173 So. 3d 19 (Fla. 2015)

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In re Amendments to the Fla. Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms

Supreme Court of Florida.

Mar 26, 2015

173 So. 3d 19 (Fla. 2015)

Opinion

No. SC15–44.

2015-03-26

In re AMENDMENTS TO the FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORMS.

The parties seeking relief shall serve a financial affidavit (Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c)) and certificate of compliance (Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.932) with the notice of hearing on the motion for temporary support and time-sharing. This standard form does not include every possible issue that may be relevant to the facts of your case. The Parenting Plan should be as detailed as possible to address the time-sharing schedule. Additional provisions should be added to address all of the relevant factors. The parties should give special consideration to the age and needs of each child.

PER CURIAM.

Original Proceedings—Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms.
PER CURIAM.

Pursuant to the procedures approved by this Court in Amendments to the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure & Family Law Forms, 810 So.2d 1, 14 (Fla.2000), this Court has internally reviewed the Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms and has determined that amendments to the existing forms are needed in light of the implementation of e-service and e-filing procedures. Input on these issues was received from the Advisory Workgroup on the Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms, which provided valuable assistance. We have jurisdiction. Seeart. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const.

In general, the amendments to the forms add language explaining e-service and e-filing to the instruction sections of the forms, add e-mail as method of service to the certificate of service for forms not requiring personal service, and add information about e-service and e-filing procedures to the General Instructions for Self–Represented Litigants. Amendments are also made to several forms in response to recent Court opinions or statutory changes. Other minor amendments are made to update the “nonlawyer clause” and the certificate of service in a number of forms.

The amended forms are hereby adopted as set forth in the appendix to this opinion, fully engrossed. The amendments to the forms shall become effective immediately and may be accessed and downloaded from the Florida State Court's website at www. flcourts. org/ resources- and- services/ court- improvement/ problem- solvingcourts/ family- courts/ family- law- forms. stml. By adoption of the amended forms, we express no opinion as to their correctness or applicability. We also direct that the amended forms be published for comment. Interested persons shall have sixty days from the date of this opinion to file comments with the Court.

All comments must be filed with the Court on or before May 25, 2015, as well as a separate request for oral argument if the person filing the comment wishes to participate in oral argument, which may be scheduled in this case. If filed by an attorney in good standing with The Florida Bar, the comment must be electronically filed via the Portal in accordance with In re: Electronic Filing in the Supreme Court of Florida via the Florida Courts E–Filing Portal, Fla. Admin. Order No. AOSC13–7 (Feb. 18, 2013). If filed by a non-lawyer or a lawyer not licensed to practice in Florida, the comment must be electronically filed via e-mail in accordance with In re Mandatory Submission of Electronic Copies of Documents, Fla. Admin. Order No. AOSC04–84 (Sept. 13, 2004). Electronically filed documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word 97 or higher. Any person unable to submit a comment electronically must mail or hand-deliver the originally signed comment to the Florida Supreme Court, Office of the Clerk, 500 South Duval Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399–1927; no additional copies are required or will be accepted.

It is so ordered.

LABARGA, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, QUINCE, CANADY, POLSTON, and PERRY, JJ., concur.

APPENDIX

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.901(b)(1),

PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE WITH DEPENDENT OR MINOR CHILD(REN) (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when a husband or wife is filing for a dissolution of marriage and you and your spouse have a dependent or minor child(ren) together or the wife is pregnant. You and/or your spouse must have lived in Florida for at least 6 months before filing for a dissolution in Florida. You must file this form if the following is true:

• You and your spouse have a dependent or minor child(ren) together or the wife is pregnant.
This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where you live and keep a copy for your records. Because you are filing the petition in this proceeding, you may also be referred to as the petitioner and your spouse as the respondent.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all petitions, pleadings, and documents be filed electronically except in certain circumstances. Self-represented litigants may file petitions or other pleadings or documents electronically; however, they are not required to do so. If you choose to file your pleadings or other documents electronically, you must do so in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.525, and you must follow the procedures of the judicial circuit in which you file. The rules and procedures should be carefully read and followed.

What should I do next?

For your case to proceed, you must properly notify your spouse of the petition. If you know where he or she lives, you should use personal service. If you absolutely do not know where he or she lives, you may use constructive service. You may also be able to use constructive service if your spouse resides in another state or country. However, if constructive service is used, other than granting a divorce, the court may only grant limited relief, which cannot include either spousal support (alimony) or child support. For more information on constructive service, see Notice of Action for Family Cases with Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a)(2), and Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(b). If your spouse is in the military service of the United States, additional steps for service may be required. See, for example, Memorandum for Certificate of Military Service, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(a) and Affidavit of Military Service, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(b). In sum, the law regarding constructive service and service on an individual in the military service is very complex and you may wish to consult an attorney regarding these issues.

If personal service is used, your spouse has 20 days to answer after being served with your petition. Your case will then generally proceed in one of the following three ways:

DEFAULT. If after 20 days, your spouse has not filed an answer, you may file a Motion for Default, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922(a), with the clerk of court. Then, if you have filed all of the required papers, you may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to set a final hearing. You must notify your spouse of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

UNCONTESTED. If your spouse files an answer that agrees with everything in your petition or an answer and waiver, and you have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers, you may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to set a final hearing. You must notify your spouse of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

CONTESTED ... If your spouse files an answer or an answer and counterpetition, which disagrees with or denies anything in your petition, and you are unable to settle the disputed issues, you should file a Notice for Trial, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.924, after you have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers. Some circuits may require the completion of mediation before a final hearing may be set. You should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for instructions on how to set your case for trial (final hearing). If your spouse files an answer and counterpetition, you should answer the counterpetition within 20 days using an Answer to Counterpetition, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.903(d).

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. The words that are in bold underline in these instructions are defined there. For further information, see chapter 61, Florida Statutes.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

After the initial service of process of the petition or supplemental petition by the Sheriff or certified process server, the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all documents required or permitted to be served on the other party must be served by electronic mail (e-mail) except in certain circumstances. You must strictly comply with the format requirements set forth in the Rules of Judicial Administration.

To serve and receive documents by e-mail, you must designate your e-mail addresses by using the Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915, and you must provide your e-mail address on each form on which your signature appears. Please CAREFULLY read the rules and instructions for: Certificate of Service (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.914; Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915; and Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

Special notes ...

If you do not have the money to pay the filing fee, you may obtain an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status from the clerk, fill it out, and the clerk will determine whether you are eligible to have filing fees deferred.

If you want to keep your address confidential because you are the victim of sexual battery, aggravated child abuse, aggravated stalking, harassment, aggravated battery, or domestic violence, do not enter the address, telephone, and fax information at the bottom of this form. Instead, file a Request for Confidential Filing of Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(h).

With this form, you must also file the following:

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d).

• Affidavit of Corroborating Witness, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(i) OR photocopy of current Florida driver's license, Florida identification card, or voter's registration card (issue date of copied document must be at least six months before date case is actually filed with the clerk of the circuit court).

• Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(f)(1), if you and your spouse have reached an agreement on any or all of the issues.

• Notice of Social Security Number, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j).

• Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c). (This must be filed with the petition if the petitioner seeks to establish child support. Otherwise, it must be filed within 45 days of service of the petition on the respondent.)

• Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.932. (This must be filed within 45 days of service of the petition on the respondent, if not filed at the time of the petition, unless you and your spouse have agreed not to exchange these documents.)

• Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(a), (b), or (c). If the parents have reached an agreement, a signed and notarized Parenting Plan should be attached. If the parents have not reached an agreement, a proposed Parenting Plan may be filed.
Parenting Plan and Time–Sharing ... If you and your spouse are unable to agree on parenting arrangements and a time-sharing schedule, a judge will decide for you as part of establishing a Parenting Plan. The judge will decide the parenting arrangements and time-sharing based on the child(ren)'s best interests. Regardless of whether there is an agreement, the court reserves jurisdiction to modify issues relating to the minor child(ren).

A parenting course must be completed prior to entry of the final judgment. You should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant about requirements for parenting courses where you live.

Listed below are some terms with which you should become familiar before completing your petition. If you do not fully understand any of the terms below or their implications, you should speak with an attorney before going any further.

• Shared Parental Responsibility

• Sole Parental Responsibility

• Supervised Time–Sharing

• No contact

• Parenting Plan

• Parenting Plan Recommendation

• Time–Sharing Schedule
Child Support ... The court may order one parent to pay child support to assist the other parent in meeting the child(ren)'s material needs. Both parents are required to provide financial support, but one parent may be ordered to pay a portion of his or her support for the child(ren) to the other parent. Florida has adopted guidelines for determining the amount of child support to be paid. These guidelines are based on the combined income of both parents and take into account the financial contributions of both parents. You must file a Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c), and your spouse will be required to do the same. From your financial affidavits, you should be able to calculate the amount of child support that should be paid using the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e). Because the child support guidelines take several factors into consideration, change over time, and vary from state to state, your child support obligation may be more or less than that of other people in seemingly similar situations.

Alimony ... Alimony may be awarded to a spouse if the judge finds that he or she has an actual need for it and also finds that the other spouse has the ability to pay. If you want alimony, you must request it in writing in the original petition or counterpetition. If you do not request alimony in writing before the final hearing, it is waived (you may not request it later). You may request permanent alimony, bridge-the-gap alimony, durational alimony, lump sum alimony, or rehabilitative alimony.

Marital/Nonmarital Assets and Liabilities ... Florida law requires an equitable distribution of marital assets and marital liabilities. “Equitable” does not necessarily mean “equal.” Many factors, including child support, time-sharing, and alimony awards, may lead the court to make an unequal (but still equitable) distribution of assets and liabilities. Nonmarital assets and nonmarital liabilities are those assets and liabilities which the parties agree or the court determines belong to, or are the responsibility of, only one of the parties. If the parties agree or the court finds an asset or liability to be nonmarital, the judge will not consider it when distributing marital assets and liabilities.

Temporary Relief ... If you need temporary relief regarding temporary use of assets, temporary responsibility for liabilities,parental responsibility and time-sharing with child(ren), temporary child support, or temporary alimony, you may file a Motion for Temporary Support and Time–Sharing with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.947(a). For more information, see the instructions for that form.

Marital Settlement Agreement ... If you and your spouse are able to reach an agreement on any or all of the issues, you should file a Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(f)(1). Both of you must sign this agreement before a notary public or deputy clerk. Any issues on which you are unable to agree will be considered contested and settled by the judge at the final hearing.

Parenting Plan ... In all cases involving minor or dependent child(ren), a Parenting Plan shall be approved or established by the court. If you and your spouse have reached an agreement, you should file one of the following: Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(a), Safety–Focused Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(b), or Relocation/Long–Distance Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(c), which addresses the time-sharing schedule for the child(ren). If you have not reached an agreement, a proposed Parenting Plan may be filed. If the parties are unable to agree, a Parenting Plan will be established by the court.

Final Judgment Form ... These family law forms contain a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.990(c)(1), which the judge may use if your case is contested. If you and your spouse reach an agreement on all of the issues, the judge may use a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren) (Uncontested), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.990(b)(1). You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring a final judgment with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing or trial.

Nonlawyer ... Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these forms, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he or she helps you complete.

IMAGE

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.901(b)(2)

PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE WITH PROPERTY BUT NO DEPENDENT OR MINOR CHILD(REN) (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form may be used when a husband or wife is filing for a dissolution of marriage, and the husband and wife have marital assets and/or marital liabilities but they do not have any dependent children nor is the wife pregnant. You and/or your spouse must have lived in Florida for at least 6 months before filing for a dissolution in Florida. If you and your spouse agree on all issues and both can attend the hearing, you may want to file a Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.901(a). However, you cannot file for a simplified dissolution of marriage if any of the following are true:

• You disagree about property, debts, or other matters and wish to have a judge settle them for you.

• Either you or your spouse is seeking support ( alimony ).

• You would like to ask questions and get documents concerning your spouse's income, expenses, assets, debts, or other matters before having a trial or settlement.

• You would like to reserve your rights to have any matters reconsidered or appeal the judge's decision.
This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where you live and keep a copy for your records. Because you are filing the petition in this proceeding, you may also be referred to as the petitioner and your spouse as the respondent.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

For your case to proceed, you must properly notify your spouse of the petition. If you know where he or she lives, you should use personal service. If you absolutely do not know where he or she lives, you may use constructive service. You may also be able to use constructive service if your spouse resides in another state or country. However, if constructive service is used, other than granting a divorce, the court may only grant limited relief which cannot include spousal support (alimony). For more information on constructive service, see Notice of Action for Dissolution of Marriage (No Child or Financial Support), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a)(1), and Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(b). If your spouse is in the military service of the United States, additional steps for service may be required. See, for example, Memorandumfor Certificate of Military Service, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(a) and Affidavit of Military Service, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(b). In sum, the law regarding constructive service and service on an individual in the military service is very complex and you may wish to consult an attorney regarding these issues.

If personal service is used, your spouse has 20 days to answer after being served with your petition. Your case will then generally proceed in one of the following three ways:

DEFAULT ... If after 20 days, your spouse has not filed an answer, you may file a Motion for Default, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922(a), with the clerk of court. Then, if you have filed all of the required papers, you may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to set a final hearing. You must notify your spouse of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

UNCONTESTED ... If your spouse files an answer that agrees with everything in your petition or an answer and waiver, and you have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers, you may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to set a final hearing. You must notify your spouse of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

CONTESTED ... If your spouse files an answer or an answer and counterpetition, which disagrees with or denies anything in your petition, and you are unable to settle the disputed issues, you should file a Notice for Trial, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.924, after you have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers. Some circuits may require the completion of mediation before a final hearing may be set. You should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for instructions on how to set your case for trial (final hearing). If your spouse files an answer and counterpetition, you should answer the counterpetition within 20 days using an Answer to Counterpetition, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.903(d).

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self–Represented Litigants” found at the beginning of these forms. The words that are in bold underline in these instructions are defined there. For further information, see chapter 61, Florida Statutes.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

With this form, you must also file the following:

• Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(f)(2), if you and your spouse have reached an agreement on any or all of the issues.

• Notice of Social Security Number, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j).

• Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c). (This must be filed within 45 days of service of the petition on the respondent, if not filed at the time of the petition.)

Marital/Nonmarital Assets and Liabilities ... Florida law requires an equitable distribution of marital assets and marital liabilities. “Equitable” does not necessarily mean “equal.” Many factors, including alimony awards, may lead the court to make an unequal (but still equitable) distribution of assets and liabilities. Nonmarital assets and nonmarital liabilities are those assets and liabilities which the parties agree or the court determines belong to, or are the responsibility of, only one of the parties. If the parties agree or the court finds an asset or liability to be nonmarital, the judge will not consider it when distributing marital assets and liabilities.

Temporary Relief ... If you need temporary relief regarding temporary use of assets, temporary responsibility for liabilities, or temporary alimony, you may file a Motion for Temporary Support with No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.947(c). For more information, see the instructions for that form.

Marital Settlement Agreement ... If you and your spouse are able to reach an agreement on any or all of the issues, you should file a Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with Property But No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(f)(2). Both husband and wife must sign this agreement before a notary public or deputy clerk. Any issues on which you are unable to agree will be considered contested and settled by the judge at the final hearing.

Final Judgment Form ... These family law forms contain a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage with Property but No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.990(c)(2), which the judge may use if your case is contested. If you and your spouse reach an agreement on all of the issues, the judge may use a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage with Property but No Dependent or Minor Child(ren) (Uncontested), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.990(b)(2). You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring a final judgment with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing or trial.

Nonlawyer ... Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these forms, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he or she helps you complete.

IMAGE

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.901(b)(3)

PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE WITH NO DEPENDENT OR MINOR CHILD(REN) OR PROPERTY (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form may be used when a husband or wife is filing for a dissolution of marriage, and the husband and wife have no marital assets and/or marital liabilities and they do not have any dependent children nor is the wife pregnant. You and/or your spouse must have lived in Florida for at least 6 months before filing for a dissolution in Florida. If you and your spouse agree on all issues and both can attend the hearing, you may want to file a Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.901(a). However, you may use this form if all of the following are true:

• You have no marital assets or marital debts.

• Neither you nor your spouse is seeking support (alimony).

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where you live and keep a copy for your records. Because you are filing the petition in this proceeding, you may also be referred to as the petitioner and your spouse as the respondent.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

For your case to proceed, you must properly notify your spouse of the petition. If you know where he or she lives, you should use personal service. If you absolutely do not know where he or she lives, you may use constructive service. You may also be able to use constructive service if your spouse resides in another state or country. However, if constructive service is used, other than granting a divorce, the court may only grant limited relief, which cannot include spousal support (alimony). For more information on constructive service, see Notice of Action for Dissolution of Marriage (No Child or Financial Support), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a)(1), and Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(b). If your spouse is in the military service of the United States, additional steps for service may be required. See, for example, Memorandum for Certificate of Military Service, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(a) and Affidavit of Military Service, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(b). In sum, the law regarding constructive service and service on an individual in the military service is very complex and you may wish to consult an attorney regarding these issues.

If personal service is used, your spouse has 20 days to answer after being served with your petition. Your case will then generally proceed in one of the following three ways:

UNCONTESTED ... If your spouse files an answer that agrees with everything in your petition or an answer and waiver, and you have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers, you may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to set a final hearing. You must notify your spouse of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

CONTESTED ... If your spouse files an answer or an answer and counterpetition, which disagrees with or denies anything in your petition, and you are unable to settle the disputed issues, you should file a Notice for Trial, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.924, after you have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers. Some circuits may require the completion of mediation before a final hearing may be set. You should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for instructions on how to set your case for trial (final hearing). If the your spouse files an answer and counterpetition, you should answer the counterpetition within 20 days using an Answer to Counterpetition, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.903(d).

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self–Represented Litigants” found at the beginning of these forms. The words that are in “ bold underline ” in these instructions are defined there. For further information, see chapter 61, Florida Statutes.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

With this form, you must also file the following:

• Notice of Social Security Number, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j).

• Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.932. (This must be filed within 45 days of service of the petition on the respondent, if not filed at the time of the petition, unless you and your spouse have agreed not to exchange these documents.)
Final Judgment Form ... These family law forms contain a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage with No Property or Minor Child(ren) (Uncontested), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.990(b)(3). You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring a final judgment with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing or trial.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.902(d)

UNIFORM CHILD CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT (UCCJEA) AFFIDAVIT (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used in any case involving custody of, visitation with, or time-sharing with any minor child(ren). This affidavit is required even if the custody of, visitation, or time-sharing with the minor child(ren) are not in dispute.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should then file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the petition was filed and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

A copy of this form must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand delivered to the other party in your case, if it is not served on him or her with your initial papers.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

SELF–REPRESENTED LITIGANTS MAY SERVE DOCUMENTS BY E–MAIL; HOWEVER, THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO DO SO. If a self-represented litigant elects to serve and receive documents by e-mail, the procedures must always be followed once the initial election is made. To serve and receive documents by e-mail, you must designate your e-mail addresses by using the Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915, and you must provide your e-mail address on each form on which your signature appears. Please CAREFULLY read the rules and instructions for: Certificate of Service (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.914; Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915; and Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

Where can I look for more information?

Special notes ...

Chapter 2008–61, Laws of Florida, effective October 1, 2008, eliminated such terms as custodial parent, noncustodial parent, primary residential parent, secondary residential parent, and visitation from Chapter 61, Florida Statutes. Instead, parents are to develop a Parenting Plan that includes, among other things, their time-sharing schedule with the minor child(ren). If the parents cannot agree, a parenting plan will be established by the Court. However, because the UCCJEA uses the terms custody and visitation, they are included in this form.

If you are the petitioner in an injunction for protection against domestic violence case and you have filed a Request for Confidential Filing of Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(h), you should write confidential in any space on this form that would require you to write the address where you are currently living.

Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these forms, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he or she helps you complete.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.902(f)(1)

MARITAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE WITH DEPENDENT OR MINOR CHILD(REN)(03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.901(b)(1), has been filed and the parties have reached an agreement on some or all of the issues at hand.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. Both parties must sign the agreement and have their signatures witnessed by a notary public or deputy clerk. After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the petition was filed and keep a copy for your records. You should then refer to the instructions for your petition, answer, or answer and counterpetition concerning the procedures for setting a hearing or trial ( final hearing ).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

Where can I look for more information?

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

With this form you must also file a Child Support Guidelines Worksheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), if not already filed.

This form does not act to transfer title to the property. Such transfer must be done by deed or supplemental final judgment.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.902(f)(2)

MARITAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE WITH PROPERTY BUT NO DEPENDENT OR MINOR CHILD(REN) (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with Property but no Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.901(b)(2), has been filed and the parties have reached an agreement on some or all of the issues at hand.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. Both parties must sign the agreement and have their signatures witnessed by a notary public or deputy clerk. After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the petition was filed and keep a copy for your records. You should then refer to the instructions for your petition, answer, or answer and counterpetition concerning the procedures for setting a hearing or trial ( final hearing ).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

Where can I look for more information?

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

This form does not act to transfer title to the property. Such transfer must be done by deed or supplemental final judgment.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.902(i),

AFFIDAVIT OF CORROBORATING WITNESS (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form may be used to prove residency in a dissolution of marriage proceeding. To get a divorce in Florida, either the husband or the wife must have lived in Florida for at least 6 months before filing the petition. Residency may be proved by a valid Florida's driver's license, Florida identification card, or voter's registration card (issue date of document must be at least 6 months before the date the case is actually filed with the clerk of the circuit court), or the testimony or affidavit of someone other than you or your spouse. This form is used to prove residency by affidavit. The person signing this form must know that you have lived in the State of Florida for at least 6 months before the date you filed your petition for dissolution of marriage.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink, and signed in the presence of a notary public or deputy clerk. After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the petition was filed and keep a copy for you records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

A copy of this form must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand delivered to the other party in your case, if it is not served on him or her with your initial papers.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. The words that are in “ bold underline ” in these instructions are defined there. For further information, see chapter 61, Florida Statutes.

Special notes ...

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.902(j),

NOTICE OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form must be completed and filed by each party in all paternity, child support, and dissolution of marriage cases, regardless of whether the case involves a minor child(ren) and/or property.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

A copy of this form must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand delivered to the other party in your case, if it is not served on him or her with your initial papers.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. The words that are in “ bold underline ” in these instructions are definedthere. For further information, see chapter 61, Florida Statutes.

Special notes ...

If this is a domestic violence case and you want to keep your address confidential for safety reasons, do not enter the address, telephone, fax, or e-mail information at the bottom of this form. Instead, file a Request for Confidential Filing of Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(i).

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.903(a)

ANSWER, WAIVER, AND REQUEST FOR COPY OF FINAL JUDGMENT OF DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when you have been served with a petition for dissolution of marriage and you do not wish to contest it or appear at a hearing. If you file this form, you are admitting all of the allegations in the petition, saying that you do not need to be notified of or appear at the final hearing, and that you would like a copy of the final judgment mailed to you.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink, and your signature should be witnessed by a notary public or deputy clerk. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the petition was filed and keep a copy for your records. The person filing the petition in a dissolution of marriage proceeding is also referred to as the petitioner and his or her spouse as the respondent.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

You have 20 days to answer after being served with your spouse's petition. A copy of this form, along with all of the other forms required with this answer and waiver, must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand delivered to your spouse.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Where can I look for more information?

Special notes ...

With this form, you must also file the following:

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d), if the case involves a dependent or minor child(ren).

• Child Support Guidelines Worksheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), if the case involves a dependent or minor child(ren). (If you do not know the other party's income, you may file this worksheet after his or her financial affidavit has been served on you).

• Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(f)(1), or Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(f)(2), if you have reached an agreement on any or all of the issues.

• Notice of Social Security Number, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j).

• Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c). (This must be filed within 45 days of service of the petition on you, if not filed at the time you file this answer.)

• Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.932. (This must be filed within 45 days of service of the petition on you, if not filed at the time you file this answer, unless you and the other party have agreed not to exchange these documents.)

Parenting Plan and Time–Sharing ... By filing this answer and waiver, you are agreeing to any parenting plan and time-sharing requests in the petition. The judge may request a parenting plan recommendation or appoint a guardian ad litem in your case. This means that a neutral person will review your situation and report to the judge concerning parenting issues. The purpose of such intervention is to be sure that the best interests of the child(ren) is (are) being served. For more information, you may consult section 61.13, Florida Statutes.

A parenting course must be completed prior to entry of a final judgment. You should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant about requirements for parenting courses where you live.

Listed below are some terms with which you should become familiar before completing your answer to the petition. If you do not fully understand any of the terms below or their implications, you should speak with an attorney before going any further.

• Shared Parental Responsibility

• Sole Parental Responsibility

• Supervised Time–Sharing

• No contact

• Parenting Plan

• Parenting Plan Recommendation

• Time–Sharing Schedule

Child Support ... By filing this answer and waiver, you are agreeing to any child support requests in the petition. The court may order one parent to pay child support to assist the other parent in meeting the child(ren)'s material needs. Both parents are required to provide financial support, but one parent may be ordered to pay a portion of his or her support for the child(ren) to the other parent. Florida has adopted guidelines for determining the amount of child support to be paid. These guidelines are based on the combined income of both parents and take into account the financial contributions of both parents. You must file a Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c), and your spouse will be required to do the same. From your financial affidavits, you should be able to calculate the amount of child support that should be paid using the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e). Because the child support guidelines take several factors into consideration, change over time, and vary from state to state, your child support obligation may be more or less than that of other people in seemingly similar situations.

Alimony ... By filing this answer and waiver, you are agreeing to any alimony requests in the petition. Alimony may be awarded to one spouse if the judge finds that he or she has an actual need for it and also finds that the other spouse has the ability to pay. If you want alimony, you must request it in writing in a counterpetition and should not use this form. If you do not request alimony in writing before the final hearing, it is waived (you may not request it later). You may request permanent alimony, bridge-the-gap alimony, durational alimony, lump sum alimony, or rehabilitative alimony.

Marital/Nonmarital Assets and Liabilities ... Florida law requires an equitable distribution of marital assets and marital liabilities. “Equitable” does not necessarily mean “equal.” Many factors, including child support, time-sharing and alimony awards, may lead the court to make an unequal (but still equitable) distribution of assets and liabilities. Nonmarital assets and nonmarital liabilities are those assets and liabilities which the parties agree or the court determines belong to, or are the responsibility of, only one of the parties. By filing this answer and waiver, you are agreeing to any requests in the petition regarding division of assets and liabilities.

