What did the court decide?

The appellate court affirmed the lower court's ruling in the family law case by summary order.

Why was the decision made without a written opinion?

The court used Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.315(a), which allows summary affirmance when the appeal lacks reversible error or is without merit, so no full opinion was issued.

Who is affected by this decision?

The decision affects the parties to the appeal, Christopher Shootes (the appellant) and Stanley Shootes (the appellee), by leaving the circuit court's ruling in place.

Can this decision be challenged further?

A party may file authorized motions for rehearing under Fla. R. App. P. 9.330 or 9.331; if those are denied, further review (such as a discretionary petition to the Florida Supreme Court) would depend on applicable rules and grounds for review.

Christopher Shootes v. Stanley Shootes

Docket 5D2025-3667

Court of record · Indexed in NoticeRegistry archive · AI-enriched for research

FamilyAffirmed

Filed: Apr 30, 2026 · yesterday
Jurisdiction: Florida
Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida
Type: Opinion
Case type: Family
Disposition: Affirmed
Docket: 5D2025-3667

Appeal from a circuit court domestic relations (family) case in Duval County

Summary

The Fifth District Court of Appeal reviewed an appeal by Christopher Shootes from a Duval County circuit court domestic relations matter. The appellate court, in a short per curiam decision, affirmed the lower court's ruling and cited Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.315(a) as the basis for affirmance. No written opinion or extended reasoning was provided; the panel issued a summary affirmance and noted that the decision is not final until any permitted motions for rehearing are resolved.

Issue Decided

Whether the circuit court's decision in the underlying domestic relations matter should be affirmed on appeal under the standards permitting summary affirmance under Fla. R. App. P. 9.315(a).

Court's Reasoning

The court issued a summary per curiam affirmance, relying on Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.315(a) which authorizes summary affirmance when the appeal presents no reversible error or the appeal is frivolous. Because the panel provided no further explanation, the practical reasoning is that the record and arguments did not demonstrate grounds for reversal. The court also reserved finality until any timely authorized rehearing motions are resolved.

Authorities Cited

Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.315(a)Fla. R. App. P. 9.315(a)
Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.330/9.331 (motions for rehearing)Fla. R. App. P. 9.330; Fla. R. App. P. 9.331

Parties

Appellant: Christopher Shootes
Appellee: Stanley Shootes
Judge: Eric Chase Roberson
Judge: EDWARDS, J.
Judge: HARRIS, J.
Judge: SOUD, J.

Key Dates

Appellate decision date: 2026-04-30

What You Should Do Next

1
Consider filing a motion for rehearing
If the appellant believes there are grounds, they should timely file a rehearing motion under Fla. R. App. P. 9.330 or 9.331 within the rule deadlines.
2
Consult appellate counsel
Given the summary affirmance and pro se status, the appellant should consult an attorney experienced in appellate practice to assess possible rehearing or further review options.
3
Prepare for finality and compliance
If no rehearing is sought or rehearing is denied, the parties should prepare to comply with the underlying circuit court's orders, which remain in effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the court decide?: The appellate court affirmed the lower court's ruling in the family law case by summary order.
Why was the decision made without a written opinion?: The court used Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.315(a), which allows summary affirmance when the appeal lacks reversible error or is without merit, so no full opinion was issued.
Who is affected by this decision?: The decision affects the parties to the appeal, Christopher Shootes (the appellant) and Stanley Shootes (the appellee), by leaving the circuit court's ruling in place.
Can this decision be challenged further?: A party may file authorized motions for rehearing under Fla. R. App. P. 9.330 or 9.331; if those are denied, further review (such as a discretionary petition to the Florida Supreme Court) would depend on applicable rules and grounds for review.

The above suggestions and answers are AI-generated for informational purposes only. They may contain errors. NoticeRegistry assumes no responsibility for their accuracy. Consult a qualified attorney before relying on them.

Full Filing Text

FIFTH DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL
                STATE OF FLORIDA
                  _____________________________

                       Case No. 5D2025-3667
                 L.T. Case No. 16-2025-DR-005724
                  _____________________________

CHRISTOPHER SHOOTES,

    Appellant,

    v.

STANLEY SHOOTES,

    Appellee.
                  _____________________________


On appeal from the Circuit Court for Duval County.
Eric Chase Roberson, Judge.

Christopher Shootes, Jacksonville, pro se.

No Appearance for Appellee.

                          April 30, 2026

PER CURIAM.

    AFFIRMED. See Fla. R. App. P. 9.315(a).

EDWARDS, HARRIS, and SOUD, JJ., concur.
          _____________________________

Not final until disposition of any timely and
authorized motion under Fla. R. App. P. 9.330 or
9.331.
           _____________________________




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