The Stewart County Court moved through a variety of uncontested docket matters during today's session.

In a partition action identified on the docket as Bridal v. Tony Holloman and others, counsel reported several defendants had not filed answers and asked for a default judgment; the court granted the motion and discussed an order of reference to the clerk and master for further proceedings. Counsel was advised to take up any reference issues on a subsequent docket.

In a divorce matter listed as Straka v. Ryan Straka, the petitioner testified about attempts to serve the respondent and asked the court to allow service by publication and alternative methods. The petitioner described prior attempts to locate the respondent in Polk County/Lakeland and the court indicated it would permit publication to effect service.

Counsel in another case announced that parties had reached a merit-dissolution agreement and would sign and notarize paperwork; the court accepted the representation that the matter was resolved and administrative steps would follow.

The clerk will enter orders as directed for the default judgment, the service-by-publication authorization, and the notice of resolution for the dissolution matter.