What did the appeals court decide?

The Fifth District Court of Appeal affirmed the circuit court's nonfinal order in the family-law case, issuing a brief per curiam opinion without extended reasoning.

Who is affected by this decision?

The immediate parties, Thomas B. Symonette (appellant) and Mary M. Bradley (appellee), are affected because the circuit court's nonfinal order remains in place.

Can this decision be challenged further?

Yes. The opinion notes the decision is not final until disposition of any timely and authorized motion under Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.330 or 9.331, and further appellate review may be available depending on preserved issues and procedural posture.

What happens next in the case?

Unless a permitted post-opinion motion is filed, the lower court's nonfinal order remains affirmed and the case will proceed in the circuit court consistent with that order.

Thomas B. Symonette v. Mary Symonette

Docket 5D2025-1780

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

FamilyAffirmed

Filed: Apr 21, 2026 · 1 week ago
Jurisdiction: Florida
Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida
Type: Opinion
Case type: Family
Disposition: Affirmed
Docket: 5D2025-1780

Nonfinal appeal from the Circuit Court for Lake County in a family-law matter

Summary

The Fifth District Court of Appeal affirmed a nonfinal order from the Circuit Court for Lake County in a family-law dispute between Thomas B. Symonette (appellant) and Mary Symonette n/k/a Mary M. Bradley (appellee). The appellate court, in a brief per curiam opinion, affirmed the circuit court's ruling without published opinion or extended explanation. The decision was entered on April 21, 2026, and the panel of judges concurred. The opinion notes that the decision is not final until disposition of any authorized post-judgment motion under Florida appellate rules.

Issue Decided

Whether the circuit court's nonfinal order in the family-law proceeding should be reversed

Court's Reasoning

The court issued a per curiam affirmance without an opinion, indicating it found no reversible error in the circuit court's nonfinal ruling. Because the opinion provides no substantive discussion, the appellate disposition rests on the panel's determination that the lower court's decision was correct as to the matters presented on appeal. The court also reminded the parties that the decision is subject to any timely authorized motions under the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure.

Parties

Appellant: Thomas B. Symonette
Appellee: Mary Symonette n/k/a Mary M. Bradley
Judge: Heidi Davis
Attorney: Edward R. Emrick, IV
Attorney: Clayton Emrick
Attorney: John N. Bogdanoff

Key Dates

Appellate decision date: 2026-04-21

What You Should Do Next

1
Consider filing authorized post-opinion motions
If the appellant believes an error of law or procedure warrants relief, they should discuss and, if appropriate, file a timely motion under Fla. R. App. P. 9.330 or 9.331 to seek rehearing or clarification.
2
Consult family-law counsel about proceeding
Both parties should consult their attorneys to determine how the affirmed nonfinal order affects ongoing proceedings and what steps the circuit court will take next.
3
Prepare for further proceedings in circuit court
Assuming no successful post-opinion motion, the parties should be ready to proceed in the circuit court in accordance with the affirmed order and any scheduling or substantive directives from the trial judge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the appeals court decide?: The Fifth District Court of Appeal affirmed the circuit court's nonfinal order in the family-law case, issuing a brief per curiam opinion without extended reasoning.
Who is affected by this decision?: The immediate parties, Thomas B. Symonette (appellant) and Mary M. Bradley (appellee), are affected because the circuit court's nonfinal order remains in place.
Can this decision be challenged further?: Yes. The opinion notes the decision is not final until disposition of any timely and authorized motion under Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.330 or 9.331, and further appellate review may be available depending on preserved issues and procedural posture.
What happens next in the case?: Unless a permitted post-opinion motion is filed, the lower court's nonfinal order remains affirmed and the case will proceed in the circuit court consistent with that order.

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. 5D2025-1780
                 L.T. Case No. 2022-CA-002119
                 _____________________________

THOMAS B. SYMONETTE,

    Appellant,

    v.

MARY SYMONETTE
n/k/a MARY M. BRADLEY,

    Appellee.
                 _____________________________


Nonfinal appeal from the Circuit Court for Lake County.
Heidi Davis, Judge.

Edward R. Emrick, IV and Clayton Emrick, of Emrick Family Law
Firm, Clermont, for Appellant.

John N. Bogdanoff, of The Carlyle Appellate Law Firm, Orlando,
for Appellee.

                         April 21, 2026

PER CURIAM.

    AFFIRMED.

WALLIS, EDWARDS, and MACIVER, 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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