Final Judgment ... You should receive a copy of the Final Judgment in the mail. If, for some reason you do not, you should call the clerk's office to request a copy. It is important for you to review a copy of the Final Judgment in your case to see what happened and to know what you must do and what you are entitled to receive.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.903(b)

ANSWER TO PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when you are responding to a petition for dissolution of marriage and you wish to admit or deny all of the allegations in the petition but you do not plan to file a counterpetition seeking relief. You can use this form to answer any petition for dissolution of marriage, whether or not there are minor child(ren).

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the petition was filed and keep a copy for your records. This must be done within 20 days of receiving the petition.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

A copy of this form, along with all of the other forms required with this answer, must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand delivered to the other party in your case. You have 20 days to answer after being served with the other party's petition. After you file your answer, the case will generally proceed in one of the following two ways:

UNCONTESTED ... If you file an answer that agrees with everything in the other party's petition and you have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers, either party may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to set a final hearing. If you request the final hearing, you must notify the other party of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

CONTESTED ... If you file an answer which disagrees with or denies anything in the petition, and you are unable to settle the disputed issues, either party may file a Notice for Trial, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.924, after you have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers. Some circuits may require the completion of mediation before a final hearing may be set. You should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for instructions on how to set your case for trial (final hearing).

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self–Represented Litigants” found at the beginning of these forms. The words that are in “ bold underline ” in these instructions are defined there. See chapter 61, Florida Statutes, for more information.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

With this form, you must also file the following:

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d), if the case involves a dependent or minor child(ren).

• Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(f)(1), or Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with Property but No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(f)(2), if you have reached an agreement on any or all of the issues.

• Notice of Social Security Number, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j).

• Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.932. (This must be filed within 45 days of service of the petition on you, if not filed at the time you file this answer, unless you and the other party have agreed not to exchange these documents.)
Parenting and Time-sharing ... If you and your spouse are unable to agree on parenting arrangements and a time-sharing schedule, a judge will decide for you as part of establishing a Parenting Plan. The judge will decide the parenting arrangements and time-sharing schedule based on the child(ren)'s best interests. Regardless of whether there is an agreement, the court reserves jurisdiction to modify issues relating to the minor child(ren).

A parenting course must be completed prior to the entry of a final judgment. You should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant about requirements for parenting courses where you live.

• Shared Parental Responsibility

• Sole Parental Responsibility

• Supervised Time–Sharing

• No contact

• Parenting Plan

• Parenting Plan Recommendation

• Time–Sharing Schedule

Child Support ... The court may order one parent to pay child support to assist the other parent in meeting the child(ren)'s material needs. Both parents are required to provide financial support, but one parent may be ordered to pay a portion of his or her support for the child(ren) to the other parent. Florida has adopted guidelines for determining the amount of child support to be paid. These guidelines are based on the combined income of both parents and take into account the financial contributions of both parents and the number of overnights the child(ren) spend with each parent. You must file a Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c), and your spouse will be required to do the same. From your financial affidavits, you should be able to calculate the amount of child support that should be paid using the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e). Because the child support guidelines take several factors into consideration, change over time, and vary from state to state, your child support obligation may be more or less than that of other people in seemingly similar situations.

Alimony ... Alimony may be awarded to a spouse if the judge finds that he or she needs it and that the other spouse has the ability to pay it. If you want alimony, you must request it in writing in a counterpetition. Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.903(c)(1) (with dependent or minor child(ren)), or Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.903(c)(2) (no dependent or minor child(ren)). If you do not request alimony in writing before the final hearing, it is waived (you may not request it later).

Marital/Nonmarital Assets and Liabilities ... Florida law requires an equitable distribution of marital assets and marital liabilities. “Equitable” does not necessarily mean “equal.” Many factors, including child support, any parenting plan and time-sharing schedule, and alimony awards, may lead the court to make an unequal (but still equitable) distribution of assets and liabilities. Nonmarital assets and nonmarital liabilities are those assets and liabilities which the parties agree or the court determines belong to, or are the responsibility of, only one of the parties. If the parties agree or the court finds an asset or liability to be nonmarital, the judge will not consider it when distributing marital assets and liabilities.

Temporary Relief ... If you need temporary relief regarding temporary use of assets, temporary responsibility for liabilities, parental responsibility and time-sharing with child(ren), temporary child support, or temporary alimony, you may file a Motion for Temporary Support and Time–Sharing with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.947(a), or, if there are no dependent or minor child(ren), Motion for Temporary Support with No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.947(c). For more information, see the instructions for these forms.

Marital Settlement Agreement ... If you and your spouse are able to reach an agreement on any or all of the issues, you should file a Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(f)(1), or Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(f)(2). Both parties must sign this agreement before a notary public or deputy clerk. Any issues on which you are unable to agree will be considered contested and settled by the judge at the final hearing.

Final Judgment Form ... These family law forms contain a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.990(c)(1), and Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage with Property but No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.990(c)(2), which the judge may use if your case is contested. If you and your spouse reach an agreement on all of the issues, the judge may use Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren) (Uncontested), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.990(b)(1), Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage with Property but No Dependent or Minor Child(ren) (Uncontested), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.990(b)(2), or Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage with No Property and No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.990(b)(3). You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring a final judgment with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing or trial.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.903(c)(1)

ANSWER TO PETITION AND COUNTERPETITION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE WITH DEPENDENT OR MINOR CHILD(REN) (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when you are responding to a petition for dissolution of marriage with dependent or minor child(ren) and you are asking the court for something not contained in the petition. The answer portion of this form is used to admit or deny the allegations contained in the petition, and the counterpetition portion of this form is used to ask for whatever you want the court to do for you.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the petition was filed and keep a copy for your records. The person filing the petition in a dissolution of marriage proceeding is also referred to as the petitioner and his or her spouse as the respondent. The person filing a counterpetition is also referred to as the counterpetitioner and his or her spouse as the counterrespondent.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

You have 20 days to answer after being served with your spouse's petition. A copy of this form must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand delivered to your spouse. After you file an answer and counterpetition your case will then generally proceed as follows:

The other party is required to answer your counterpetition within 20 days using an Answer to Counterpetition, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.903(d).

UNCONTESTED ... Your dissolution is uncontested if you and your spouse agree on all issues raised in the petition and the counterpetition. If this is the case, and you and the other party have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers, either party may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to set a final hearing. If you request the hearing, you must notify the other party of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

CONTESTED ... Your dissolution is contested if you and your spouse disagree on any issue raised in the petition or counterpetition. If you are unable to settle the disputed issues, either party may file a Notice for Trial, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.924, after you have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers. Some circuits may require the completion of mediation before a final hearing may be set. You should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for instructions on how to set your case for trial (final hearing).

Where can I look for more information?

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

With this form, you must also file the following:

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d)

• Child Support Guidelines Worksheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e). (If you do not know the other party's income, you may file this worksheet after his or her financial affidavit has been served on you.)

• Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(f)(1), if you have reached an agreement on any or all of the issues.

• Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.9.995(a), Safety–Focused Parenting Plan, Form 12.995(b), or Relocation/Long–Distance Parenting Plan, Form 12.995(c). If the parents have reached an agreement, a signed and notarized Parenting Plan should be attached. If the parents have not reached an agreement, a proposed Parenting Plan may be filed.

• Notice of Social Security Number, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j).

• Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.932. (This must be filed within 45 days of service of the petition on you, if not filed at the time you file this answer, unless you and the other party have agreed not to exchange these documents.)
Parenting Plan and Time–Sharing ... If you and your spouse are unable to agree on parenting arrangements and a time-sharing schedule, a judge will decide for you as part of establishing a Parenting Plan. The judge will decide the parenting arrangements and time-sharing schedule based on the child(ren)'s best interests. Regardless of whether there is an agreement, the court reserves jurisdiction to modify issues relating to the minor child(ren).

• Shared Parental Responsibility

• Sole Parental Responsibility

• Supervised Time–Sharing

• No contact

• Parenting Plan

• Parenting Plan Recommendation

• Time–Sharing Schedule
Child Support ... The court may order one parent to pay child support to assist the other parent in meeting the child(ren)'s material needs. Both parents are required to provide financial support, but one parent may be ordered to pay a portion of his or her support for the child(ren) to the other parent. Florida has adopted guidelines for determining the amount of child support to be paid. These guidelines are based on the combined income of both parents and take into account the financial contributions of both parents. You must file a Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c), and your spouse will be required to do the same. From your financial affidavits, you should be able to calculate the amount of child support that should be paid using the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e). Because the child supportguidelines take several factors into consideration, change over time, and vary from state to state, your child support obligation may be more or less than that of other people in seemingly similar situations.

Alimony ... Alimony may be awarded to a spouse if the judge finds that he or she has an actual need for it and that the other spouse has the ability to pay. If you want alimony, you must request it in writing in your counterpetition. If you do not request alimony in writing before the final hearing, it is waived (you may not request it later). You may request permanent alimony, bridge-the-gap alimony, durational alimony, lump sum alimony, or rehabilitative alimony.

Marital/Nonmarital Assets and Liabilities ... Florida law requires an equitable distribution of marital assets and marital liabilities. Equitable does not necessarily mean equal. Many factors, including child support, time-sharing and alimony awards, may lead the court to make an unequal (but still equitable) distribution of assets and liabilities. Nonmarital assets and nonmarital liabilities are those assets and liabilities which the parties agree or the court determines belong to, or are the responsibility of, only one of the parties. If the parties agree or the court finds an asset or liability to be nonmarital, the judge will not consider it when distributing marital assets and liabilities.

Parenting Plan ... In all cases involving minor or dependent child(ren), a Parenting Plan shall be approved or established by the court. If you and your spouse have reached an agreement, you should file Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(a), 12.995(b), or 12.995(c), which addresses the time-sharing schedule for the child(ren). If you have not reached an agreement, a proposed Parenting Plan may be filed. If you and your spouse cannot agree, a Parenting Plan will be established by the court.

Temporary Relief ... If you need temporary relief regarding temporary use of assets, temporary responsibility for liabilities, parental responsibility and time-sharing with child(ren), temporary child support, or temporary alimony, you may file a Motion for Temporary Support and Time–Sharing with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.947(a). For more information, see the instructions for that form.

Final Judgment Form ... These family law forms contain a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.990(c)(1), which the judge may use if your case is contested. If you and your spouse reach an agreement on all of the issues, the judge may use a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren) (Uncontested), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.990(b)(1). You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring a final judgment with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing or trial.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.903(c)(2)

ANSWER TO PETITION AND COUNTERPETITION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE WITH PROPERTY BUT NO DEPENDENT OR MINOR CHILD(REN) (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when you are responding to a petition for dissolution of marriage with property but no dependent or minor child(ren) and you are asking the court for something not contained in the petition. The answer portion of this form is used to admit or deny the allegations contained in the petition, and the counterpetition portion of this form is used to ask for whatever you want the court to do for you.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the petition was filed and keep a copy for your records. The person filing the petition in a dissolution of marriage proceeding is also referred to as the petitioner and his or her spouse as the respondent. The person filing the counterpetition is referred to as the counterpetitioner and his or her spouse as the counterrespondent.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

Your spouse is required to answer your counterpetition within 20 days using an Answer to Counterpetition, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.903(d).

CONTESTED ... Your dissolution is contested if you and your spouse disagree on any issue raised in the petition or counterpetition. If you are unable to settle the disputed issues, either spouse may file a Notice for Trial, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.924, after you have complied with mandatory disclosureand filed all of the required papers. Some circuits may require the completion of mediation before a final hearing may be set. You should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for instructions on how to set your case for trial (final hearing).

Where can I look for more information?

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

With this form, you must also file the following:

• Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(f)(2), if you have reached an agreement on any or all of the issues.

• Notice of Social Security Number, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j).

• Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c). (This must be filed within 45 days of service of the petition on you, if not filed at the time you file this answer.)

• Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.932. (This must be filed within 45 days of

service of the petition on you, if not filed at the time you file this answer, unless you and the other party have agreed not to exchange these documents.)

Alimony ... Alimony may be awarded to one spouse if the judge finds that he or she has an actual need for it and also finds that the other spouse has the ability to pay. If you want alimony, you must request it in writing in your counterpetition. If you do not request alimony in writing before the final hearing, it is waived (you may not request it later). You may request permanent alimony, bridge-the-gap alimony, durational alimony, lump sum alimony, or rehabilitative alimony.

Marital/Nonmarital Assets and Liabilities ... Florida law requires an equitable distribution of marital assets and marital liabilities. Equitable does not necessarily mean equal. Many factors, including alimony awards, may lead the court to make an unequal (but still equitable) distribution of assets and liabilities. Nonmarital assets and nonmarital liabilities are those assets and liabilities which the parties agree or the court determines belong to, or are the responsibility of, only one of the parties. If the parties agree or the court finds an asset or liability to be nonmarital, the judge will not consider it when distributing marital assets and liabilities.

Marital Settlement Agreement ... If you and your spouse are able to reach an agreement on any or all of the issues, you should file a Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(f)(2). Both of you must sign this agreement before a notary public. Any issues on which you are unable to agree will be considered contested and settled by the judge at the final hearing.

Final Judgment Forms ... These family law forms contain a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage with Property but No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.990(c)(2), which the judge may use if your case is contested. If you and your spouse reach an agreement on all of the issues, the judge may use a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage with Property but No Dependent or Minor Child(ren) (Uncontested), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.990(b)(2). You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring a final judgment with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing or trial.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.903(c)(3)

ANSWER TO PETITION AND COUNTERPETITION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE WITH NO DEPENDENT OR MINOR CHILD(REN) OR PROPERTY (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when you are responding to a petition for dissolution of marriage with no dependent or minor child(ren) or property and you are asking the court for something not contained in the petition. The answer portion of this form is used to admit or deny the allegations contained in the petition, and the counterpetition portion of this form is used to ask for whatever you want the court to do for you such as restoring your former name.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

You have 20 days to answer after being served with the other party's petition. A copy of this form must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand delivered to the other party. After you file an answer and counterpetition your case will then generally proceed as follows:

The other party is required to answer your counterpetition within 20 days using an Answer to Counterpetition, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.903(d).

UNCONTESTED ... Your dissolution is uncontested if you and your spouse agree on all issues raised in the petition and the counterpetition. If this is the case, and you and the other party have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers, either party may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to set a final hearing. If you request the hearing, you must notify the other party of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

CONTESTED ... Your dissolution is contested if you and your spouse disagree on any issues raised in the petition or counterpetition. If you are unable to settle the disputed issues, either party may file a Notice for Trial, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.924, after you have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers. Some circuits may require the completion of mediation before a final hearing may be set. You should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for instructions on how to set your case for trial (final hearing).

Where can I look for more information?

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

With this form, you must also file the following:

• Notice of Social Security Number, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j).

Alimony ... By using this form, you are forever giving up your rights to spousal support (alimony) from petitioner. Alimony may be awarded to a spouse if the judge finds that he or she needs it and that the other spouse has the ability to pay it. If you want alimony, you must requestit in writing in an appropriate answer and counterpetition (see the other answer and counterpetition forms included in these forms for the appropriate form).

Marital/Nonmarital Assets and Liabilities ... By using this form, you are stating that there are no marital assets and/or liabilities.

Final Judgment Form ... These family law forms contain a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage with No Property or Minor Child(ren) (Uncontested), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.990(b)(3). You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring a final judgment with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing or trial.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.903(d)

ANSWER TO COUNTERPETITION (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used by a petitioner to respond to the respondent's counterpetition. You should use this form to admit or deny the allegations contained in the counterpetition.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

You have 20 days to answer after being served with the other party's counterpetition. A copy of this form must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand delivered to the other party.

To proceed with your case, you should refer to the instructions to your petition regarding setting a case for trial under UNCONTESTED and CONTESTED.

Where can I look for more information?

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915; and Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

Special notes ...

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.903(e),

ANSWER TO SUPPLEMENTAL PETITION (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when you are responding to a supplemental petition for modification of Parenting Plan, time-sharing schedule, child support, or alimony. This form is used to admit or deny all of the allegations in the supplemental petition if you do not plan to file a counterpetition. There is no form for a counterpetition to a supplemental petition in these Family Law Forms. If you want to file a counterpetition to a supplemental petition you will need to either seek legal assistance or create a form yourself. You may construct an answer and counterpetition using the pertinent sections contained in the Answer to Petition and Counterpetition for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.903(c)(1), or Answer to Petition and Counterpetition for Dissolution of Marriage with Property but No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.903(c)(2).

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the case was filed and keep a copy for your records. This must be done within 20 days of receiving the supplemental petition.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

A copy of this form, along with all of the other forms required with this answer, must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand delivered to the other party in your case. Regardless of whether you file a counterpetition, you have 20 days to answer after being served with the other party's supplemental petition. After you file your answer, the case will generally proceed in one of the following two ways:

UNCONTESTED ... If you file an answer that agrees with everything in the other party's supplemental petition and you have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers, either party may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to set a final hearing. If you request the hearing, you must notify the other party of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

CONTESTED ... If you file an answer which disagrees with or denies anything in the supplemental petition, and you are unable to settle the disputed issues, either party may file a Notice for Trial, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.924, after you have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers. Some circuits may require the completion of mediation before a final hearing may be set. If you request the hearing, you should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for instructions on how to set your case for trial (final hearing).

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self–Represented Litigants” found at the beginning of these forms. The words that are in “ bold underline ” in these instructions are defined there. See chapter 61, Florida Statutes, for more information.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

With this form, you must also file the following:

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d), if the case involves child(ren).

• Child Support Guidelines Worksheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), if child support is an issue. (If you do not know the other party's income, you may file this worksheet after his or her financial affidavit has been served on you.)

• Settlement Agreement, if you have reached an agreement on any or all of the issues. Although there is no form for this in these Florida Family Law Forms, you may construct a settlement agreement using the pertinent sections contained in Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(f)(1), or Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with [Property but] No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(f)(2).

• Notice of Social Security Number, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j), if not previously filed.

• Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c). (This must be filed within 45 days of service of the supplemental petition on you, if not filed at the time you file your answer.)

• Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.932. (This must be filed within 45 days of service of the supplemental petition on you, if not filed at the time of you file your answer, unless you and the other party have agreed not to exchange these documents.)

Parenting and Time–Sharing ... If you and the other party are unable to agree on parenting arrangements and a time-sharing schedule, a judge will decide for you as part of establishing a Parenting Plan. The judge will decide the parenting arrangements and time-sharing schedule based on the child(ren)'s best interests. Regardless of whether there is an agreement, the court reserves jurisdiction to modify issues relating to the minor child(ren).

The judge may request a parenting plan recommendation or appoint a guardian ad litem in your case. This means that a neutral person will review your situation and report to the judge concerning parenting issues. The purpose of such intervention is to be sure that the best interests of the child(ren) is (are) being served. For more information, you may consult section 61.13, Florida Statutes. A parenting course may be required prior to entry of a final judgment. You should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant about requirements for parenting courses or mediation where you live.

Listed below are some terms with which you should become familiar before completing your supplemental petition. If you do not fully understand any of the terms below or their implications, you should speak with an attorney before going any further.

Shared Parental Responsibility

Sole Parental Responsibility

Supervised Time–Sharing

No contact

Parenting Plan

Parenting Plan Recommendation

Time–Sharing Schedule

Child Support ... If this case involves child support issues, the court may order one parent to pay child support to assist the other parent in meeting the child(ren)'s material needs. Both parents are required to provide financial support, but one parent may be ordered to pay a portion of his or her support for the child(ren) to the other parent. Florida has adopted guidelines for determining the amount of child support to be paid. These guidelines are based on the combined income of both parents and take into account the financial contributions of both parents. You must file a Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c), and the other parent will be required to do the same. From your financial affidavits, you should be able to calculate the amount of child support that should be paid using the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e). Because the child support guidelines take several factors into consideration, change over time, and vary from state to state, your child support obligation may be more or less than that of other people in seemingly similar situations.

Temporary Relief ... If you need temporary relief regarding parental responsibility and time-sharing with child(ren), child support or alimony, you may file a Motion for Temporary Support with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.947(a) or, if you need temporary relief regarding alimony and there are no dependent or minor child(ren), you may file a Motion for Temporary Support with No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.947(c). For more information, see the instructions for these forms.

Settlement Agreement ... If you and the other party are able to reach an agreement on any or all of the issues, you should file a Settlement Agreement. Although there is no form for this in these Florida Family Law Forms, you may construct a settlement agreement using the pertinent sections contained in Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(f)(1), or Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(f)(2). Both parties must sign this agreement before a notary public or deputy clerk. Any issues on which you are unable to agree will be considered contested and settled by the judge at the final hearing.

Final Judgment Form ... These family law forms contain a Supplemental Final Judgment Modifying Parental Responsibility, Visitation, or Parenting Plan/Time–Sharing Schedule or Other Relief, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.993(a), a Supplemental Final Judgment Modifying Child Support, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.993(b), and a Supplemental Final Judgment Modifying Alimony, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.993(c), which the judge may use, as appropriate. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring a final judgment with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing or trial.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.904(a),

PETITION FOR SUPPORT UNCONNECTED WITH DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE WITH DEPENDENT OR MINOR CHILD(REN)

(03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form may be used to ask the court to enter a support order if your spouse has the ability to contribute to you and your minor child(ren), but has failed to do so. You can only use this form if a dissolution of marriage has not been filed and based upon the time-sharing schedule, you are entitled to support. If a petition for dissolution of marriage has been filed, you should file a Motion for Temporary Support and Time–Sharing with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.947(a), instead of using this petition. Also, if you are requesting that an order be entered for you to pay support to your spouse, you should not file this form.

This petition cannot address the issues of property, debts, or parental responsibility and time-sharing with child(ren). It only deals with alimony and child support.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where you live and keep a copy for your records. Because you are filing this petition, you are also referred to as the petitioner and your spouse as the respondent.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

For your case to proceed, you must properly notify your spouse of the petition. Because this petition concerns child support and alimony, you should use personal service. If your spouse is in the military service of the United States, additional steps for service may be required. See, for example, Memorandum for Certificate of Military Service, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(a) and Affidavit of Military Service, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(b). Service on a spouse who is in the military can be complicated; therefore, you may wish to consult an attorney regarding this issue.

Your spouse has 20 days to answer after being served with your petition. Your case will then generally proceed in one of the following three ways:

DEFAULT. If after 20 days, no answer has been filed, you may file a Motion for Default, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922(a), with the clerk of court. Then, if you have filed all of the required papers, you may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to set a final hearing. You must notify your spouse of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

CONTESTED. If your spouse files an answer or an answer and counterpetition, which disagrees with or denies anything in your petition, and you are unable to settle the disputed issues, you should file a Notice for Trial, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.924, after you have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers. Some circuits may require the completion of mediation before a final hearing may be set. Then you should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for instructions on how to set your case for trial (final hearing). If your spouse files an answer and counterpetition, you should answer the counterpetition within 20 days using an Answer to Counterpetition, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.903(d).

Where can I look for more information?

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

With this form you must also file the following:

• Notice of Social Security Number, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j).

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d), if the case involves minor or dependent child(ren).

• Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c).

• Child Support Guidelines Worksheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), if you are asking that child support be ordered in the final judgment. (If you do not know the other party's income, you may file this worksheet after his or her financial affidavit has been served on you.)
Alimony. Alimony may be awarded to a spouse if the judge finds that he or she has an actual need for it and that the other spouse has the ability to pay. If you want alimony, you must request it in writing in the original petition. If you do not request alimony in writing before the final hearing, it is waived (you may not request it later). You may request permanent alimony, bridge-the-gap alimony, durational alimony, lump sum alimony, or rehabilitative alimony.

Child Support. The court may order one parent to pay child support to assist the other parent in meeting the child(ren)'s material needs. Both parents are required to provide financial support, but one parent may be ordered to pay a portion of his or her support for the child(ren) to the other parent. Florida has adopted guidelines for determining the amount of child support to be paid. These guidelines are based on the combined income of both parents and take into account the financial contributions of both parents and the number of overnights the child(ren) spend with each parent. You must file a Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c), and your spouse will be required to do the same. From your financial affidavits, you should be able to calculate the amount of child support that should be paid using the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e). Because the child support guidelines take several factors into consideration, change over time, and vary from state to state, your child support obligation may be more or less than that of other people in seemingly similar situations.

Temporary Relief. If you need temporary relief regarding child support or temporary alimony, you may file a Motion for Temporary Support and Time–Sharing with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.947(a). For more information, see the instructions for that form.

Final Judgment Forms. These family law forms contain a Final Judgment of Support Unconnected with Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.994(a), which the judge may use if your case is contested. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring a final judgment with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing or trial.

Nonlawyer. Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these forms, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he or she helps you complete.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.904(b),

PETITION FOR SUPPORT UNCONNECTED WITH DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE WITH NO DEPENDENT OR MINOR CHILD(REN)(03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form may be used if a dissolution of marriage has not been filed, and you are requesting alimony. If a petition for dissolution has been filed, you should file a Motion for Temporary Support with No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.947(c), instead of using this petition. Also, if you are requesting that an order be entered for you to pay support to your spouse, you should not file this form.

This petition does not address the issues of property or debts. It only deals with alimony.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where you live and keep a copy for your records. Because you are filing the petition in this proceeding, you are also referred to as the petitioner and your spouse as the respondent.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

For your case to proceed, you must properly notify your spouse of the petition. Because this petition concerns alimony, you should use personal service. If your spouse is in the military service of the United States, additional steps for service may be required. See, for example, Memorandum for Certificate of Military Service, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(a) and Affidavit of Military Service, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(b). Service on a spouse who is in the military can be complicated; therefore, you may wish to consult an attorney regarding this issue.

Your spouse has 20 days to answer after being served with your petition. Your case will then generally proceed in one of the following three ways:

DEFAULT ... If after 20 days, no answer has been filed, you may file a Motion for Default, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922(a), with the clerk of court. Then, if you have filed all of the required papers, you may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to set a final hearing. You must notify your spouse of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

CONTESTED ... If your spouse files an answer or an answer and counterpetition, which disagrees with or denies anything in your petition, and you are unable to settle the disputed issues, you should file a Notice for Trial, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.924, after you have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers. Some circuits may require the completion of mediation before a final hearing may be set. Then you should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for instructions on how to set your case for trial (final hearing). If your spouse files an answer and counterpetition, you should answer the counterpetition within 20 days using an Answer to Counterpetition, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.903(d).

Where can I look for more information?

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

With this form you must also file the following:

• Notice of Social Security Number, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j).

Alimony ... Alimony may be awarded to a spouse if the judge finds that he or she has an actual need for it and that the other spouse has the ability to pay. If you want alimony, you must request it in writing in the original petition. If you do not request alimony in writing before the final hearing, it is waived (you may not request it later). You may request permanent alimony, bridge-the-gap alimony, durational alimony, lump sum alimony, or rehabilitative alimony.

