Family Law Section • Bench Information

Division 7: Judge Daniel Coursey

Administrative

Contact information for the staff
phone numbers, emails, fax

Diane Robison, Secretary       
404-371-4710               
Fax: 404-371-2663

Heather P. Nicholson, Cal. Clerk
404-371-4708           
Fax: 404-371-2202

Amy Daldry, Law Clerk
404-371-4711
adaldry@dekalbcountyga.gov

Fax accepted? If yes, limited to what type of documents/correspondence?
Fax conflict letters and letters of continuances. DO NOT FAX PRE-TRIAL ORDERS OR ANY PAPERWORK THAT COULD BE MISTAKEN FOR A NOVEL.

Email accepted? If yes, limited to what type of communications?
Only if we email you, and we usually only email to inquire into why we haven’t received a proposed order or brief that is due. 

Phone conferences -- disputes, pre-trial
Only in rare instances, e.g., an out-of-state party
 

Contempt Hearings
Rule Nisi issued – how?
Provide Rule Nisi to Calendar Clerk, who will either assign a date immediately or hold it to speak with the judge.

Temporary Hearings/Emergency Hearings
Hold Temporary Hearings?
Yes for divorces. No for all other cases unless there’s an issue that demands immediate attention.

If yes, how requested and scheduled?
File a motion detailing why immediate attention is needed.
 

Domestic Violence Issues
Magistrate utilized to hear?
Yes.
   

MFJOP
Accept with No children?
Yes. No need to copy entire file and attach to the MJP. MJPs are automatically sent up from clerk’s office. Make sure to provide the Report of Divorce, Final Disposition Form, and self-addressed stamped envelope.

Accept with Children?
Yes. No need to copy entire file and attach to the MJP. MJPs are automatically sent up from clerk’s office. Make sure to provide the Report of Divorce, Final Disposition Form, and self-addressed stamped envelope.
 

Mediation
How order parties to mediation? (i.e. submit request or automatically referred when the case is assigned to the Division?)
Once discovery ends, the Court sends out two orders, one for mediation and another for a consolidated pre-trial order. If parties wish to mediate earlier, file a motion, send a letter, or call the Calendar Clerk.
 

Discovery Disputes
How to submit - Motion (proper) or accept letter brief?
Motion only.

Phone conference to resolve the dispute, and if so how set?
No phone conferences unless there are extraordinary circumstances.

Hearing to resolve the dispute? If so, how set?
Judge Coursey holds hearings for nearly all motions. It’s our division’s way of not letting things drop off the radar.
 

Pre-Trial
Pre-Trial Orders required for:
Bench Trial? Sometimes.
Jury Trial? Yes.

What form required?
USCR 7.2

Pre-Trial Conferences /Status Conferences – how to request, letter (informal) or Motion?
We do not schedule conferences. On rare occasions, a party or parties request one.
 

Final Hearings
How scheduled?
Send a letter to the Calendar Clerk requesting either jury or non-jury.

If uncontested -– When set? How requested? (phone call or mail in request)
File MJP or call the Calendar Clerk for a date. Division 7 hears uncontested cases on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings either before or during our regular calendars. Depending on what Judge Coursey is hearing, your case may be heard at 8:30 a.m. sharp or anytime before, say, 10 a.m.
 

GAL
How Appointed?
Use DVLF: Yes.
By Agreement of counsel: No.
Judge List: No.
Any Fee Policy on GAL: Up to DVLF.
 

Court Reporters
Do you have a court reporter assigned to your Division?
Yes. Clay Abney.

If yes, is the court reporter available or must the attorney request a court reporter ahead of the hearing?  Where should the request be submitted?
Our reporter is present for motions calendars and trials.