Broward Circuit Judge Susan F. Greenhawt, the present administrative judge of the unified family court, has notified Governor Rick Scott that she is retiring from her nine year tenure on the bench, effective June 30, 2012.
Divorce lawyers in Fort Lauderdale have been informed by Chief Circuit Judge Peter Weinstein that Circuit Judge Arthur Birken will step in and become the administrative judge of the unified family court. Judge Birken presently presides over marital and family law cases involving alimony, child support, time-sharing, parenting plans and paternity.
Judge Weinstein was surprised when Judge Greenhawt informed him in February of her plans to leave the bench and become a mediator. Judge Weinstein, along with many marital and family lawyers in Broward County, Florida, believe that Judge Greenhawt has displayed an extraordinary work ethic.
Prior to her appointment as a Circuit Judge by then Governor Jeb Bush, Judge Greenhawt was a partner at Chorowski & Greenhawt where she limited her practice to marital and family law. She is board certified in marital and family law and a member of the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Judge Greenhawt was a nurse for 18 years.
In accepting her resignation letter, Governor Rick Scott commended Judge Greenhawt’s dedication to public service and meeting the needs of the community. He also noted her in a reply letter that he admired her plans to mediate marital and family law cases and the benefits that families will receive from her judgment and wisdom.