Our Story

Judge Caroline Tesche Arkin presides over the Probate and Guardianship Division of the 13th Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County. In her courtroom, self-represented Floridians—often the most vulnerable—are routinely denied basic due-process protections: timely mailed notice, neutral scheduling, and an opportunity to be heard.

A Pattern of Exclusion

*Missed Notices: Despite Florida law (§ 733.110) requiring all interested persons to receive mailed notice of probate hearings, pro se litigants in Judge Tesche Arkin’s court frequently never see a single notice in the mail.

*Ex Parte Scheduling: When one side is represented by counsel, hearings are set or reset by email agreement with that attorney alone—sometimes even over a pro se party’s clear objections. Judicial Assistants schedule dates based on opposing counsel’s availability, ignoring self-represented parties and leaving them unprepared or unable to attend.

*Rude, Unprofessional Conduct: Pro se litigants who question these practices are met with scolding emails. One petitioner was told she was “ungrateful” for asking why the court ignored her unavailability—while the opposing attorney’s conflicting schedule received immediate, courteous accommodation.

*Blocking a Fair Hearing: When pro se parties move to recuse Judge Tesche Arkin for this systematic unfairness, their motions are summarily denied as “legally insufficient”—without explanation, without hearing, and without specifying which allegations failed to meet the law. This leaves self-represented Floridians trapped in a courtroom where bias goes unchecked and procedural rights are an afterthought.

Why We’re Speaking Out
This isn’t about one family or one case—it’s about a systemic breakdown in one of Florida’s largest judicial circuits. Every Floridian, regardless of income or legal representation, deserves and are entitled to;                                      Mailed Notice: Guaranteed delivery of hearing notices to the correct address.
Neutral Scheduling: Hearings set by the clerk’s office, not by private email negotiations.
Respectful Treatment: Courthouse staff who treat every party—lawyer or not—with equal courtesy.
Transparent Decisions: Recusal motions handled openly, with clear legal analysis and the opportunity for argument.

By signing this petition, you stand for fairness, transparency, and equal justice under the law. We call on the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission, the Chief Judge of the 13th Circuit, the Governor’s Office, the Florida Supreme Court’s Judicial Council, and the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate Judge Tesche Arkin courtroom—and ensure that no Floridian’s rights are denied simply because they represent themselves.

Join us in demanding accountability and restoring faith in our courts. Sign today to protect pro se litigants and uphold the promise of due process for all.