Temporary Relief ... If you need temporary relief regarding alimony, you may file a Motion for Temporary Support with No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.947(c). For more information, see the instructions for that form.

Final Judgment Forms ... These family law forms contain a Final Judgment of Support Unconnected with Dissolution of Marriage with No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.994(b), which the judge may use if your case is contested. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring a final judgment with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing or trial.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.905(a),

SUPPLEMENTAL PETITION TO MODIFY PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY, VISITATION OR PARENTING PLAN/ TIME–SHARING SCHEDULE AND OTHER RELIEF (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when you are asking the court to change the current parental responsibility, visitation, and/or Parenting Plan/time-sharing schedule. A determination of parental responsibility, a Parenting Plan and a time-sharing schedule may not be modified without a showing of a substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances and a determination that the modification is in the best interests of the child(ren).

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file this form in the county where the original order or judgment was entered. If the order or judgment was entered in another state, or if the child(ren) live(s) in another state, you should speak with an attorney about where to file this form. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

For your case to proceed, you must properly notify the other party in your case of the supplemental petition. If you know where he or she lives, you should use personal service. If you absolutely do not know where he or she lives, you may use constructive service. You may also be able to use constructive service if the other party resides in another state or country. However, if constructive service is used, other than granting a dissolution of marriage, the court may only grant limited relief. For more information on constructive service, see Notice of Action for Family Cases with Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a),(2) and Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(b). If the other party is in the military service of the United States, additional steps for service may be required. See, for example, Memorandum for Certificate of Military Service, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(a). In sum, the law regarding constructive service and service on an individual in the military service is very complex and you may wish to consult an attorney regarding these issues.

If personal service is used, the other party has 20 days to answer after being served with your supplemental petition. Your case will then generally proceed in one of the following three ways:

DEFAULT ... If after 20 days, no answer has been filed, you may file a Motion for Default, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922(a), with the clerk of court. Then, if you have filed all of the required papers, you may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to set a final hearing. You must notify the other party of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

UNCONTESTED ... If the respondent files an answer that agrees with everything in your supplemental petition or an answer and waiver, and you have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers, you may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to set a final hearing. You must notify the other party of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

CONTESTED ... If the respondent files an answer or an answer and counterpetition, which disagrees with or denies anything in your supplemental petition, and you are unable to settle the disputed issues, you should file a Notice for Trial, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.924, after you have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers. Some circuits may require the completion of mediation before a final hearing may be set. Then you should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for instructions on how to set your case for trial (final hearing). If the respondent files an answer and counterpetition, you should answer the counterpetition within 20 days using an Answer to Counterpetition, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.903(d).

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self–Represented Litigants” found at the beginning of these forms. The words that are in “ bold underline ” in these instructions are defined there. For further information, see chapter 61, Florida Statutes.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

With this form, you must also file the following:

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d).

• Child Support Guidelines Worksheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e) if you are seeking to modify child support. (If you do not know the other party's income, you may file this worksheet after his or her financial affidavit has been served on you.)

• Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form, 12.995(a) or 12.995(b). If the parties have reached an agreement, the Parenting Plan should be signed by both parties. If you have not reached an agreement, a proposed Parenting Plan may be filed. Notice of Social Security Number, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j), if not previously filed.

Parenting Plan and Time–Sharing ... If you and the respondent are unable to agree on parenting arrangements and a time-sharing schedule, a judge will decide for you as part of establishing a Parenting Plan. The judge will decide the parenting arrangements and time-sharing schedule based on the child(ren)'s best interests. Regardless of whether there is an agreement, the court reserves jurisdiction to modify issues relating to the minor child(ren).

A parenting course may be required prior to entry of a final judgment. You should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant about requirements for parenting courses or mediation where you live.

• Shared Parental Responsibility

• Sole Parental Responsibility

• Supervised Time–Sharing

• No contact

• Parenting Plan

• Parenting Plan Recommendation

• Time–Sharing Schedule

Child Support ... The court may order one parent to pay child support to assist the other parent in meeting the child(ren)'s material needs. Both parents are required to provide financial support, but one parent may be ordered to pay a portion of his or her support for the child(ren) to the other parent. Florida has adopted guidelines for determining the amount of child support to be paid. These guidelines are based on the combined income of both parents and take into account the financial contributions of both parents and the number of overnights the child(ren) spend with each parent. You must file a Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c), and the other parent will be required to do the same. From your financial affidavits, you should be able to calculate the amount of child support that should be paid using the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e). Because the child support guidelines take several factors into consideration, change over time, and vary from state to state, your child support obligation may be more or less than that of other people in seemingly similar situations.

Temporary Relief ... If you need temporary relief regarding parental responsibility and time-sharing with child(ren), or temporary child support, you may file a Motion for Temporary Support and Time–Sharing with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.947(a). For more information, see the instructions for that form.

Settlement Agreement ... If you and the respondent are able to reach an agreement on any or all of the issues, you should file a Settlement Agreement. Although there is no form for this in these Florida Family Law Forms, you may construct a settlement agreement using the pertinent sections contained in Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(f)(1). Both parties must sign this agreement before a notary public. Any issues on which you are unable to agree will be considered contested and settled by the judge at the final hearing.

Final Judgment Form ... These family law forms contain a Supplemental Final Judgment Modifying Parental Responsibility, Visitation, or Parenting Plan/Time–Sharing Schedule And Other Relief, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.993(a), which the judge may use. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring it with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing or trial.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.905(b)

SUPPLEMENTAL PETITION FOR MODIFICATION OF CHILD SUPPORT (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when you are asking the court to change a current court-ordered child support obligation. The court can change a child support order or judgment if the judge finds that there has been a substantial change in the circumstances of the parties and the change is in the child(ren)'s best interests.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file this form in the county where the original order was entered. If the order was entered in another state, or if the child(ren) live(s) in another state, you should speak with an attorney about where to file this form. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

For your case to proceed, you must properly notify the other party in your case of the supplemental petition. If you know where he or she lives, you should use personal service. If you absolutely do not know where he or she lives, you may use constructive service. You may also be able to use constructive service if the other party resides in another state or country. However, if constructive service is used, other than granting a divorce, the court may only grant limited relief. For more information on constructive service, see Notice of Action for Family Cases with Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a)(2), and Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(b). If the other party is in the military service of the United States, additional steps for service may be required. See, for example, Memorandum for Certificate of Military Service, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(a). In sum, the law regarding constructive service and service on an individual in the military service is very complex and you may wish to consult an attorney regarding these issues.

If personal service is used, the other party has 20 days to answer after being served with your supplemental petition. Your case will then generally proceed in one of the following three ways:

DEFAULT ... If after 20 days, no answer has been filed, you may file a Motion for Default, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922(a), with the clerk of court. Then, if you have filed all of the required papers, you may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to set a final hearing. You must notify the other party of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

Where can I look for more information?

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

With this form, you must also file the following:

• Notice of Social Security Number, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j), if not previously filed.

• Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c). Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.932. (This must be filed within 45 days of service of the supplemental petition on the respondent, if not filed at the time of the supplemental petition, unless you and the other party have agreed not to exchange these documents.)
Child Support ... The court may order one parent to pay child support to assist the other parent in meeting the child(ren)'s material needs. Both parents are required to provide financial support, but one parent may be ordered to pay a portion of his or her support for the child(ren) to the other parent. Florida has adopted guidelines for determining the amount of child support to be paid. These guidelines are based on the combined income of both parents and take into account the financial contributions of both parents. You must file a Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c), and the other parent will be required to do the same. From your financial affidavits, you should be able to calculate the amount of child support that should be paid using the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e). Because the child support guidelines take several factors into consideration, change over time, and vary from state to state, your child support obligation may be more or less than that of other people in seemingly similar situations.

Temporary Relief ... If you need temporary relief regarding child support, you may file a Motion for Temporary Support and Time–Sharing with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.947(a). For more information, see the instructions for that form.

Settlement Agreement ... If you and the respondent are able to reach an agreement on any or all of the issues, you should file a Settlement Agreement. Although there is no form for this in these Florida Family Law Forms, you may construct a settlement agreement using the pertinent sections contained in Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(f)(1). Both parties must sign this agreement before a notary public or deputy clerk. Any issues on which you are unable to agree will be considered contested and settled by the judge at the final hearing.

Final Judgment Form ... These family law forms contain a Supplemental Final Judgment Modifying Child Support, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.993(b), which the judge may use. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring it with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing or trial.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.905(c),

SUPPLEMENTAL PETITION FOR MODIFICATION OF ALIMONY (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when you are asking the court to change a current court-ordered alimony obligation. The court can change an order for temporary, permanent periodic, durational, and rehabilitative alimony if the judge finds that there has been a substantial change in the circumstances of the parties. Lump sum and bridge-the-gap alimony cannot be modified.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file this form in the county where the original order was entered. If the order was entered in another state, or if the respondent lives in another state, you should speak with an attorney about where to file this form. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court and keep a copy for your records. Because you are filing the petition in this proceeding, you are also referred to as the petitioner and your spouse as the respondent.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

For your case to proceed, you must properly notify the other party in your case of the supplemental petition. Because this petition concerns alimony, you should use personal service. If the other party is in the military service of the United States, additional steps for service may be required. See, for example, Memorandum for Certificate of Military Service, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(a) and Affidavit of Military Service, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(b). In sum, the law regarding constructive service and service on an individual in the military service is very complex and you may wish to consult an attorney regarding this issue.

If personal service is used, the other party has 20 days to answer after being served with your supplemental petition. Your case will then generally proceed in one of the following three ways:

DEFAULT ... If after 20 days, no answer has been filed, you may file a Motion for Default, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922(a), with the clerk of court. Then, if you have filed all of the required papers, you may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to set a final hearing. You must notify the other party of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

Where can I look for more information?

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

With this form you must also file the following and serve a copy on the other party:

• Settlement Agreement, if you have reached an agreement on any or all of the issues. Although there is no form for this in these Florida Family Law Forms, you may construct a settlement agreement using the pertinent sections contained in Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(f)(1), or Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(f)(2).

• Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c).

• Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.932. (This must be filed within 45 days of service of the supplemental petition on the other party, if not filed at the time of the supplemental petition, unless you and the other party have agreed not to exchange these documents.)

Alimony ... In order to modify an order for alimony, a judge must find that there has been a substantial change in circumstances.

Temporary Relief ... If you need temporary relief regarding modification of alimony, you may file a Motion for Temporary Support with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.947(a), or Motion for Temporary Support with No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.947(d), whichever is appropriate. For more information, see the instructions for those forms.

Settlement Agreement ... If you and the respondent are able to reach an agreement on any or all of the issues, you should file a Settlement Agreement. Although there is no form for this in these Florida Family Law Forms, you may construct a settlement agreement using the pertinent sections contained in Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(f)(1), or Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(f)(2). Both parties must sign this agreement before a notary public. Any issues on which you are unable to agree will be considered contested and settled by the judge at the final hearing.

Final Judgment Form ... These family law forms contain a Supplemental Final Judgment Modifying Alimony, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.993(c), which the judge may use. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring it with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing or trial.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.905(d)

SUPPLEMENTAL PETITION FOR TEMPORARY MODIFICATION OF PARENTING ISSUES FOR CHILD(REN) OF PARENT ACTIVATED, DEPLOYED, OR TEMPORARILY ASSIGNED TO MILITARY SERVICE (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when a parent seeks a temporary modification of an order establishing custody, visitation, a parenting plan, or time-sharing schedule because the parent is activated, deployed, or temporarily assigned to military service and the parent's ability to comply with the prior order(s) and time-sharing schedule is materially affected.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where you live and keep a copy for your records. This form and these instructions do not apply to modification of temporary orders.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

For your case to proceed, you must properly notify the other party in your case of the supplemental petition. If you know where he or she lives, you should use personal service. If you absolutely do not know where he or she lives, you may use constructive service. You may also be able to use constructive service if the other party resides in another state or country. However, if constructive service is used, other than granting dissolution of marriage, the court may only grant limited relief. For more information on constructive service, see Notice of Action for Family Cases with Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a)(2), and Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(b). If the other party is in the military service of the United States, additional steps for service may be required. See, for example, Memorandum for Certificate of Military Service, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(a). In sum, the law regarding constructive service and service on an individual in the military service is very complex and you may wish to consult an attorney regarding these issues.

If personal service is used, the other party has 20 days to answer after being served with your supplemental petition. Your case will then generally proceed in one of the following three ways:

DEFAULT ... If after 20 days, no answer has been filed, you may file a Motion for Default, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922(a), with the clerk of court. Then, if you have filed all of the required papers, you may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to set a final hearing. You must notify the other party of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

UNCONTESTED ... If the respondent files an answer that agrees with everything in your supplemental petition or an answer and waiver, and you have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers, you may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to set a final hearing. You must notify the other party of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

CONTESTED ... If the respondent files an answer or an answer and counterpetition, which disagrees with or denies anything in your supplemental petition, and you are unable to settle the disputed issues, you should file a Notice for Trial, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.924, after you have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers. Some circuits may require the completion of mediation before a final hearing may be set. Then you should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for instructions on how to set your case for trial (final hearing). If the respondent files an answer and counterpetition, you should answer the counterpetition within 20 days using an Answer to Counterpetition, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.903(d).

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. The words that are in “bold underline” in these instructions are defined there. For further information, see section 61.13002, Florida Statutes.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

With this form, you must also file the following:

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d).

• Child Support Guidelines Worksheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), if you are seeking modification of the child support obligation. (If you do not know the other party's income, you may file this worksheet after his or her financial affidavit has been served on you.)

• Notice of Social Security Number, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j), if not previously filed.

• Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c), if you are seeking modification of the child support obligation.

• Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form, 12.995(a), (b), or (c). If the parties have reached an agreement, a signed and notarized Parenting Plan should be attached. If you have not reached an agreement, a proposed Parenting Plan may be filed.

• Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.932, if you are seeking modification of the child support obligation. (This must be filed within 45 days of service of the supplemental petition on the respondent, if not filed at the time of the supplemental petition, unless you and the other party have agreed not to exchange these documents.)
Temporary Judgment Form ... These family law forms contain a Supplemental Temporary Judgment Modifying Parenting Issues for Children of a Parent Activated, Deployed or Temporarily Assigned to Military Service Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.993(d)), which the judge may use. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring it with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing or trial.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.910(b),

PROCESS SERVICE MEMORANDUM (03/15)

When should this form be used?

You should use this form to give the sheriff's department (or private process server) instructions for serving the other party in your case with the Summons: Personal Service on an Individual,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.910(a), and other papers to be served. On this form you can tell the sheriff's department the best times to find the person at work and/or at home. You can also include a map to the other person's home or work place to help the sheriff find the person and deliver the summons. Do not forget to attach to the summons a copy of your initial petition and any other papers you want personally served on the other party.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your petition was filed and attach a copy to the Summons: Personal Service on an Individual,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.910(a). You should also keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. You should read the instructions for Summons: Personal Service on an Individual,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.910(a), for additional information.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

If you fear that disclosing your address would put you in danger because you are the victim of sexual battery, aggravated child abuse, stalking, aggravated stalking, harassment, aggravated battery, or domestic violence, you should complete a Request for Confidential Filing of Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(h), file it with the clerk, and write confidential in the space provided on the petition.

Nonlawyer. Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these forms, that person must give you a copy of Disclosure from Nonlawyer,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he or she helps you complete.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.912(a)

MEMORANDUM FOR CERTIFICATE OF MILITARY SERVICE (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used if you KNOW OR DO NOT KNOW whether the other party in your case is on active duty in a branch of the military service of the United States. “Active duty” includes reserve personnel of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, and members of the Florida National Guard who have been called to active duty for more than thirty (30) days. Even if you believe that the other party has never or would never join the military, you must show the court proof that he or she is not a member of the military. Therefore, you may need to use this form to provide the court with such proof. See the instructions for an Affidavit of Military Service, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(b), for additional information.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Certificates:

For information on obtaining certificates of service or non-service under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)(formerly known as Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940), please refer to the following websites: http:// www. defense. gov or www. dfas. mil.

You may also fill out this form and mail one copy to each of the military branches listed below. You may be charged a service fee by each military service branch for their response. Please refer to the websites and/or phone numbers listed below for help in determining the amount of each military branch's fee and to verify its current mailing address.

COAST GUARD: USCG Commander, Personnel Service Center, Attn: PSD–MR, 4200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100, Arlington VA 22203 Phone 1–866–772–8724 NOTE: All requests must be in writing. www. uscg. mil/ hq/ cgpc/ home/ locator/ html.

AIR FORCE: HQ AFPC/DPDXIDL, Attn: World Wide Locator, 550 C Street, West, Suite 50, Randolph AFB, TX 78150–4752, Phone: (210) 565–2660, NOTE: Requests will be taken by phone. www. af. mil

NAVY: Bureau of Naval Personnel, PERS–312E, 5720 Integrity Drive, Millington, TN 38055–3120, Phone: (901) 874–5111 www. npc. navy. mil NOTE: Requests will be taken by phone.

MARINE CORPS: CMC HQ (MMSB17), 2008 Elliot Road, Room 201, Quantico, VA 22134 Phone: (703)784–3941 NOTE: All requests must be in writing.

PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE: Attn: Director, Division of Commissioned Corps Officer Support, http:// dcp. psc. gov/ ad_ search. asp NOTE: Please direct all inquiries to the website.

ARMY: Army World Wide Locator Service, Enlisted Records and Evaluation Center, 8899 East 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46249–5301, Phone: (1–866) 771–6357, fax: (317) 510–3685 NOTE: All requests must be in writing.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. You should complete this form for each branch of the United States' military listed above, and mail the form to each branch with a check for the appropriate amount and a stamped, self-addressed envelope. You should keep a copy of the form for your records. After you have received a verification of military status from each branch, you will need to attach those verifications to an Affidavit of Military Service, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(b), for filing with the clerk.

Special notes ...

Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these forms, that person must give you a copy of Disclosure from Nonlawyer,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he or she helps you complete.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.912(b),

AFFIDAVIT OF MILITARY SERVICE (03/15)

When should this form be used?

An Affidavit of Military Service is required in every case where the Respondent has not filed an answer or appearance. The purpose is to protect the men and women serving in the U.S. military from having a court judgment entered against them without first receiving notice of the lawsuit and a chance to defend the case.

You should use this form when ALL of the following statements are true:

• The other person in your case has been served, whether by personal service or constructive service.

• The other person in your case has not responded to your petition.

• You are requesting that the court enter a default judgment against the other person.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You must file the original of this form with the clerk of the circuit court when you file your Motion for Default, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922(a). You must also attach copies of all verifications of nonmilitary service that you received from each branch of the United States' military service. You should keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.913(a)(1)

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form may be used to obtain constructive service (also called service by publication) in a dissolution of marriage case that does not involve a minor child or financial support if you do not know where your spouse lives or if your spouse lives outside Florida and you are unable to obtain personal service. Constructive notice will allow the court to dissolve the marriage, but personal service is required before a court can order payment of financial support, such as spousal support (alimony) or costs. If you are asking the court to decide how real or personal property located in Florida should be divided, the Notice of Action must include a specific description of the property. If you use constructive service, the court can grant only limited relief because its jurisdiction is limited. This is a complicated area of the law and you should consult an attorney before using constructive service.

You should complete this form by typing or printing the appropriate information in black ink. You should insert your spouse's name and last known address and then file this form with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your petition for dissolution of marriage was filed. You must also complete and file an Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(b). You should keep a copy for your records.

After the Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(b), is filed, the clerk will sign this form. The form must then be given to a qualified local newspaper in the county where the case is pending to be published once each week for four consecutive weeks. When in doubt, ask the clerk which newspapers in your area are “qualified.” The newspaper will charge you for this service. If you cannot afford to pay the cost of publication of this notice in a qualified newspaper, you may ask the clerk to post the notice at a place designated for such postings. You will need to file an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status, which you can obtain from the clerk. If the clerk determines that you cannot afford these costs, the clerk will post the notice of action.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self–Represented Litigants” found at the beginning of these forms. For further information, see rule 12.070, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, and chapter 49, Florida Statutes.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

If the other party fails to respond to your petition within the time limit stated in the notice of action that is published or posted, you are entitled to request a default. (See Motion for Default, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922(a), and Default, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922(b).)

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.913(a)(2)

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR FAMILY CASES WITH MINOR CHILD(REN) (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form may be used to obtain constructive service (also called service by publication) in an action involving a parenting plan for a minor child under chapter 61, Florida Statutes; an action to determine temporary custody by extended family under chapter 751, Florida Statutes; and termination of a legal father's parental rights when another man is alleged to be the biological father. “Parenting plan” means a document created to govern the relationship between the parents relating to decisions that must be made regarding the minor child and must contain a time-sharing schedule for the parents and child. Section 61.046(14), Florida Statutes. You may use constructive service if you do not know where the other party lives or if the other party lives outside Florida and you are unable to obtain personal service. Constructive notice will allow the court to grant the relief requested, but personal service is required before a court can order payment or termination of child support, spousal support (alimony), or costs. If you are asking the court to decide how real or personal property located in Florida should be divided, the Notice of Action must include a specific description of the property. If you use constructive service, the court can grant only limited relief because its jurisdiction is limited. This is a complicated area of the law and you should consult an attorney before using constructive service.

You should complete this form by typing or printing the appropriate information in black ink. You must insert the other party's name and last known address and then file this form with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your petition was filed. You must also complete and file an Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry. Use Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(b) unless you are serving the legal father in a paternity case where another man is alleged to be the biological father, in which case, you must use Form 12.913(c). You should keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

After the Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry, Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(b) or 12.913(c), is filed, the clerk will sign this form. You will need to publish notice once each week for four consecutive weeks in a “qualified” newspaper in the county where the case is pending. When in doubt, ask the clerk which newspapers are “qualified.” The newspaper will charge you for this service. If you cannot afford to pay the cost of publishing this notice, you may ask the clerk to post the notice at a place designated for such postings. You will need to file an Application for Determination of CivilIndigent Status, which you can obtain from the clerk. If the clerk determines that you cannot afford these costs, the clerk will post the notice of action. If your case involves termination of a legal father's parental rights when another man is alleged to be the biological father, you need to publish the notice only in the county where the legal father was last known to have resided. You are responsible for locating a “qualified” newspaper in the county where the other party last resided and paying the cost of publication.

Where can I look for more information?

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

If the other party fails to respond to your petition within the time limit stated in the notice of action that is published or posted, you are entitled to request a default. (See Motion for Default, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922(a), and Default, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922(b).)

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.914

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE (03/15)

When should this form be used?

After a petition or supplemental petition has been properly served (through either personal service or constructive service ), both parties must serve copies of all additional documents or papers they file with the clerk on the other party, or his or her attorney, if he or she has one. Each time you file a document, you must certify that you provided the other party with a copy. Many of the Florida Family Law Forms already have a place above the signature line for this certification. It looks like this:

I certify that a copy of this document was ( ) mailed ( ) faxed and mailed ( ) e-mailed ( ) hand-delivered to the person(s) listed below on {date} _________________________.

Other party or his/her attorney:

Name: _________________________

Address: _________________________

City, State, Zip: _________________________

Fax Number: _________________________

Designated E-mail Address(es): _________________________

_________________________

If a form you are filing has a certificate, you do not need to file a separate Certificate of Service, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.914. However, each time you file a document that does not have a certificate like the one above, you must file a Certificate of Service, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.914, and serve a copy of the document on the other party.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form (giving the name of each form, document, or paper filed), you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your case was filed and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

The copy you are providing to the other party must be either mailed, e-mailed, or hand-delivered to the opposing party or his or her attorney on the same day indicated on the certificate of service. If it is mailed, it must be postmarked on the date indicated in the certificate of service.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. For more information, see rule 1.080, Florida Rules of Civil Procedure and rule 12.080, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.

Special notes

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.915,

DESIGNATION OF CURRENT MAILING AND E–MAIL ADDRESS (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used to inform the clerk and the other party of your current mailing and e-mail address(es) or any change of address. It is very important that the court and the other party in your case have your correct address.

A party not represented by an attorney may choose to designate e-mail address(es) for service. A primary and up to two secondary e-mail addresses can be designated. If you do so and the other party is represented by an attorney or has also designated e-mail address(es) for service, e-mail will be the exclusive means of service.

If there is any change in your mailing or e-mail address(es), you must complete a new form, file it with the clerk, and serve a copy on any other party or parties in your case.

What should I do next?

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your case is filed and keep a copy for your records. A copy of this form must be served on any other party in your case. Service must be in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Where can I look for more information?

Special notes ...

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.921,

NOTICE OF HEARING (CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT HEARING OFFICER)(03/15)

When should this form be used?

A child support enforcement hearing officer is an attorney who has been appointed by administrative order of the court to take testimony and recommend decisions in cases involving the establishment, enforcement, and/or modification of child support. If your case only involves issues pertaining to child support, you cannot object to the referral of your case to a hearing officer.

Use this form anytime you have set a hearing before a child support enforcement hearing officer and have been instructed to send notice of the hearing to the other party. Before you fill out this form, you should coordinate a hearing time and date with the hearing officer and the other party. If the Department of Revenue is a party to the case, you may need to schedule your hearing time with the attorney for the Department of Revenue.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

A copy of this form must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand-delivered to the other party in your case.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915; and Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. For further information, See Rule 12.941, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.

Special notes ...

An attorney who has been appointed by the court to serve as a child support enforcement hearing officer can also be appointed to serve as a general magistrate. If your case involves only child support issues, your case may properly be referred to a general magistrate acting as a child support enforcement hearing officer.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORMS 12.922(a), MOTION FOR DEFAULT, AND 12.922(b), DEFAULT (03/15)

When should these forms be used?

If the other party has failed to file or serve any documents within 20 days after the date of service of your petition, you may ask the clerk of the circuit court to enter a default against him or her by filling out this form and filing it with the court. Generally, a default allows you to obtain an earlier final hearing to finish your case. Once the default is signed by the clerk, you can request a trial or final hearing in your case.

To obtain a default, you will need to complete Motion for Default, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922(a). You will then need to file your motion for default along with the Default, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922(b), so that the clerk can enter a default for you if your motion is proper.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where you filed your petition and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

After the default has been entered, you must ask for a hearing, so that the judge can consider your petition. To do this, you must contact the clerk's office, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to schedule a hearing and file a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, with the clerk. A copy of the notice of hearing must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand-delivered to each party in the case. You must send a notice of final hearing to the defaulted party.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. For further information, see Florida Rules of Civil Procedure 1.500, concerning defaults and Rule 1.140, concerning the time within which a party can file an answer or other responsive pleading to a petition. See also Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.080.

