OBTAINING A REGULAR DIVORCE (not Simplified) PRO SE (WITHOUT AN ATTORNEY)

PACKET #38 - MOTION FOR TEMPORARY RELIEF (10/14/2022) Page 1 of 5

THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

FAMILY LAW DIVISION

MOTION FOR TEMPORARY RELIEF

(Packet #38)

If you choose to represent yourself (pro se) in your case, you should be aware that you will be required to

follow the same rules that are required in cases filed by persons represented by attorneys. The judge or

general magistrate assigned to your case is not required to grant what you request in a form. If you do not

like the outcome of your case, you may not be able to change it. If you have any questions or concerns

about your case, you should consult with an attorney.

If you do not know an attorney, you may call the Lawyer Referral Service at 813-221-7780. If you do not have

the money to hire an attorney, you may apply to Bay Area Legal Services by calling 813-232-1343. You may also

obtain legal information in Tampa at the Legal Information Center (call 813-864-2280, option 1, for hours and

information) or in Plant City at the Plant City Legal Information Program (call 813-276-2688 for hours and

information).

All instructions and forms distributed by the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit are provided merely as a public service

to persons seeking to represent themselves in court without the assistance of an attorney. These documents are

meant to serve as a guide only, and to assist pro se (self-represented) litigants with their cases. The Thirteenth

Judicial Circuit does not guarantee that either the instructions or the forms will achieve the result desired by the

parties or ensure that any individual judge will follow the procedures exactly or accept each and every form as

drafted. Any person using these instructions and/or forms does so at his or her own risk, and the Thirteenth Judicial

Circuit shall not be responsible for any losses incurred by any person in reliance on the instructions and/or forms.

In no event will the Florida Supreme Court, The Florida Bar, or anyone contributing to the production of

these forms, commentary, instructions, and appendices be liable for any direct, indirect, or consequential

damages from their use.

USE THIS PACKET IF:

1) YOU HAVE A PENDING/OPEN DISSOLUTION OF

MARRIAGE (DIVORCE) CASE OR A PENDING/OPEN

PATERNITY CASE, and

2) YOU WANT TO ASK THE COURT TO ENTER A

TEMPORARY ORDER.

PACKET #38 - MOTION FOR TEMPORARY RELIEF (10/14/2022) Page 2 of 5

(Printing Instructions: There are 2 options available. Option 1 - print entire packet as one document.

Option 2 - choose which forms to print by selecting and opening each form separately.)

FORMS CONTAINED IN THIS PACKET

FORM #

WHEN TO USE

General Information for Self-Represented

Litigants

Appendix C

For your information only

Motion for Temporary Support and Time-

Sharing with Dependent or Minor Child(ren)

12.947(a)

Use if there are children in the case

Motion for Temporary Support with No

Dependent or Minor Child(ren)

12.947(c)

Use if there are no children in the case

Temporary Relief Hearing Memorandum

Memorandum

Required

Notice of Hearing

12.923

Use when a hearing date has been set

Notice of Confidential Information Within

Court Filing

2.40(d)(2)

Use to notify the clerk of documents

containing confidential information

Designation of Current Address and E-mail

Address

12.915

Do not provide an e-mail address unless

you choose to serve and receive ALL

documents in the future ONLY by e-mail.

Once you choose to serve and receive

documents by e-mail, you CANNOT

change your decision.

FORMS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS

PACKET THAT YOU MAY NEED

(These forms will be in your Dissolution of

Marriage or Paternity packet)

FORM #

WHEN TO USE

Financial Affidavit - Short Form

12.902(b)

Required if your income is less than

$50,000/year

Financial Affidavit - Long Form

12.902(c)

Required if your income is more than

$50,000/year

Child Support Guidelines

12.902(e)

Required if there are children in the case

Notice of Social Security Number

12.902(j)

Required

Parenting Plan

12.995 (a)

Required (use this form if safety or

supervised time-sharing IS NOT a concern)

Supervised/Safety-Focused Parenting Plan

12.995 (b)

Required (use this form if safety or

supervised time-sharing IS a concern)

Long-Distance Parenting Plan

12.995 (c)

Consider using this form if you live more

than 50 miles from the other parent

Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and

Enforcement Act Affidavit (UCCJEA)

12.902(d)

Required if there are children in the case

Motion to Deviate From Child Support

Guidelines

12.943

Use if you want the court to order more or

less than the Child Support Guidelines

worksheet indicates

PACKET #38 - MOTION FOR TEMPORARY RELIEF (10/14/2022) Page 3 of 5

STEP 1 - Complete the forms to start the case and have them notarized

1. FORMS MUST BE COMPLETED AND SIGNED IN BLACK INK AND MOST MUST BE

NOTARIZED. The clerk’s office will notarize documents and charge a fee (see attached schedule). Please

bring a valid ID.

2. Names must be written the same way on all documents (no full names on one document and initials on

another).

3. Your CASE NUMBER AND DIVISION must be written on all documents.

4. Complete the following forms and notarize the ones with a Notary signature line:

A) Motion for Temporary Support -- form 12.947(a) or 12.947(c)

B) Temporary Relief Hearing Memorandum

C) Designation of Current Address and E-mail Address, Form 12.915 (Do not provide an e-mail address

unless you choose to serve and receive ALL documents in the future ONLY by e-mail. Once you choose

to serve and receive documents by e-mail, you CANNOT change your decision.)

STEP 2 – Make copies

After you have completed the forms and have signed and notarized them, make 2 complete copies of everything

you have signed (one copy is for your records). Copies can be obtained for a fee in the Court Business Center,

on the 6

floor of the George Edgecomb Courthouse. You may also purchase copies for $0.15 per page, before

filing your case, from the Family Law Intake staff in room 101.

STEP 3 - Filing your motion

Take the original set of completed and signed forms to the clerk on the 1

floor of the main courthouse and pay

the filing fee, if applicable. If you are indigent, receive Food Stamps, Medicaid, or Social Security Disability

benefits, you can ask the Clerk for an application to waive the filing fee. You will be required to swear under

oath that everything in your application is complete and true. If you qualify, the fee will be waived. If you do

not qualify, you must pay the filing fee.

STEP 4 – Notifying the other party

Mail, fax, or hand-deliver 1 set of copies of your documents to the other party.

STEP 5 – Mediation

You are required to attempt mediation on the issues in your motion before your motion can be scheduled for a

hearing. Call the Mediation and Diversion office at 813-272-5642 and ask them to schedule a mediation for

temporary relief. If the other party does not contact the mediation department or the issue(s) cannot be resolved

in mediation, a hearing on your motion can be scheduled.

STEP 6 – Preparing your case / gathering evidence (if your motion is not resolved in mediation)

If you schedule your motion for a hearing, you will need to be prepared to present evidence to the court which

supports your position(s). Gathering evidence is called “discovery.” Discovery is governed by Florida Family

Law Rules of Procedure 12.280 – 12.410 and Florida Rules of Civil Procedure 1.280 – 1.410.

Not all evidence can be considered by the court. Evidence must conform to the Rules of Evidence in Chapter

90 of the Florida Statutes to be admissible in court. The duty of establishing the facts that you want to present

to the court, or the burden of proof, is on YOU. You should provide the court with admissible evidence to

support the claims in your motion and your statements in court.

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS

PACKET #38 - MOTION FOR TEMPORARY RELIEF (10/14/2022) Page 4 of 5

STEP 7 – Scheduling the hearing

1. If neither party has an attorney contact the Case Management Unit at 272-5173 to request a hearing with the

judge.

2. If the other party is represented by an attorney:

A. Call the judicial assistant for the judge assigned to your case (see judicial directory at www.fljud13.org)

and request 3 possible hearing dates for temporary relief.

B. Call the opposing attorney and ask which of those dates and times is best for him/her.

C. Call the J.A. and tell her which date and time you have chosen.

D. Complete a Notice of Hearing form with the place, date, and time of the hearing.

E. Sign the Notice of Hearing and complete the Certificate of Service part of the notice which states the

date you are filing the notice and how you are providing a copy to the opposing attorney.

F. Make 3 copies of the Notice of Hearing.

G. File the original Notice of Hearing with the clerk.

H. Give a copy of the Notice of Hearing to the J.A., send a copy of the notice to the opposing party’s

attorney, and keep a copy of the notice for your records.

STEP 8 – The hearing

Normally the hearing is when the request in your motion will be decided.

HOW TO DRESS - Dress appropriately. No shorts, tank tops, or sandals. Do not chew gum.

WHAT TO BRING - All evidence you want the court to consider in deciding your motion.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The hearing will take place in a hearing room or a courtroom. You will not be in front of a jury, just the

general magistrate or judge. Do not interrupt the magistrate or judge when he or she speaks. When speaking to

the magistrate or judge, address him or her as “Your Honor” or “Judge.”

Each court has at least one bailiff who is a deputy sheriff and is there to maintain order. When you

arrive for your hearing, let the bailiff know that you are present and ready. He or she will announce your case

when it is time for your hearing, and will tell you where to sit and where to place your belongings as you enter

the hearing room. A bailiff will usually remain inside the room during your hearing. If witnesses are called, the

bailiff will step out to bring the witness into the hearing room.

At your hearing, be prepared to discuss any issues covered in your motion and be able to provide proof

of any disputed facts by presenting evidence. Evidence is proof presented at a hearing in the form of witnesses

(people), exhibits (documents), and objects (things). Not all evidence can be considered by the court, however.

Evidence must conform to the Rules of Evidence in Chapter 90 of the Florida Statutes to be admissible in court.

Remember, the duty of establishing the facts that you want to present to the court is on YOU. You should

provide the court with admissible evidence to support the claims in your motion and your statements in court.

Telling your story may not be enough to have your motion granted.

Usually you will be notified of the court’s decision at the hearing and the written order or recommended

order will be mailed to you.

