final form for presentation to the jury shall be submitted. If agreement cannot be reached between and among the parties as to the questions to be posed to the jury, the joint submission shall include each proposed question, indicate which party is requesting it and the nature of any objection. Proposed Verdict Sheets must be submitted by email in MSWord format to the Court's Principal Law Clerk or Confidential Secretary.
Source page 6Motion practice
4. Written motions in limine must be made returnable on the day of the Pre-Trial Conference. Such motions must be made on no less than seven (7) days’ notice to opposing counsel and/or self-represented parties. Untimely motions will not be decided prior to the trial and/or will not be considered.
Source page 6Communications with chambers
Except in e-filed cases, proposed Orders to Show Cause submitted for consideration by the Court must include a fax number or e-mail address to permit a conformed copy of the signed Order to be sent to the movant.
Source page 6Motion practice
2. Written applications by Notice of Motion (or Notice of Petition as the case may be) must be made returnable on any Wednesday the Court is in session.
Source page 7Motion practice
3. Movants for summary judgment are requested to submit a Statement of Material Facts. Any opposition to such motion should submit a response thereto and/or provide a counterstatement of material facts.
Source page 7Motion practice
4. Absent express permission obtained in advance from the Court, briefs/memoranda of law are limited to 20 pages each and affirmations and affidavits are limited to 15 pages each.4 Papers which exceed these limitations may not be considered by or may be rejected by the Court. Motion papers are limited to Moving Papers, Opposing Papers and Reply. Sur-Reply papers are not permitted. See Uniform Rules §202.8-c.
Source page 7Motion practice
5. There will be no oral argument on any motion or Order to Show Cause unless directed by the Court. Parties seeking oral argument of a motion or Order to Show Cause may request that oral argument be heard by writing “Oral Argument Requested” above the Index Number on the first page of the papers submitted. A request for oral argument should not be construed as an automatic grant of same. If the Court grants the request for oral argument, the Court staff will inform the attorney for the party who requested oral argument of the date and time for argument. It is the responsibility of that person to inform all other attorneys or self-represented litigant of the date and time set.
Source page 7Artificial intelligence
6. Artificial intelligence (AI) programs. All submissions with respect to a motion must include a certification by an attorney or an affirmation by a self-represented litigant either that (1) no generative artificial intelligence program was used in the drafting of any affidavit, affirmation, or memorandum of law contained within the submission, or (2) that a generative artificial intelligence program was used but all generated text, including citations, quotations, and legal analysis was reviewed for accuracy and approved by the certifying attorney or the self-represented litigant. One certification or affirmation pertaining to a party's submission comprised of several such documents shall suffice.
Source page 7Motion practice
7. Except by permission of the Court, all motion papers and Orders to Show Cause must be typewritten (minimum 12-point type), double-spaced, and entirely legible. All exhibits must be legible and labeled with external tab markings. Plaintiffs shall designate exhibits by number. Defendants shall designate exhibits by letter. Exhibit lettering or numbering should not begin anew for subsequent papers submitted by the same party.
Source page 7Trial exhibits and witnesses
8. Reference to an exhibit longer than three (3) pages shall indicate the page number where the information cited is contained. Should the exhibit not contain consecutive page numbers, the exhibit shall be Bates stamped. Failure to do so may result in the Court declining to consider the referenced information.
Source page 7Filing and working copies
4 These page limitations shall not apply to evidentiary materials such as affidavits, affirmations or reports from lay or expert witnesses. 7
Source page 7Discovery
10. Deposition/Examination Before Trial transcripts included as exhibits must be single, front-faced pages only. Parties are requested not to submit miniscripts.
Source page 8Communications with chambers
11. In non e-filed cases, a party shall submit a self-addressed stamped envelope with their moving or opposition papers to allow a copy of the Decision and/or Order to be mailed to the party. The name and Index Number of the case and return date of the motion should appear on the envelope.
Source page 8Motion practice
12. On any motion for a default judgment, proof must be presented that a military-status investigation of all applicable defendants has been conducted after the time for each such defendant to appear or answer has expired. In addition, to be sufficient, the military-status investigation must include, at a minimum, a search conducted through the Department of Defense, which may be performed through that agency’s site, www.dmdc.osd.mil/appi/scra. Such affidavits must not be older than six (6) months before the date of the motion filing.