Special notes ...

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.922(c),

MOTION TO SET ASIDE DEFAULT OR DEFAULT JUDGMENT (03/15)

When should this form be used?

If a default or default judgment has been entered against you, and you believe, because of a mistake, inadvertence, excusable neglect, newly discovered evidence, or fraud, that it should not have been entered against you, you can use this form to request that the court set aside the default or default judgment.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

After you file this form with the clerk and serve a copy on the other party in the case, you must schedule a hearing so that the court can consider your motion. You should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to schedule a hearing. Once you have scheduled the hearing date and time, you will need to complete and send out a notice for that hearing. To do so, use Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. For further information, see Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.540, and Florida Rules of Civil Procedure 1.500(d) and 1.540(d).

Special notes ...

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.923,

NOTICE OF HEARING (GENERAL) (03/15)

When should this form be used?

Anytime you have set a hearing before a judge, you must send notice of the hearing to the other party.

IMPORTANT: If your hearing has been set before a general magistrate, you should use Notice of Hearing Before General Magistrate,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(c). If your hearing has been set before a child support enforcement hearing officer, you should use Notice of Hearing (Child Support Hearing Officer), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.921.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

A copy of this form must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand delivered to the other party in your case. If a default has been entered, you must still send this form to the other party to notify the other party of the final hearing.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. For further information on serving notices of hearing, see rule 1.090(d), Florida Civil Rules of Procedure.

Special notes ...

To set a hearing date and time, you will usually have to make a good-faith effort to coordinate a mutually convenient date and time for you, the other parties in the case, and the judge, except in certain emergency situations. Some circuits may have additional procedural requirements that you must follow when you notify the court and other parties of your scheduled hearing. Therefore, before you complete this form, you should contact the clerk's office, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for information regarding the proper procedure to follow.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.924

NOTICE FOR TRIAL (03/15)

When should this form be used?

Generally, the court will have trials (or final hearings ) in contested cases. This form is to be used to notify the court that your case is ready to be set for trial. Before setting your case for trial, certain requirements such as completing mandatory disclosure and filing certain papers and having them served on the other party must be met. These requirements vary depending on the type of case and the procedures in your particular circuit. In some circuits you must complete mediation or a parenting course before you can set a final hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form. Other circuits may require that you set the trial using an Order Setting Trial. Contact the clerk of the circuit court, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to determine how the judge assigned to your case sets trials. For further information, you should refer to the instructions for the type of form you are filing.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your case is filed and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

A copy of this form must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand-delivered to the other party in your case.

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. For further information, see rule 12.440, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

These family law forms contain orders and final judgments, which the judge may use. You should ask the clerk of court, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant if you need to bring one of these forms with you to the hearing or trial. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing or trial.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.927,

NOTICE OF VOLUNTARY DISMISSAL (03/15)

When should this form be used?

If you are the petitioner in a case and you wish to discontinue (dismiss) the case, you may use this form to request that the court dismiss your petition. If you are the respondent in a case and you have filed a counterpetition, you may use this form to request that the court dismiss your counterpetition.

WARNING: If your case involves both a petition and a counterpetition, a notice of voluntary dismissal filed by one party will NOT dismiss the other party's petition or counterpetition. The other party also must file a notice of voluntary dismissal for the entire case to stop completely.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

A copy of this form must be mailed, e-mailed or hand-delivered to each party in the case.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. For further information, see 12.420, Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.420.

Special notes ...

Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these forms, that person must give you a copy of Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he or she helps you complete.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORMS 12.931(a), NOTICE OF PRODUCTION FROM NONPARTY AND 12.931(b), SUBPOENA FOR PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS FROM NONPARTY (03/15)

When should these forms be used?

These forms should be used if you need copies of documents (for a purpose relating to your case) from a nonparty in your case. Both forms should be typed or printed in black ink.

Notice of Production from Nonparty, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.931(a), is used to notify the other party in your case that in 10 days you are going to subpoena documents from a nonparty. Subpoena for Production of Documents from Nonparty, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.931(b), is the actual subpoena directing the nonparty to produce specific documents. You must file the originals of these forms with the clerk of the circuit court. A copy of these forms must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand delivered to any other party in your case.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

What should I do next?

Ten days after you serve the Notice of Production from Nonparty, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.931(a), on the other party in your case (15 days if service is by mail or e-mail), you should ask the clerk of the court to sign the subpoena. You should contact the deputy sheriff or private process server and have the subpoena personally served on the person named in the subpoena.

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. Because these papers must also comply with rule 12.280, Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure, and rules 1.280, 1.350, 1.351, and 1.410, Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, you also should read those rules.

Special Notes

If the other party in your case objects in writing within 10 days (allow an additional 5 days if served by mail or e-mail) of service of the Notice of Production from Nonparty, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.931(a), you may not use this procedure to obtain documents from the nonparty unless and until the court orders otherwise.

The nonparty receiving the subpoena may charge you a reasonable fee for copies of the documents.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.940(d),

MOTION TO MODIFY OR DISSOLVE TEMPORARY INJUNCTION (03/15)

When should this form be used?

If a temporary injunction, either ex parte or after a hearing, has been entered against you, you may use this form to ask the court to modify or dissolve that injunction. This motion should not be used to dissolve a Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the injunction was entered and keep a copy for your records. You should ask the clerk to process your motion through their emergency procedures. A hearing will be held within 5 working days. You should ask for the date and time of your hearing and should file Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923 or other appropriate notice of hearing form, and send a copy to the other party.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

A copy of this form must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand delivered to the other party, along with a notice of hearing.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self–Represented Litigants” found at the beginning of these forms. For further information, see chapter 61, Florida Statutes, and rule 1.610, Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.

Special notes ...

If parental responsibility or time-sharing of a minor child(ren) is at issue, you must also file the following, if you have not already done so:

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d).

Order ... These family law forms contain an Order Dissolving Temporary Injunction, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.940(e), which the judge may use. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring a blank order form with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing or trial.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.941(a),

VERIFIED MOTION FOR TEMPORARY INJUNCTION TO PREVENT REMOVAL OF MINOR CHILD(REN) AND/OR DENIAL OF PASSPORT SERVICES (03/15)

When should this form be used?

You should use this form if you want the court to enter an order that your minor child(ren) is (are) not to be removed from the State of Florida while a case involving parenting or time-sharing is pending, that passport services for the minor child(ren) be prohibited, and/or that existing passports be turned over to you.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. If you want the court to enter an ex parte order, without giving the other side advance notice of the hearing, you should explain your reasons in paragraph 5 of this form. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your case is pending and keep a copy for your records. You should also ask the clerk to process your motion though their emergency procedures.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

If the court enters an order without advance notice to the other party, you should take a certified copy of the order to the sheriff's office for further assistance. You must have this form and the court's order, served by personal service on the other party. You should read the court's order carefully. Look for directions in the order that apply to you and note the time and place of the hearing scheduled in the order. You should go to the hearing with whatever evidence you have regarding your motion.

If the court will not enter an order without advance notice to the other side, you should check with the clerk of court, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for information on the local procedure for scheduling a hearing on your motion, unless the court sets a hearing in its order denying your request for an ex parte hearing. When you know the date and time of your hearing, you should file Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923 or other appropriate notice of hearing form, and use personal service to notify the other party of your motion, the court's order, if any, and the hearing.

Where can I look for more information?

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

If you have an attorney, your attorney must certify in writing the efforts that have been made to give the other party notice, if no notice is given. The court may require you to post a bond as a condition of the injunction.

With this form you must also file the following, if you have not already done so, and provide a copy to the other party:

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d).
Temporary Injunctions ... These family law forms contain a Temporary Injunction to Prevent Removal of Minor Child(ren) and/or Denial of Passport Services (Ex Parte), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.941(b), which the judge may use if he or she enters an order without a hearing, and a Temporary Injunction to Prevent Removal of Minor Child(ren) and/or Denial of Passport Services (After Notice), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.941(c), which the judge may use if he or she enters an order after a hearing. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring a blank order form with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.941(d)

EMERGENCY VERIFIED MOTION FOR CHILD PICK–UP ORDER (03/15)

When should this form be used?

You may use this form to request that the court enter an order directing the sheriff or other law enforcement officer to take a minor child(ren) from the person who currently has physical possession of the child(ren) and deliver the child(ren) to your physical custody or possession. This form should only be used in an emergency by a person who has a pre-existing legal right to physical possession of a minor child. This means that you already have a court order awarding you legal custody of or time-sharing with the child(ren) OR you are the birth mother of one or more children born out of wedlock and no court order has addressed any other person's parental rights. Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. This form presumes that you want the court to enter an ex parte order without giving the other side advance notice of the hearing. You should explain your reasons for why such an ex parte order should be entered in paragraph 7 of this form. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file the original, along with all of the other forms required, with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the child(ren) is (are) physically located and keep a copy for your records. You should also ask the clerk to process your motion though their emergency procedures.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

If the court enters an order without advance notice to the other party, you should take a certified copy of the order to the sheriff's office for further assistance. You must have this form and the court's order served by personal service on the other party. You should read the court's order carefully. The order may require the sheriff to place the child(ren) somewhere other than in your physical possession. Look for directions in the order that apply to you and note the time and place of the hearing scheduled in the order. You should go to the hearing with whatever evidence you have regarding your motion.

If the court will not enter an order without advance notice to the other side, you should check with the clerk of court, judicial assistant, or family law intake staff for information on the local procedure for scheduling a hearing on your motion, unless the court sets a hearing in its order denying your request for an ex parte hearing. When you know the date and time of your hearing, you should file Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, and use personal service to notify the other party of your motion, the court's order, if any, and the hearing.

Special notes ...

With this form you must also file the following:

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d).

• A certified copy of the court order showing that you have legal custody of or time-sharing with the child(ren), if any.

• A certified copy of the child(ren)'s birth certificate(s), if you are the birth mother of a child born out of wedlock and no court order addressing paternity exists.

• A certified copy of any judgment establishing paternity, time-sharing with or custody of the minor child(ren).
Order ... These family law forms contain an Order to Pick–Up Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.941(e), which the judge may use. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring a blank order form with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.942(a)

MOTION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN AD LITEM (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form may be used by either party in a family law case involving parenting, time-sharing, or paternity of a minor child(ren) to request that the judge appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the best interests of the minor child(ren). You should use this form if you feel that your child(ren) needs someone other than you to ensure that both the judicial system and the other party (ies) act(s) in the best interests of the child(ren). A guardian ad litem may be a volunteer who has been trained and certified by the State of Florida Guardian ad Litem Program or an attorney who is a member in good standing with The Florida Bar.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

A copy of this form must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand delivered to the other party in your case.

It is possible that there will be a hearing on your motion. The judge may want to hear the reasons you feel an appointment of a guardian ad litem is necessary, or, the other party may object to your motion. If a hearing is required, check with the clerk of court, family law court staff, or judicial assistant for information on the local procedure for scheduling a hearing. When you know the date and time of your hearing, you should file Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form, and provide a copy to the other party.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self–Represented Litigants” found at the beginning of these forms. You may also want to contact the Guardian ad Litem Program office in your area or see sections 61.401–405, Florida Statutes.

Special notes ...

Order ... These family law forms contain an Order Appointing a Guardian ad Litem, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.942(b), which the judge may use. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring a blank order form with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing or trial.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.943,

MOTION TO DEVIATE FROM CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES (03/15)

When should this form be used?

Child support in Florida is determined by the child support guidelines found in section 61.30, Florida Statutes. The court, at its discretion, may raise or lower the child support guidelines amount by up to 5%. In addition, the court may raise or lower the guidelines support amount by more than 5%, if written reasons are given for the adjustment. The court may make these additional adjustments based on certain considerations, which are reflected in this form. You should review this form to determine if any of the reasons for adjusting the child support guidelines amount apply to your situation and you should complete this form only if you want the court to order more child support or less child support than the amount required by the child support guidelines.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

A copy of this form must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand delivered to the other party in your case.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. For further information, see section 61.30, Florida Statutes.

Special notes ...

More information on the child support guidelines as well as a chart for converting income and expenses to monthly amounts if paid or incurred on other than a monthly basis is contained in the instructions to Florida Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c), and the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e).

With this form you must also file the following, if not already filed:

• Florida Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c).

• Child Support Guidelines Worksheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e). (If you do not know the other party's income, you should file this worksheet as soon as you receive a copy of his or her financial affidavit. )
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these forms, that person must give you a copy of Disclosure from Nonlawyer,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he or she helps you complete.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.944(a),

MOTION FOR TESTIMONY AND ATTENDANCE OF MINOR CHILD(REN) (03/15)

When should this form be used?

Rule 12.407, Florida Family Law Rules, provides that minor children may not be deposed (have their deposition taken), brought to court to appear as a witness or to attend a hearing, or subpoenaed to appear at a hearing without prior order of the court. This rule applies in all cases except when there is an emergency or the case is an uncontested adoption. You should use this form to request that the court enter an order authorizing a minor child(ren) to appear at a court proceeding.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

A copy of this form must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand delivered to any other party(ies) in your case, including the guardian ad litem, if one has been appointed.

It is possible that there will be a hearing on your motion. The judge may want to hear the reasons you feel this motion should be granted, or the other party may object to your motion. If a hearing is required, check with the clerk of court, judicial assistant, or family law intake staff for information on the local procedure for scheduling a hearing. When you know the date and time of your hearing, you should file Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form, and provide a copy to any other party.

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. For further information, see rule 12.407, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.947(a),

MOTION FOR TEMPORARY SUPPORT, TIME–SHARING, AND OTHER RELIEF WITH DEPENDENT OR MINOR CHILD(REN) (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form may be used by:

(1) The respondent or the petitioner in a pending dissolution of marriage action. For you to use this form, a petition for dissolution of marriage must have already been filed. You should use this form to ask the court to award any of the following: temporary use of assets; temporary exclusive use of the marital home; temporary responsibility for liabilities/debts; temporary spousal support ( alimony ); temporary time-sharing schedule with minor child(ren); temporary child support; and other relief.

(2) The petitioner in a pending action for support unconnected with dissolution. For you to use this form, a petition for support unconnected with dissolution of marriage must have already been filed. You should use this form to ask the court to award temporary spousal support (alimony) and/or temporary child support.
This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the petition for dissolution of marriage was filed and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

A copy of this form, along with all of the other forms required with this motion, must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand delivered to the other party in your case. When you have filed all of the required forms, you are ready to set a hearing on your motion. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for information on the local procedure for scheduling a hearing. When you know the date and time of your hearing, you should notify the other party using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. Words in bold underline in these instructions are defined there. For further information, see chapter 61, Florida Statutes, rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, and rule 1.610, Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.

Special notes ...

If you use paragraph 1.c. of this form to ask the court to enter a temporary injunction, the court may require you to post a bond.

With this form you must also file the following, if not already filed:

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d), if this case involves a minor or dependent child(ren).

• Notice of Social Security Number, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j).

• Child Support Guidelines Worksheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), if you are asking that temporary child support be ordered. (If you do not know the other party's income, you may file this worksheet as soon as a copy of his or her financial affidavit has been served on you.)
The parties seeking relief shall serve a financial affidavit (Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c)) and certificate of compliance (Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.932) with the notice of hearing on the motion for temporary support and time-sharing.

Parenting Plan ... If you have reached an agreement on either a temporary Parenting Plan or time-sharing schedule, either one of the following proposed temporary Parenting Plans or a time-sharing schedule, signed by both parties, should be filed. Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(a), Safety–Focused Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(b), or Relocation/Long Distance, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(c). If you have not reached an agreement, a proposed Parenting Plan or temporary time-sharing schedule may be filed for consideration by the Court.

Temporary Order ... These family law forms contain a Temporary Order for Support, Time–Sharing, and Other Relief with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.947(b), which the judge may use. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring it with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.947(c)

MOTION FOR TEMPORARY SUPPORT AND OTHER RELIEF WITH NO DEPENDENT OR MINOR CHILD(REN)(03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form may be used by:

(1) the respondent or the petitioner in a pending dissolution of marriage action. For you to use this form, a petition for dissolution of marriage must have already been filed. You should use this form to ask the court to award any of the following: temporary use of assets; temporary exclusive use of the marital home; temporary responsibility for liabilities/debts; temporary spousal support ( alimony ); and other relief.

(2) the petitioner in a pending action for support unconnected with a dissolution. For you to use this form, a petition for support unconnected with a dissolution of marriage must have already been filed. You should use this form to ask the court to award temporary spousal support (alimony).
This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the petition for dissolution of marriage was filed and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

A copy of this form, along with all of the other forms required with this motion, must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand delivered to the other party in your case. When you have filed all of the required forms, you are ready to set a hearing on your motion. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for information on the local procedure for scheduling a hearing. When you know the date and time of your hearing, you should notify the other party using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Where can I look for more information?

Special notes ...

If you use paragraph 1.c. of this form to ask the court to enter a temporary injunction, the court may require you to post a bond.

With this form you must also file the following, if not already filed:

• Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c). (This must be filed within 45 days if not filed at the time of the petition.)

• Notice of Social Security Number, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j).

• Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.932.
Temporary Order ... These family law forms contain an Order for Temporary Support and Other Relief with No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.947(d), which the judge may use. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring it with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.950(a)

AGREEMENT FOR RELOCATION WITH MINOR CHILD(REN) (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when the parents and every other person entitled to access to, visitation, or time-sharing with the minor child(ren) are in agreement and are asking the court to permit the relocation of the child(ren)'s principal residence. “Other Person” means an individual who is not the parent, but with whom the child resides pursuant to court order, or who has the right of access to, time-sharing with, or visitation with the child(ren). This form can be used at any time after either a petition or supplemental petition to relocate has been filed and the parties reach an agreement; OR can be used when the parties are in agreement and there is an existing cause of action, judgment, or decree of record pertaining to the child(ren)'s residence or time-sharing schedule. Either an agreement for relocation or a petition to relocate is required when:

1. You plan to relocate the child(ren)'s residence more than 50 miles from the child(ren)'s principal residence at the time of the last order which established or modified either a Parenting Plan or time-sharing schedule or at the time of filing of the pending action.

2. The court has not already entered an order granting permission to relocate.

3. The relocation will be for a period of 60 consecutive days or more, not including any absence for purposes of vacation, education, or health care for the child(ren).

4. Your order or final judgment defining custody, primary residence, the Parenting Plan, or time-sharing was entered before October 1, 2009 and the order does not expressly govern the relocation of the child(ren); or was entered on or after October 1, 2009, or your case was pending on October 1, 2009.

5. If the visitation or time-sharing schedule will change due to the relocation, a Parenting Plan with a time-sharing schedule must be included with the Agreement. Regardless of whether there is an agreement, the court reserves jurisdiction to modify issues relating to the minor child(ren).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

For your case to proceed, you must properly notify the court by filing the original of the Agreement and a Motion for Order Permitting Relocation by Agreement, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form, 12.950(b), with the clerk of the circuit court of one of the following: the circuit court which has jurisdiction in accordance with the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act; the circuit court in the county in which either parent and the child(ren) reside; or the circuit court in which the original action was adjudicated. If the order was entered in another state, or if the child(ren) live(s) in another state, you should speak with an attorney about where to file this form. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court and keep a copy for your records.

If the issue of the child(ren)'s physical residence is already before the court in an ongoing proceeding or through a judgment issued by the court, the court may enter an order adopting the Agreement without holding a hearing once both parties have signed it and neither has requested a hearing. When a hearing is not timely requested, the court shall presume that relocation is in the best interest of the child(ren) and may adopt the Agreement without holding a hearing.

If one or more of the parties to the Agreement timely requests a hearing in writing within 10 days after the date the Agreement is filed with the court, then you must notify the other party(ies) of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form. The court will then enter an order after the hearing.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Where can I look for more information?

If your case involves a modification of any provision relating to child support, you should also check with the clerk of the circuit court in the county in which you are filing this Agreement for Relocation to determine if any other forms must be filed.

If the parties agree to a modification of child support, the following forms should be filed with this Agreement:

• A Child Support Guidelines Worksheet, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e),

• A completed Family Law Financial Affidavit, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c).

• A completed Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d).

Special notes ...

The Agreement for Relocation with Minor Children must contain a Parenting Plan with a time-sharing schedule. At a minimum, the Parenting Plan must describe in adequate detail:

• How the parties will share and be responsible for the daily tasks associated with the upbringing of the child(ren),

• The time-sharing schedule that specifies the time that the minor child(ren) will spend with each parent and every other person entitled to access or time-sharing,

• A designation of who will be responsible for any and all forms of health care, school-related matters, including the address to be used for school-boundary determination and registration, and any other activities,

• The methods and technologies that the parents will use to communicate with the child(ren), and

• Any transportation arrangements related to access or time-sharing.

The best interests of the child(ren) is the primary consideration in the Parenting Plan. In creating the Parenting Plan, all circumstances between the parties, including the parties' historic relationship, domestic violence, and other factors must be taken into consideration. Determination of the best interests of the child(ren) shall be made by evaluating all of the factors affecting the welfare and interest of the particular minor child(ren) and the circumstances of the family as listed in s. 61.13(3), Florida Statutes.

This standard form does not include every possible issue that may be relevant to the facts of your case. The Parenting Plan should be as detailed as possible to address the time-sharing schedule. Additional provisions should be added to address all of the relevant factors. The parties should give special consideration to the age and needs of each child.

The Parenting Plan and time-sharing schedule may be set forth in the body of the Agreement for Relocation with Minor Children or may be attached as a separate document. You may attach a Relocation/Long–Distance Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(c), or similar form.

In developing the Parenting Plan, you may wish to consult or review other materials which are available at your local library, law library or through national and state family organizations.

Nonlawyer ... Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these forms, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he or she helps you complete.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.950(b)

MOTION FOR ORDER PERMITTING RELOCATION BY AGREEMENT (03/15)

When should this form be used?

• One of the parents or a person entitled to access to or time-sharing with the children wishes to relocate the child(ren) to a residence more than 50 miles from the child(ren)'s principal place of residence at the time of the last order establishing or modifying time-sharing or at time of filing of the pending action.

• There is an existing cause of action, judgment, or decree of record pertaining to the child(ren)'s residence or time sharing schedule.

• The parents and every other person entitled to access to or time-sharing with the children have signed a written agreement, Agreement for Relocation with Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form, 12.950(a), or similar form which:

1. Reflects the consent to the relocation;

2. Defines an access or time-sharing schedule for the non-relocating parent and any other persons who are entitled to access or time-sharing; and

3. Describes, if necessary, any transportation arrangements related to access or time-sharing.

• Your order regarding custody, primary residence, the parenting plan, time-sharing, or access to or with the child(ren) was entered before October 1, 2009 and the order does not expressly govern the relocation of the child(ren); was entered on or after October 1, 2009; or your case was pending on October 1, 2009.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. You must fill in all sections of the form. If you are an “other person” entitled to access, visitation, or time-sharing with the child(ren), substitute your name for Mother or Father in the form. After completing the form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file the form in the county where the original order or judgment was entered. If the order or judgment was entered in another state, or if the child(ren) live(s) in another state, you should speak with an attorney about where to file this form.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

What should I do next?

After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court where there is an existing cause of action, judgment, or decree of record pertaining to the child(ren)'s residence or time-sharing schedule and keep a copy for your records. The original Agreement for Relocation with Minor Child(ren) should be attached to Motion or filed with the clerk of the circuit court at the same time.

If both parties agree, the court may ratify the Agreement without the necessity of an evidentiary hearing. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for the proper way to submit the Motion and a proposed Final Judgment/Supplemental Final Judgment Granting Relocation, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.950(i), to the judge. If one or more of the parties to the Agreement timely requests a hearing in writing within 10 days after the date the Agreement is filed with the court, then you must notify the other party(ies) of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form. The court will then enter an order after hearing. If a hearing is not timely requested, the court shall presume that relocation is in the best interest of the child(ren) and may ratify the Agreement without an evidentiary hearing.

Where can I look for more information?

If your case involved a modification of any provision relating to child support, you should also check with the clerk of the circuit court in the county in which you are filing the Motion for Order Permitting Relocation with Minor Child(ren) and Agreement for Relocation with Minor Child(ren) to determine if any other forms must be filed.

Nonlawyer ... Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these forms, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Former 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he or she helps you complete.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.950(c),

PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE WITH DEPENDENT OR MINOR CHILD(REN) AND RELOCATION (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when a husband or wife is filing for dissolution of marriage, there are dependent or minor children and pursuant to Section 61.13001, Florida Statutes:

1. You plan to relocate your residence more than 50 miles from the principal place of residence you have at the time of filing this petition; and

2. The change of location is for at least 60 consecutive days, not including a temporary absence from your principal place of residence for purposes of vacation, education or the provision of health care for the minor child(ren).

You and/or your spouse must have lived in Florida for at least 6 months before filing for dissolution of marriage in Florida.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where you live and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

What should I do next?

For your case to proceed, you must properly notify your spouse and every other person entitled to access or time-sharing with the child(ren) of the petition. “Other Person” means an individual who is not the parent but with whom the child resides pursuant to court order, or who has the right of access to, time-sharing with, or visitation with the child(ren). If you know where he or she lives, you should use personal service. If you absolutely do not know where he or she lives, you may use constructive service. You may also be able to use constructive service if your spouse or the other person resides in another state or country. However, if constructive service is used, other than granting a divorce, the court may only grant limited relief. For more information on constructive service, see Notice of Action for Dissolution of Marriage, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a), and Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(b). If your spouse is in the military service of the United States, additional steps for service may be required. See, for example, Memorandum for Certificate of Military Service, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(a). In sum, the law regarding constructive service and service on an individual in the military service is very complex and you may wish to consult an attorney regarding these issues.

If personal service is used, the respondent has 20 days to answer after being served with your petition. Your case will then generally proceed in one of the following three ways:

CONTESTED. If your spouse files an answer or an answer and counterpetition, which disagrees with or denies anything in your petition, and you are unable to settle the disputed issues, you should file a Notice for Trial, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.924, after you have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers. Some circuits may require the completion of mediation before a final hearing may be set. You should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for instructions on how to set your case for trial (final hearing). If your spouse files an answer and counterpetition, you should answer the counterpetition within 20 days using an Answer to Counterpetition, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.903(d).

Where can I look for more information?

Special notes ...

With this form, you must also file the following:

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d).

• Notice of Social Security Number, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j).

• Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(a), Safety–Focused Parenting Plan, Form 12.995(b), or Relocation/Long–Distance Parenting Plan, Form 12.995(c). If the parents have reached an agreement, a signed and notarized Parenting Plan should be attached. If the parents have not reached an agreement, a proposed Parenting Plan may be filed.