PACKET #38 - MOTION FOR TEMPORARY RELIEF (10/14/2022) Page 5 of 5

Family Forms and Packets - available for purchase at the Court Business Center

Form Packets with Instructions:

1) Complete packets with all forms and self-help instructions are priced individually and available at the Court

Business Center (CBC), in Room 630 (6th Floor) of the George Edgecomb Courthouse, 800 E. Twiggs

Street, Tampa, Florida.

2) Free online at:

a) www.fljud13.org/Portals/0/Forms/pdfs/family/packetList.pdf

b) www.hillsclerk.com/en/About-Us/Forms  then click on “Family Law”

Individual Forms (may not include necessary instructions):

1) For $.10 per page at the Court Business Center (CBC), in Room 630 (6th Floor) of the George Edgecomb

Courthouse, 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, Florida.

2) Free online at: www.flcourts.org  then click on “Family Law Forms”

YOU MAY FILE FORMS AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

Tampa - George Edgecomb Courthouse – Main Location

Clerk of the Circuit Court, 800 E. Twiggs Street, Room 101, Tampa, FL 33602

Brandon – Brandon Regional Service Center

Clerk of the Circuit Court, 311 Pauls Drive, Suite 110, Brandon, FL 33511

Plant City – Plant City Courthouse

Clerk of the Circuit Court, 301 N. Michigan, Room 1071, Plant City, FL 33563

AVISO

No podemos actualizar las

instrucciones en Español tan a

menudo como actualizamos las

instrucciones en Inglés.

Por favor de notar que las formas y

las instrucciones en esta sección no

son necesariamente las más

recientes.

NOTICE

We are not able to update the Spanish

language instructions as often as we

update the English instructions.

Please note that the forms and instructions

in this section may not be current.

CIRCUITO JUDICIAL NÚMERO TRECE

DIVISIÓN DE DERECHO DE FAMILIA

MOCIÓN PARA ALIVIO TEMPORAL

(Paquete #38)

Si usted decide representarse a usted mismo (pro se) en su caso, usted debe estar consciente

de que deberá seguir las mismas reglas establecidas para las personas representadas por

abogados. El juez asignado para su caso no necesariamente tendrá que otorgarle lo que

usted solicite en un formulario. Es posible que usted no pueda modificar el resultado del

caso si no está de acuerdo con este. Si tiene preguntas o inquietudes sobre su caso usted

debe consultar un abogado.

Si no conoce a un abogado, puede comunicarse al Servicio de Remisión de Abogados (Lawyer

Referral Service) al 221-7780. Si usted no tiene dinero para contratar a un abogado, puede

solicitar asistencia a Bay Area Legal Services llamando al 232-1343. También puede solicitar

información legal en el Centro de Información Legal (Legal Information Center) de la Corte

George Edgecomb (llame al 864-2280 para horarios e información).

Todas las instrucciones y formularios distribuidos por el Circuito Judicial Número Trece son

provistas como un servicio público para las personas que buscan representarse a sí mismas en la

corte sin la asistencia de un abogado. Estos documentos son solamente una guía y ayuda para los

casos de los litigantes pro se (que se representan a sí mismos). El Circuito Judicial Número

Trece no le garantiza que las instrucciones o las formas resultarán en el desenlace deseado para

las partes ni que un juez en particular seguirá los procedimientos textualmente o que aceptará

cada uno o la totalidad de los formularios tal y como fueron escritos. Cualquier persona que

utilice estas instrucciones y/o formularios, lo hace bajo su propio riesgo y el Circuito Judicial

Número Trece no se hará responsable por pérdidas ocasionadas a persona alguna que use estas

instrucciones y/o formularios.

PAQUETE No. 38 -MOCIÓN PARA ALIVIO TEMPORAL (08/2014) Page 1 of 6

USE ESTE PAQUETE SI:

1. USTED TIENE UN CASO DE DISOLUCIÓN DE MATRIMONIO (DIVORCIO)

PENDIENTE/ABIERTO

O UN CASO DE PATERNIDAD PENDIENTE/

ABIERTO, y

2. USTED DESEA SOLICITAR A LA CORTE QUE EMITA UNA ORDEN

TEMPORAL

En ningún caso la Corte Suprema de la Florida, la Barra de Florida (Florida Bar), o

cualquiera que contribuya a la creación de estos formularios, comentarios, instrucciones, y

apéndices será responsable por el daño directo, indirecto o consecuencial que su uso pueda

causar.

FORMULARIOS INCLUIDOS

EN ESTE PAQUETE

FORMULARIO #

CUANDO USARLO

Moción de Alivio Temporal y

Tiempo Compartido con

Dependiente(s) o Menor(es)

Moción de Alivio Temporal sin

Dependiente(s) o Menor(es)

12.947(a)

12.947(c)

Use si hay menores en el caso

Use si no hay menores en el caso

Memorando de Audiencia de Alivio

Temporal

Memorando

Necesario

Notificación de la Audiencia

12.923

Utilizar cuando se haya

establecido una fecha para la

audiencia

Notificación de Información

Confidencial contenida en

documentos radicados.

2.40(d)(2)

Para alertar al escribano de la

corte (Clerk) de la existencia de

información confidencial.

FORMULARIOS NO

INCLUIDOS EN ESTE

PAQUETE QUE USTED PUEDE

NECESITAR (Estos formularios los

encuentra en su paquete de

Disolución de Matrimonio o

Paternidad)

FORMULARIO #

CUANDO USARLO

Affidávit Financiero - Formulario

Corto

12.902(b)

Necesario si sus ingresos son

inferiores a $50,000/año

Affidávit Financiero - Formulario

Largo

12.902(c)

Necesario si sus ingresos son

superiores a $50,000/año

PAQUETE No. 38 -MOCIÓN PARA ALIVIO TEMPORAL (08/2014) Page 2 of 6

FORMULARIOS NO

INCLUIDOS EN ESTE

PAQUETE QUE USTED PUEDE

NECESITAR (Estos formularios los

encuentra en su paquete de

Disolución de Matrimonio o

Paternidad)

FORMULARIO #

CUANDO USARLO

Guía de Pensión Alimentaria de

Hijos

12.902(e)

Necesaria

Notificación del Número de Seguro

Social

12.902(j)

Necesario para iniciar un caso

Plan de Crianza

12.995(a)

Necesario (utilice este formulario

si NO le preocupa la seguridad o

la supervisión del tiempo

compartido)

Plan de Crianza supervisado u

orientado a la seguridad

12.995(b)

Necesario (utilice este formulario

si SÍ le preocupa la seguridad o la

supervisión del tiempo

compartido)

Affidávit acorde con Uniform Child

Custody Jurisdiction and

Enforcement Act Affidavit

(UCCJEA)

12.902(d)

Necesario para iniciar un caso

Moción para Desviarse de la Guía

de Pensión Alimentaria de Hijos

12.943

Utilizar si usted desea que la corte

ordene más o menos de lo que

indica la hoja de cálculo de la

Guía

INSTRUCCIONES PASO A PASO

PRIMER PASO - Completar los formularios para iniciar el proceso y

adelantar trámite notarial

1) LOS FORMULARIOS DEBEN SER COMPLETADOS Y FIRMADOS EN TINTA

NEGRA Y LA MAYORÍA DEBEN SURTIR TRÁMITE NOTARIAL. La oficina del

PAQUETE No. 38 -MOCIÓN PARA ALIVIO TEMPORAL (08/2014) Page 3 of 6

escribano (clerk’s office) adelantará el trámite notarial por una tarifa (ver la lista de cargos

anexa). Por favor lleve una identificación válida.

2) Los nombres deben ser escritos de la misma manera en todos los documentos (no

nombres completos en una forma y las iniciales en otra).

3) Su NÚMERO DE CASO Y DIVISION deben estar escrito en todos los documentos.

4) Complete las siguiente formas y adelante el trámite notarial en aquellos que provean

una linea para la firma del notario:

A) Moción para Alivio Temporal, Formulario 12.947(a) o 12.947(c)

B) Memorando de Audiencia de Alivio Temporal

SEGUNDO PASO - Hacer las Copias

Después de completar las formas, firmarlas y completar el trámite notarial, haga dos copias de

todo lo que haya firmado (una es para su archivo). Las copias pueden ser obtenidas por una tarifa

en el Centro de Negocios de la Corte (Court Business Center), en el sexto piso del la Corte

George Edgecomb. También puede pagar $0.15 por página, antes de radicar su caso, en la

oficina 101 (Family Law Intake).

TERCER PASO - Radicar su Caso

Lleve el paquete original de formularios completos y firmados al escribano (clerk) en el 1er piso

de la corte principal.

CUARTO PASO - Notificar a la Contraparte

Envíe por correo, fax o entregue personalmente un juego de copias de sus documentos a la

contraparte.

QUINTO PASO - Mediación

Usted está obligado a intentar una mediación en los asuntos de su moción antes de que pueda

programarse una audiencia para esta. Llame a la Oficina de Mediation and Diversion al

813-272-5642 y solicite que programen una mediación para alivio temporal. Si la contraparte no

se pone en contacto con el Departamento de Mediación o los asuntos no pueden ser resueltos en

mediación, se programará una audiencia para su moción.

SEXTO PASO - Preparar su caso / reunir la evidencia (si su moción no se resuelva

en mediación).

Si usted programa una audiencia para su moción, usted deberá estar preparado para presentar

evidencia que apoye su(s) posición(es) ante la corte. El proceso de reunir la evidencia se llama

“descubrimiento” (Discovery) . El Descubrimiento está gobernado por el Florida Family Rules

of Procedure 12.280 - 12.410 y las Florida Rules of Civil Procedure 1.280 - 1.410.

