Denise M. Watson at a glance
- Current role
- Supreme Court Justice
- Jurisdiction
- New York · State
- Judicial service
- Active
- Term and retention
- Current term ends 2027
Denise M. Watson
Supreme Court Justice · Dutchess County Supreme Court
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Biography
Professional career
- Acting Justice, New York Supreme Court, Dutchess County, NY, 2014-present
- Judge, Dutchess County Youth Treatment Court, NY, 2012-present
- Judge, New York Family Court, Dutchess County, NY, 2012-2021
- Principal Court Attorney to Hon. Peter Forman, New York State Unified Court System, NY, 1999-2011
- Senior Staff Attorney, Probate Division, 21st Judicial Circuit, St. Louis County, Missouri, MO, 1984-1989
- Law Clerk, 21st Judicial Circuit, St. Louis County, Missouri, MO, 1983-1984
Education
- Saint Louis University — J.D. (1982)
- Boston University — B.A. (1979)
Additional information
- Practitioner, Private Practice, 1989-1999
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 (38 excerpts)
See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding.
Official rules document ↗ · Collected 2026-10-27
Motion practice
Every pleading, written motion and other paper served or filed in an action must be signed by an attorney pursuant to §130-1.1a of the Rules of the Chief Administrator of the Courts.
Source page 1Communications with chambers
(a) Correspondence: Correspondence, including by e-mail and fax, to the Court shall, without exception, be copied to all counsel and to self-represented parties who have appeared in the action. Correspondence between counsel and/or self-represented parties shall not be copied to the Court unless there is some specific request for judicial action to be served by transmitting copies to the Court. All correspondence must bear the full Title and Index Number of the action and state that a true copy of the correspondence was sent to all other counsel (or self-represented litigant(s) as the case may be) simultaneously with transmittal to the Court.
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. (c) Fax transmissions: 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 Court’s staff.
Source page 1Communications with chambers
(d) E-Mail: E-mails to the Court and Court’s staff should be concise and state the relief or action requested to be taken by the Court.
Source page 1Communications with chambers
(a) Within ten (10) days of written notification of this Part’s assignment to a case, or written notification of a Preliminary Conference, whichever shall first occur, each attorney shall file a record of appearance with chambers. The record of appearance shall include the attorney’s name, firm affiliation, mailing address, telephone and facsimile number as well as the party represented. The record of appearance shall also contain a written acknowledgment that counsel is familiar with these Part Rules. Counsel and/or self-represented parties are required to keep the Court informed of their current address, telephone number and, if available, facsimile number at all times.
Source page 1Conferences and appearances
(d) At all scheduled appearances and conferences before the Court, only an attorney thoroughly familiar with the action and authorized to act on behalf of a party shall appear.
Source page 1Discovery
(a) A party may request a preliminary conference any time after issue has been joined. In any event, the Court will schedule a preliminary conference within forty-five (45) days after an RJI has been filed on a matter. A form stipulation and order shall be provided to the parties which shall establish a timetable for discovery within parameters set forth by the Court after determination as to whether a matter should be designated a “standard” or a “complex” case.
Source page 2Discovery
(b) Upon scheduling a preliminary conference, the Court will provide the parties with a form Stipulation and Order. The Stipulation and Order shall provide a date and time for the parties to appear at a compliance conference to ensure that discovery is proceeding as scheduled. The Stipulation and Order shall also identify the deadline selected by the Court for filing a note of issue and certificate of readiness. Counsel shall confer and fill out the Stipulation and Order to provide a timetable for discovery within the parameters set forth by the Court. The attorneys are encouraged to complete the Stipulation and to mail it back to the Court for review and approval in advance of the scheduled preliminary conference.
Source page 2Conferences and appearances
(c) Appearances are required in all matrimonial actions. (d) Once the stipulation has been “so ordered”, no modifications are permitted except by written order of the Court.
Source page 2Conferences and appearances
(1) a Matrimonial Order Directing Preliminary Conference; and (2) a Matrimonial Preliminary Conference Stipulation and Order. (b) The parties must be present for the preliminary conference. (c) No later than ten (10) days prior to the preliminary conference in any matrimonial action, each party
Source page 2Conferences and appearances
3. Most recent paystub and income tax return. (d) At the preliminary conference, counsel shall be prepared to discuss all issues identified in the Matrimonial Order Directing Preliminary Conference. No later than ten (10) days prior to the preliminary conference, counsel shall also exchange all documents identified in that Order.