Source page 8Motion practice
13. In the event the parties settle a motion or part of a motion before the return date or before a decision has been rendered, they shall immediately inform the Court in writing.
Source page 8Adjournments
A request to adjourn a motion must be made in writing and transmitted to Chambers by fax or preferably by email (one method only) prior to the return date of the motion, copied to all counsel and self-represented parties.
Source page 8Adjournments
All applications for adjournments must set forth: 1) the reason why an adjournment is necessary; 2) whether the opposing party(ies) consent(s) or object(s) to the application; 3) the length of the adjournment sought; and 4) the number of prior requests for adjournment and the dates previously set. The Court will advise the party who submitted the request whether the adjournment is granted and, if so, the new return date for the motion. That party must immediately advise all other parties in writing.
Source page 8Adjournments
No more than three (3) adjournments of any motion or cross-motion will be permitted. The total period of time that a motion may be adjourned shall not exceed 60 days. No adjournment on a motion will be granted on a motion with a return date within thirty (30) days of a trial date.
Source page 8Adjournments
Where the adjournment sought is not on consent, the requesting party should briefly set forth why the adjournment is necessary, the length of the adjournment sought and the reason offered by the non-consenting party for his/her lack of consent. Opposing counsel or self-represented party may succinctly provide their reasons for objecting to the requested adjournment if opposing counsel believes that his/her position has been stated incorrectly. No further communication concerning the request for adjournment will be permitted. The request and the response, if any, are NOT to be used to advocate a position
Source page 8Adjournments
on the substantive dispute and shall address only the reason that consent for the requested adjournment is being declined.
Source page 9Adjournments
The Court will advise the requesting party if the requested adjournment has been granted. The requesting party shall advise all other parties to the action if the adjournment request was granted. The parties should not assume that the request for adjournment has been granted unless specifically advised by the Court.
Source page 9Communications with chambers
Parties who have a discovery dispute are NOT to wait until the Compliance Conference to bring such dispute or complaint about non-disclosure to the Court’s attention. The parties are NOT to copy the Court on correspondence between counsel concerning discovery issues unless specifically requested to do so by the Court.
Source page 9Communications with chambers
If the parties cannot resolve the discovery issue between themselves after compliance with Uniform Rules § 202.20-f (b) (which requires in-person or telephonic consultation), they shall send a joint letter via e-mail or fax identifying the outstanding issues and the Court will determine whether a conference is appropriate.
Source page 9Motion practice
In the event that a CPLR §§3211 or 3212 motion is made prior to completion of discovery, the making of the motion is not to be deemed to be a stay of discovery. The parties are to continue to abide by any Order or Notice pertaining to discovery unless otherwise directed by the Court.
Source page 9Motion practice
Summary Judgment motions must be made within sixty (60) days of the filing of the Note of Issue. Uniform Rule §202.8-g must be followed.
Source page 9Motion practice
Unsigned deposition transcripts will not be considered on motions for Summary Judgment unless it is demonstrated that the transcript was forwarded to the deponent for his/her review and signature in compliance with CPLR §3116(a). (SeeMarmer vIFUSAExpressInc.73AD3d868[2nd Dept2010]).
Source page 9Motion practice
Writtenmotionsinliminemustbemadereturnableonthedayofthe Pre-TrialConference. Such motions must be made on no less than seven (7) days’ notice to opposing counsel and/or self-represented parties.
Source page 10Conferences and appearances
Orders, judgments, counter-orders and/or counter-judgments submitted for signature on notice will be returned unsigned unless an Affidavit of Service and Notice of Settlement for a date designated in accordance with 22 NYCRR §202.48 has been included.
Source page 10Motion practice
A. Motions: See also, Section IV, above. All motions in foreclosure actions must include a proposed order which disposes of the motion or application for the Court’s signature. The proposed order shall be a separate document, not attached to the motion.
Source page 10Motion practice
The motion templates mandated for residential foreclosure cases statewide where the homeowner has defaulted MUST be used. They are available at http://www.nycourts.gov/admin/OPP/foreclosure_resources.shtml. The Court additionally requires certain paragraphs be added to the Orders of Reference and Judgments of Foreclosure. Please see Appendix A-C attached to these Part Rules.