No toda la evidencia puede ser considerada por el juez o magistrado general. Para ser admisible

en la corte, la evidencia debe estar acorde con las Reglas de Evidencia en el Capítulo 90 de los

Estatutos de la Florida. El deber de establecer los hechos que quiere presentar en la corte, o la

PAQUETE No. 38 -MOCIÓN PARA ALIVIO TEMPORAL (08/2014) Page 4 of 6

carga de la prueba, recae en USTED. Usted es responsable de presentarle a la corte evidencia

admisible para apoyar las solicitudes de su moción y sus afirmaciones en corte.

SÉPTIMO PASO - Programar la audiencia

1. Si ninguna de las partes tiene abogado contacte al Case Management Unit (813-272-5173)

para solicitar una audiencia con el juez.

2. Si la contraparte está representada por un abogado:

A. Llame al asistente judicial (J.A) del juez asignado a su caso (consulte el directorio judicial en

www.fljud13.org) y solicite 3 posibles fechas para la audiencia de alivio temporal.

B. Llame al abogado de la contraparte y pregúntele cual de las 3 fechas y hora le conviene mas a

él o ella.

C. Llame al asistente judicial (J.A) e infórmele qué fecha y hora escogió.

D.Complete una Notificación de Audiencia con el lugar, fecha, y hora de la audiencia.

E. Firme la Notificación de Audiencia y complete la parte del Certificado de Notificación en el

que se establece la fecha en que está radicando la notificación y la manera como le va a hacer

llegar una copia al abogado de la contraparte.

F. Haga 3 copias de la Notificación de Audiencia.

G.Radique el original de la Notificación de Audiencia en la oficina del escribano (clerk).

H.Entregue una copia de la Notificación de Audiencia al asistente judicial (J.A.), envíe una copia

de la notificación al abogado de la contraparte y guarde una copia para su archivo personal.

OCTAVO PASO - La audiencia

Normalmente en la audiencia es cuando se decidirá la petición de su moción.

CÓMO VESTIRSE - Vístase apropiadamente. No use pantalones cortos (shorts), camisetas sin

mangas (tank tops) o sandalias. No mastique chicle.

QUÉ TRAER - Toda la evidencia que usted quiere que la corte tenga en cuenta para decidir su

moción.

QUÉ ESPERAR

La audiencia tendrá lugar en una sala de audiencia o sala de la corte. Usted no estará frente a

un jurado, solamente frente a un magistrado general o juez. No interrumpa al magistrado o al

juez cuando el o ella hable. Cuando se dirija al magistrado o al juez, llámelo/a

“Honorable” (“Your Honor”) o “Juez” (“Judge”).

Cada corte tiene por lo menos un alguacil que es un ayudante de sheriff y se encuentra allí

para mantener el orden. Cuando usted llegue para la audiencia deje que el alguacil sepa que usted

está presente y listo. El o ella anunciará su caso cuando llegue el momento de su audiencia y le

informará donde sentarse y en donde acomodar sus pertenencias cuando entre a la sala de

audiencias. Por lo general un alguacil permanecerá dentro de la sala durante su audiencia. Si se

llaman testigos, el alguacil saldrá a buscarlos para traerlos a la sala de audiencia.

Durante su audiencia, esté preparado para discutir cualquiera de los asuntos de que trate su

moción y esté listo para presentar pruebas de cualquiera de los hechos controvertidos por medio

PAQUETE No. 38 -MOCIÓN PARA ALIVIO TEMPORAL (08/2014) Page 5 of 6

de evidencias. Evidencias son pruebas presentadas durante una audiencia bajo la forma de

testigos (personas), documentos (papeles), u objetos (cosas). Sin embargo, el juez no puede tener

en cuenta toda la evidencia. Las pruebas deben estar conforme a las Reglas de Evidencia del

Capítulo 90 de las Leyes de Florida para ser admisibles en corte. Recuerde que USTED tiene el

deber de establecer los hechos que quiere presentar ante la corte. Usted debe presentarle al juez

evidencia admisible como soporte de las reclamaciones en su petición y de sus afirmaciones en

la corte. Contar su historia, simplemente, puede no ser suficiente para ganar su caso.

Usualmente a usted le notificarán la decisión de la corte durante la audiencia y la orden o

recomendación le será enviada por correo.

Formularios y Paquetes de Familia - disponibles para compra en el Court Business Center

Paquetes de Formularios con Instrucciones:

1) Paquetes completos con todos los formularios e instrucciones de auto-ayuda se encuentran

disponibles para compra, a precios individuales, en el Court Business Center (CBC), Oficina

630 (Piso 6°) de la corte George Edgecomb, 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, Florida.

2) Gratis en línea en:

a) www.fljud13.org/Portals/0/Forms/pdfs/family/packetList.pdf

b) www.hillsclerk.com/publicweb/forms.aspx#FamilyLaw  y luego clic en “Family Law”

Formularios Individuales (no siempre incluyen las instrucciones necesarias):

1) A 10 centavos por página en el Court Business Center (CBC), Oficina 630 (Piso 6°) de la

corte George Edgecomb, 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, Florida.

2) Gratis en línea en:

www.flcourts.org  y luego clic en “Family Law Forms”

USTED PUEDE COMPRAR Y RADICAR LOS FORMULARIOS EN LAS SIGUIENTES

LOCALIDADES:

Tampa - George Edgecomb Courthouse – Main Location

Clerk of the Circuit Court, 800 E. Twiggs Street, Room 101, Tampa, FL 33602

Brandon – Brandon Regional Service Center

Clerk of the Circuit Court, 311 Pauls Drive, Suite 110, Brandon, FL 33511

Plant City – Plant City Courthouse

Clerk of the Circuit Court, 301 N. Michigan, Room 1071, Plant City, FL 33563

Ruskin/Sun City – SouthShore Regional Service Center

Clerk of the Circuit Court, 410 30th Street SE, Ruskin, FL 33570

PAQUETE No. 38 -MOCIÓN PARA ALIVIO TEMPORAL (08/2014) Page 6 of 6

General Information for Self-Represented Litigants (02/18)

FAMILY LAW FORMS, COMMENTARY, AND INSTRUCTIONS

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS

(02/18)

You should read this General Information thoroughly before taking any other steps to file your case or

represent yourself in court. Most of this information is not repeated in the attached forms. This

information should provide you with an overview of the court system, its participants, and its processes.

It should be useful whether you want to represent yourself in a pending matter or have a better

understanding of the way family court works. This is not intended as a substitute for legal advice from

an attorney. Each case has its own particular set of circumstances, and an attorney may advise you of

what is best for you in your individual situation.

These instructions are not the only place that you can get information about how a family case works.

You may want to look at other books for more help. The Florida Statutes, Florida Family Law Rules of

Procedure, Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, and other legal information or books may be found at the

public library or in a law library at your county courthouse or a law school in your area. If you are filing a

petition for Name Change and/or Adoption, these instructions may not apply.

If the word(s) is printed in bold, this means that the word is being emphasized. Throughout these

instructions, you will also find words printed in bold and underlined. This means that the definitions of

these words may be found in the glossary of common family law terms at the end of this general

information section.

Commentary

1995 Adoption. To help the many people in family law court cases who do not have attorneys to

represent them (pro se litigants), the Florida Supreme Court added these simplified forms and directions

to the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure. The directions refer to the Florida Family Law Rules of

Procedure or the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure. Many of the forms were adapted from the forms

accompanying the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure. Practitioners should refer to the committee notes

for those forms for rule history.

The forms were adopted by the Court pursuant to Family Law Rules of Procedure, 667 So. 2d 202 (Fla.

1995); In re Petition for Approval of Forms Pursuant to Rule 10-1.1(b) of the Rules Regulating the Florida

Bar—Stepparent Adoption Forms, 613 So. 2d 900 (Fla. 1992); Rules Regulating the Florida Bar—Approval

of Forms, 581 So. 2d 902 (Fla. 1991).

Although the forms are part of these rules, they are not all inclusive and additional forms, as necessary,

should be taken from the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure as provided in Florida Family Law Rules of

Procedure. Also, the following notice has been included to strongly encourage individuals to seek the

advice, when needed, of an attorney who is a member in good standing of the Florida Bar.

1997 Amendment. In 1997, the Florida Family Law Forms were completely revised to simplify and

correct the forms. Additionally, the appendices were eliminated, the instructions contained in the

appendices were incorporated into the forms, and the introduction following the Notice to Parties was

created. Minor changes were also made to the Notice to Parties set forth below.

General Information for Self-Represented Litigants (02/18)

NOTICE TO PARTIES WHO ARE NOT REPRESENTED BY AN ATTORNEY WHO IS A

MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING OF THE FLORIDA BAR

If you have questions or concerns about these forms, instructions, commentary, the use of the forms,

or your legal rights, it is strongly recommended that you talk to an attorney. If you do not know an

attorney, you should call the lawyer referral service listed in the yellow pages of the telephone book

under “Attorney.” If you do not have the money to hire an attorney, you should call the legal aid

office in your area.

Because the law does change, the forms and information about them may have become outdated.

You should be aware that changes may have taken place in the law or court rules that would affect

the accuracy of the forms or instructions.

In no event will the Florida Supreme Court, The Florida Bar, or anyone contributing to the production

of these forms or instructions be liable for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages resulting

from their use.

FAMILY LAW PROCEDURES

Communication with the court. Ex parte communication is communication with the judge with only

one party present. Judges are not allowed to engage in ex parte communication except in very limited

circumstances, so, absent specific authorization to the contrary, you should not try to speak with or

write to the judge in your case unless the other party is present or has been properly notified. If you

have something you need to tell the judge, you must ask for a hearing and give notice to the other

party or file a written statement in the court file and send a copy of the written statement to the

other party.

Filing a case. A case begins with the filing of a petition. A petition is a written request to the court for

some type of legal action. The person who originally asks for legal action is called the petitioner and

remains the petitioner throughout the case.

A petition is given to the clerk of the circuit court, whose office is usually located in the county

courthouse or a branch of the county courthouse. A case number is assigned and an official court file is

opened. Delivering the petition to the clerk’s office is called filing a case. A filing fee is usually required.