Source page 2Conferences and appearances
(e) At the preliminary conference, the parties and their counsel shall fill out and execute the Matrimonial Preliminary Conference Stipulation and Order, for review and approval by the Court. (f) Any application regarding child support must be accompanied by a completed Child Support Worksheet.
Source page 2Discovery
The preliminary conference order shall provide a date and time for the parties to appear at a compliance conference. (a) At the compliance conference, the Court will ensure that discovery is proceeding as scheduled. (b) Unless a note of issue has been earlier filed, the Court shall direct a date as the deadline for filing a note of issue and certificate of readiness.
Source page 2Communications with chambers
(a) 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. Rather, counsel (or self-represented litigant) who believes that discovery is not being conducted in accordance with the Preliminary Conference (or other Court) Order is to discuss, in good faith, as required by Court Rule 202.7, the claimed non-compliance with the counsel or self-represented litigant who is claimed not to be complying with the Court Order. A pro forma letter does not constitute a good faith effort. There must be actual substantive communication between counsel, either telephonically or in writing, regarding the claimed
Source page 2Discovery
failure to engage in discovery and the claimed compliance or reason for noncompliance. Exception: Where an Order of Protection prohibits one party from contacting another party, the party who believes that discovery is not being complied with shall contact the Principal Court Attorney without contacting the opposing party.
Source page 3Communications with chambers
(b) If counsel cannot resolve the discovery issue between themselves after a good faith effort, then the counsel who believes that discovery is not being conducted in accordance with the Court’s Order is to contact the Court to request an expedited conference. The parties are NOT to copy the Court on correspondence between counsel concerning discovery issues unless specifically requested to do so by the Court. The parties are not to make any discovery motion concerning discovery without having first requested the Court’s intervention by letter as provided for herein.
Source page 3Conferences and appearances
(a) Within 45 days of the filing of a note of issue, the Court shall schedule a pretrial conference. (b) At the pretrial conference, the Court shall schedule a date certain for trial of all outstanding issues. The Court will also explore referring the case to a referee, if appropriate.
Source page 3Motion practice
(c) At the pretrial conference, the Court shall establish a deadline for the exchange of expert witness information pursuant to CPLR §3101(d)(1) which shall, in no event, be later than ninety (90) days before trial for the party bearing the burden of proof on that issue. The opposing party must serve its disclosure within forty-five (45) days of trial. Any amended or supplemental expert disclosures shall be allowed only with leave of the Court on good cause shown. The statutory stay of disclosure upon the service of a dispositive motion (CPLR 3214[b]) shall not apply to the service of these expert responses. Unless the Court directs otherwise, a party who fails to comply with this rule will be precluded from offering the testimony and opinions of the expert for whom a timely response has not been given.
Source page 3Adjournments
(d) The Court will explore limitation of issues for trial, including any application that counsel anticipates making to limit or preclude testimony or other evidentiary matters. If an evidentiary issue cannot be resolved by the Court at the pretrial conference, a motion in limine briefing schedule shall be established. The return date of that briefing schedule, including any adjourned return dates, shall be at least thirty (30) days before the trial date. The intent of this rule is to avoid in limine applications on the eve of, or during, trial of a matter. Failure to bring an in limine application before the Court in a timely manner may result in summary denial of the application.
Source page 3Conferences and appearances
(e) Counsel should be prepared to discuss settlement and should have full authority from their respective clients. (f) The plaintiff shall file, no later than five (5) days prior to the Pretrial Conference a copy of each of the
Source page 3Adjournments
(a) Once scheduled, a trial shall not be adjourned for any reason other than the actual engagement of counsel as provided for in §125.1 of the Rules of the Chief Administrator of the Courts. Any application for an adjournment must be made in writing and must be supported by an affirmation of counsel establishing the requisite grounds set forth in 22 NYCRR §125.1.
Source page 3Trial exhibits and witnesses
1. Expert Witnesses: At least ninety (90) days prior to the trial date set forth below, each party shall serve and file with the Court a written report of each expert witness whom the party expects to call at trial and, at least sixty (60) days prior to the trial date set forth below, each party shall serve and file with the Court any reply report. If a party intends that a written report shall substitute at trial for direct testimony, that party shall so advise the other party and the Court at least ten (10) days prior to trial.
Source page 3Discovery
2. Witnesses (Other Than Expert): At least ten (10) days prior to trial, each side shall submit to the Court and the other side a list of all other witnesses (except impeachment or rebuttal witnesses) whom that side intends to call at trial, specifying, where applicable, those whose depositions will be used.
