18th Judicial Circuit, Florida

05/25/2026

18th Judicial Circuit Courts Closed Today (May 25) in Observance of Memorial Day

05/21/2026

Child Abuse Prevention Task Force Recognizes ECC Coordinator Dina Mezza!

Dina Mezza received the Social Service Government Award for her work as the Early Childhood Court (ECC) Community Coordinator since the program’s inception in 2022.

The ECC was previously recognized with the Team Award in 2024, and in 2025, Judge McKibben received the Social Service Government Award. That same year, the child parent psychotherapists—Michele Wiersma, Denise Downing and Elaine Christmas—were also honored with the Social Service Team Award.

These awards highlight the dedication, compassion, and collaboration that define this team’s work—a team consisting of the Department of Children and Families, Family Allies, the Office of the Guardian ad Litem, parents’ attorneys, and attorneys ad litem. “As we look ahead, we remain inspired and committed to making an even greater difference in the lives of the children and families we serve,” said Circuit Judge Kelly J. McKibben. “We encourage our community partners and stakeholders to continue supporting this important mission as we work together toward the shared goal of preventing and ultimately ending child abuse in our community.”

05/19/2026

UPDATE! Law Camp Has Received More Applications Than Space Available. Only students who can attend all 5 days of the program qualify. Successful candidates will be notified via email this week!

Brevard County Summer Youth Law Program or "Law Camp" is just around the corner! Email [email protected] for an application. Lunch is provided. There is no cost, but each participant is responsible for their own transportation. Attendance is limited. The program is geared toward high school students; however, exceptions are made based on a student's interest and maturity.

05/11/2026

05/11/2026

Judge Sprysenski Continues to Share His Expertise Within the Legal Community!

Judge Christopher Sprysenski, BCS, and Attorney Elisha Roy, BCS, recently had the pleasure of teaching 200 attendees at the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers 48th Annual Institute training. The Institute is the premier continuing education opportunity for family law practitioners in Florida. National and statewide presenters are among the top in their fields offering advanced education for family law attorneys. 200 attendees rotated through four (4) different interactive sessions every 90 minutes, addressing many of the pressing issues of a family law case to learn how to properly prepare their case and meet their client’s expectations. Each session was limited to 45 participants to allow for an intimate learning environment and an opportunity to address a participant's specific questions. Judge Sprysenski and Attorney Roy presented on the topic 'Stranger Things: Exploring Unexpected Consequences of the 2023 Amendments to Florida's Parenting Statutes.'

Both Attorney Roy and Judge Sprysenski are Board Certified Specialists in Marital and Family Law by The Florida Bar, an honor enjoyed by less than 1% of the lawyers practicing family law in Florida. Attorney Roy has received the 2022 Visionary Award from the Florida Bar Family Law Section and the 2018 Trailblazer Award from the Florida Bar Family Law Section. Judge Sprysenski is the Family Administrative Judge for the 18th Judicial Circuit.

05/08/2026

Dr. Zaidi Recognized for Contributions to the Court!

Chief Judge Melanie Chase recently presented Dr. Farhan Syed Zaidi with the prestigious Chief Judge Award, recognizing ten years of service as a vital member of the Brevard County Guardianship Examining Committee. Dr. Zaidi has a thriving full-time practice with offices in Rockledge and Palm Bay. As the Chief Judge explained, there is little financial incentive for a busy Dr. to serve the courts in this capacity. However, when Dr. Zaidi learned of the dire need for this public service, he agreed to help. "When I started meeting the patients, or AIPs (alleged incapacitated persons) I found it very gratifying. It is important to respect and help protect these people, often the elderly, who have worked hard throughout their lives." Dr. Zaidi also added that his work on the guardianship examining committee has included restoring a person's rights. "Often people have suffered an injury or stroke and require protection from the Court. But if their health improves, we can provide a medical evaluation to have the guardianship reversed," explained Dr. Zaidi."This is especially gratifying."

Circuit Judge Tesha Ballou, who presides over the Guardianship Division, also spoke at the award ceremony. She thanked Dr. Zaidi for his decade of work putting "service above self" to help our most vulnerable population.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dr. Zaidi received a standing ovation from the judges and other attendees who came to honor him.

04/23/2026

It's Take Your Child to Work Day at the Moore Justice Center!

First grader Lily Kazoroski accompanied her dad to work where she helped collect and distribute mail and made sure all materials appropriate for recycling made its way to the proper bin. And for fun, Ms. Kazoroski viewed courtroom 3-A from the Judge's bench.

04/20/2026

Circuit Judge Tesha Ballou, Chief Judge Melanie Chase and Dr. Syed Farhan Zaidi

04/20/2026

Dr. Zaidi with his medical team