Source page 10Motion practice
B. Substitution of Referee: Requests to substitute a Referee shall be made by letter to the Court, NOT by formal motion.
Source page 10Motion practice
C. Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale: All proposed Judgments of Foreclosure and Sale submitted to the Court must be on notice to all Defendants and shall comply with the form set forth in the motion templates.
Source page 10Adjournments
A. Preliminary Conferences: The Court will hold an in person Preliminary Conference. Counsel in matrimonial actions are referred to 22 NYCRR §202.16 and DRL §236(B)(4). Prior to the Preliminary Conference, the parties are required to file and exchange those documents set forth in 22 NYCRR §202.16 (f)(1), including Net Worth Statements, pay stubs, W-2 statements, tax returns and statements of accounts. A working copy of the Statement of Net Worth shall be sent to Chambers. In the event either party fails to comply with this provision of the Part Rules, the Court may adjourn the conference and assess costs and fees against the party who failed to comply. If both sides fail to comply, the Court may deem such non-compliance to be a withdrawal of the request for a conference and cancel same, requiring payment of a second fee or the Court may treat the failure as a default under Court Rule §202.27(c) authorizing the Court to strike pleadings or impose other sanctions.
Source page 11Communications with chambers
Counsel must have substantive communications before the date set for the preliminary conference, either in person or telephonically, to determine the issues to be litigated.
Source page 11Discovery
The scope of discovery shall be discussed at the Preliminary Conference so that the Court can determine if the requested items are necessary and/or to set dates for compliance with the demands.
Source page 11Conferences and appearances
Parties to matrimonial actions are to appear at all matrimonial conferences unless otherwise directed by the Court.
Source page 11Motion practice
B. Motions: All motions (including cross-motions) in matrimonial actions MUST be made by Order to Show Cause. Both parties and counsel must appear on the return date of any motion brought.
Source page 11Motion practice
On the return date of any pendentelite motion, the Court may conduct either a Preliminary Conference or conference on the motion, as appropriate. In the event a Bench Decision is issued on the motion, a copy of the transcript will be ordered by the Court, the cost of which will be shared by the parties unless otherwise ordered.
Source page 12Courtroom conduct and technology
In any case in which a neutral forensic evaluator has been appointed by the Court to assist in custody or access determinations, the reports of evaluators appointed by the Court are confidential. The report(s) shall not be copied or disclosed to any person except as permitted by this order or any other orders of this Court. Any attorney who wishes to receive a copy of the report must first sign an affirmation that may be obtained from the Judge’s Part Clerk or Confidential Secretary. A party may review the report, but may not possess a copy of the report. Self-represented litigants may make arrangements directly with the Judge’s Part Clerk to review the report at the Courthouse. No device, capable of recording or photographing, is permitted in the room where the self-represented litigant is reviewing the report. Notes may be taken. If any party seeks to retain an expert other than the neutral forensic evaluator appointed by the Court, counsel may apply to the Court for permission to have the proposed expert receive a copy of the report. The expert will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement prior to receipt of the report.
Source page 12Conferences and appearances
D. Evaluations: Counsel (including a party not represented by counsel) may stipulate at a Preliminary or other Conference to designate a specific person or firm to conduct a property evaluation and to the allocation of the expense thereof between the parties. If Counsel (including any party not represented by counsel) agree upon the evaluation as necessary and as to the allocation of expenses, but cannot agree upon a person or firm to conduct the evaluation, they may submit proposed names and curriculum vitae to the Court to order the designation. If the parties cannot agree upon the necessity for the evaluation or upon the allocation of responsibility therefor, an application shall be made, on notice to all parties, to the Court. The requesting party shall include a proposed apportionment of responsibility for costs between the parties, including the reasons therefor.
Source page 12Discovery
E. Compliance Conference: The Court shall set a date for a Compliance Conference in the Preliminary Conference Order, which shall be held at least ten (10) days prior to the date by which disclosure is to be completed, for the purpose of confirming that all disclosure is complete or will be completed timely. Any disclosure not completed in conformity with the Preliminary Conference Order may be deemed waived or appropriate sanctions may be imposed against a party who failed to timely provide discovery.