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, motions, and documents electronically; however, they are not required to do so.

If you choose to file your petition electronically, you must do so in accordance with Florida Rule of

Judicial Administration 2.525, and you must follow the procedures of the circuit within which you file.

The rules and procedures should be carefully read and followed.

Service of the original petition or supplemental petition. When one party files a petition, motion, or

other pleading, the other party must be “served” with a copy of the document. This means that the

other party is given proper notice of the pending action(s) and any scheduled hearings. The person

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against whom the original legal action is being requested is called the respondent, because he or she is

expected to respond to the petition. The respondent remains the respondent throughout the case.

Personal service of the petition and summons on the respondent by a deputy sheriff or private process

server is required in all original petitions and supplemental petitions, unless constructive service is

permitted by law. Personal service may also be required in other actions by some judges.

Constructive Service. If you absolutely do not know where the other party to your case lives or if the

other party resides in another state, you may be able to use constructive service;however, if

constructive service is used, other than granting a divorce, the court may only grant limited relief, which

cannot include either alimony or child support. 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), Notice of Action for Family Cases with Minor Child(ren),

Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a)(2), Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry,

Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(b), and Affidavit of Diligent Search, Florida Family

Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(c).. Additionally, 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 is very complex and you

may wish to consult an attorney regarding these issues.

Forms for service of process are included in the Florida Family Law Forms, along with more detailed

instructions and information regarding service. The instructions to those forms should be read carefully

to ensure that you have properly served the other party. If proper service is not obtained, the court

cannot hear your case. Service must be in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration

2.516.

Subsequent Service. Other than the original or supplemental petitions, any time you file additional

pleadings or motions in your case, you must provide a copy to the other party and include a certificate

of service. Likewise, the other party must provide you with copies of everything that he or she files. If

the other party is represented by an attorney, you should serve the attorney unless service upon the

other party is required by the court.

Electronic Service. After the initial service of process of the petitioner 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. If you elect to participate in electronic service, which means

serving or receiving pleadings by electronic mail (e-mail), or through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal,

you must review Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. You may find this rule at www.flcourts.org

through the link to the Rules of Judicial Administration provided under either Family Law Forms: Getting

Started, or Rules of Court in the A-Z Topical Index.

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.

General Information for Self-Represented Litigants (02/18)

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.

Default. After being served with a petition or counterpetition, the other party has 20 days to file a

response. If a response to a petition is not filed, the petitioner may file a Motion for Default, Florida

Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922(a), with the clerk. This means that you may proceed

with your case and set a final hearing, and a judge will make a decision, even if the other party will not

cooperate. For more information, see rule 12.080(c), Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.

Answer and Counterpetition. After being served, the respondent has 20 days to file an answer

admitting or denying each of the allegations contained in the petition. In addition to an answer, the

respondent may also file a counterpetition. In a counterpetition, the respondent may request the same

or some other relief or action not requested by the petitioner. If the respondent files a counterpetition,

the petitioner should then file an Answer to Counterpetition, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family

Law Form 12.903(d), and either admit or deny the allegations in the respondent’s counterpetition.

Mandatory disclosure. Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires each party in a

dissolution of marriage to exchange certain information and documents, and file a Family Law Financial

Affidavit, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c). Failure to make this required

disclosure within the time required by the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure may allow the court to

dismiss the case or to refuse to consider the pleadings of the party failing to comply. This requirement

also must be met in other family law cases, except adoptions, simplified dissolutions of marriage,

enforcement proceedings, contempt proceedings, and proceedings for injunctions for domestic or

repeat violence. The Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure, Florida Family Law Rules of

Procedure Form 12.932, lists the documents that must be given to the other party. For more

information see rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, and the instructions to the

Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form

12.932.

Parenting Plan. If your case involves minor or dependent child(ren), a Parenting Plan shall be approved

or established by the court. 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). The Parenting Plan shall be developed and agreed to by the parents and approved by a court.

If the parents cannot agree, or if the agreed Parenting Plan is not approved, the court must establish a

Parenting Plan. The Parenting Plan shall contain a time-sharing schedule and should address the issues

regarding the child(ren)’s education, health care, and physical, social, and emotional well-being.

Setting a hearing or trial. Generally, the court will have hearings on motions, final hearings on

uncontested or default cases, and trials on contested cases. Before setting your case for final hearing

or 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 jurisdiction. For further information, you should refer to the

instructions for the type of form you are filing.

General Information for Self-Represented Litigants (02/18)

Next, you must obtain a hearing or trial date so that the court may consider your request. You should

ask the clerk of court, or family law intake staff about the local procedure for setting a hearing or trial,

which you should attend. These family law forms contain orders and final judgments, which the judge

may use. You should ask the clerk of court or family law intake staff 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.

The shaded areas below explain different parts of family law forms. Although each form you use may

not contain each part explained below, all forms contain a case style which identifies the judicial circuit

and county in Florida in which the case is filed, the division within that circuit to which the case is

assigned, the parties in the case, and the number of the case. Some, but not all, forms require that the

person signing the form state under oath that what he or she claims in the form is true; those particular

forms must be signed in the presence of either a deputy clerk of the court or a notary public who

witnesses your signature before notarizing the form. Most forms contain a nonlawyer clause which

requests certain information be provided by any person who is not licensed to practice law in the State

of Florida who has helped you to complete the form.

Each form that provides a blank space will have instructions on how to fill in the blank. Please follow all

instructions which ask for specific information. Often these instructions appear in italics.[

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE (1) JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,

IN AND FOR (2) COUNTY, FLORIDA

Case No.: (3)

Division: (4)

(5) ,

Petitioner,

and

(6) ,

Respondent.

Line 1 The clerk of court can tell you the number of your judicial circuit. Type or print it here.

Line 2 Type or print your county name on line (2).

Line 3 If you are filing an initial petition or pleading, the Clerk of the Court will assign a case number after

the case is filed. You should type or print this case number on all papers you file in this case.

Line 4 The clerk of the court can tell you the name of the division in which your case is being filed, and

you should type or print it here. Divisions vary from court to court. For example, your case may

be filed in the civil division, the family division, or the juvenile division.

Line 5 Type or print the legal name of the person who originally filed the case on line 5. This person is

the petitioner because he/she is the one who filed the original petition.

Line 6 Type or print the other party’s legal name on line 6. The other party is the respondent because

he/she is responding to the petition.

Some forms require that your signature be witnessed. If so, you must sign the form in the presence of a

notary public or deputy clerk (employee of the clerk of the court’s office). When signing the form, you

must have a valid photo identification unless the notary knows you personally. You should completely

fill in all lines (1 & 3–8) except 2 with the requested information, if applicable. Line 2, the signature line,

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must be signed in the presence of the notary public or deputy clerk.DO NOT SIGN OR FILL IN THE PART

OF THE FORM WHICH ASKS FOR THE NOTARY’S OR CLERK’S SIGNATURE. This section of the form is to

be completed by either the deputy clerk or the notary public who is witnessing your signature.

I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to the truthfulness of the claims made in this

petition and that the punishment for knowingly making a false statement includes fines and/or

imprisonment.

Dated: (1)

(2) (2)

Signature of Petitioner

Printed Name:

(3)

Address:

(4)

City, State, Zip: (5)

Telephone Number: (6)

Fax Number: (7)

Designated E-mail Address(es): __(8)________________

_____________________________________________

STATE OF FLORIDA

COUNTY OF

Sworn to or affirmed and signed before me on by .

NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK

{Print, type, or stamp commissioned name of notary or

clerk.}

__ Personally known

__ Produced identification

Type of identification produced

Non-lawyer Clause. The section below should be completed by anyone who helps you fill out these

forms but is not an attorney who is a member in good standing of The Florida Bar, which means that he

or she is not licensed to practice law in Florida.

IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW:

[fill in all blanks] This form was prepared for the: {either Petitioner or Respondent; or Husband or Wife}

This form was completed with the assistance of:

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{name of individual}________(1)_______________________________________________________,

{name of business} _____________(2)___________________________________________________,

{address} (3) ___________________________________________,

{city} (4)___________,{state} (5)_______, {zip code}__(6)__,{telephone number} _(7)___________.

Line 1 The nonlawyer who helps you should type or print his or her name on line 1.

Lines 2–7 The nonlawyer’s business name, address, (including street, city, state, zip code, and

telephone number) should be typed or printed on lines 2–7.

In addition, a Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), should

be completed if a nonlawyer assists you. The disclosure is available as a family law form and should be

completed before the nonlawyer helps you. This is to be sure that you understand the role and

limitations of a nonlawyer. You and the nonlawyer should keep a copy of this disclosure for your

records.

General Information for Self-Represented Litigants (02/18)

FAMILY LAW GLOSSARY OF COMMON TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

Note: The following definitions are intended to be helpful, BUT they are not intended to constitute

legal advice or address every possible meaning of the term(s) contained in this glossary.

Affidavit - a written statement in which the facts stated are sworn or affirmed to be true.

Alimony-spousal support which may be ordered by the court in a proceeding for dissolution of marriage.

Types of alimony include: bridge-the-gap, durational, rehabilitative, or retroactive, and may be either

temporary or permanent. The court may order periodic payments, payments in lump sum, or both. In

determining whether to award alimony, the court must determine whether either party has an actual

need for alimony and whether the other party has the ability to pay. The court must consider the

factors set forth in section 61.08, Florida Statutes, and must make certain written findings. An alimony

award may not leave the paying party with significantly less net income than that of the receiving party

without written findings of exceptional circumstances.

Answer - written response by a respondent that states whether he or she admits (agrees with) or denies

(disagrees with) the allegations in the petition. Any allegations not specifically denied are considered to

be admitted.

Appeal - asking a district court of appeal to review the decision in your case. There are strict procedural

and time requirements for filing an appeal.