Updating Information. A parent or other person seeking to relocate has a continuing duty to provide current and updated information required by the relocation statute when that information becomes known.

Parenting Plan and Time–Sharing. If you and your spouse are unable to agree on parenting arrangements and a time-sharing schedule, a judge will decide for you as part of establishing a Parenting Plan. The judge will decide the parenting arrangements and time-sharing based on the child(ren)'s best interests. Regardless of whether there is an agreement, the court reserves jurisdiction to modify issues relating to the minor child(ren).

• Shared Parental Responsibility

• Sole Parental Responsibility

• Supervised Time–Sharing

• No contact

• Parenting Plan

• Parenting Plan Recommendation

• Time–Sharing Schedule
Child Support. The court may order one parent to pay child support to assist the other parent in meeting the child(ren)'s material needs. Both parents are required to provide financial support, but one parent may be ordered to pay a portion of his or her support for the child(ren) to the other parent. Florida has adopted guidelines for determining the amount of child support to be paid. These guidelines are based on the combined income of both parents and take into account the financial contributions of both parents. You must file a Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c), and your spouse will be required to do the same. From your financial affidavits, you should be able to calculate the amount of child support that should be paid using the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e). Because the child support guidelines take several factors into consideration, change over time, and vary from state to state, your child support obligation may be more or less than that of other people in seemingly similar situations.

Alimony. Alimony may be awarded to a spouse if the judge finds that he or she needs it and that the other spouse has the ability to pay it. If you want alimony, you must request it in writing in the original petition or counterpetition. If you do not request alimony in writing before the final hearing, it is waived (you may not request it later). You may request either permanent alimony, bridge-the-gap alimony, durational alimony, lump sum alimony, or rehabilitative alimony.

Marital/Nonmarital Assets and Liabilities. Florida law requires an equitable distribution of marital assets and maritalliabilities. “Equitable” does not necessarily mean “equal.” Many factors, including child support, time-sharing, and alimony awards, may lead the court to make an unequal (but still equitable) distribution of assets and liabilities. Nonmarital assets and nonmarital liabilities are those assets and liabilities which the parties agree or the court determines belong to, or are the responsibility of, only one of the parties. If the parties agree or the court finds an asset or liability to be nonmarital, the judge will not consider it when distributing marital assets and liabilities.

Temporary Relief. If you need temporary relief regarding temporary use of assets, temporary responsibility for liabilities, parental responsibility, relocation and time-sharing with child(ren), temporary child support, or temporary alimony, you may file a Motion for Temporary Support and Time–Sharing with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.947(a) and a Motion for Temporary Relocation, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law From 12.950(e). For more information, see the instructions for those forms.

Marital Settlement Agreement. If you and your spouse are able to reach an agreement on any or all of the issues, you should file a Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(f)(1). Both of you must sign this agreement before a notary public or deputy clerk. Any issues on which you are unable to agree will be considered contested and settled by the judge at the final hearing.

Parenting Plan. In all cases involving minor or dependent child(ren), a Parenting Plan shall be approved or established by the court. As you are seeking to relocate, the Parenting Plan must include a post-relocation schedule for access and time-sharing together with the necessary transportation arrangements. If you and your spouse have reached an agreement, you should file a Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(a), a Safety–Focused Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(b), or a Relocation/Long–Distance Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(c), which addresses the time-sharing schedule for the child(ren). If you have not reached an agreement, a proposed Parenting Plan may be filed. If the parties are unable to agree, a Parenting Plan will be established by the court.

Final Judgment Form. These family law forms contain a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.990(c)(1), which the judge may use if your case is contested. If you and your spouse reach an agreement on all of the issues, the judge may use a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren) (Uncontested), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.990(b)(1). You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring a final judgment with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing or trial.

Nonlawyer. Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these forms, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he or she helps you complete.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.950(d)

SUPPLEMENTAL PETITION TO PERMIT RELOCATION WITH MINOR CHILD(REN) (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when you are asking the court to permit the relocation of the principal residence of the petitioner if:

1. You plan to relocate your residence more than 50 miles from your principal residence at the time of entry of the last order which established or modified primary residence, custody, visitation, or time-sharing;

2. The court has not entered an order granting permission to relocate.

3. The relocation will be for a period of 60 consecutive days or more, not including any absence for purposes of vacation, education, or health care for the child(ren).

4. Your order regarding custody, primary residence, visitation, time-sharing or parenting plan was entered before October 1, 2009 and the order does not expressly govern the relocation of the child(ren); was entered on or after October 1, 2006; or your case was pending on October 1, 2009.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. You must fill in all sections of the form. After completing the form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file this form in the county where the original order was entered. If the order was entered in another state, or if the child(ren) live(s) in another state, you should speak with an attorney about where to file this form. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

What should I do next?

For your case to proceed, you must properly notify the other parent and every other person entitled to, access, time-sharing, or visitation with the child(ren) in your case of the supplemental petition. “Other Person” means an individual who is not the parent but with whom the child resides pursuant to court order, or who has the right of access to, time-sharing with, or visitation with the child(ren). If you know where he or she lives, you should use personal service. If you absolutely do not know where he or she lives, you may use constructive service. You may also be able to use constructive service if the other party resides in another state or country. However, if constructive service is used, the court may only grant limited relief. For more information on constructive service, see Notice of Action For, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a)(2), and Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(b). If the other party is in the military service of the United States, additional steps for service may be required. See, for example, Memorandum for Certificate of Military Service, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(a). The law regarding constructive service and service on an individual in the military service is very complex. If you have any questions about service, you may wish to consult an attorney regarding these issues.

If personal service is used, the other party has 20 days to answer after being served with your supplemental petition. Your case will then generally proceed in one of the following three ways:

DEFAULT ... If after 20 days, no answer has been filed, you may file a Motion for Default, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922(a), with the clerk of court. Then, if you have filed all of the required papers, you may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to set a final hearing. You must notify the other party of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

UNCONTESTED ... If the respondent files either an answer that agrees with everything in your supplemental petition or an answer and waiver, and you have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers, you may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to set a final hearing. You must notify the other party of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

CONTESTED ... If the respondent files either an answer or an answer and counterpetition, which disagrees with or denies anything in your supplemental petition, and you are unable to settle the disputed issues, you should file a Notice for Trial, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.924, after you have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers. Some circuits may require the completion of mediation before a final hearing may be set. Then you should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for instructions on how to set your case for trial (final hearing). If the respondent files an answer and counterpetition, you should answer the counterpetition within 20 days using an Answer to Counterpetition, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.903(d).

Where can I look for more information?

Special notes ...

If there is a domestic violence case and you want to keep your address confidential for safety reasons, do not enter the address, telephone number, and fax information at the bottom of this form. Instead, file a Request for Confidential Filing of Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(h).

With this form, you must also file the following:

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d).

• Agreement for Relocation, if you have reached an agreement on any or all of the issues attach the proposed Agreement For Relocation with Minor Child(ren). Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law 12.950(a). Both parties must sign this agreement before a notary public. Any issues on which you are unable to agree will be considered contested and settled by the judge at the final hearing.

• Notice of Social Security Number, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j), if not previously filed.

• Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c).

• Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.932. (This must be filed within 45 days of service of the supplemental petition on the respondent, if not filed at the time of the supplemental petition, unless you and the other party have agreed not to exchange these documents.)

Parenting and Time–Sharing ... If you and the other parent and every other person entitled to access to or time-sharing with the child(ren) are unable to agree on the parenting arrangements and a time-sharing schedule, a judge will decide for you as part of establishing a Parenting Plan. The judge will decide the parenting arrangements and a time-sharing schedule based upon the child(ren)'s best interests. Regardless of whether there is an agreement, the court reserves jurisdiction to modify issues relating to the minor child(ren).

Failure to obtain an Order prior to relocation renders the supplemental petition to relocate legally insufficient.

If one has not already been completed, the court may require the completion of a parenting course before a final hearing is set. You should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant about requirements for parenting courses or mediation where you live.

Child Support ... The court may order one parent to pay child support to assist the other parent in meeting the child(ren)'s material needs. Both parents are required to provide financial support, but one parent may be ordered to pay a portion of his or her support for the child(ren) to the other parent. Florida has adopted guidelines for determining the amount of child support to be paid. These guidelines are based on the combined income of both parents and take into account the financial contributions of both parents. You must file a Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c), and the other parent will be required to do the same. From your financial affidavits, you should be able to calculate the amount of child support that should be paid using the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e). Because the child support guidelines take several factors into consideration, change over time, and vary from state to state, your child support obligation may be more or less than that of other people in seemingly similar situations.

Temporary Relief ... If you need temporary relief regarding relocation of the minor child(ren), complete paragraph eleven contained in the Supplemental Petition To Permit Relocation of Minor Child(ren).

Final Judgment Form ... These family law forms contain a Final Judgment/Supplemental Final Judgment Permitting Relocation, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.950(i), which the judge may use. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring it with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing or trial.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.950(e)

MOTION FOR TEMPORARY ORDER GRANTING RELOCATION (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when you have filed a Petition or Supplemental Petition to permit relocation of a child or children, or you are seeking relocation in a pending action. You should use this form to ask the court to permit a temporary relocation of the child(ren)'s principal residence, temporary modification of visitation or time-sharing, temporary modification of child support, and other relief before the court has had an opportunity to make a permanent decision on the question of relocation.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. You must fill in all sections of the form. After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the Petition or Supplemental Petition for Modification to Permit Relocation with Minor Child(ren) was filed and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

A copy of this form, along with all of the other forms required with this motion, must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand-delivered to the other party in your case. When you have filed all of the required forms, you are ready to set a hearing on your motion. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for information on the local procedure for scheduling a hearing. When you know the date and time of your hearing, you should notify the other party using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self–Represented Litigants” found at the beginning of these forms. Words in “ bold underline ” in these instructions are defined there. For further information, see chapter 61, Florida Statutes.

Special notes ...

If the temporary relocation of the child(ren) is approved, the court may require you to provide reasonable security, financial or otherwise, and guarantee that the court-ordered contact with the child(ren) will not be interrupted or interfered with by you.

If the relocation is not permitted and the child(ren) is/are relocated nevertheless, there could be serious consequences affecting the person violating the court order, including his or her parental responsibility and time-sharing or access with the child(ren)

With this form you must also file the following, if not already filed:

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d).

• Notice of Social Security Number, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j).

• Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c). (This must be filed within 45 days if not filed at the time of the petition.)

• Child Support Guidelines Worksheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), if you are asking for a temporary modification of child support. (If you do not know the other party's income, you may file this worksheet as soon as a copy of his or her financial affidavit has been served on you.)
Temporary Order ... These family law forms contain a Temporary Order Granting/Denying Relocation, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.950(f) which the judge may use. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring it with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.950(g)

MOTION FOR CIVIL CONTEMPT AND/OR RETURN OF CHILD(REN) (03/15)

When should this form be used?

You may use this form to ask the court to enforce a prior court order, final judgment or to request the return of a child(ren) who has been relocated in violation of Section 61.13001, Florida Statutes.

What should I do next?

To initiate a civil contempt/enforcement proceeding against a party who has relocated with a child contrary to the requirements of a prior court order, or is otherwise not complying with a prior court order concerning relocation, or in the event there has been a relocation in violation of Section 61.13001, Florida Statutes, you must file a motion with the court explaining what the party has failed to do. This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign it before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should then file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your case was filed and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

A copy of this form must be personally served by a sheriff or private process server or mailed*, e-mailed* or hand delivered to any other party(ies) in your case. *Please note that if notice is mailed or e-mailed, the court in certain circumstances may not consider mailing or e-mailing to be adequate notice. If you want to be sure, you should have the motion personally served. This is a technical area of the law; if you have any questions about it, you should consult a lawyer. For more information on personal service, see the instructions for Summons: Personal Service on an Individual,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.910(a).

The court will then set a hearing. You should check with the clerk of court, judicial assistant, or family law intake staff for information on the local procedure for scheduling a hearing. Once you know the time and date of the hearing, you will need to complete Notice of Hearing on Motion for Contempt/Enforcement, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.961, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.921, or Order of Referral to General Magistrate,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(b), which will specify a time and place for a hearing on the issue. A copy of the form you used to schedule the hearing must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand-delivered to the other party. Again, if notice is mailed or e-mailed, the court in certain circumstances may not consider that to be adequate notice. If you want to be sure, you should have the notice personally served. This is a technical area of the law; if you have any questions about it, you should consult a lawyer. For more information on personal service, see the instructions for Summons: Personal Service on an Individual,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.910(a).

At the hearing, as in other civil proceedings, you, as the party seeking contempt or return of children, will have the burden of proof. The other party will have an opportunity to put on defenses, if any apply. If the judge finds the other party to be in willful contempt or in violation of Section 61.13001, Florida Statutes, the judge may order appropriate sanctions to compel compliance or return of the child(ren) by the other party, including jail, payment of attorneys' fees, suit money, court costs, coercive or compensatory fines, and may order any other relief permitted by law.

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self–Represented Litigants” found at the beginning of these forms. See also section 61.14, Florida Statutes and rule 12.615, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 12.951(a)

PETITION TO DISESTABLISH PATERNITY AND/OR TERMINATE CHILD SUPPORT OBLIGATION (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used by a man who wishes to disestablish paternity or terminate a child support obligation because he is not the biological father of the child(ren). The petition must be filed

• in the circuit court having jurisdiction over the child support obligation; or

• if the child support was determined administratively and has not been ratified by a court, in the circuit court in which the mother or legal guardian or custodian of the child(ren) resides; or

• if the mother or legal guardian or custodian no longer resides in the state, in the circuit court in the county in which the petitioner resides.
This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing the form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk.

A copy of any judgment or order regarding paternity or child support and a copy of any scientific test results showing that you cannot be the father of the child(ren) must be attached to the petition and filed with the court.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

The petition must be served on the mother or legal guardian or custodian of the child(ren). If the child support obligation was determined administratively and has not been ratified by a court, the petition must also be served on the Department of Revenue.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self–Represented Litigants” found at the beginning of these forms. For further information, see Section 742.18, Florida Statutes.

Special notes ...

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.960,

MOTION FOR CIVIL CONTEMPT/ENFORCEMENT (03/15)

When should this form be used?

You may use this form to ask the court to enforce a prior court order or final judgment.

What should I do next?

To initiate a civil contempt/enforcement proceeding against a party who is not complying with a prior court order, you must file a motion with the court explaining what the party has failed to do. This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign it before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should then file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your case was filed and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

A copy of this form must be personally served by a sheriff or private process server or mailed,* e-mailed*, or hand delivered to any other party(ies) in your case. *Please note that if notice is mailed or e-mailed, the court in certain circumstances may not consider mailing or e-mailing, to be adequate notice. If you want to be sure, you should have the motion personally served. This is a technical area of the law; if you have any questions about it, you should consult a lawyer. For more information on personal service, see the instructions for Summons: Personal Service on an Individual,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.910(a).

The court will then set a hearing. You should check with the clerk of court, judicial assistant, or family law intake staff for information on the local procedure for scheduling a hearing. Once you know the time and date of the hearing, you will need to complete Notice of Hearing on Motion for Contempt/Enforcement, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.961, or, if applicable, Notice of Hearing (Child Support Enforcement Hearing Officer), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.921, or [Notice of Hearing Before] General Magistrate, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920[ (c) ], which will specify a time and place for a hearing on the issue. A copy of this form must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand delivered to the other party. Again, if notice is mailed, the court in certain circumstances may not consider mailing or e-mailing to be adequate notice. If you want to be sure, you should have the notice personally served. This is a technical area of the law; if you have any questions about it, you should consult a lawyer. For more information on personal service, see the instructions for Summons: Personal Service on an Individual,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.910(a).

At the hearing, as in any other civil proceeding, you, as the moving party, will have the burden of proving the other party has not obeyed a prior court order. Once noncompliance is established, the other party will have an opportunity to show an inability to comply with the prior court order. If he or she is unable to do so, the judge may find the other party to be in contempt. If so, the judge may order appropriate sanctions to compel compliance by the other party, including jail, payment of attorneys' fees, suit money, or costs, and coercive or compensatory fines, and may order any other relief permitted by law.

Where can I look for more information?

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.961

NOTICE OF HEARING ON MOTION FOR CONTEMPT/ENFORCEMENT (03/15)

When should this form be used?

Use this form anytime you have set a hearing on a Motion for Contempt/Enforcement, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.960, for a support matter under rule 12.615, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure. Before you fill out this form, you should coordinate a hearing time and date with the judge or hearing officer and the other party. If the Department of Revenue is a party to the case, you may need to schedule your hearing time with the attorney for the Department of Revenue.

If your case is to be heard by a child support enforcement hearing officer, the following information applies: A child support enforcement hearing officer is an attorney who has been appointed by administrative order of the court to take testimony and recommend decisions in cases involving the establishment, enforcement, and/or modification of child support, and the enforcement of alimony in conjunction with an ongoing child support arrearage order. If your case only involves issues pertaining to child support, you cannot object to the referral of your case to a hearing officer. If your case is going to be heard by a general magistrate, you should use Notice of Hearing Before General Magistrate,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(c).

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your case was filed and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

A copy of this form must be personally served by a sheriff or private process server, mailed*, e-mailed*, or hand-delivered to any other party(ies) in your case. Please note that if notice is mailed, the court in certain circumstances may not consider mailing to be adequate notice. This is a technical area of the law; if you have any questions about it, you should consult a lawyer. For more information on personal service, see the instructions for Summons: Personal Service on an Individual,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.910(a).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. For further information, see rules 12.615 and 12.941, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.

Special notes

An attorney who has been appointed by the court to serve as a child support enforcement hearing officer can also be appointed to serve as a general magistrate. If your case involves only child support issues, your case properly may be referred to a general magistrate acting as a child support enforcement hearing officer.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.970(a)

PETITION FOR TEMPORARY CUSTODY BY EXTENDED FAMILY (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used by an extended family member to obtain temporary custody of a child or children pursuant to Chapter 751, Florida Statutes. This form should not be used if you are a parent seeking to establish parental responsibility or time-sharing with a child or children.

An Extended Family Member is:

A relative of a minor child within the third degree by blood or marriage to the parent;

The stepparent of a minor child if the stepparent is currently married to the parent of the child and is not a party in a pending dissolution, separate maintenance, domestic violence, or other civil or criminal proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction involving one or both of the child(ren)'s parents as an adverse party.

You may file a Petition for Temporary Custody if:

You have the signed, notarized consents of the child(ren)'s legal parents;

You are an extended family member who is caring full time for the child(ren) in the role of a substitute parent and with whom the child(ren) is (are) presently living.

If one of the minor child(ren)'s parents objects to the Petition, the court shall grant the Petition only upon a finding, by clear and convincing evidence, that the child(ren)'s parent or parents are unfit to provide for the care and control of the child(ren). In determining that a parent is unfit, the court must find that the parent has abused, abandoned, or neglected the child(ren), as defined in Chapter 39, Florida Statutes. If you do not have the parents' consents you should consult a family law attorney before you file your papers.

If you do not meet the qualifications above, you should talk to an attorney about other options. You may also report any suspected abuse, abandonment, or neglect to the appropriate authorities.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

What should I do next?

IF YOU HAVE SIGNED AND NOTARIZED WAIVERS OF SERVICE OF PROCESS AND CONSENTS from the child(ren)'s mother and father, and the case is uncontested, you may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant, to set a final hearing. You must notify the child(ren)'s parents of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

If one of the parents is deceased, you must file a certified copy of the proof of death.

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE SIGNED AND NOTARIZED WAIVERS OF SERVICE OF PROCESS AND CONSENTS from the child(ren)'s parents, you must properly notify the parents of the petition. If you know where he or she lives, you should use personal service. If you absolutely do not know where he or she lives after conducting a diligent search, you may use constructive service. You must complete all of the searches listed in the Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(b), and file the form with the clerk. You should seek legal advice on constructive service as this is a complicated area of the law. If the identity of one parent is unknown, you will need to seek legal advice to determine the proper way to serve an unknown parent. For more information, see Chapter 49, Florida Statutes.

If personal service is used, the parents have 20 days to answer after being served with your petition. Your case will generally proceed in one of the following ways:

DEFAULT ... If after 20 days, no answer has been filed, you may file a Motion for Default, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922(a), with the clerk of court. You must file a Notice for Trial, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.924. Then, if you have filed all of the required papers, you may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant, to set a final hearing. You must notify the child(ren)'s parents of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

CONTESTED ... If either parent files an answer which disagrees with or denies anything in your petition, and you are unable to settle the disputed issues, you must file a Notice for Trial, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.924, to request a final hearing. Some circuits may require the completion of mediation before a final hearing may be set. You should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for instructions on how to set your case for trial (final hearing).

At any time, either or both of the child(ren)'s parents may petition the court to modify or terminate the order granting temporary custody. The court shall terminate the order upon a finding that the parent is a fit parent, or by the consent of the parties. The court may modify an order granting temporary custody if the parties consent or if the modification is in the best interest of the child(ren).

Where can I look for more information?

Special Notes ...

If you do not have the money to pay the filing fee, you may obtain an application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status, fill it out, and the clerk will determine whether you are eligible to have filing fees deferred.

With this petition, you must file the following and provide a copy to the other party:

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d).

• Notice of Related Cases,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h).

• Family Court Cover Sheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.928.

• Non–Military Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(b). (Required only for obtaining a default on petitions that have been personally or constructively served. Not required if both parents have signed a waiver and consent)
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these forms, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms must also put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he or she helps you complete.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.970(b)

PETITION FOR CONCURRENT CUSTODY BY EXPENDED FAMILY (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used by an extended family member to obtain concurrent custody of a child or children pursuant to Chapter 751, Florida Statutes. This form should not be used if you are a parent seeking to establish parental responsibility or time-sharing with a child or children. “Concurrent custody” means that an eligible extended family member is awarded custodial rights to care for a child or children concurrently with the child(ren)'s parent or parents.

An Extended Family Member is:

A relative of a minor child within the third degree by blood or marriage to the parent;

You may file a Petition for Concurrent Custody if:

You have the signed, notarized consents of the child(ren)'s legal parents;

You are an extended family member who is caring full time for the child(ren) in the role of a substitute parent and with whom the child(ren) is (are) presently living.

In addition, you must currently have physical custody of the child(ren) and have had physical custody of the child(ren) for at least 10 days in any 30–day period within the last 12 months; and not have signed, written documentation from a parent which is sufficient to enable you to do all the things necessary to care for the child(ren).

If you do not meet the qualifications above, you should talk to an attorney about other options. You may also report any suspected abuse, abandonment, or neglect to the appropriate authorities.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

What should I do next?

IF YOU HAVE SIGNED AND NOTARIZED WAIVERS OF SERVICE OF PROCESS AND CONSENTS from the child(ren)'s mother and father, you may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant, to set a final hearing. You must notify the child(ren)'s parents of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

If one of the parents is deceased, you must file a certified copy of the proof of death.

If one of the minor child(ren)'s parents objects to the Petition for Concurrent Custody in writing, the court may not grant the petition even if the other parent consents, in writing, to the entry of the order. If a parent objects, you have the option of converting the Petition to a Petition for Temporary Custody by Extended Family, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.970(a). If the Petition is not converted into a Petition for Temporary Custody by Extended Family, it shall be dismissed without prejudice.

At any time, the Petitioner or either or both of the child(ren)'s parents may move the court to terminate the order granting concurrent custody. The court shall terminate the order upon a finding that either or both of the child(ren)' s parents objects to the order. The fact that the order for concurrent custody has been terminated does not preclude any person who is otherwise eligible to petition for temporary custody from filing such petition.

Where can I look for more information?

Special Notes ...

With this petition, you must file the following and provide a copy to the other party:

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d).

• Notice of Related Cases,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h).

• Family Court Cover Sheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.928.

Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these forms, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms must also put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he or she helps you complete.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.970(c),

WAIVER OF SERVICE OF PROCESS AND CONSENT FOR TEMPORARY CUSTODY BY EXTENDED FAMILY (03/15)

This form is to be completed and signed by a parent who agrees to grant temporary custody of a minor child or child(ren) to an extended family member and agrees to waive service of process. Service of process occurs when a summons and a copy of the petition (or other pleading) that has been filed with the court are delivered by a deputy or private process server.

An Extended Family Member is:

A relative of a minor child within the third degree by blood or marriage to the parent;

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the Petition for Temporary Custody by Extended Family, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.970(a) is filed and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

Special notes ...

Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these forms, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms must also put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he or she helps you complete.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.970(d),

WAIVER OF SERVICE OF PROCESS AND CONSENT FOR CONCURRENT CUSTODY BY EXTENDED FAMILY (03/15)

This form is to be completed and signed by a parent who agrees to grant concurrent custody of a minor child or child(ren) to an extended family member and who agrees to waive service of process. Service of process occurs when a summons and a copy of the petition (or other pleading) that has been filed with the court are delivered by a deputy or private process server. “Concurrent custody” means that an eligible extended family member is awarded custodial rights to care for a child or children concurrently with the child(ren)'s parent or parents.

An Extended Family Member is:

A relative of a minor child within the third degree by blood or marriage to the parent;

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the Petition for Concurrent Custody by Extended Family, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.970(b) is filed and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

Special notes ...

Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these forms, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms must also put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he or she helps you complete.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.980(a)

PETITION FOR INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (03/15)

When should this form be used?

If you are a victim of any act of domestic violence or have reasonable cause to believe that you are in imminent danger of becoming a victim of domestic violence, you can use this form to ask the court for a protective order prohibiting domestic violence. Because you are making a request to the court, you are called the petitioner. The person whom you are asking the court to protect you from is called the respondent. Domestic violence includes: assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any other criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death to petitioner by any of petitioner's family or household members. In determining whether you have reasonable cause to believe you are in imminent danger of becoming a victim of domestic violence, the court must consider all relevant factors alleged in the petition, including, but not limited to the following:

1. The history between the petitioner and the respondent, including threats, harassment, stalking, and physical abuse.

2. Whether the respondent has attempted to harm the petitioner or family members or individuals closely associated with the petitioner.

3. Whether the respondent has threatened to conceal, kidnap, or harm the petitioner's child or children.

4. Whether the respondent has intentionally injured or killed a family pet.

5. Whether the respondent has used, or has threatened to use, against the petitioner any weapons such as guns or knives.

6. Whether the respondent has physically restrained the petitioner from leaving the home or calling law enforcement.

7. Whether the respondent has a criminal history involving violence or the threat of violence.

8. The existence of a verifiable order of protection issued previously or from another jurisdiction.

9. Whether the respondent has destroyed personal property, including, but not limited to, telephones or other communications equipment, clothing, or other items belonging to the petitioner.