Source page 4Trial exhibits and witnesses
3. Statement of Proposed Disposition: At least ten (10) days prior to trial, each side shall submit to the Court and the other side a statement of proposed disposition. 22 NYCRR §202.16(h).
Source page 4Trial exhibits and witnesses
4. Exhibits: The parties shall consult and work out a stipulation governing the authenticity and admissibility of all trial exhibits concerning which the parties can agree, which exhibits shall be premarked before the case is called for trial. Ten (10) days prior to trial, the parties shall submit
Source page 4Motion practice
(a) MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT SHALL BE MADE WITHIN SIXTY (60) DAYS AFTER
Source page 4Communications with chambers
(b) Motions are returnable on Mondays. There will be no appearances unless specifically directed by the Court. (c) Original motion papers should be submitted directly to the County Clerk, accompanied by an affidavit/affirmation of service and the required fees. Courtesy hard copies of the initiating motion, answering and reply papers with exhibit tabs must be delivered to chambers by the motion return date, along with a copy of the filing confirmation notice received from the NYSCEF site, if applicable, and proof of payment to the County Clerk of all required fees.
Source page 4Communications with chambers
(d) All affirmations, affidavits and memoranda of law must contain numbered pages and exhibit tabs. (e) All documents required to decide the application must be attached to the motion and any hard copies delivered to chambers. It is not sufficient that documents may be on file with the Clerk of the Court.
Source page 4Communications with chambers
(f) The Court does not accept sur-reply papers, whether submitted as formal motion papers or correspondence. The Court will not consider new issues that have been improperly raised for the first time in reply papers. If there has been a change in the law while the motion is pending that counsel believes will have a material impact on the Court’s consideration of a fully-submitted motion, counsel may fax a two-page letter on notice to opposing counsel requesting a conference on that issue. Opposing counsel may file a response letter within three (3) business days. The Court will notify the parties whether a conference will be scheduled.
Source page 4Motion practice
(g) Counsel must provide an additional copy of any proposed order or judgment submitted to conform to the original. Orders and judgments must have at least one line of text on the signature page. (h) Motion papers, orders and judgments must be accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope.
Source page 4Adjournments
(I) Motions in limine are also subject to the requirements of the “Pretrial Conference” section of these Part Rules. (j) Requests for adjournment of motions maybe requested on consent of all counsel. Even if a requested adjournment is on consent of all counsel, the request must also be approved by the Court before it will be deemed granted. No adjournments will be granted for motions returnable within thirty (30) days of the trial date.
Source page 4Adjournments
(k) The party requesting an adjournment must fax the adjournment request to the Court, on notice to all counsel. Unless good cause is shown, no more than two adjournments of a motion date shall be
Source page 4Adjournments
(i) identify the current motion date; (ii) identify the number of adjournments that have previously been requested, if any; (iii) state whether the request is made on consent of all counsel; and (iv) identify the proposed motion schedule.
Source page 4Motion practice
(l) Counsel shall immediately notify the Court whenever it becomes unnecessary to decide a motion.
Source page 5Adjournments
(a) Adjournments of scheduled trials and hearings are not permitted except as provided in 22 NYCRR §125.1 and in accordance with the procedure set forth therein. (b) Adjournments of motions and conferences may be obtained on consent of opposing counsel.
Source page 5Adjournments
(c) All adjournments must be confirmed in writing to the Court, by the requesting party, and a copy of the letter sent to all parties. No more than two adjournments shall be permitted on any matter unless written application is made to and approved by the Court. Adjournments are only granted with leave of the Court.
Source page 5Conferences and appearances
(a) RULES AND PROTOCOL (1) All parties should familiarize themselves with the statewide E-Filing Rules (Uniform Rules §§202.5-b and 202.5-bb – available at www.nyCourts.gov/efile). (2) General questions about e-filing should be addressed to the E-Filing Resource Center at 646-386-3033 or efile@nycourts.gov (3) Specific questions relating to local procedures should be addressed to the Civil Calendar Office 845-431-1720.
Source page 5Filing and working copies
(b) ELECTRONIC FILING All documents in mandatory e-filed cases, except documents subject to the opt-out provision of Section 202.5-bb of the Uniform Rules for the New York State Trial Courts, 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, including proposed orders, proposed judgments, and letters, must be electronically filed.
Source page 5Shared 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 ↗