Courtesy Copy: Only if specifically requested by the Court.

Civil Cases Filed on the Basis of Diversity Jurisdiction, 28 U.S.C. § 1332: Whether or not the Court issues an Order to Show Cause or other Order directing the filing of an amended pleading or removal petition on the issue of jurisdiction, the parties in all diversity cases are required to complete and file a Joint Certification of the Citizenship of the Parties within 30 days of the filing of a Notice of Removal, or where the Complaint is initially filed in this Court, 30 days after an answer, other responsive pleading, or motion has been filed.

The Joint Certification is available here. Prior to filing a new complaint or removing a case from state court, parties are advised to review the fourth page of the Joint Certification, which sets forth the law on how to properly plead the citizenship of individuals, various entities, and the amount in controversy.

Pro se Filings: Parties appearing pro se must file all documents, applications, and motions directly with the Clerk’s Office. Documents mailed to the courthouse must be addressed to the Clerk's Office and NOT to Judge Castner.

Pleadings/Correspondence: All pleadings and correspondences to the Court (with the exception of confidential settlement position letters) must be electronically filed.

Extensions of Time on Consent:  All requests for extensions shall be filed via ECF and be accompanied by a proposed order.  Any requests for extensions or adjournments shall indicate whether all parties consent.

Motion Day: Unless otherwise notified by the Court via CM/ECF, Judge Castner decides all motions on the papers and no appearances are required on the motion day.

COMMUNICATIONS WITH CHAMBERS:

Written Submissions to the Court. Except on emergency matters, all communications with Chambers shall be in writing via CM/ECF.

Telephone Calls. Telephone calls to Chambers are permitted only in urgent situations requiring immediate attention.