10. Whether the respondent engaged in any other behavior or conduct that leads the petitioner to have reasonable cause to believe that he or she is in imminent danger of becoming a victim of domestic violence.
The domestic violence laws only apply to your situation if the respondent is your spouse, former spouse, related to you by blood or marriage, living with you now or has lived with you in the past (if you are or were living as a family), or the other parent of your child(ren) whether or not you have ever been married or ever lived together. With the exception of persons who have a child in common, the family or household members must be currently residing together or have in the past resided together in the same single dwelling unit. If the respondent is not one of the above, you should look at Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(f), to determine if your situation will qualify for an injunction for protection against repeat violence, or Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Dating Violence, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(n), to determine if your situation will qualify for an injunction for protection against dating violence, or Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Sexual Violence, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(q), to determine if your situation will qualify for an injunction for protection against sexual violence.

If you are under the age of eighteen and you have never been married or had the disabilities of nonage removed by a court, then one of your parents, custodians, or your legal guardian must sign this petition with you.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. You should complete this form (giving as much detail as possible) and sign it in front of a notary public or the clerk of the circuit court in the county where you live. The clerk will take your completed petition to a judge. You should keep a copy for your records. If you have any questions or need assistance completing this form, the clerk or family law intake staff will help you.

What should I do if the judge grants my petition?

If the facts contained in your petition convince the judge that you are a victim of domestic violence or that an imminent danger of domestic violence exists, the judge will sign either an immediate Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence with Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(c)(1) or an immediate Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence without Minor Child(ren), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(c)(2). A temporary injunction is issued without notice to the respondent. The clerk will give your petition, the temporary injunction, and any other papers filed with your petition to the sheriff or other law enforcement officer for personal service on the respondent. The temporary injunction will take effect immediately after the respondent is served with a copy of it. It lasts until a full hearing can be held or for a period of 15 days, whichever comes first. The court may extend the temporary injunction beyond 15 days for a good reason, which may include failure to obtain service on the respondent.

The temporary injunction is issued ex parte. This means that the judge has considered only the information presented by one side-YOU. The temporary injunction gives a date that you must appear in court for a hearing. At that hearing, you will be expected to testify about the facts in your petition. The respondent will be given the opportunity to testify at this hearing, also. At the hearing, the judge will decide whether to issue either a Final Judgment of Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence with Minor Child(ren)(After Notice), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(d)(1), or a Final Judgment of Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence without Minor Child(ren)(After Notice), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(d)(2). Either of these final judgments will remain in effect for a specific time period or until modified or dissolved by the court. If either you or the respondent do not appear at the final hearing, the temporary injunction may be continued in force, extended, or dismissed,and/or additional orders may be granted, including entry of a permanent injunction and the imposition of court costs. You and respondent will be bound by the terms of any injunction issued at the final hearing.

IF EITHER YOU OR RESPONDENT DO NOT APPEAR AT THE FINAL HEARING, YOU WILL BOTH BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF ANY INJUNCTION ISSUED IN THIS MATTER.

If the judge signs a temporary or final injunction, the clerk will provide you with the necessary copies. Make sure that you keep one certified copy of the injunction with you at all times!

What can I do if the judge denies my petition?

If your petition is denied solely on the grounds that it appears to the court that no imminent danger of domestic violence exists, the court will set a full hearing, at the earliest possible time, on your petition, unless you request that no hearing be set. The respondent will be notified by personal service of your petition and the hearing. If your petition is denied, you may: amend your petition by filing a Supplemental Affidavit in Support of Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence, Repeat or Dating Violence, Florida Family Law Form 12.980(g); attend the hearing and present facts that support your petition; and/or dismiss your petition.

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. The words that are in bold underline are defined in that section. The clerk of the circuit court or family law intake staff will help you complete any necessary domestic violence forms and can give you information about local domestic violence victim assistance programs, shelters, and other related services. You may also call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1–800–500–1119. For further information, see Chapter 741, Florida Statutes, and Rule 12.610, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

With this form you may also need to file the following:

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d), must be completed and filed if you are asking the court to determine issues with regard to your parenting plan or time-sharing for a minor child(ren).

• Parenting plan means a document created to govern the relationship between the parents relating to the decisions that must be made regarding the minor child(ren) and must contain a time-sharing schedule for the parents and child(ren). The issues concerning the minor child(ren) may include, but are not limited to, the child(ren)'s education, health care, and physical, social, and emotional well-being. In creating the plan, all circumstances between the parents, including their historic relationship, domestic violence, and other factors must be taken into consideration. The Parenting Plan shall be developed and agreed to by the parents and approved by a court, or, established by the court, with or without the use of a court-ordered parenting plan recommendation. If the parents cannot agree, or if the parents agreed to a plan that is not approved by the court, a Parenting Plan shall established by the court. “Time-sharing schedule” means a timetable that must be included in the Parenting Plan that specifies the time, including overnights and holidays, that a minor child will spend with each parent. If developed and agreed to by the parents of a minor child, it must be approved by the court. If the parents cannot agree, of if their agreed-upon schedule is not approved by the court, the schedule shall be established by the court.

• Notice of Social Security Number, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j), must be completed and filed if you are asking the court to determine issues of temporary child support.

• Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c), must be completed and filed if you are seeking temporary alimony or temporary child support.

• Child Support Guidelines Worksheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), MUST be filed with the court at or prior to a hearing to establish or modify child support.
Additionally, if you fear that disclosing your address to the respondent would put you in danger, you should complete a Request for Confidential Filing of Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(h), and file it with the clerk of the circuit court and write confidential in the space provided on the petition.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.980(f)

PETITION FOR INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION AGAINST REPEAT VIOLENCE (03/15)

When should this form be used?

If you or a member of your immediate family are a victim of repeat violence, you can use this form to ask the court for a protective order prohibiting repeat violence. Repeat violence means that two incidents of violence have been committed against you or a member of your immediate family by another person, one of which must have been within 6 months of filing this petition. Repeat violence includes assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, or false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death. Because you are making a request to the court, you are called the petitioner. The person whom you are asking the court to protect you from is called the respondent. If you are under the age of eighteen and have never been married or had the disabilities of nonage removed by a court, one of your parents or your legal guardian must sign this petition on your behalf.

The parent or legal guardian of any minor child who is living at home may seek an injunction for protection against repeat violence on behalf of the minor child. With respect to a minor child who is living at home, the parent or legal guardian must have been an eye-witness to, or have direct physical evidence or affidavits from eye-witnesses of, the specific facts and circumstances that form the basis of the petition.

If the respondent is your spouse, former spouse, related to you by blood or marriage, living with you now or has lived with you in the past (if you are or were living as a family), or the other parent of your child(ren), whether or not you have ever been married or ever lived together, you should use Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(a), rather than this form.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. You should complete this form (giving as much detail as possible) and sign it the presence of a notary or in front of the clerk of the circuit court in the county where you live. The clerk will take your completed petition to a judge. You should keep a copy for your records. If have any questions or need assistance completing this form, the clerk or family law intake staff will help you.

What should I do if the judge grants my petition?

If the facts contained in your petition convince the judge that you or a member of your immediate family are a victim of repeat violence and that an immediate and present danger of repeat violence to you or that family exists, the judge will sign a Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(k). A temporary injunction is issued without notice to the respondent. The clerk will give your petition, the temporary injunction, and any other papers filed with your petition to the sheriff or other law enforcement officer for personal service on the respondent. The temporary injunction will take effect immediately after the respondent is served with a copy of it. It lasts until a full hearing can be held or for a period of 15 days, whichever comes first. The court may extend the temporary injunction beyond 15 days for a good reason, which may include failure to obtain service on the respondent.

The temporary injunction is issued ex parte. This means that the judge has considered only the information presented by one side—YOU. Section I of the temporary injunction gives a date that you should appear in court for a hearing. You will be expected to testify about the facts in your petition. The respondent will be given the opportunity to testify at this hearing, also. At the hearing, the judge will decide whether to issue a Final Judgment of Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence (After Notice), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980( l ), which will remain in effect for a specific time period or until modified or dissolved by the court. If you and/or the respondent do not appear, the temporary injunction may be continued in force, extended, or dismissed, and/or additional orders may be granted, including entry of a permanent injunction and the imposition of court costs. You and respondent will be bound by the terms of any injunction or order issued at the final hearing.

IF EITHER YOU OR RESPONDENT DO NOT APPEAR AT THE FINAL HEARING, YOU WILL BOTH BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF ANY INJUNCTION OR ORDER ISSUED IN THIS MATTER.

If the judge signs a temporary or final injunction, the clerk will provide you with the necessary copies. Make sure that you keep one certified copy of the injunction with you at all times!

What can I do if the judge denies my petition?

If your petition is denied on the grounds that it appears to the court that no immediate and present danger of repeat violence exists, the court will set a full hearing on your petition. The respondent will be notified by personal service of your petition and the hearing. If your petition is denied, you may: amend your petition by filing a Supplemental Affidavit in Support of Petition for Injunction for Protection, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(g); attend the hearing and present facts that support your petition; and/or dismiss your petition.

Where can I look for more information?

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.980(g)

SUPPLEMENTAL AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF PETITION FOR INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION AGAINST DOMESTIC, REPEAT, DATING, OR SEXUAL VIOLENCE, OR STALKING (03/15)

When should this form be used?

You may use this form if your Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(a), your Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(f), your Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Dating Violence, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(n), your Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Sexual Violence, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.890(q), or your Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Stalking, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(t), was denied by the judge.

You should use this supplemental affidavit to add facts or clarify the facts you wrote in your original petition.

For a domestic violence case, you should include facts that establish that you have been a victim of violence or are in imminent danger of becoming a victim of violence from the respondent.

For a repeat violence case, you should include facts that establish that you or a member of your immediate family have or has been a victim of at least two prior incidents of violence, that one of those incidents occurred within the last six months and that there is an immediate and present risk of danger to you or a member of your immediate family.

For a dating violence case, you should include fact that establish that you have been a victim of violence or are in imminent danger of becoming a victim of violence from the respondent who is an individual with whom you have or have had a continuing and significant relationship of a romantic or intimate nature, to be determined by consideration of such facts as: whether the dating relationship existed within the past six months; whether the nature of the relationship included an expectation of affection or sexual involvement; and whether the frequency and type of interaction between you and the individual included involvement over time and on a continued basis. Dating violence does not include violence in a casual acquaintanceship or violence between individuals who have only engaged in ordinary fraternization in a business or social context.

For a sexual violence case, you should include facts that establish that you are a victim of sexual violence or the parent of a minor child living at home who is a victim of sexual violence, and that you have reported the sexual violence to law enforcement and are cooperating in the criminal proceeding if there is one. If the respondent was in state prison for sexual violence against you or the minor child and the respondent is out of prison or is getting out within 90 days of the petition, include that information in your supplemental affidavit, along with a copy of the notice of inmate release.

For a stalking case, you should include facts that establish that you are either a victim of stalking or cyberstalking, or that you are the parent or legal guardian of a minor child living at home who is a victim of stalking or cyberstalking. The facts must establish that stalking exists in order for the judge to order a temporary injunction for protection against stalking. Please be specific as to where the incidents of stalking took place. These locations may include, but need not be limited to, a home, school, or place of employment. For cyberstalking, please include a description of all evidence of contacts and/or threats made by the respondent in voice messages, texts, emails, or other electronic communication.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

After you complete this supplemental affidavit, the clerk will attach it to your original petition and all the documents will be submitted to the judge as your Amended Petition.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.980(h)

REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL FILING OF ADDRESS (03/15)

When should this form be used?

If you fear that disclosing your address would put you in danger because you are the victim of sexual battery, aggravated child abuse, stalking, aggravated stalking, harassment, aggravated battery, or domestic violence, you should complete this form and file it with the clerk of the circuit court.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your petition was filed and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.980(i)

MOTION FOR EXTENSION OF INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION AGAINST DOMESTIC, REPEAT, DATING, OR SEXUAL VIOLENCE, OR STALKING (03/15)

When should this form be used?

If you are the petitioner on a previously entered injunction for protection against domestic violence, repeat violence, dating violence, sexual violence, or stalking, and that injunction will soon expire, you may use this form to request that the court extend the injunction. You must file a motion for extension BEFORE the previously entered order expires.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign it before a notary public or the clerk of the circuit court. You should then file the original with the clerk in the county where the petition was filed and keep a copy for your records. If you have any questions or need assistance completing this form, the clerk or family law intake staff will help you.

What should I do next?

For your case to proceed, you will need to set a hearing on your motion. You must properly notify the other party of the motion and hearing. You should check with the clerk of court for information on the local procedure for scheduling a hearing. When you know the date and time of your hearing, you should file Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form. You will need to serve a copy of your motion and Notice of Hearing on the other party by U.S. mail, e-mail, or hand delivery. Service of your motion must be in in a manner that is reasonably calculated to apprise the other party of your motion and the hearing. Please note that if notice is mailed or e-mailed, the court in certain circumstances may not consider mailing or e-mailing to be adequate notice. If you want to be sure, you should consider using certified mail, return receipt requested, or having the motion personally served. This is a technical area of the law; if you have any questions about it, you should consult a lawyer. For more information on personal service, see the instructions for Summons: Personal Service on an Individual,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.910(a).

You will need to appear at the hearing on your motion. After the hearing, if the judge grants your motion, he or she will prepare an Order Extending Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence, Repeat Violence, Dating Violence, or Sexual Violence, or Stalking, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(m). After the judge signs the order, the clerk will provide you with the necessary copies. Make sure that you keep a certified copy of the previously entered injunction AND a certified copy of the order extending that injunction with you at all times.

Where can I look for more information?

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

With this form you may also file a Request for Confidential Filing of Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(h), if you fear that disclosing your address would put you in danger because you are the victim of sexual battery, aggravated child abuse, stalking, aggravated stalking, harassment, aggravated battery, or domestic violence, and you wish to keep your address confidential.

When completing this form, you should make sure that your reasons for requesting that the injunction be extended are stated clearly and that you include all relevant facts.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.980(j)

MOTION FOR MODIFICATION OF INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION AGAINST DOMESTIC, REPEAT, DATING, OR SEXUAL VIOLENCE, OR STALKING (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form may be used if you are a party to a previously entered injunction for protection against domestic, repeat, dating, or sexual violence, or stalking, and you want the court to modify the terms of the injunction. If you use this form, you are called the moving party.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or the clerk of the circuit court. You should then file the original with the clerk in the county where the original petition was filed and keep a copy for your records. You must file a motion for modification before the previously entered order expires. If you have any questions or need assistance completing this form, the clerk or family law intake staff will help you.

What should I do next?

For your case to proceed, you will need to set a hearing on your motion. You must properly notify the other party of the motion and hearing. You should check with the clerk of court for information on the local procedure for scheduling a hearing. When you know the date and time of your hearing, you should file Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form. You will need to serve a copy of your motion and Notice of Hearing on the other party. Service of your motion must be in in a manner that is reasonably calculated to apprise the other party of your motion and the hearing. Please note that if notice is mailed or e-mailed, the court in certain circumstances may not consider mailing or e-mailing to be adequate notice. If you want to be sure, you should consider using certified mail, return receipt requested, or having the motion personally served. If you are not represented by an attorney in this action, you must file proof that the other party personally received notice of your motion. This is a technical area of the law; if you have any questions about it, you should consult a lawyer. For more information on personal service, see the instructions for Summons: Personal Service on an Individual,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.910(a).

You will need to appear at a hearing on your motion for modification of injunction. After the hearing, if the judge grants your motion, he or she will prepare a new injunction for protection that contains the modifications. After the judge signs the new injunction, the clerk will provide you with the necessary copies. Make sure that you keep a certified copy of the new injunction with you at all times!

Where can I look for more information?

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all petitions, pleadings,and documents be filed electronically except in certain circumstances. Self-represented litigants may file petitions or other pleadings or documents electronically; however, they are not required to do so. If you choose to file your pleadings or other documents electronically, you must do so in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.525, and you must follow the procedures of the judicial circuit in which you file. The rules and procedures should be carefully read and followed

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

If the injunction you are seeking to modify is for domestic violence and you want the court to modify alimony, child support, or time-sharing of minor child(ren), you must establish that there has been a change in circumstance(s), as required by chapter 61, Florida Statutes, or chapter 741, Florida Statutes, as applicable, that requires this (these) modification(s). Be sure that you make these change(s) clear in your motion.

With this form you may also file the following:

• Request for Confidential Filing of Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(h), if you fear that disclosing your address would put you in danger because you are the victim of sexual battery, aggravated child abuse, stalking, aggravated stalking, harassment, aggravated battery, or domestic violence, and you wish to keep your address confidential.

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d), must be completed and attached if the modification(s) you are seeking involves temporary custody of any minor child(ren).

• Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c), must be completed and attached if the modification(s)you are seeking involves temporary alimony or temporary child support.

When completing this form, you should make sure that your reasons for requesting that the injunction be modified are stated clearly and that you include all relevant facts.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.980(n)

PETITION FOR INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION AGAINST DATING VIOLENCE (03/15)

When should this form be used?

If you or a member of your immediate family are a victim of dating violence, you can use this form to ask the court for a protective order prohibiting dating violence. Dating violence means violence between individuals who have or have had a continuing and significant relationship of a romantic or intimate nature. The dating relationship must have existed within the past six months, the nature of the relationship must have been characterized by the expectation of affection or sexual involvement between the parties, and the frequency and type of interaction must have included that the persons have been involved over time and on a continuous basis during the course of the relationship. Dating violence does not include violence in a casual acquaintanceship or violence between individuals who only have engaged in ordinary fraternization in a business or social context.

Dating violence includes assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, or false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death. Because you are making a request to the court, you are called the petitioner. The person whom you are asking the court to protect you from is called the respondent. If you are under the age of eighteen and have never been married or had the disabilities of nonage removed by a court, one of your parents or your legal guardian must sign this petition on your behalf.

The parent or legal guardian of any minor child who is living at home may seek an injunction for protection against dating violence on behalf of the minor child. With respect to a minor child who is living at home, the parent or legal guardian must have been an eye-witness to, or have direct physical evidence or affidavits from eye-witnesses of, the specific facts and circumstances that form the basis of the petition.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. You should complete this form (giving as much detail as possible) and sign it the presence of a notary or in front of the clerk of the circuit court in the county where you live. The clerk will take your completed petition to a judge. You should keep a copy for your records. If you have any questions or need assistance completing this form, the clerk or family law intake staff will help you.

What should I do if the judge grants my petition?

If the facts contained in your petition convince the judge that you or a member of your immediate family are a victim of dating violence and that an immediate and present danger of dating violence to you or that family exists, the judge will sign a Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Dating Violence, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980( o). A temporary injunction is issued without notice to the respondent. The clerk will give your petition, the temporary injunction, and any other papers filed with your petition to the sheriff or other law enforcement officer for personal service on the respondent. The temporary injunction will take effect immediately after the respondent is served with a copy of it. It lasts until a full hearing can be held or for a period of 15 days, whichever comes first. The court may extend the temporary injunction beyond 15 days for a good reason, which may include failure to obtain service on the respondent.

The temporary injunction is issued ex parte. This means that the judge has considered only the information presented by one side—YOU. Section I of the temporary injunction gives a date that you should appear in court for a hearing. You will be expected to testify about the facts in your petition. The respondent will be given the opportunity to testify at this hearing, also. At the hearing, the judge will decide whether to issue a Final Judgment of Injunction for Protection Against Dating Violence (After Notice), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(p), which will remain in effect for a specific time period or until modified or dissolved by the court. If you and/or the respondent do not appear, the temporary injunction may be continued in force, extended, or dismissed, and/or additional orders may be granted, including entry of a permanent injunction and the imposition of court costs. You and respondent will be bound by the terms of any injunction or order issued at the final hearing.

IF EITHER YOU OR RESPONDENT DO NOT APPEAR AT THE FINAL HEARING, YOU WILL BOTH BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF ANY INJUNCTION OR ORDER ISSUED IN THIS MATTER.

If the judge signs a temporary or final injunction, the clerk will provide you with the necessary copies. Make sure that you keep one certified copy of the injunction with you at all times!

What can I do if the judge denies my petition?

If your petition is denied on the grounds that it appears to the court that no immediate and present danger of dating violence exists, the court will set a full hearing on your petition. The respondent will be notified by personal service of your petition and the hearing. If your petition is denied, you may: amend your petition by filing a Supplemental Affidavit in Support of Petition for Injunction for Protection, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(g); attend the hearing and present facts that support your petition; and/or dismiss your petition.

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. The words that are in bold underline are defined in that section. The clerk of the circuit court or family law intake staff will help you complete any necessary forms. For further information, see Section 784.046, Florida Statutes, and Rule 12.610, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.980(q)

PETITION FOR INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION AGAINST SEXUAL VIOLENCE (03/15)

When should this form be used?

If you are a victim of sexual violence or the parent or legal guardian of a minor child who is living at home and is a victim of sexual violence, you can use this form to ask the court for a protective order prohibiting sexual violence. Sexual violence means any one incident of:

• sexual battery, as defined in Chapter 794, Florida Statutes;

• a lewd or lascivious act, as defined in Chapter 800, Florida Statutes, committed upon or in the presence of a person younger than 16 years of age;

• luring or enticing a child, as described in Chapter 787, Florida Statutes;

• sexual performance by a child, as described in Chapter 827, Florida Statutes; or

• any other forcible felony wherein a sexual act is committed or attempted

In order to get an injunction you must have reported the sexual violence to a law enforcement agency and be cooperating in the criminal proceeding if there is one. It does not matter whether criminal charges based on the sexual violence have been filed, reduced, or dismissed by the state attorney's office. You may also seek an injunction for protection against sexual violence if the respondent was sent to prison for committing one of the sexual violence crimes listed above against you or your minor child living at home and respondent is out of prison or is getting out of prison within 90 days of your petition. Attach the notice of inmate release to your petition.

Because you are making a request to the court, you are called the petitioner. The person whom you are asking the court to protect you from is called the respondent. If you are seeking an injunction for protection against sexual violence on behalf of a minor child who is living at home, the parent or legal guardian must have been an eyewitness to, or have direct physical evidence or affidavits from eyewitnesses of, the specific facts and circumstances that form the basis of the petition. If you are under the age of eighteen and have never been married or had the disabilities of nonage removed by a court, one of your parents or your legal guardian must sign this petition on your behalf.

If the respondent is your spouse, former spouse, related to you by blood or marriage, living with you now or has lived with you in the past (if you are or were living as a family), or is the other parent of your child(ren) whether or not you have ever been married or ever lived together, you should use Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(a), rather than this form.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. You should complete this form (giving as much detail as possible) and sign it the presence of a notary or in front of the clerk of the circuit court in the county where you live. The clerk will take your completed petition to a judge. You should keep a copy for your records. If you have any questions or need assistance completing this form, the clerk or family law intake staff will help you.

What should I do if the judge grants my petition?

If the facts contained in your petition convince the judge that an immediate and present danger of violence exists, the judge will sign a Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Sexual Violence, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(r). A temporary injunction is issued without notice to the respondent. The clerk will give your petition, the temporary injunction, and any other papers filed with your petition to the sheriff or other law enforcement officer for personal service on the respondent. The temporary injunction will take effect immediately after the respondent is served with a copy of it. It lasts until a full hearing can be held or for a period of 15 days, whichever comes first, unless the respondent is incarcerated, and in such instance the temporary injunction is effective for 15 days following the date the respondent is released from incarceration. The court may extend the temporary injunction beyond 15 days for a good reason, which may include failure to obtain service on the respondent.

The temporary injunction is issued ex parte. This means that the judge has considered only the information presented by one side—YOU. Section I of the temporary injunction gives a date that you should appear in court for a hearing. You will be expected to testify about the facts in your petition. The respondent will be given the opportunity to testify at this hearing, also. At the hearing, the judge will decide whether to issue a Final Judgment of Injunction for Protection Against Sexual Violence (After Notice), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(s), which will remain in effect for a specific time period or until modified or dissolved by the court. If you and/or the respondent do not appear, the temporary injunction may be continued in force, extended, or dismissed, and/or additional orders may be granted, including entry of a permanent injunction and the imposition of court costs. You and respondent will be bound by the terms of any injunction or order issued at the final hearing.

IF EITHER YOU OR RESPONDENT DO NOT APPEAR AT THE FINAL HEARING, YOU WILL BOTH BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF ANY INJUNCTION OR ORDER ISSUED IN THIS MATTER.

If the judge signs a temporary or final injunction, the clerk will provide you with the necessary copies. Make sure that you keep one certified copy of the injunction with you at all times!

What can I do if the judge denies my petition?

If your petition is denied on the grounds that it appears to the court that no immediate and present danger of sexual violence exists, the court will set a full hearing on your petition. The respondent will be notified by personal service of your petition and the hearing. If your petition is denied, you may: amend your petition by filing a Supplemental Affidavit in Support of Petition for Injunction for Protection, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(g); attend the hearing and present facts that support your petition; and/or dismiss your petition.

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. The words that are in bold underline are defined in that section. The clerk of the circuit court or family law intake staff will provide you with necessary forms. For further information, see section 784.046, Florida Statutes.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special Notes ...

If you fear that disclosing your address would put you in danger, you should complete a Request for Confidential Filing of Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(h), and file it with the clerk of the circuit court and write confidential in the space provided for your address on the petition.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.980(t)

PETITION FOR INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION AGAINST STALKING (03/15)

When should this form be used?

If you are a victim of stalking, you can use this form to ask the court for a protective order prohibiting stalking. Stalking means the repeated following, harassment, or cyberstalking of one person by another. Cyberstalk means to engage in a course of conduct to communicate, or to cause to be communicated, words, images, or language by or through the use of electronic mail or electronic communication, directed at a specific person, causing substantial emotional distress to that person and serving no legitimate purpose.

Because you are making a request to the court, you are called the petitioner. The person whom you are asking the court to protect you from is called the respondent. If you are under the age of eighteen and have never been married or had the disabilities of nonage removed by a court, and are living at home, one of your parents or your legal guardian must sign this petition on your behalf.

The parent or legal guardian of any minor child who is living at home may seek an injunction for protection against stalking on behalf of the minor child.