Asset - everything owned by you or your spouse, including property, cars, furniture, bank accounts,

jewelry, life insurance policies, businesses, or retirement plans. An asset may be marital or nonmarital,

but that distinction is for the court to determine if you and your spouse do not agree.

Attorney - a person with special education and training in the field of law who is a member in good

standing of The Florida Bar and licensed to practice law in Florida. An attorney is the only person who is

allowed to give you legal advice. An attorney may file your case and represent you in court, or just

advise you of your rights before you file your own case. In addition to advising you of your rights, an

attorney may tell you what to expect and help prepare you for court. In family law matters, you are not

entitled to a court-appointed lawyer, like a public defender in a criminal case. However, legal assistance

is often available for those who are unable to hire a private attorney. You may consult the yellow pages

of the telephone directory for a listing of legal aid or lawyer referral services in your area, or ask your

local clerk of court or family law intake staff what services are available in your area. You may also

obtain information from the Florida Supreme Court’s Internet site located at http://www.flcourts.org.

Bond - money paid to the clerk of court by one party in a case, to be held and paid to an enjoined party

in the event that the first party causes loss or damage of property as a result of wrongfully enjoining the

other party.

Beneficiary Designation-Florida law provides that a beneficiary designation made by or on behalf of a

party providing for the payment or transference of an asset or benefit upon his or her death to the other

spouse is void when the final judgment dissolving or declaring a marriage invalid is signed, unless the

final judgment specifically states otherwise. Federal law and other statutory provisions may also apply.

This includes, but is not limited to, such assets as life insurance policies, annuities, employee benefit

plans, individual retirement accounts, and payable-on-death accounts. Whether or not to continue a

beneficiary designation is a complex area of the law and you may wish to consult with an attorney.

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Bridge-the-Gap Alimony-spousal support which is ordered to assist a party to make the transition from

being married to being single. Bridge-the-Gap alimony is designed to assist a party with legitimate,

identifiable short-time needs; its length cannot exceed two years and it cannot be modified.

Central Depository-the office of the clerk of court that is responsible for collecting and disbursing court

ordered alimony and child support payments. The depository also keeps payment records and files

judgments if support is not paid.

Certificate of Service - a document that must be filed whenever a form you are using does not contain a

statement for you to fill in showing to whom you are sending copies of the form. Florida Supreme Court

Approved Family Law Form 12.914 is the certificate of service form and contains additional instructions.

Certified Copy - a copy of an order or final judgment, certified by the clerk of the circuit court to be an

authentic copy.

Certified Mail - mail which requires the receiving party to sign as proof that they received it.

Child Support - money paid from one parent to the other for the benefit of their dependent or minor

child(ren).

Clerk of the Circuit Court - elected official in whose office papers are filed, a case number is assigned,

and case files are maintained. The clerk’s office usually is located in the county courthouse.

Concurrent Custody-(for the purposes of a petition filed pursuant to chapter 751, Florida Statutes)

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.

Constructive Service - notification of the other party by newspaper publication or posting of notice at

designated places when the other party cannot be located for personal service. You may also be able to

use constructive service when the other party lives in another state. Constructive service is also called

“service by publication.” However, when constructive service is used, the relief the Court may grant is

limited; that relief cannot include either alimony or child support. For more information on service, see

the instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Forms 12.910(a) and 12.913(b) and Florida

Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms 12.913(a)(1) and (2).

Contested Issues - any or all issues upon which the parties are unable to agree and which must be

resolved by the judge at a hearing or trial.

Contingent Asset - an asset that you may receive or get later, such as income, tax refund, accrued

vacation or sick leave, a bonus, or an inheritance.

Contingent Liability - a liability that you may owe later, such as payments for lawsuits, unpaid taxes, or

debts that you have agreed or guaranteed to pay if someone else does not.

Counterpetition - a written request to the court for legal action, which is filed by a respondent after

being served with a petition.

Custody Order – a judgment or order incorporating a Parenting Plan is a child custody determination for

the purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, the International Child

Abduction Remedies Act, 42 U.S.C. ss. 11601 et seq., the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act, and the

Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction enacted at the Hague on October 25,

1980.

Default - a failure of a party to respond to the pleading of another party. This failure to respond may

allow the court to decide the case without input from the party who did not appear or respond.

Delinquent - late.

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Dependent Child(ren) - child(ren) who depend on their parent(s) for support either because they are

under the age of 18, have a mental or physical disability that prevents them from supporting

themselves, or are in high school, between the ages of 18 and 19, and performing in good faith with a

reasonable expectation of graduation before the age of 19.

Deputy Clerk - an employee of the office of the clerk of court, which is usually located in the county

courthouse or a branch of the county courthouse.

Dissolution of Marriage - divorce; a court action to end a marriage.

Durational Alimony-spousal support which is ordered to provide economic assistance for a set period of

time following a marriage of short or moderate duration or following a marriage of long duration if there

is no ongoing need for support on a permanent basis. Durational alimony terminates upon the death of

either party or upon remarriage of the party receiving support. It may be modified or terminated, but

cannot exceed the length of a marriage.

Electronic Communication – Contact, other than face-to-face contact, facilitated by tools such as

telephones, electronic mail or email, webcams, video-conferencing equipment and software or other

wired or wireless technologies, or other means of communication to supplement fact-to face contact

between a parent and that parent’s minor child.

Enjoined - prohibited by the court from doing a specific act.

Ex Parte - communication with the judge by only one party. In order for a judge to speak with either

party, the other party must have been properly notified and have an opportunity to be heard. If you

have something you wish to tell the judge, you should ask for a hearing or file information in the clerk of

court’s office, with certification that a copy was sent to the other party.

Extended Family Member-(for the purposes of a petition filed pursuant to chapter 751, Florida Statutes)

is a person who is either:

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

2) 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’s parents as an adverse party.

Family Law Intake Staff - a court’s employee(s) who is (are) available to assist you in filing a family law

case. Family law intake staff are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice. They may only assist you

with filling out the form(s). Your local clerk’s office can tell you if your county has such assistance

available.

Filing - delivering a petition, response, motion, or other pleading in a court case to the clerk of court’s

office.

Filing Fee - an amount of money, set by law, that the petitioner must pay when filing a case. If you

cannot afford to pay the fee, you must file an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status, to

ask the clerk to file your case without payment of the fee. This form can be obtained from the clerk’s

office.

Final Hearing - trial in your case.

Financial Affidavit - a sworn statement that contains information regarding your income, expenses,

assets, and liabilities.

Final Judgment - a written document signed by a judge and recorded in the clerk of the circuit court’s

office that contains the judge’s decision in your case.

Guardian ad Litem - a neutral person who may be appointed by the court to evaluate or investigate your

child’s situation, and file a report with the court about what is in the best interests of your child(ren).

Guardians do not “work for” either party. The guardian may interview the parties, visit their homes,

General Information for Self-Represented Litigants (02/18)

visit the child(ren)’s school(s) and speak with teachers, or use other resources to make their

recommendation.

Hearing - a legal proceeding before a judge or designated officer (general magistrate or hearing officer)

on a motion.

Health Insurance-coverage under a fee-for-service arrangement, health care maintenance organization,

or preferred provider organization, and other types of coverage available to either parent, under which

medical services could be provided to a minor or dependent child.

Judge - an elected official who is responsible for deciding matters on which you and the other parties in

your case are unable to agree. A judge is a neutral person who is responsible for ensuring that your case

is resolved in a manner which is fair, equitable, and legal. A judge is prohibited by law from giving you

or the other party any legal advice, recommendations, or other assistance, and may not talk to either

party unless both parties are present, represented, or at a properly scheduled hearing.

Judicial Assistant - the judge’s personal staff assistant.

Liabilities - everything owed by you or your spouse, including mortgages, credit cards, or car loans. A

liability may be marital or nonmarital, but that distinction is for the court to determine if you and your

spouse do not agree.

Lump Sum Alimony - money ordered to be paid by one spouse to another in a limited number of

payments, often a single payment.

Mandatory Disclosure - items that must be disclosed by both parties except those exempted from

disclosure by Florida Family Law Rule 12.285.

Marital Asset - generally, anything that you and/or your spouse acquired or received (by gift or

purchase) during the marriage. For example, something you owned before your marriage may be

nonmarital. An asset may only be determined to be marital by agreement of the parties or

determination of the judge.

Marital Liability - generally, any debt that you and/or your spouse incurred during the marriage. A debt

may only be determined to be nonmarital by agreement of the parties or determination of the judge.

Mediator - a person who is trained and certified to assist parties in reaching an agreement before going

to court. Mediators do not take either party’s side and are not allowed to give legal advice. They are

only responsible for helping the parties reach an agreement and putting that agreement into writing. In

some areas, mediation of certain family law cases may be required before going to court.

Modification - a change made by the court in an order or final judgment.

Motion - a request made to the court, other than a petition.

No Contact - a court order directing a party not speak to, call, send mail to, visit, or go near his or her

spouse, ex-spouse, child(ren), or other family member.

Nonlawyer - a person who is not a member in good standing of The Florida Bar.

Nonmarital Asset - generally, anything owned separately by you or your spouse. An asset may only be

determined to be nonmarital by either agreement of the parties or determination of the judge.

Nonmarital Liability - generally, any debt that you or your spouse incurred before your marriage or

since your separation. A debt may only be determined to be nonmarital by either agreement of the

parties or determination of the judge.

Nonparty - a person who is not the petitioner or respondent in a court case.

Notary Public - a person authorized to witness signatures on court related forms.

Obligee - a person to whom money, such as child support or alimony, is owed.

Obligor - a person who is ordered by the court to pay money, such as child support or alimony.

General Information for Self-Represented Litigants (02/18)

Order - a written decision, signed by a judge and filed in the clerk of the circuit court’s office that

contains the judge’s decision on part of your case, usually on a motion.

Original Petition - see Petition.