Source page 13Conferences and appearances
F. Judgment of Divorce/Settlement Agreements: Please ensure that all submissions comply with the relevant law. For example, if the settlement agreement deviates in any way from the Child Support Standards Act, the agreement must contain specific recitations. See DRL §240 (1-b)(h). There are divorce forms on the Office of Court Administration homepage which contain all necessary paragraphs.
Source page 13Trial exhibits and witnesses
G. Trials: In all matrimonial actions in which a trial has been scheduled, no later than two (2) weeks prior to trial, the Court is to be provided with: (a) statements of proposed disposition as required by 22 NYCRR §202.16(h); (b) updated Net Worth Statements (with the latest available supporting documents, such as income tax returns, W- 2's, brokerage and retirement plan statements); and (c) any neutral forensic reports, appraisals or evaluations conducted in the matter. Failure to submit the required items may result in the Court determining the issues in favor of the party who complied with the Court Rules.
Source page 13Trial exhibits and witnesses
On the first day of trial, counsel must submit to the Court the following
Source page 13Trial exhibits and witnesses
(c) an exhibit list and pre-marked exhibits. Only those items that are received in evidence will be marked by the reporter. Copies of all exhibits intended to be offered must be presented to the Court in a ringed notebook with a table of contents, with the plaintiff’s exhibits numbered and the defendant’s exhibits lettered in the order in which they are generally intended to be used with external tabs separating each exhibit. Counsel are to exchange their notebooks with proposed exhibits at least seven 13
Source page 13Conferences and appearances
(7) business days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference. Failure to timely submit an exhibit list and proposed exhibits may result in preclusion. Counsel must either stipulate to the admission of the exhibits to be offered by the adverse parties or state the ground of any objection to admission of any such exhibit. Counsel must be prepared to argue to the Court at the time of the Pre-Trial Conference the admissibility of any exhibits to which objection is taken. Counsel are advised that the failure to include an exhibit in the exhibit list and exhibit exchange provided for herein may result in preclusion of that exhibit;
Source page 14Trial exhibits and witnesses
Counsel and/or the self-represented parties shall, to the extent not restricted by an order of protection, meet and confer in good faith to identify exhibits which will be stipulated into evidence.
Source page 14Communications with chambers
(2) The calendar call on the return date must be answered by counsel or the litigant(s), (self represented) who shall provide the Part Clerk with their addresses and telephone numbers. Non-lawyer “representatives” of the parties are not permitted to answer the calendar call. Proof of service of the Orders to Show Cause, as well as any interposed Counterclaims or Answers, shall be filed with the Part Clerk at or before the initial appearance.
Source page 14Filing and working copies
(A) a written offer of proof in any matter alleging a question of residency of a candidate shall be filed with the court clerk and served on the opposing party; (B) specifications of objections or bills of particulars not previously served and/or filed with the Board of Elections shall be filed with the court clerk and served on the opposing party;
Source page 14Filing and working copies
shall be filed with the court clerk an served on all opposing parties.
Source page 15Conferences and appearances
C. Interpreters: In the event a translator or interpreter is required at trial, counsel shall notify the Part Clerk no later than the Pre-Trial Conference so that timely and appropriate arrangements can be made.
Source page 15Trial exhibits and witnesses
E. Jury Selection: Juries will be selected using “White’s Rules”. (See Uniform Rule §202.33). Unless the parties agree otherwise, Jurors will be designated.
Source page 15Trial exhibits and witnesses
However, alternate jurors will be undesignated unless the parties otherwise agree on the record prior to commencement of jury selection that the alternates will also be designated.
Source page 16Trial exhibits and witnesses
G. Pre-Marking of Exhibits: See Uniform Rule §202.34. Also, if counsel intends to use/read from any anticipated exhibit or item of demonstrative evidence during Opening Statements, counsel is to advise the Court of such intention prior to commencement of jury selection. Any redactions to Exhibits shall be made in advance of jury selection.
Source page 16Trial exhibits and witnesses
H. Trial Binders: Plaintiff shall provide a trial binder to the Court which shall include the pleadings, 3101(d) demands and responses for all parties’ expert witnesses and EBT transcripts, where a party anticipates reading portions of the transcript into the record.