If the respondent is your spouse, former spouse, related to you by blood or marriage, living with you now or has lived with you in the past (if you are or were living as a family), or the other parent of your child(ren), whether or not you have ever been married or ever lived together, you may, instead, choose to use the Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(a), rather than this form.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. You should complete this form (giving as much detail as possible) and sign it the presence of a notary or in front of the clerk of the circuit court in one of the following: the circuit where you currently or temporarily reside; the circuit where the respondent resides; or the circuit where the stalking occurred. The clerk will take your completed petition to a judge. You should keep a copy for your records. If have any questions or need assistance completing this form, the clerk or family law intake staff will help you. There is no filing fee for a petition for protection against stalking.

What should I do if the judge grants my petition?

If the facts contained in your petition convince the judge that stalking or cyberstalking exists, the judge will sign a Temporary Injunction for Protection Against Stalking, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(u). A temporary injunction is issued without notice to the respondent. The clerk will give your petition, the temporary injunction, and any other papers filed with your petition to the sheriff or other law enforcement officer for personal service on the respondent. The temporary injunction will take effect immediately after the respondent is served with a copy of it. It lasts until a hearing can be held or for a period of 15 days, whichever comes first.

The court may extend the temporary injunction beyond 15 days for a good reason, which may include failure to obtain service on the respondent.

The temporary injunction is issued ex parte. This means that the judge has considered only the information presented by one side-YOU. Section I of the temporary injunction gives a date that you should appear in court for a hearing. You will be expected to testify about the facts in your petition. The respondent will be given the opportunity to testify at this hearing also. At the hearing, the judge will decide whether to issue a Final Judgment of Injunction for Protection Against Stalking (After Notice), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(v), which will remain in effect for a specific time period or until modified or dissolved by the court. If either you or the respondent do not appear at the hearing, the temporary injunction may be continued in force, extended, or dismissed, and/or additional orders may be granted, including entry of a permanent injunction and the imposition of court costs. You and the respondent will be bound by the terms of any injunction or order issued at the final hearing.

IF EITHER YOU OR THE RESPONDENT DO NOT APPEAR AT THE FINAL HEARING, YOU WILL BOTH BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF ANY INJUNCTION OR ORDER ISSUED IN THIS MATTER.

If the judge signs a temporary or final injunction, the clerk will provide you with the necessary copies. Make sure that you keep one certified copy of the injunction with you at all times!

What can I do if the judge denies my petition or does not issue a Temporary Injunction?

If your petition is denied, you may amend your petition by filing a Supplemental Affidavit in Support of Petition for Injunction for Protection, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(g). If the only ground for not granting an ex parte temporary injunction is no appearance of immediate and present danger of stalking, the court shall set a full hearing on your petition for injunction at the earliest possible time. The respondent will be notified by personal service of your petition and the hearing. You must attend the hearing, present facts, and bring evidence that supports your petition; failure to attend the hearing may result in dismissal of your petition.

Where can I look for more information?

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special Notes

If you require that your address be confidential for safety reasons, you should complete a Request for Confidential Filing of Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(h), and file it with the clerk of the circuit. You should then write confidential in the space provided on the petition.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.980(w)

PETITION BY AFFIDAVIT FOR ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR A VIOLATION OF FINAL JUDGMENT OF INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION AGAINST DOMESTIC, REPEAT, DATING, OR SEXUAL VIOLENCE, OR STALKING (03/15)

When should this form be used?

You may use this form if you have a valid Final Judgment of Injunction for Protection Against Domestic, Repeat, Dating, or Sexual Violence, or Stalking, in force which has been violated. You should use this affidavit to state the essential facts which establish a violation of the Final Judgment of Injunction.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign the form before a notary public or the clerk of the circuit court. You should then file the original with such clerk or judge as determined by the chief judge of your circuit to be the recipient of affidavits of violation, provide a copy to the state attorney of that circuit and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.981(a)(1)

STEPPARENT ADOPTION: CONSENT AND WAIVER BY PARENT (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form is to be completed and signed by the parent who is giving up all rights to, custody of, and timesharing with the minor child to be adopted. This consent shall not be executed before the birth of the minor child. For more information about consenting to adoption, you should refer to Chapter 63, Florida Statutes, and sections 63.062–63.082, Florida Statutes, in particular.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. It must be signed in the presence of a notary public or deputy clerk and two witnesses other than the notary or clerk. You should file this form with the Joint Petition for Adoption by Stepparent, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.981(b)(1).

After completing this form, you should hand deliver a copy or duplicate original to the parent giving consent and have them sign the original saying they received a copy. Then you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the Joint Petition for Adoption by Stepparent, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.981(b)(1) is filed and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

To serve and receive documents by e-mail, you must designate your e-mail addresses by using the Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915, and you must provide your e-mail address on each form on which your signature appears. Please CAREFULLY read the rules and instructions for: Certificate of Service (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.914; Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme Court ApprovedFamily Law Form 12.915; and Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.

Special notes ...

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.981(a)(2), STEPPARENT ADOPTION: CONSENT OF ADOPTEE (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form must be completed and signed by the person being adopted, the adoptee, if he or she is over 12 years of age, unless the court, in the best interest of the minor excuses the minor's consent. It must be signed in the presence of a notary public or deputy clerk and two witnesses other than the notary public or deputy clerk.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the Joint Petition for Adoption by Stepparent, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.981(b)(1) is filed and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

Special notes ...

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.981(a)(3), AFFIDAVIT OF NONPATERNITY (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when a stepfather is adopting his wife's minor child and the mother and father of the minor child(ren) were never married and paternity has not been established by a valid acknowledgment or court order. This Affidavit of Nonpaternity may be used instead of a consent form. This Affidavit may be executed before the birth of the minor child. The person signing the affidavit waives notice to all court proceedings after the date it is signed. After signing this affidavit, it may only be withdrawn if the court finds the affidavit was obtained by fraud or duress.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. This form must be signed before a notary public or deputy clerk and two witnesses other than the notary or clerk. You should then file the original of this form with the Joint Petition for Stepparent Adoption, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.981(b)(1).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that petitions, pleadings, and documents be filed electronically except in certain circumstances. Self-represented litigants may file petitions or other pleadings electronically; however, they are not required to do so. If you choose to file your pleadings or other documents electronically, you must do so in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.525, and you must follow the procedures of the judicial circuit in which you file. The rules and procedures should be carefully read and followed.

Special Notes

Remember—a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these forms, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he or she helps you complete.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.981(a)(4), STEPPARENT ADOPTION: AFFIDAVIT OF DILIGENT SEARCH (03/15)

When should this form be used?

Use this form to obtain constructive service (also called service by publication) in a proceeding for stepparent adoption, Joint Petition for Adoption by Stepparent, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.981(b)(1), when any required consent is unavailable because the address or location of the person whose consent is required is not known and cannot be determined.

This form includes a checklist of places you must look for information on the location of the person whose rights you seek to terminate. You do have to look in all of these places, and the court must believe that you have made a very serious effort to get information about the person's location and that you have followed up on any information you received. Section 63.054, Florida Statutes, requires that in each adoption a search of Florida's Putative Father Registry must be conducted. You will need an order from the judge to do this, which you can request by filing a Motion for Search of the Putative Father Registry, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.981(a)(6).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all petitions, pleadings, and documents be filed electronically except in certain circumstances. Self-represented litigants may file petitions or other pleadings or documents electronically; however, they are not required to do so. If you choose to file your pleadings or documents electronically, you must do so in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.525, and you must follow the procedures of the judicial circuit in which you file. The rules and procedures should be carefully read and followed.

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. For further information, see rule 12.070, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure and Rule 1.070, Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.

Special notes ...

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.981(a)(5), INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT AFFIDAVIT (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used in cases involving stepparent adoption of a child. This affidavit is required.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all petitions, pleadings, and documents be filed electronically except in certain circumstances. Self-represented litigants may file petitions or other pleading or documents electronically; however, they are not required to do so. If you choose to file your pleadings or other documents electronically, you must do so in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.525, and you must follow the procedures of the judicial circuit in which you file. The rules and procedures should be carefully read and followed.

What should I do next?

A copy of this form must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand delivered to the other party in your case, if it is not served on him or her with your initial papers.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Where can I look for more information?

Special notes ...

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.981(a)(6), MOTION FOR SEARCH OF THE PUTATIVE FATHER REGISTRY (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when a stepparent is adopting his or her spouse's child. Section 63.054, Florida Statutes, requires that a search of Florida's Putative Father Registry be conducted in every adoption proceeding. The Office of Vital Statistics of the Department of Health has an application available called Florida Putative FatherRegistry—Application for Search which should be completed and attached to this form. The Office of Vital Statistics is allowed to charge for searching the registry. You may wish to contact that office in advance to find out what amount and method of payment will be accepted.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. The name to be given to the adoptee after the adoption should be used in the heading of the petition. The stepparent is the petitioner, because he or she is the one who is asking the court for legal action. You must have your signature witnessed by a notary public or deputy clerk.

After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where you have filed the Joint Petition for Adoption by Stepparent, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.981(b)(1) and keep a copy for your records. These family law forms contain an Order Granting Motion for Search of Putative Father Registry, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.981(a)(7), which the judge may use. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff or judicial assistant to see if you need to provide this form order to the judge with your motion. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the child(ren)'s name, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

If the judge grants your motion, you will need to take the order, your completed application, and any fee to the Office of Vital Statistics. That office will conduct the search and file the results with the clerk of court. You may call the clerk's office to determine when the results have been filed in order to set a final hearing.

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. See Chapter 63, Florida Statutes, and Florida Family Law Rule 12.200(a)(2) for further information.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

THIS ADOPTION MAY AFFECT THE ADOPTEE'S INHERITANCE.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.981(b)(1),

JOINT PETITION FOR ADOPTION BY STEPPARENT (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when a stepparent is adopting his or her spouse 's child. Both the stepparent and his or her spouse must sign this petition. You must attach all necessary consents or acknowledgments that apply to your case, as listed under the Special Notes section below. Florida Statutes require that consent to adoption be obtained from:

• The mother of the minor.

• The father of the minor if:

1. The minor was conceived or born while the father was married to the mother;

2. The minor is his child by adoption;

3. The minor has been established by a court proceeding to be his child;

4. He has filed an affidavit of paternity pursuant to section 382.013(2)(c) Florida Statutes; or

5. In the case of an unmarried biological father, he has acknowledged in writing, signed in the presence of a competent witness, that he is the father of the minor, has filed such acknowledgment with the Office of Vital Statistics of the Department of Health within the required timeframes, and has complied with the requirements of section 63.062(2), Florida Statutes.

Determining whether someone's consent is required, or when consent may not be required is a complicated issue and you may wish to consult an attorney. For more information about consenting to adoption, you should refer to Chapter 63, Florida Statutes, and sections 63.062–63.082 in particular.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. The name to be given to the child(ren) after the adoption should be used in the heading of the petition. The stepparent is the petitioner, because he or she is the one who is asking the court for legal action. After completing this form, you and your spouse must sign it before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should then file the original and 1 copy with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the minor resides unless the court changes the venue.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all petitions, pleadings, and documents be filed electronically except in certain circumstances. Self-represented litigants may file petitions or other pleadings or documents electronically; however, they are not required to do so. If you choose to file your pleadings or documents electronically, you must do so in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.525, and you must follow the procedures of the judicial circuit in which you file. The rules and procedures should be carefully read and followed.

What should I do next?

For your case to proceed, you must have the written consent of the other birth parent and the child, if applicable. The court may choose not to require consent to an adoption in some circumstances. For more information about situations where consent may not be required, see section 63.064, Florida Statutes. If you are attempting to proceed without the consent of the other birth parent, you may wish to consult with an attorney. Section 63.054, Florida Statutes, requires that in each adoption proceeding, the Florida Putative Father Registry be searched. You will need an order from the judge to do this, which you can request by filing a Motion for Search of the Putative Father Registry, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.981(a)(6).

When you have filed all of the required forms and met the requirements as outlined above, you are ready to set a hearing on your petition. You should check with the clerk of court, family law intake staff or the judicial assistant to set a final hearing. If all persons required to consent have consented and the consents/affidavits of nonpaternity have been filed with the court, the hearing may be held immediately. If not, notice of the hearing must be given as provided by the Rules of Civil Procedure. See Form 1.902, Florida Rules of Civil Procedure. If you know where the other birth parent lives, you should use personal service. If you absolutely do not know where he or she lives, you may use constructive service. In order to use constructive service you will need to complete and submit to the court Stepparent Adoption: Affidavit of Diligent Search, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.981(a)(4). For more information about personal and constructive service, you should refer to the “General Instructions for Self–Represented Litigants” found at the beginning of these forms and the instructions to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Forms 12.910(a) and 12.913(b) and Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a). However, the law regarding constructive service is very complex and you may wish to consult an attorney regarding that issue.

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self–Represented Litigants” found at the beginning of these forms. See Chapter 63, Florida Statutes, and Florida Family Law Rule 12.200(a)(2) for further information.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

With this petition you must file the following:

• Consent form executed by the birth parent, Stepparent Adoption: Consent and Waiver by Parent, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.981(a)(1) or Stepparent Adoption: Affidavit of Nonpaternity, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.981(a)(3).

• If any person whose consent is required is deceased, a certified copy of the death certificate must be attached to this Petition.

• Consent form executed by the minor child(ren), if the child(ren) is/are over 12 years of age, Stepparent Adoption: Consent of Adoptee, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.981(a)(2). The court can excuse filing of this form under certain circumstances.

• Certified copy of the child(ren)'s birth certificate.

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d).

• If applicable, Stepparent Adoption: Motion for Search of the Putative Father Registry, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.981(a)(6).

These family law forms contain a Final Judgment of Stepparent Adoption, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.981(b)(2), which the judge may use. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring a final judgment form with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county case number, division, and the child(ren)'s names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing.

You should decide how many certified copies of the final judgment you will need and be prepared to obtain them after the hearing. There is a charge for certified copies, and the clerk can tell you how much. The file will be sealed after the final hearing, and then it will take an order from a judge to open the file and obtain a copy of the final judgment.

AN ADOPTIVE STEPPARENT WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE PARENTAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING CUSTODY AND TIME–SHARING, WHERE APPROPRIATE, IN THE EVENT OF A LATER DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE, AND MAY BE LIABLE FOR CHILD SUPPORT IN THE EVENT OF A LATER DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE. YOU COULD BE LIABLE IN LITIGATION FOR THE ACTIONS OF THE ADOPTEE(S). THIS ADOPTION MAY ALSO AFFECT THE ADOPTEE'S INHERITANCE.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.981(c)(1), PETITION FOR ADOPTION OF ADULT BY STEPPARENT (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when a stepparent is adopting his or her spouse's adult child. You must obtain the written consent of the adult child to be adopted, as well as the written consent of his or her spouse (if married).

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. The name to be given to the adoptee after the adoption should be used in the heading of the petition. The stepparent is the petitioner, because he or she is the one who is asking the court for legal action. You must have your signature witnessed by a notary public or deputy clerk.

After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where either you or the adoptee live and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that petitions, pleadings, and documents be filed electronically except in certain circumstances. Self-represented litigants may file a petition or other pleadings electronically; however, they are not required to do so. If you choose to file your petition, or other pleading or document electronically, you must do so in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.525, and you must follow the procedures of the judicial circuit in which you file. The rules and procedures should be carefully read and followed.

What should I do next?

For your case to proceed, you must have the written consent of the adoptee, and his or her spouse if married. Consent of the birth parent is not required, but written notice of the final hearing on the adoption must be provided to the parents, if any, or proof of service of process must be filed showing notice has been served on the parents. If you know where they live, you must use personal service. If you absolutely do not know where they live, you may use constructive service. For more information about personal and constructive service, you should refer the General Instructions for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms and the instructions to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Forms 12.910(a) and 12.913(b) and Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a). However, the law regarding constructive service is very complex and you may wish to consult an attorney regarding that issue.

When you have filed all of the required forms and met the requirements for consent as outlined above, you are ready to set a hearing on your petition. You should check with the clerk of court, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to set a final hearing, and notify the other party(ies) using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Where can I look for more information?

Special notes ...

With this petition you must file the following forms:

Stepparent Adoption: Consent of Adoptee, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.981(a)(2)

Stepparent Adoption: Consent of Adult Adoptee's Spouse, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.981(c)(2), if the adoptee is married

THIS ADOPTION MAY AFFECT THE ADOPTEE'S INHERITANCE.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.981(c)(2),

STEPPARENT ADOPTION: CONSENT OF ADULT ADOPTEE'S SPOUSE (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form must be completed by the spouse of an adult who is being adopted.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, the spouse of the adoptee should sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the petition for adoption of an adult was filed and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all petitions, pleadings, and documents be filed electronically except in certain circumstances. Self-represented litigants may file petitions or other pleadings or documents electronically; however, they are not required to do so. If you choose to file your pleading or other document electronically, you must do so in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.525, and you must follow the procedures of the judicial circuit in which you file. The rules and procedures should be carefully read and followed.

Special notes ...

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.981(d)(1),

PETITION FOR ADOPTION INFORMATION (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form is used to request release of relevant medical or social information on an adoptee. You cannot use this form to find out the identity of birth parent(s).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

Special notes ...

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.982(a)

PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (ADULT) (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when an adult wants the court to change his or her name. This form is not to be used in connection with a dissolution of marriage or for adoption of child(ren). If you want a change of name because of a dissolution of marriage or adoption of child(ren) that is not yet final, the change of name should be requested as part of that case.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink and must be signed before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where you live and keep a copy for your records

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

What should I do next?

Unless you are seeking to restore a former name, you must have fingerprints submitted for a state and national criminal records check. The fingerprints must be taken in a manner approved by the Department of Law Enforcement and must be submitted to the Department for a state and national criminal records check. You may not request a hearing on the petition until the clerk of court has received the results of your criminal history records check. The clerk of court can instruct you on the process for having the fingerprints taken and submitted, including information on law enforcement agencies or service providers authorized to submit fingerprints electronically to the Department of Law Enforcement. The process may take several weeks and you will have to pay for the cost of processing the fingerprints and conducting the state and national criminal history records check.

Next, you must obtain a hearing date for the court to consider your request. If you are seeking to restore a former name, a hearing on the petition MAY be held immediately after the petition is filed. The final hearing on any other petition for a name change may be held immediately after the clerk of court receives the results of your criminal history records check. You should ask the clerk of court, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant about the local procedure for setting a hearing. You may be required to attend the final hearing. Included in these forms is a Final Judgment of Change of Name (Adult), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(b), which the judge may use. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant, to see if you need to bring a final judgment form with you. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing or trial.

If the judge grants your petition, he or she will sign this order. This officially changes your name. The clerk can provide you with certified copies of the signed order. There will be charges for the certified copies, and the clerk can tell you the amount of the charges.

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. For further information, see Section 68.07, Florida Statutes.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Special notes ...

The heading of the form calls for the name of the petitioner. Your current legal name should be used, as you are the one who is asking the court for relief. The judicial circuit, case number, and division may be obtained from the clerk of court's office when you file the petition.

It may be helpful to compile a list of all of the people and/or places that will need a copy of your final judgment. This list may include the driver's license office, social security office, banks, schools, etc. A list will help you know how many copies of your order you should get from the clerk of court after your hearing.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.982(c)

PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (MINOR CHILD(REN)) (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when a parent or parents want the court to change the name of their minor child(ren). For the purposes of this proceeding, a person under the age of 18 is a minor. This form is not to be used in connection with an adoption, dissolution of marriage, or paternity action. If you want a change of name for your child(ren) because of an adoption or paternity action that is not yet final, the change of name should be requested as part of that case.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink and must be signed before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court, in the county where you live and keep a copy for your records. The Petition should only be completed by one Petitioner for one child. If you wish to change the name of more than one child or if there is more than one Petitioner, you should complete and file a Supplemental Form for Petition for Change of Name (Minor Child) for each child and/or a Supplemental Form for Petition for Change of Name. The supplemental form(s) is an attachment to the petition. Be sure that the bottom of each page of each supplemental form is initialed by the petitioner(s).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

What should I do next?

Unless you are seeking to restore a former name, each adult petitioner(s)'s fingerprints must be submitted for a state and national criminal history records check. The fingerprints must be taken in a manner approved by the Department of Law Enforcement. The fingerprints must be submitted to the Department of Law Enforcement for a state and national criminal history records check. The Petitioner(s) may not request a hearing on the Petition until the copy of the fingerprintsare filed and the clerk of court has received the results of the criminal history records check. The clerk of court can instruct you on the process for having the fingerprints taken and submitted, including information on law enforcement agencies or service providers authorized to submit fingerprints electronically to the Department of Law Enforcement. The process may take several weeks and the parent or guardian of the minor must pay the cost of processing the fingerprints and conducting the state and national history records check.

If both parents agree to the change of name and live in the county where the change of name is sought, you may both file as petitioners. In this situation, service is not necessary, and you need only to set a hearing. You should ask the clerk of court, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant about the local procedure for setting a hearing.

If only one parent is a resident of the county where the change of name(s) is sought or only one parent asks for the child(ren)'s name(s) to be changed, the other parent must be notified and his or her consent obtained, if possible. If the other parent consents to the change of name, a Consent for Change of Name (Minor Child(ren)), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(d), should be filed.

If the other parent does not consent to the change of name, you may still have a hearing on the petition if you have properly notified the other parent about your petition and the hearing. If you know where he or she lives, you must use personal service. If you absolutely do not know where he or she lives, you may use constructive service. For more information about personal and constructive service, you should refer [to] the “General Instructions for Self–Represented Litigants” found at the beginning of these forms and the instructions to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Forms 12.910(a) and 12.913(b) and Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a). However, the law regarding constructive service is very complex and you may wish to consult an attorney regarding that issue.

Next, you must obtain a final hearing date for the court to consider your request. If you are seeking to restore a former name, a hearing on the petition MAY be held immediately after the petition is filed. The final hearing on any other petition for a name change may be held immediately after the clerk of court receives the results of your criminal history records check. You should ask the clerk of court, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant about the local procedure for setting a hearing. You may be required to attend the hearing. Included in these forms is a Final Judgment of Change of Name (Minor Child(ren)), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(e), which may be used when a judge grants a change of name for a minor child(ren). If you attend the hearing, you should take the final judgment with you. You should complete the top part of the form, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the name(s) of the petitioner(s) and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete. It should be typed or printed in black ink.

If the judge grants your petition, he or she will sign this order. This officially changes your child(ren)'s name(s). The clerk can provide you with certified copies of the signed order. There will be charges for the certified copies, and the clerk can tell you the amount of the charges.

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self–RepresentedLitigants” found at the beginning of these forms. For further information, see section 68.07, Florida Statutes.

Special notes ...

The heading of the form calls for the name(s) of the petitioner(s). This means the parent(s) who is (are) requesting the change of their child(ren)'s name(s). The judicial circuit, case number, and division may be obtained from the clerk of court's office when you file the petition.

It may be helpful to compile a list of all of the people and places that will need a copy of the final judgment. This list may include the driver's license office, social security office, banks, schools, etc. A list will help you know how many copies of your order you should get from the clerk of court after your hearing.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.982(d),

CONSENT FOR CHANGE OF NAME (MINOR CHILD(REN))(03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when one parent consents to the other parent's petition to change the name of their minor child(ren). A parent who is not a petitioner in the case but is consenting to the change of name should complete this form and sign it in front of a notary public or deputy clerk.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After this form is signed and notarized, you should file it with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the petition was filed and keep a copy for your records. This form should be attached to the Petition for Change of Name (Minor Child(ren)), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(c), if obtained prior to the filing of the petition. Otherwise, it may be filed separately after it has been completed.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms. For further information see section 68.07, Florida Statutes, and the instructions for Petition for Change of Name (Minor Child(ren)), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(c), or Petition for Change of Name (Family), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(f).

Special notes ...

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.982(f),

PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (FAMILY) (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when a family wants the court to change its name. This form is not to be used in connection with a dissolution of marriage, paternity, or adoption action. If you want a change of name because of a dissolution of marriage, paternity, or adoption action that is not yet final, the change of name should be requested as part of that case.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink and must be signed before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where you live and keep a copy for your records. The petition should only be completed for one adult. If you wish to change the name(s) of another adult and/or any child(ren), you should complete and file with the clerk of court the attached Supplemental Form(s) for Petition for Change of Name (Family) for each additional family member. Be sure that the bottom of each page of each supplemental form is initialed.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

What should I do next?

Unless you are seeking to restore a former name, each adult petitioner must have fingerprints submitted for a state and national criminal history records check. The fingerprints must be taken in a manner approved by the Department of Law Enforcement and must be submitted to the Department for a state and national criminal history records check. You may not request a hearing on the petition until the clerk of court has received the results of your criminal history records check. The clerk of court can instruct you on the process for having the fingerprints taken and submitted, including information on law enforcement agencies or service providers authorized to submit finger prints electronically to the Department of Law Enforcement. The process may take several weeks and you will have to pay for the cost of processing the fingerprints and conducting the state and national criminal history records check.

If any of the children for whom you are requesting this change of name are not the legal children of both adults filing this petition, you must obtain the consent of the legal parent(s). A parent not named as a petitioner in this action may consent by submitting a Consent for Change of Name (Minor Child(ren)), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(d).

If the other parent does not consent to the change of name, you may still have a hearing on the petition if you have properly notified the other parent about your petition and the hearing. If you know where he or she lives, you must use personal service. If you absolutely do not know where he or she lives, you may use constructive service. For more information about personal and constructive service, you should refer to the General Instructions for Self–Represented Litigants found at the beginning of these forms and the instructions to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Forms 12.910(a) and 12.913(b) and Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a). The law on constructive service is very complex and you may wish to consult an attorney regarding constructive service.

Before a final hearing on your request may be held, you must obtain a date for the court to consider your request. If you are seeking to restore a former name, the final hearing on the petition MAY be held immediately after the petition is filed. The final hearing on any other petition for a name change may be held immediately after the clerk of court receives the results of your criminal history records check. You should ask the clerk of court, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant about the local procedure for setting a hearing. You may be required to attend the hearing. Included in these forms is a Final Judgment of Change of Name (Family), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(g), which may be used when a judge grants a change of name for a family. If you attend the hearing, you should take the final judgment form with you. You should complete the top part of this form, including the circuit, county, case number, division, the name(s) of the petitioner(s) and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete. It should be typed or printed in black ink.

If the judge grants your petition, he or she will sign this order. This officially changes your family's name. The clerk can provide you with certified copies of the signed order. There will be charges for the certified copies, and the clerk can tell you the amount of the charges.

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self–Represented Litigants” found at the beginning of these forms. For further information, see section 68.07, Florida Statutes.

Special notes ...