Parenting Course - a class that teaches parents how to help their child(ren) cope with divorce and other

family issues.

Parenting Plan – a document created to govern the relationship between the parents relating to the

decisions that must be made regarding the minor child(ren). The Parenting Plan must contain a time-

sharing schedule for the parents and child(ren) and shall address the issues concerning the minor

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 must be developed and agreed to by

the parents and approved by the court. If the parents 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.

Parenting Plan Recommendation – A nonbinding recommendation concerning one or more elements of

a Parenting Plan made by a court-appointed mental health practitioner or other professional designated

pursuant to either section 61.20 or 61.401, Florida Statutes, or Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure

12.363.

Party - a person involved in a court case, either as a petitioner or respondent.

Paternity Action - A lawsuit used to determine whether a designated individual is the father of a specific

child or children.

Payor - an employer or other person who provides income to an obligor.

Permanent Alimony - spousal support ordered to provide for the needs and necessities of life as they

were established during the marriage for a party who lacks the financial ability to meet his or her needs

and necessities after dissolution of marriage. Permanent alimony is paid at a specified, periodic rate

until: modification by a court order; the death of either party; or the remarriage of the party receiving

alimony, whichever occurs first. Permanent alimony requires consideration of the factors set forth in

section 61.08(2), Florida Statutes, and must include certain written findings by the court.

Personal Service - when a summons and a copy of a petition (or other pleading) that has been filed with

the court are delivered by a deputy sheriff or private process server to the other party. Personal service

is required for all petitions and supplemental petitions.

Petition - a written request to the court for legal action, which begins a court case.

Petitioner - the person who originally files a petition that begins a court case. The Petitioner remains the

Petitioner throughout the duration of the case.

Pleading - a formal, written statement of exactly what a party wants the court to do in a lawsuit or court

action.

Pro Se or Self-Represented Litigant - a person who appears in court without the assistance of a lawyer.

Pro Se Coordinator - see Family Law Intake Staff.

Rehabilitative Alimony - spousal support ordered to be paid for a limited period of time to allow one of

the parties an opportunity to complete a plan of education or training, according to a rehabilitative plan

accepted by the court, so that he or she may better support himself or herself after dissolution of

marriage.

Relocation- a change in the location of the principal residence of a parent or other person in accordance

with section 61.13001, Florida Statutes.

General Information for Self-Represented Litigants (02/18)

Respondent - the person who is served with a petition requesting some legal action against him or her.

The Respondent remains the Respondent throughout the duration of the case.

Scientific Paternity Testing - a medical test to determine the biological father of a child

Service - the delivery of legal documents to a party. Service must be in accordance with Florida Rule of

Judicial Administration 2.516.

Shared Parental Responsibility - an arrangement under which both parents have full parental rights and

responsibilities for their child(ren), and the parents make major decisions affecting the welfare of the

child(ren) jointly. Shared Parental Responsibility is presumptive in Florida.

Sole Parental Responsibility - a parenting arrangement under which the responsibility for the minor

child(ren) is given to one parent by the court, with or without rights of time-sharing to the other parent.

State Disbursement Unit- the unit established and operated by the Title IV-D agency to provide one

central address for the collection and disbursement of child support payments made in both

Department of Revenue and non-Department of Revenue cases, in which the obligation is paid through

an income deduction order.

Supervised Time-Sharing- a parenting arrangement under which time-sharing between a parent and his

or her child(ren) is supervised by either a friend, family member, or a supervised visitation center.

Supplemental Petition - a petition that may be filed by either party after the judge has made a decision

in a case and a final judgment or order has been entered. For example, a supplemental petition may be

used to request that the court modify the previously entered final judgment or order.

Supportive Relationship-a relationship, defined in section 61.14(1)(b)1, Florida Statutes, existing

between an obligee who receives alimony and a person with whom that obligee resides.

Time-Sharing Schedule – a timetable that must be included in the Parenting Plan that specifies the time,

including overnights and holidays that a minor child or children will spend with each parent. The time-

sharing schedule shall either be developed and agreed to by the parents of a minor child or children and

is approved by the court, or established by the court if the parents cannot agree, or if their agreed-upon

schedule is not approved by the court.

Trial - the final hearing in a contested case.

Uncontested - any and all issues on which the parties are able to agree and which are part of a marital

settlement agreement.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,

IN AND FOR HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDA

Case No.: ___________________

________________________________, Division ___________________

Petitioner,

and

_______________________________,

Respondent.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FAMILY LAW DIVISION

THE TWELVE RULES OF COURTROOM CIVILITY

The judges, general masters and hearing officers assigned to the Family Law Division in

Hillsborough County expect that all litigants, whether or not they are represented by attorneys,

will conduct themselves in an appropriate fashion so that all parties will be afforded a fair

opportunity to present their case.

The following guidelines are meant to assist you in meeting appropriate standards of

conduct when you appear in court.

1. Be truthful in all statements that you make to the court. False statements under

oath constitute perjury which is a criminal offense.

2. Do not call or write to the judge. As a general rule, documents and testimony can

be read or heard by the judge only in the presence of both parties.

3. Be courteous. Other than to make appropriate objections, do not interrupt anyone

who is speaking. If you are representing yourself and you have an objection to

something a witness says, merely say, "Objection" and the court will allow you to

state the nature of your objection.

4. Treat all court personnel with respect, including bailiffs, judicial assistants, clerks,

court investigators, judges, general masters and hearing officers.

5. Do not make faces or gestures at the opposing party, his or her attorney, witnesses

or the judge while in the cou rtroom. Speak d irectly to t he judge or your at torney,

not the opposing party or a witness. You will be given an opportunity to be heard

by the court.

6. Show your respect for the court by dressing appropriately and wearing clean

clothes. Coats, ties, suits and dresses are welcome but not required. Shorts, blue

jeans, t-shirts and sneakers are not appropriate.

7. Do not bring any food or beverage into the courtroom and do not chew gum or eat

candy in the courtroom.

8. Do not bring children to the courthouse (except in adoption cases), unless the

court has so ordered.

9. Be aware that witnesses you bring to court are not usually permitted to remain in

the courtroom while you, your spouse or former spouse, or other w itnesses testify.

10. Bring at least four (4) copies of any documents that you intend to offer into

evidence.

11. All documents should be pre-marked with a case number, name, the date and a

space for the judge to admit the document into evidence.

12. The courthouse is located in a congested area. Parking is limited and takes time.

Plan your time so you can park and be available at least fifteen (15) minutes

before the hearing is scheduled to begin.

I have read and acknowledge my responsibilities as a litigant.

__________________________________ _____________

Signature of Petitioner Date

__________________________________ _____________

Signature of Respondent Date

I have read and reviewed with my client his or her responsibilities as a litigant.

__________________________________ _____________

Signature of Attorney Date

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 12.900(a),

DISCLOSURE FROM NONLAWYER

When should this form be used?

This form must be used when anyone who is not a lawyer in good standing with The Florida Bar helps

you complete any Florida Family Law Form. Attorneys who are licensed to practice in other states but

not Florida, or who have been disbarred or suspended from the practice of law in Florida, are nonlawyers

for the purposes of the Florida Family Law Forms and instructions.

The nonlawyer must complete this form and both of you are to sign it before the nonlawyer assists you in

completing any Family Law Form.

In addition, on any other form with which a nonlawyer helps you, the nonlawyer shall complete the

nonlawyer section located at the bottom of the form unless otherwise specified in the instructions to the

form. This is to protect you and be sure that you are informed in advance of the nonlawyer’s limitations.

What should I do next?

A copy of this disclosure, signed by both the nonlawyer and the person, must be given to the person and

the nonlawyer must keep a copy in the person’s file. The nonlawyer must keep copies for at least six years

of all forms given to the person being assisted.

Special notes…

This disclosure form does NOT act as or constitute a waiver, disclaimer, or limitation of liability.

Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), Disclosure From Nonlawyer (02/06)

Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), Disclosure From Nonlawyer (02/06)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,

IN AND FOR HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDA

Case No.:

Division:

Petitioner,

and

Respondent.

DISCLOSURE FROM NONLAWYER

{Name}

, told me that he/she is a nonlawyer and may not

give legal advice, cannot tell me what my rights or remedies are, cannot tell me how to testify in court,

and cannot represent me in court.

Rule 10-2.1(b) of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar defines a paralegal as a person who

works under the supervision of a member of The Florida Bar and who performs specifically delegated

substantive legal work for which a member of The Florida Bar is responsible. Only persons who meet the

definition may call themselves paralegals. {Name}

informed me that he/she is not a paralegal and cannot call himself/herself a paralegal.

{Name}

, told me that he/she may only type the factual

information provided by me in writing into the blanks on the form. {Name}

may not help me fill in the form and may not complete the form for me. If using a form approved by the

Supreme Court of Florida, {name}

, may ask me factual

questions to fill in the blanks on the form and may also tell me how to file the form.

[√ one only]

___ I can read English.

___ I cannot read English, but this disclosure was read to me [fill in both blanks] by

{name}

in {language} , which

I understand.

Dated:

Signature of Party

Signature of NONLAWYER

Printed Name:

Name of Business:

Address:

Telephone Number:

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)(05/12)

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)(05/12)

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: te mporary use of assets; temporary

exclusive use of the marital home; temporary responsibility for liabilities/debts; tempor ary

spousal supp ort (alimony

); temporary time‐sharing schedule with minor  child(ren); temporary

childsupport

;andotherrelief.



 OR



(2) Thepetitionerinapendingactionforsupportunconnectedwithdissolution.Foryoutousethis

form,a petitionfor supportuncon nected 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.



WhatshouldIdonext?



Acopyofthisform,alongwithalloftheotherformsrequiredwiththismotion,mustbe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.



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.



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)(05/12)

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,cou nty, casenumber,division,andtheparties’names,andleavetherest

blankforthejudgetocompleteatyourhearing.



