This month we would like to recognize Pro Bono Attorney James J. Partlow for his exceptional work in assisting an indigent mother of two minor children, ages five and six. Attorney Partlow invested 25 Pro Bono hours negotiating her divorce and obtaining court ordered child support.

Thank you Attorney Partlow for your dedication to helping those members of our community that need it the most. Your efforts are very appreciated.

We also would like to acknowledge the law firm of Bolton, Helm & Augustine, LLP. for their tremendous support of our mission to provide free quality legal services to vulnerable residents of Seminole County to improve their quality of life and enhance their self-sufficiency. We thank them and appreciate their contributions.

To view the full Order released by the CDC please click here.

Seminole County has begun the process of rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine for those who meet the age criteria and wish to get vaccinated. Find details regarding Seminole County’s Vaccine Site for Ages 65+ and/or healthcare workers here

CHECK FOR APPOINTMENTS/ TEXT ALERTS SUSPENDED

To view this Executive Order please click here.

To view Florida Statute 381.986)5)(b) please click here.

On January 6, 2021 Administrative Order 21-11 which supersedes A.O. 20-35 took immediate effect. A.O. 21-11 states:

"Face masks covering the nose and mouth are required for everyone in the courtroom, with no exceptions. Face masks shall be worn at all times throughout the public areas of the courthouse building, including inside the courtroom if two or more individuals are in the courtroom. Presiding judges and quasi-judicial officers have the discretion to have any individual wearing an indecent or distracting face covering removed from the courtroom, and/or courthouse, if necessary."

Furthermore, it clarifies that given the Florida Supreme Court's Chief Justice's adoption of the findings in the COVID-19 Workgroup report regarding the use of clear masks, or cloth masks with clear panels, the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit shall require the same of people that are inside the courtroom -- that includes "a) all testifying witnesses; b) all attorneys addressing the court; c) all parties to a case, including defendants in criminal cases; d) venire members during voir dire; e) all judges."

To view the full text of the A.O. please click here.

January 13, 2021 A.O 21-11 was amended, to view the amended administrative order please click here.

Tucked into the newly passed 5,593 page relief package are significant changes to higher education law, including the resumption of federal financial aid to prison inmates that was banned in the 1994 crime bill. The restoration of Pell grants for incarcerated students is a victory for the criminal justice overhaul movement.  It help find avenues to reintegrate incarcerated people into society. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, inmates who participate in education programming while incarcerated are 43% less likely to be re-arrested. The bill includes extensions of Pell grants to the incarcerated as a subsection of a portion on FAFSA simplification. Subsequently, inmates seeking higher education can qualify for Pell grants while incarcerated. The educational program in question must meet various requirements, as must the applicants. The program must provide, for example, transferable credits to an institution of higher learning.

The stimulus bill simplify federal student aid for 20 million families who fill out these forms every year. Reducing the FAFSA from 108 questions to 36 will remove the biggest barrier to helping more low-income students pursue higher education.

The bill also provides an additional way for more students to qualify for the maximum Pell Grant. Students will still be able to qualify for the maximum if their families are determined to not be able to contribute anything to the cost of attending college under a complex formula. But those who do not qualify that way will now be eligible for the maximum if their families' adjusted gross income is less than 175 percent of the federal poverty level, or for single parents, 225 percent of the poverty level. The poverty level varies by income and the size of the household. But, for example, all students of families of four with an adjusted gross income of $45,850 would now qualify for the maximum grant.

Students will also now qualify for a minimum $635 Pell Grant based on their adjusted gross income and family size. For instance, a single student parent whose adjusted gross income is less than four times the poverty level -- or $104,800 for an unmarried student with three children -- would qualify to get at least the minimum.

To fill out this year's FAFSA please click here.

The Internal Revenue Service does not verify the validity of individual tax forms.

they can file a fraudulent tax return as early as January 20th and beat a

legitimate taxpayer to their refund.

Per the Federal trade Commission, the best steps to take are:

 In Re:   Judges - Appointment Of County Court Judges To Handle Circuit Cases In Certain Situations

Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Administrative Order - 21-11 Supersedes 20-35

 In Re:   Administrative Rules - Covid-19 Procedures – Face Covering Requirements And Self-Check Health Screening