Source page 16Trial exhibits and witnesses
J. Use of Video: Any party intending to use a video at trial is to submit a copy of the video and transcript of the video, if applicable, to the Court at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled trial date in order to allow the Court to rule on the admissibility of the video and any Objections made during the video recording. Unless instructed otherwise, counsel are required to provide all video equipment.
Source page 16Conferences and appearances
L. Summation Exhibits: Any counsel or self-represented party who intends during summation to use any type of demonstrative exhibit not marked into evidence must advise the Court and all other counsel/self-represented parties of that intention at the charge conference. Failure to comply with this rule may result in an order precluding use of the exhibit during summation.
Source page 16Motion practice
Except in cases where an attorney is replaced by another attorney on consent, any change or withdrawal of counsel must be approved by the Court on a motion, brought by Order to Show Cause pursuant to CPLR §321.
Source page 17Filing and working copies
The Court does not recognize the purported withdrawal by counsel where such withdrawal would result in a party becoming self-represented (except where the party is an attorney) by the filing of a “Consent to Change Attorney” form. The use of a “Consent to Change Attorney” to withdraw where a party becomes self-represented is specifically prohibited.
Source page 17Conferences and appearances
ORDERED that attorneys or support staff in the Appointee’s office may perform tasks under the Appointee’s direct supervision [unless otherwise directed by the Court], but all substantive appearances and reports must be performed and/or created by the Appointee; and it is further
Source page 18Motion practice
ORDERED that Plaintiff shall make application for Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale by Notice of Motion duly served upon the defendant(s), or his/her/their attorney of record, and upon all other parties included in the caption; and it is further
Source page 19Conferences and appearances
ORDERED that this matter is scheduled for a conference on _______________ at 2:00 p.m. The purpose of this conference is to determine whether the Referee has completed and submitted the computation report and whether Plaintiff has filed an application for Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale. Appearances by the parties and appointed Referee are required unless: (1) the Referee has completed and submitted the computation report; and (2) Plaintiff has filed an application for Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale.
Source page 19Adjournments
ORDERED that the closing of title shall take place at the office of the Referee, or at such other location as the Referee shall determine. The Referee shall transfer title only to the successful bidder at auction. Any delay or adjournment of the closing date beyond thirty (30) days may be stipulated among the parties, with the Referee’s consent, up to ninety (90) days from the date of judgment, but any adjournments beyond ninety (90) days may be set only with the approval of this Court; and it is further
Source page 20Shared court rules
22 NYCRR Part 200 — Uniform Rules Courts Exercising Criminal Jurisdiction
Dutchess County Supreme Court
State criminal proceedings only; section-specific court and case exceptions remain applicable.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-10-2722 NYCRR Part 202 — Uniform Civil Rules Supreme Court And County Court
Dutchess County Supreme Court
Civil actions and proceedings only; section-specific and specialized-part restrictions remain applicable.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-10-27Part 29: Electronic Recording and Audio-Visual Coverage in Court Facilities and of Court Proceedings
Dutchess County Supreme Court
Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Part 29: Electronic Recording and Audio-Visual Coverage in Court Facilities and of Court Proceedings
Dutchess County Supreme Court
Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked July 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked August 2, 2026.
New York State Unified Court System Judicial Directory official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View New York State Unified Court System Judicial Directory official judicial roster ↗CourtListener judicial biographical directory
Identity source · HTML · Source checked August 2, 2026
View CourtListener judicial biographical directory ↗Part 29: Electronic Recording and Audio-Visual Coverage in Court Facilities and of Court Proceedings
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Part 29: Electronic Recording and Audio-Visual Coverage in Court Facilities and of Court Proceedings ↗Guide to New York Evidence: Article 1, General Provisions and Court's Role
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Guide to New York Evidence: Article 1, General Provisions and Court's Role ↗Part 202: Uniform Civil Rules for the Supreme Court and the County Court
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Part 202: Uniform Civil Rules for the Supreme Court and the County Court ↗Part 202.70 Commercial Division Rules: Virtual Evidence Courtrooms and Trial Exhibits
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Part 202.70 Commercial Division Rules: Virtual Evidence Courtrooms and Trial Exhibits ↗Part 200: Uniform Rules for Courts Exercising Criminal Jurisdiction
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Part 200: Uniform Rules for Courts Exercising Criminal Jurisdiction ↗