Nonlawyer....Remember,apersonwhoisNOTanattorneyiscall ed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.

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)(05/12)

INTHECIRCUITCOURTOFTHETHIRTEENTHJUDICIALCIRCUIT,

INANDFORHILLSBOROUGHCOUNTY,FLORIDA



CaseNo.:_______________________________

Division:________________________________

________________________________,

Petitioner,



and



________________________________,

Respondent.



MOTIONFORTEMPORARYSUPPORT,TIME‐SHARING,ANDOTHERRELIEF

WITHDEPENDENTORMINORCHILD(REN)



The()Petitioner()RespondentrequeststhattheCourtenteranordergrantingthefollowing

temporarysupport:



 [completeallthatapply]

1. AssetsandLiabilities.

a. ___Awardtemporaryexclusiveuseandpossessionofthemari talhome.{address}

___________________________________________________________________________

TheCourtshoulddothisbecause:_____________________________________ __________

___________________________________________________________________________

b. ___Awardtemporaryuseandpossessionofmaritalassets.{Specify,withoutgiving

accountnumbers}

___________________________________________________________________________

TheCourtshoulddothisbecause:_____________________________________ __________

___________________________________________________________________________

c. ___Enteratemporaryinjunctionprohibitingthepartiesfromdisposingofanymarital

assets,otherthanordinaryandusualexpenses.{Explain} ___________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

TheCourtshoulddothisbecause:_____________________________________ __________

___________________________________________________________________________



___________________________________________________________________________

d. ___Requiretemporarypaymentofspecificmaritaldebts.{Explainwithoutusingaccount

numbers}__________________________________________________________________



___________________________________________________________________________

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)(05/12)

___________________________________________________________________________

TheCourtshoulddothisbecause:_______________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________



___________________________________________________________________________



2. Child(ren).

a. ___EnteratemporaryParentingPlanwithatime‐sharingschedulefortheparties’minor

child(ren).

b. ___Enteratemporaryinjunctionprohibitingthepartiesfrompermanentlyremovingthe

child(ren)fromthejurisdictionoftheCourt.TheCourtshoulddothisbecause:

___________________________________________________________________________



3. Support.

a. ___Awardtemporarychildsupportof$________permonth.

b. ___Awardtemporaryspousalsupport/alimonyof$________permonth.

TheCourtshoulddothisbecause:_____________________________________ _____________

______________________________________________________________________________



4. Attorney’sfeesandcosts.

a. ___

Awardtemporaryattorney’sfeesof$________.

b. ___

Awardtemporarycostsof$________.

TheCourtshoulddothisbecause:_____________________________________ _____________

______________________________________________________________________________



5. OtherRelief.{specify}___________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________



______________________________________________________________________________



6. AcompletedUniformChildCustodyJurisdictionandEnforcementAct(UCCJEA)Affidavit,Florida

SupremeCourtApprovedFamilyLawForm12.902(d),isfiledwiththismotionorhasalready

beenfiledwiththeCourt.



7. AcompletedNoticeofSocialSecurityNumber,FloridaSupremeCourtApprovedFamilyLaw

Form12.902(j),isfiledwiththismotionorhasalreadybeenfiledwiththeCourt.



8. IrequestthattheCourtholdahearingonthismatterandgrantthereliefspecificallyrequested

andanyotherreliefthisCourtmaydeemjustandproper.



Icertifythatacopyofthisdocumentwas[Chooseallused]()mailed()faxed

()hand‐deliveredtotheperson(s)listedbelowon{date}______________________.



Otherpartyorhis/herattorney:

Name:________________________________________

Address:______________________________________

City,State,Zip:_________________________________

FaxNumber:__________________________________



EmailAddress:_________________________________



 _____________________________________________

SignatureofPartyorhis/herattorney

PrintedName:_______________________________ __

Address:______________________________________

City,State,Zip:_________________________________

TelephoneNumber:_____________________________

FaxNumber:___________________________________

EmailAddress:_________________________________



IFANONLAWYERHELPEDYOUFILLOUTTHISFORM,HE/SHEMUSTFILLINTHEBLANKSBELOW:

[fillinallblanks]Thisformwaspreparedforthe:{chooseonlyone}()Husband()Wife

Thisformwascompletedwiththeassistanceof:

{nameofindividual}______________________________________________________________,

{nameofbusiness}_______________________________________________________________,

{address}_______________________________________________________________________,

{city}_______________________,{state}____________,{telephonenumber}_______________.

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)(05/12)

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)(05/12)



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.



 OR



(2) thepetitionerinapendingactionforsupportunconnectedwithadissolution.Foryoutousethis

form,apetitionforsupportunconnecte d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wher ethepetitionfordissolutionofmarriagewasfiled

andkeepacopyforyourrecords.



WhatshouldIdonext?



Acopyofthisform,alongwithalloftheotherformsrequiredwiththismotion,mustbe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.



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:

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)(05/12)

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)(05/12)



• 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. 



Nonlawyer.Remember,a personwhoisNOTanattorneyiscalledanonlawyer.Ifanonlawye r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.

INTHECIRCUITCOURTOFTHETHIRTEENTHJUDICIALCIRCUIT,

INANDFORHILLSBOROUGHCOUNTY,FLORIDA



 CaseNo:________________________

 Division:________________________



_________________________________,

Petitioner,

and



_________________________________,

Respondent.



MOTIONFORTEMPORARYSUPPORTANDOTHERRELIEF

WITHNODEPENDENTORMINORCHILD(REN)



()Petitioner()RespondentrequeststhattheCourtenteranordergrantingthefollowing

temporarysupport:



[Completeallthatapply]

1. AssetsandLiabilities.

a. ___Awardtemporaryexclusiveuseandpossessionofthemaritalhome.{address}_________

______________________________________________________________________________

TheCourtshoulddothisbecause:__________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________



b. ___Awardtemporaryuseandpossessionofmaritalassets.{Specify,withoutusingaccount

numbers}______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

TheCourtshoulddothisbecause:__________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________.

c. ___Enteratemporaryinjunctionprohibitingthepartiesfromdisposingofanymaritalassets,

otherthanordinaryandusualexpenses.{Explain}_____________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________



TheCourtshoulddothisbecause:_____________________________________ _____________

______________________________________________________________________________

d. ___Requiretemporarypaymentofspecificmaritaldebts.{Explain,withoutusingaccount

numbers}

FloridaSupremeCourtApprovedFamilyLawForm12.947(c),MotionforTemporarySupportandOtherReliefwith

NoDependentorMinorChild(ren)(05/12)

FloridaSupremeCourtApprovedFamilyLawForm12.947(c),MotionforTemporarySupportandOtherReliefwith

NoDependentorMinorChild(ren)(05/12)

______________________________________________________________________________

TheCourtshoulddothisbecause:__________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________



2. Support.Awardtemporary spousalsupport/alimonyof$___________permonth.TheCourtshould

dothisbecause:____________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

Otherprovisionsrelatingtoalimonyincluding anytaxtreatmentandconsequences:_____________

__________________________________________________________________________________



3. Attorney’sfeesandcosts.

___Awardtemporaryattorney

’s feesof$__________.

b. ___Awardtemporarycostsof$__________.

TheCourtshoulddothisbecause:_____________________________________ _____________

______________________________________________________________________________



4. OtherRelief.{specify}_______________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________



5. AcompletedCertificateofCompliancewithMandatoryDisclosure,FloridaFamilyLawRulesof

ProcedureForm12.932,isfiledwiththismotionorhasalreadybeenfiledwiththeCourt.



6. AcompletedNoticeofSocialSecurityNumber,FloridaSupremeCourtApprovedFamilyLawForm

12.902(j),isfiledwiththismotionorhasalreadybeenfiledwiththeCourt.



IrequestthattheCourtholdahearingonthismatterandgrantthereliefspecificallyrequestedandany

otherreliefthisCourtmaydeemjustandproper.

Icertifythatacopyofthisdocumentwas[Chooseonlyone]()mailed()faxedandmailed

()hand‐deliveredtotheperson(s)listedbelowon{date}

_____________________________________



Otherpartyorhis/herattorney:

Name:________________________________________

Address:______________________________________

City,State,Zip:_________________________________

FaxNumber:__________________________________

EmailAddress:_________________________________



_____________________________________________

SignatureofPartyorhis/herattorney

PrintedName:_______________________________ __

Address:______________________________________

 City,State,Zip:_________________________________

 TelephoneNumber:_____________________________

 FaxNumber:__________________________________

 EmailAddress:_________________________________



IFANONLAWYERHELPEDYOUFILLOUTTHISFORM,HE/SHEMUSTFILLINTHEBLANKSBELOW:

[fillinallblanks]Thisformwaspreparedforthe:{chooseonlyone}()Husband()Wife

Thisformwascompletedwiththeassistanceof:

{nameofindividual}______________________________________________________________,

{nameofbusiness}_______________________________________________________________,

{address}_______________________________________________________________________,

{city}_______________________,{state}____________,{telephonenumber}_______________.

FloridaSupremeCourtApprovedFamilyLawForm12.947(c),MotionforTemporarySupportandOtherReliefwith

NoDependentorMinorChild(ren)(05/12)



INTHECIRCUITCOURTOFTHETHIRTEENTHJUDICIALCIRCUIT

INANDFORHILLSBOROUGHCOUNTY,FLORIDA

FAMILYLAWDIVISION



INRE:THEMATTEROF:

_______________________________________,

 Petitioner,

CaseNo.

and

Division

_________________________________________,

 Respondent.