The heading of the form calls for the name(s) of the petitioner(s). This is (are) the parent(s) who is/are requesting the change of their family's name(s). The judicial circuit, case number, and division may be obtained from the clerk of court's office when you file the petition.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.983(a),

PETITION TO DETERMINE PATERNITY AND FOR RELATED RELIEF (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used by a birth mother or father to ask the court to establish paternity, a time-sharing schedule, and/or child support of a minor child or children. This means that you are trying to legally establish who is the father of the child(ren).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

What should I do next?

For your case to proceed, you must properly notify the respondent of the petition. If you know where he or she lives, you should use personal service. If you absolutely do not know where he or she lives, you may use constructive service. However, if constructive service is used, the court may only grant limited relief. You should seek legal advice on constructive service in a paternity case. For more information see chapter 49, Florida Statutes, or you may contact Child Support Enforcement at the Florida Department of Revenue if you need assistance with your case.

If personal service is used, the respondent has 20 days to answer after being served with your petition. Your case will then generally proceed in one of the following three ways:

DEFAULT ... If after 20 days, no answer has been filed, you may file a Motion for Default, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922(a), with the clerk of court. Then, if you have filed all of the required papers, you may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to set a final hearing. You must notify the other party of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

UNCONTESTED ... If the respondent files an answer that agrees with everything in your petition or an answer and waiver, and you have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers, you may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to set a final hearing. You must notify the other party of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

CONTESTED ... If the respondent files an answer or an answer and counterpetition, which disagrees with or denies anything in your petition, and you are unable to settle the disputed issues, you should file a Notice for Trial, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.924, after you have complied with mandatory disclosure, completed the scientific paternity testing, if necessary, and filed all of the required papers. Then you should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for instructions on how to set your case for trial (final hearing). If the respondent files an answer and counterpetition, you should answer the counterpetition within 20 days using an Answer to Counterpetition, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.983(d).

Where can I look for more information?

Special notes ...

If you do not have the money to pay the filing fee, you may obtain an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status, fill it out, and the clerk will determine whether you are eligible to have filing fees deferred.

More than one child of the same alleged father may be listed on a single petition. However, if you are filing a paternity action involving more than one possible father, a separate petition must be filed for each alleged father.

If the respondent files an answer denying that the person named in the petition is the child(ren)'s father, one of you should file a Motion for Scientific Paternity Testing, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.983(e). This is used to ask the court to order a scientific test to determine who is the child(ren)'s father.

If the father signed papers at the hospital acknowledging that he was the father, paternity was established as a matter of law. This should be indicated on page 2, section 9a on this form.

If the paternity of a child who was conceived or born during a marriage is at issue, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to assist the court in this matter and to protect the rights of child.

With this petition, you must file the following and provide a copy to the other party:

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d).

• Notice of Social Security Number, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j).

• Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c).

• Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.932. (This must be filed within 45 days, if not filed with the petition, unless you and the other party have agreed not to exchange these documents.)

• Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form, 12.995(a), 12.995(b), or 12.995(c). If the parents have reached an agreement, a signed and notarized Parenting Plan should be attached. If the parents have not reached an agreement, a proposed Parenting Plan may be filed.

Parenting Plan and Time–Sharing. If the parties are unable to agree on parenting arrangements and a time-sharing schedule, a judge will decide as part of establishing a Parenting Plan. The judge will decide the parenting arrangements and time-sharing based on the child(ren)'s best interests. Regardless of whether there is an agreement between the parties, the court reserves jurisdiction to modify issues relating to minor or dependent child(ren).

• Shared Parental Responsibility

• Sole Parental Responsibility

• Supervised Time–Sharing

• No contact

• Parenting Plan

• Parenting Plan Recommendation

• Time–Sharing Schedule

Many circuits require that parents of a minor or dependent child(ren) who are involved in dissolution or paternity actions attend mediation before being allowed to schedule a final hearing. A parenting course must be completed prior to entry of the final judgment. You should check with your local clerk of court's office, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for more information on the parenting course and mediation requirements in your area.

Child Support. The court may order one parent to pay child support to assist the other parent in meeting the child(ren)'s material needs. Both parents are required to provide financial support, but one parent may be ordered to pay a portion of his or her support for the child(ren) to the other parent.

Florida has adopted guidelines for determining the amount of child support to be paid. These guidelines are based on the combined income of both parents and take into account the financial contributions of both parents. You should file a financial affidavit, and the other parent will be required to do the same. From your financial affidavits, you should be able to calculate the amount of child support that should be paid. Because the child support guidelines take several factors into consideration, change over time, and vary from state to state, your child support obligation may be more or less than that of other people in seemingly similar situations.

Final Judgments. These family law forms contain a Final Judgment of Paternity, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.983(g), which the judge may use. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring it with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing or trial.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.983(b)

ANSWER TO PETITION TO DETERMINE PATERNITY AND FOR RELATED RELIEF (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when you are responding to a petition to determine paternity. You may use this form to admit or deny the allegations contained in the petition. However, if you wish to ask the court for things not included in the petition, such as, parental responsibility and time-sharing or child support, you should file an Answer to Petition and Counterpetition to Determine Paternity and for Related Relief, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.983(c).

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should sign this form before a notary public or deputy clerk. You should then file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the petition was filed and keep a copy for your records.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

What should I do next?

If you deny that the person named in the petition is the child(ren)'s father, a Motion for Scientific Paternity Testing, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.983(e), should be filed. This is used to ask the court to order a scientific test to determine who is the child(ren)'s father.

You have 20 days to file an answer to the other party's petition. A copy of this form, along with all of the other forms required with this answer, must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand delivered to the other party in your case. After you file your answer, the case will generally proceed in one of the following two ways:

UNCONTESTED ... This case is uncontested if you and the petitioner agree on all issues raised in the petition. If this is the case, and you and the other party have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers, either party may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to set a final hearing. If you request the hearing, you must notify the other party of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

CONTESTED ... This case is contested if you and the other party disagree on any issues raised in the petition. If you are unable to settle the disputed issues, either party may file a Notice for Trial Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.924, after you have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers. Some circuits may require the completion of mediation before a final hearing may be set. You should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for instructions on how to set your case for trial (final hearing).

Where can I look for more information?

Special notes ...

With this answer, you must file the following and provide a copy to the other party:

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d).

• Notice of Social Security Number, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j).

• Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c). (This must be filed within 45 days of the service of the petition on you, if not filed at the time you file this answer.)

• Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.932. (This must be filed within 45 days of the service of the petition on you, if not filed at the time you file this answer, unless you and the other party have agreed not to exchange these documents.)

• Child Support Guidelines Worksheet,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e). (If you do not know the other party's income, you may file this form after the other party files his or her financial affidavit.)

Many circuits require completion of mediation before being allowed to schedule a final hearing. A parenting course must be completed prior to entry of the final judgment. You should check with your local clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for more information on the parenting course and mediation requirements in your area.

Parenting Plan and Time–Sharing. If the parents are unable to agree on parenting arrangements and a time-sharing schedule, a judge will decide these issues as part of establishing a Parenting Plan. The judge will decide the parenting arrangements and time-sharing schedule based on the child(ren)'s best interests. Regardless of whether there is an agreement between the parties, the court reserves jurisdiction to modify issues relating to minor child(ren).

Listed below are some terms with which you should become familiar before completing your answer. If you do not fully understand any of the terms below or their implications, you should speak with an attorney before going any further.

• Shared Parental Responsibility

• Sole Parental Responsibility

• Supervised Time–Sharing

• No contact

• Parenting Plan

• Parenting Plan Recommendation

• Time–Sharing Schedule
Child Support ... The court may order one parent to pay child support to assist the other parent in meeting the child(ren)'s material needs. Both parents are required to provide financial support, but one parent may be ordered to pay a portion of his or her support for the child(ren) to the other parent. Florida has adopted guidelines for determining the amount of child support to be paid. These guidelines are based on the combined income of both parents and take into account the financial contributions of both parents. You should file a financial affidavit, and the other parent will be required to do the same. From your financial affidavits, you should be able to calculate the amount of child support that should be paid. Because the child support guidelines take several factors into consideration, change over time, and vary from state to state, your child support obligation may be more or less than that of other people in seemingly similar situations.

Final Judgments ... These family law forms contain a Final Judgment of Paternity, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.983(g), which the judge may use. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring it with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing or trial.

Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these forms, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from a Nonlawyer,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he or she helps you complete.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW FORM 12.983(c),

ANSWER TO PETITION AND COUNTERPETITION TO DETERMINE PATERNITY AND FOR RELATED RELIEF (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when you are responding to a petition to determine paternity and asking the court for something different than what was in the petition, such as parental responsibility, time-sharing, and child support. The answer is used to admit or deny the allegations contained in the petition, and the counterpetition is used to ask for whatever you want the court to do for you. The other party has 20 days to answer your counterpetition after being served with your counterpetition.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

What should I do next?

You have 20 days to file an answer or answer and counterpetition to the other party's petition. A copy of this form, along with all of the other forms required with this answer and counterpetition, must be mailed or hand delivered to the other party in your case.

If you deny that the person named in the petition is the child(ren)'s father, a Motion for Scientific Paternity Testing Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.983(e), should be filed. This is used to ask the court to order a scientific test to determine who is the child(ren)'s father.

After you file an answer and counterpetition, the case will then generally proceed as follows:

UNCONTESTED. This case is uncontested if you and the other party agree on all issues raised in the petition and the counterpetition. If this is the case, and you and the other party have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers, either party may call the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to set a final hearing. If you request the hearing, you must notify the other party of the hearing by using a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

CONTESTED. This case is contested if you and the other party disagree on any issues raised in the petition or counterpetition. If you are unable to settle the disputed issues, either party may file a Notice for Trial, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.924, after you have complied with mandatory disclosure and filed all of the required papers. Some circuits may require the completion of mediation before a final hearing may be set. You should contact the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for instructions on how to set your case for trial ( final hearing ).

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self–Represented Litigants for some basic information. The words that are in bold underline in these instructions are defined there. For further information, see chapter 742, Florida Statutes.

Special notes ...

If the child(ren)'s father signed papers at the hospital acknowledging that he was the father, paternity was established as a matter of law. This should be indicated on page 2, section 10a of the counterpetition part of this form. With this answer, you must file the following:

• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d).

• Notice of Social Security Number Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(j).

• Family Law Financial Affidavit,Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c). (This must be filed within 45 days of service of the petition on you if not filed with this answer.)

• Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory DisclosureFlorida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.932. (This must be filed within 45 days of service of the petition on you, if not filed with this answer, unless you and the other party have agreed not to exchange these documents.)

• Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(a), 12.995(b), or (c). If the parents have reached an agreement, a signed and notarized Parenting Plan should be attached. If the parents have not reached an agreement, a proposed Parenting Plan may be filed.

Many jurisdictions may require the completion of mediation before a final hearing may be set. A parenting course must be completed prior to entry of the final judgment. You should contact the office of your local clerk of court, family law intake staff, or the judicial assistant about requirements for parenting courses or mediation where you live.

Parenting Plan and Time–Sharing. If the parties are unable to agree on parenting arrangements and a time-sharing schedule, a judge will decide as part of establishing a Parenting Plan. The judge will decide the parenting arrangements and time-sharing schedule based on the child(ren)'s best interests. Regardless of whether there is an agreement between the parties, the court reserves jurisdiction to modify issues relating to minor child(ren).

Listed below are some terms with which you should become familiar before completing your answer and counterpetition. If you do not fully understand any of the terms below or their implications, you should speak with an attorney before going any further.

Shared Parental Responsibility

Sole Parental Responsibility

Supervised Time–Sharing

No contact

Parenting Plan

Parenting Plan Recommendations

Time–Sharing Schedule

Parenting Plan. In all cases involving minor or dependent child(ren), a Parenting Plan shall be approved or established by the court. If the parties have reached an agreement, you should file a Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(a), 12.995(b), or 12.995(c) which addresses the time-sharing schedule for the child(ren). If you have not reached an agreement, a proposed Parenting Plan may be filed. A ParentingPlan will be established by the court.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.983(d),

ANSWER TO COUNTERPETITION (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form may be used by a petitioner to respond to the respondent's counterpetition in a paternity case. You may use this form to admit or deny the allegations contained in the respondent's counterpetition.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

What should I do next?

A copy of this form must be mailed, e-mailed, or hand-delivered to the other party in your case.

If the respondent has denied that the person named in the petition is the father of the child(ren) and requested a scientific paternity test, you must now wait until the test is complete. You should then proceed according to the instructions in Petition to Determine Paternity and for Related Relief, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.983(a).

Where can I look for more information?

Special notes ...

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.983(e),

MOTION FOR SCIENTIFIC PATERNITY TESTING (03/15)

When should this form be used?

This form should be used when the mother or alleged father wants the court to order a scientific paternity test to determine the paternity of a minor child(ren).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

What should I do next?

When you have filed this motion, you are ready to set a hearing on this motion. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for information on the local procedure for scheduling a hearing. When you know the date and time of your hearing, you should file a Notice of Hearing (General), Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, or other appropriate notice of hearing form.

A copy of this motion and the Notice of Hearing must be mailed, e-mailed or hand-delivered to the other party in your case.

Where can I look for more information?

Special notes ...

These family law forms contain an Order on Motion for Scientific Paternity Testing, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.983(f), which the judge may use. You should check with the clerk, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant to see if you need to bring it with you to the hearing. If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division, and the parties' names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing or trial.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.995(a)

PARENTING PLAN (03/15)

When should this form be used?

A Parenting Plan is required in all cases involving time-sharing with minor child(ren), even when time-sharing is not in dispute. The Parenting Plan must be developed and agreed to by the parents and approved by the court. If the parties cannot agree to a Parenting Plan or if the parents agreed to a plan that is not approved by the court, a Parenting Plan will be established by the court with or without the use of parenting plan recommendations. This form or a similar form should be used in the development of a Parenting Plan. If the case involves supervised time-sharing, the Supervised/Safety Focused Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(b) or a similar form should be used. If the case involves relocation, pursuant to Section 61.13001, Florida Statutes, then a Relocation/Long Distance Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(c) or a similar form should be used.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. Please either delete or strike-through terms or paragraphs that are inappropriate or inapplicable to your agreement. If an agreement has been reached, both parties must sign the Parenting Plan and have their signatures witnessed by a notary public or deputy clerk. After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the petition was filed and keep a copy for your records. You should then refer to the instructions for your petition, answer, or answer and counterpetition concerning the procedures for setting a hearing or trial ( final hearing ). If the parents have not reached an agreement, a proposed Parenting Plan may be filed by either parent at the time of or any time prior to the final hearing. If an agreed Parenting Plan is not filed by the parties, the court shall establish a Plan.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self–RepresentedLitigants” found at the beginning of these forms. The words that are in “ bold underline ” in these instructions are defined there. For further information, see chapter 61, Florida Statutes, and the instructions for the petition and/or answer that were filed in this case.

Special notes ...

At a minimum, the Parenting Plan must describe in adequate detail:

• How the parties will share and be responsible for the daily tasks associated with the upbringing of the child(ren),

• The time-sharing schedule arrangements that specify the time that the minor child(ren) will spend with each parent,

• The methods and technologies that the parents will use to communicate with the child(ren).

The best interests of the child(ren) is the primary consideration in the Parenting Plan. In creating the Parenting Plan, all circumstances between the parents, including their historic relationship, domestic violence, and other factors must be taken into consideration. Determination of the best interests of the child(ren) shall be made by evaluating all of the factors affecting the welfare and interest of the particular minor child(ren) and the circumstances of that family, as listed in section 61.13(3), Florida Statutes, including, but not limited to:

The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship, to honor the time-sharing schedule, and to be reasonable when changes are required;

The anticipated division of parental responsibilities after the litigation, including the extent to which parental responsibilities will be delegated to third parties;

The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to determine, consider, and act upon the needs of the child(ren) as opposed to the needs or desires of the parent;

The length of time the child(ren) has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment and the desirability of maintaining continuity;

The geographic viability of the parenting plan, with special attention paid to the needs of school-age children and the amount of time to be spent traveling to effectuate the parenting plan. This factor does not create a presumption for or against relocation of either parent with a child(ren);

The moral fitness of the parents;

The mental and physical health of the parents;

The home, school, and community record of the child(ren);

The reasonable preference of the child(ren), if the court deems the child(ren) to be of sufficient intelligence, understanding, and experience to express a preference;

The demonstrated knowledge, capacity, and disposition of each parent to be informed of the circumstances of the minor child(ren), including, but not limited to, the child(ren)'s friends, teachers, medical care providers, daily activities, and favorite things;

The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to provide a consistent routine for the child(ren), such as discipline,and daily schedules for homework, meals, and bedtime;

The demonstrated capacity of each parent to communicate with and keep the other parent informed of issues and activities regarding the minor child(ren), and the willingness of each parent to adopt a unified front on all major issues when dealing with the child(ren);

Evidence of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, child abandonment, or child neglect, regardless of whether a prior or pending action relating to those issues has been brought. If the court accepts evidence of prior or pending actions regarding domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, child abandonment, or child neglect, the court must specifically acknowledge in writing that such evidence was considered when evaluating the best interests of the child(ren);

Evidence that either parent has knowingly provided false information to the court regarding any prior or pending action regarding domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, child abandonment, or child neglect;

The particular parenting tasks customarily performed by each parent and the division or parental responsibilities before the institution of litigation and during the pending litigation, including the extent to which parenting responsibilities were undertaken by third parties;

The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to participate and be involved in the child(ren)'s school and extracurricular activities;

The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to maintain an environment for the child(ren) which is free from substance abuse;

The capacity and disposition of each parent to protect the child(ren) from the ongoing litigation as demonstrated by not discussing the litigation with the child(ren), not sharing documents or electronic media related to the litigation with the child(ren), and refraining from disparaging comments about the other parent to the child)ren); and

The developmental stages and needs of the child(ren) and the demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to meet the child(ren)'s developmental needs.

In developing the Parenting Plan, you may wish to consult or review other materials which are available at your local library, law library or through national and state family organizations.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.995(b),

SUPERVISED/SAFETY–FOCUSED PARENTING PLAN (03/15)

When should this form be used?

A Parenting Plan is required in all cases involving minor child(ren). This form or a similar form should be used in cases when you feel your child(ren) cannot be safely alone with the other parent or if you believe shared parental responsibility presents a detriment to the child(ren). In this case, a Parenting Plan must be developed that allows time-sharing with any minor child(ren), while providing protection for the child(ren). If safety or supervised time-sharing is not a concern, Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(a) or a similar form should be used. If the case involves relocation, pursuant to Section 61.13001, Florida Statutes, then Relocation/Long Distance Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(c) or a similar form should be used.

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. If an agreement has been reached, both parties must sign the Parenting Plan and have their signatures witnessed by a notary public or deputy clerk. After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the petition was filed and keep a copy for your records. You should then refer to the instructions for your petition, answer, or answer and counterpetition concerning the procedures for setting a hearing or trial ( final hearing ). If the parents have not reached an agreement, a proposed Parenting Plan may be filed by either parent at the time of or any time prior to the final hearing. If an agreed Parenting Plan is not filed by the parties, the court shall establish a Plan.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Where can I look for more information?

Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self–RepresentedLitigants” found at the beginning of these forms. The words that are in “ bold underline ” in these instructions are defined there. For further information, see chapter 61, Florida Statutes, and the instructions for the petition and/or answer that were filed in this case.

Special notes ...

If you fear that disclosing your address would put you in danger, you should complete a Request for Confidential Filing of Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Form 12.980(h), file it with the clerk of the circuit court and write confidential in the space provided in the Parenting Plan.

At a minimum, the Parenting Plan must describe in adequate detail:

• How the parties will share and be responsible for the daily tasks associated with the upbringing of the child(ren),

• The time-sharing schedule arrangements that specify the time that the minor child(ren) will spend with each parent,

• The methods and technologies that the parents will use to communicate with the child(ren).

• The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship, to honor the time-sharing schedule, and to be reasonable when changes are required;

• The anticipated division of parental responsibilities after the litigation, including the extent to which parental responsibilities will be delegated to third parties;

• The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to determine, consider, and act upon the needs of the child(ren) as opposed to the needs or desires of the parent;

• The length of time the child(ren) has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment and the desirability of maintaining continuity;

• The geographic viability of the parenting plan, with special attention paid to the needs of school-age children and the amount of time to be spent traveling to effectuate the parenting plan. This factor does not create a presumption for or against relocation of either parent with a child(ren);

• The moral fitness of the parents;

• The mental and physical health of the parents;

• The home, school, and community record of the child(ren);

• The reasonable preference of the child(ren), if the court deems the child(ren) to be of sufficient intelligence, understanding, and experience to express a preference;

• The demonstrated knowledge, capacity, and disposition of each parent to be informed of the circumstances of the minor child(ren), including, but not limited to, the child(ren)'s friends, teachers, medical care providers, daily activities, and favorite things;

• The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to provide a consistent routine for the child(ren), such as discipline, and daily schedules for homework, meals, and bedtime;

• The demonstrated capacity of each parent to communicate with and keep the other parent informed of issues and activities regarding the minor child(ren), and the willingness of each parent to adopt a unified front on all major issues when dealing with the child(ren);

• Evidence of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, child abandonment, or child neglect, regardless of whether a prior or pending action relating to those issues has been brought. If the court accepts evidence of prior or pending actions regarding domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, child abandonment, or child neglect, the court must specifically acknowledge, in writing that such evidence was considered when evaluating the bests interests of the child(ren);

• Evidence that either parent has knowingly provided false information to the court regarding any prior or pending action regarding domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, child abandonment, or child neglect;

• The particular parenting tasks customarily performed by each parent and the division or parental responsibilities before the institution of litigation and during the pending litigation, including the extent to which parenting responsibilities were undertaken by third parties;

• The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to participate and be involved in the child(ren)'s school and extracurricular activities;

• The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to maintain an environment for the child(ren) which is free from substance abuse;

• The capacity and disposition of each parent to protect the child(ren) from the ongoing litigation as demonstrated by not discussing the litigation with the child(ren), not sharing documents or electronic media related to the litigation with the child(ren), and refraining from disparaging comments about the other parent to the child)ren); and

• The developmental stages and needs of the child(ren) and the demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to meet the child(ren)'s developmental needs.

In developing the Parenting Plan, you may wish to consult or review other materials which are available at your local library, law library or through national and state family organizations.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.995(c)

RELOCATION/LONG DISTANCE PARENTING PLAN (03/15)

When should this form be used?

A Parenting Plan is required in all cases involving time-sharing with minor child(ren), even when time-sharing is not in dispute. The Parenting Plan must be developed and agreed to by the parents and every other person entitled to access or time-sharing with the child(ren) and approved by the court. “Other Person” means an individual who is not the parent, but with whom the child resides pursuant to court order, or who has the right of access to, time-sharing with or visitation with the child(ren). If the parties cannot agree to a Parenting Plan or if the parents agreed to a Plan that is not approved by the court, a Parenting Plan will be established by the court with or without the use of Parenting Plan Recommendations.

This form or a similar form should be used in the development of a Parenting Plan when you are planning to relocate your or the child(ren)'s principal residence more than 50 miles from the principal place of residence:

• at the time of the last order either establishing or modifying time-sharing, or

• at the time of filing the pending action to either establish or modify time-sharing

This form should be typed or printed in black ink. If an agreement has been reached, both parties must sign the Parenting Plan and have their signatures witnessed by a notary public or deputy clerk. After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the petition was filed and keep a copy for your records. You should then refer to the instructions for your petition, answer, or answer and counterpetition concerning the procedures for setting a hearing or trial ( final hearing ). If an agreed Parenting Plan is not filed by the parties, the Court shall establish a Plan.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–FILING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E–SERVICE ELECTION

Where can I look for more information?

Special notes ...

At a minimum, the Relocation/Long Distance Parenting Plan must describe in adequate detail:

• How the parties will share and be responsible for the daily tasks associated with the upbringing of the child(ren),

• The time-sharing schedule that specifies the time that the minor child(ren) will spend with each parent and every other person entitled to access or time-sharing,

• The methods and technologies that the parties will use to communicate with the child(ren), and

• Any transportation arrangements related to access or time-sharing.

• The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each party to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship, to honor the time-sharing schedule, and to be reasonable when changes are required;

• The anticipated division of parental responsibilities after the litigation, including the extent to which parental responsibilities will be delegated to third parties;

• The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each party to determine, consider, and act upon the needs of the child(ren) as opposed to the needs or desires of the parent;

• The length of time the child(ren) has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment and the desirability of maintaining continuity;

• The moral fitness of the parties;

• The mental and physical health of the parties;

• The home, school, and community record of the child(ren);

• The reasonable preference of the child(ren), if the court deems the child(ren) to be of sufficient intelligence, understanding, and experience to express a preference;

• The demonstrated knowledge, capacity, and disposition of each party to be informed of the circumstances of the minor child(ren), including, but not limited to, the child(ren)'s friends, teachers, medical care providers, daily activities, and favorite things;

• The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each party to provide a consistent routine for the child(ren), such as discipline, and daily schedules for homework, meals, and bedtime;

• The demonstrated capacity of each party to communicate with and keep the other part(y)ies informed of issues and activities regarding the minor child(ren), and the willingness of each party to adopt a unified front on all major issues when dealing with the child(ren);

• Evidence of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, child abandonment, or child neglect, regardless of whether a prior or pending action relating to those issues has been brought. If the court accepts evidence of prior or pending actions regarding domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, child abandonment, or child neglect, the court must specifically acknowledge in writing that such evidence was considered when evaluating the best interests of the child(ren);

• Evidence that any party has knowingly provided false information to the court regarding any prior or pending action regarding domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, child abandonment, or child neglect;

• The particular parenting tasks customarily performed by each patty and the division of parental responsibilities before the institution of litigation and during the pending litigation, including the extent to which parenting responsibilities were undertaken by third parties;

• The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each party to participate and be involved in the child(ren)'s school and extracurricular activities;

• The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each party to maintain an environment for the child(ren) which is free from substance abuse;

• The capacity and disposition of each party to protect the child(ren) from the ongoing litigation as demonstrated by not discussing the litigation with the child(ren), not sharing documents or electronic media related to the litigation with the child(ren), and refraining from disparaging comments about any other party to the child)ren); and

• The developmental stages and needs of the child(ren) and the demonstrated capacity and disposition of each party to meet the child(ren)'s developmental needs.
This standard form does not include every possible issue that may be relevant to the facts of your case. The Parenting Plan should be as detailed as possible to address the time-sharing schedule. Additional provisions should be added to address all of the relevant factors. The parties should give special consideration to the age and needs of each child.

In developing the Parenting Plan, you may wish to consult or review other materials which are available at your local library, law library or through national and state family organizations.