_______________________________/

TEMPORARY RELIEF HEARING MEMORANDUM

1. Petitioner’sName:___________________________________________

 Employer:__________________________________________________

 GrossAnnualIncome$________________ MonthlyNetIncome$__________________

2. Respondent’sName:_________________________________________

 Employer:__________________________________________________

 GrossAnnualIncome$________________ MonthlyNetIncome$__________________

3. Children’sNames:

 _________________________________ Age____________ DOB__________________

 _________________________________ Age____________ DOB__________________



4. Issuestobedeterminedattemporaryhearing(checkeachonethatapplies):

  SharedParentalResponsibility

 TimesharingPlan(VisitationSchedule)

  ExclusiveUseofResidence

  TemporaryAlimony





  TemporaryChildSupportWith/Without: (A)CostofDaycare$__________

 (B)CostofChildren(s)MedicalInsurance$__________



  TemporaryFeesandCostsrequested$_______________,andtheproposedsourceoffunds

topaysameis___________________________________________________.

  Other(debtpayments,privateschooltuitionandtransportationforvisitation,etc.):

List: ________________________________________________________________

 ________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

5. Thefollowing,whenapplicable,MUSTbeattachedtothisMemorandumoryourhearingSHALLbe

continued:

 A. ChildSupportGuidelinescalculations

B. ProposedTemporaryAlimony/Supportcalculations

C. CurrentFinancialAffidavitwiththelastthreepayrollstubsorW‐2andK‐1fortheimmediately‐

precedingyear.

D. Attorney’s

FeesAffidavit

E. ProposedParentingPlan



______________________________________

SignatureofAttorneyorParty

Fla.BarNo.____________________________

Address:______________________________

______________________________________

PhoneNo._____________________________



CERTIFICATEOFSERVICE

IHEREBYCERTIFYthatatrueandcorrectcopyoftheforegoinghasbeenfurnishedbyU.S.Mail

this_____dayof________________________,20___to____________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________

SignatureofAttorneyorParty

InstructionsforFloridaSupremeCourtApprovedFamilyLawForm12.923,NoticeofHearing(General)

(9/11)

INSTRUCTIONSFORFLORIDASUPREMECOURTAPPROVEDFAMILYLAW

FORM12.923,NOTICEOFHEARING(GENERAL)(9/11)



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.



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wher eyourcasewasfiledandkeepacopyforyour

records.



WhatshouldIdonext?



Acopyof thisformmust be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.



WherecanIlookformoreinformation?



Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self‐Represented Litigantsfound 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.



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.

FloridaSupremeCourtApprovedFamilyLawForm12.923,NoticeofHearing(General)(9/11)

INTHECIRCUITCOURTOFTHETHIRTEENTHJUDICIALCIRCUIT,

INANDFORHILLSBOROUGHCOUNTY,FLORIDA



CaseNo.:__________________________

Division:___________________________



______________________________________,

Petitioner,



and



_____________________________________,

Respondent.



NOTICEOFHEARING(GENERAL)



[fillinallblanks]

TO:{nameofotherparty}:_______________________________________________________________

TherewillbeahearingbeforeJudge{name}________________________________________________,

on{date}________________,at{time}______________m.,inRoom_____ofthe_________________

Courthouse,onthefollowingissues: ____________________________________________________



_____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________.

_____hour(s)/_____minuteshavebeenreservedforthishearing.



Thispartistobefilledoutbythecourtortobefilledinwithinformationyouobtainedfromthecourt:



If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order

to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the

provision of certain assistance. Please contact the ADA Coordinator,

Hillsborough County Courthouse, 800 E. Twiggs St., Room 604, Tampa,

Florida 33602, (813) 272-7040, at least 7 days before your scheduled court

appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before

the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice

impaired, call 711.

Ifyou arerepresentedbyan attorneyor planto retainanattorney forthis matter,you should

notifytheattorneyofthishearing.



FloridaSupremeCourtApprovedFamilyLawForm12.923,NoticeofHearing(General)(9/11)

Ifthismatterisresolved,themovingpartyshallcontactthejudge’sofficetocancelthishearing.



Icertifythatacopyofthisdocumentwas[Chooseonlyone]()mailed()faxedandmailed(

)handdeliveredtotheperson(s)listedbelowon{date}_________________.



Otherpartyorhis/herattorney:

Name:________________________________________

Address:______________________________________

City,State,Zip:_________________________________

FaxNumber:___________________________________

EmailAddress:_________________________________ 



Dated:_____________________



_____________________________________________

SignatureofParty

PrintedName:___________________________________

Address:_______________________________________

City,State,Zip:___________________________________

TelephoneNumber:________________________________

FaxNumber:_____________________________________

EmailAddress:_________________________________ 



IFANONLAWYERHELPEDYOUFILLOUTTHISFORM,HE/SHEMUSTFILLINTHEBLANKSBELOW:[fillin

allblanks]

I,{fulllegalnameandtradenameofnonlawyer}_____________________________________________,

anonlawyer,whoseaddressis{street}____________________________________________,

{city}______________________________(state}____________,{phone}________________________,

helped{name}________________________________________________________________________,

whoisthe[Chooseonlyone]___petitioneror___respondent,filloutthisform.



InstructionsforFloridaSupremeCourtApprovedFamilyLawForm12.915,DesignationofCurrentMailingand

EmailAddress(09/12)

INSTRUCTIONSFORFLORIDASUPREMECOURTAPPROVEDFAMILYLAW

FORM12.915,

DESIGNATIONOFCURRENTMAILINGANDEMAILADDRESS(09/12)

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 pa rty  in your case.Service must be in

accordancewith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.Thewordsthatareinboldunderline

intheseinstructionsaredefinedthere.



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.



FloridaSupremeCourtApprovedFamilyLawForm12.915,DesignationofCurrentMailingandEmailAddress

(09/12)

INTHECIRCUITCOURTOFTHETHIRTEENTHJUDICIALCIRCUIT,

INANDFORHILLSBOROUGHCOUNTY,FLORIDA



CaseNo.:



Division:





,

Petitioner,



and





,

Respondent.



DESIGNATIONOFCURRENTMAILINGANDE‐MAILADDRESS

I,{fulllegalname} ,beingsworn,certifythat

mycurrentmailingaddressis:{Street}



{City}

,{State} {Zip}  {TelephoneNo.} 

{FaxNo.}  

.



Idesignateasmycurrente‐mailaddress(es):________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

I understand that I must keep the clerk’s office and the opposing party or parties notified of my

currentmailingand e‐mailaddress(es)andthatall futurepapersin thislawsuitwill beservedat the

address(es)onrecordattheclerk’soffice.

Icertifythatacopyofthisdocumentwas[checkallused]:()e‐mailed()mailed()faxed

()hand‐deliveredtotheperson(s)listedbelowon{date}__________________________.



Otherpartyorhis/herattorney:

Name:_____________________________

Address:____________________________

City,State,Zip:_______ ________________

FaxNumber:_________________________

E‐mailAddress(es):_____________________



Dated:_______________  _____________________________________________ 

SignatureofParty



FloridaSupremeCourtApprovedFamilyLawForm12.915,DesignationofCurrentMailingandEmailAddress

(09/12)

STATEOFFLORIDA

COUNTYOF

Sworntooraffirmedandsignedbeforemeon

by .



NOTARYPUBLICorDEPUTYCLERK

[Print,type,orstampcommissionednameofnotaryorclerk.]



_

 Personallyknown

_

 Producedidentification 

Typeofidentificationproduced



IFANONLAWYERHELPEDYOUFILLOUTTHISFORM,HE/SHEMUSTFILLINTHEBLANKSBELOW:

[fillinallblanks]Thisformwaspreparedforthe:{chooseonlyone}()Petitioner()Respondent

Thisformwascompletedwiththeassistanceof:

{nameofindividual}_

_____________________________________________________________,

{nameofbusiness}_______________________________________________________________,

{street}______________________________________________

,

{city} 

,{state}  ,{telephonenumber}__________________.



Page 1 of 2

IN THE ___________ COURT, 13TH

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDA

______________________

CASE NO.: ______________________

Plaintiff/Petitioner,

______________________

Defendant/Respondent.

__________________________________ /

NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION WITHIN COURT FILING

Pursuant to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420(d)(2), I hereby certify:

( ) (1) I am filing herewith a document containing confidential information as described in

Rule 2.420(d)(1)(B) and that:

(a) The title/type of document is ______________________________________________, and:

(b) ( ) the entire document is confidential, or

( ) the confidential information within the document is precisely located at:

_________________________________________________________________________.

( ) (2) A document was previously filed in this case that contains confidential information as

described in Rule 2.420(d)(1)(B), but a Notice of Confidential Information within Court Filing

was not filed with the document and the confidential information was not maintained as

confidential by the clerk of the court. I hereby notify the clerk that this confidential information

is located as follows:

(a) Title/type of document: ______________________________________________________ ;

(b) Date of filing (if known): _____________________________________________________ ;

(d) Docket entry number: ______________________________________________________ ;

(e) ( ) Entire document is confidential, or

( ) Precise location of confidential information in document: ________________________

________________________________________________________________________ .

___________________________________

Filer’s Signature

Page 2 of 2

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I HEREBY CERTIFY that a copy of the foregoing was furnished by ___________ on: _____________

_________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________ on _____________________ , 20___.

______________________________________

Name .............................................................

Address .........................................................

Phone ............................................................

Florida Bar No. (if applicable) .........................

E-mail address ...............................................

Note: The clerk of court shall review filings identified as containing confidential information to

determine whether the information is facially subject to confidentiality under subdivision (d)(1)(B). The

clerk shall notify the filer in writing within 5 days if the clerk determines that the information is NOT

subject to confidentiality, and the records shall not be held as confidential for more than 10 days,

unless a motion is filed pursuant to subdivision (d)(3) of the Rule. Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.420(d)(2).

fax

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW

FORM 12.915

DESIGNATION OF CURRENT MAILING AND E-MAIL ADDRESS

(06/18)

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

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

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. If you elect to participate in electronic service, which means serving or receiving pleadings

Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915, Designation of Current Mailing and

E-mail Address (06/18)

by electronic mail (e-mail), or through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, you must review Florida Rule of

Judicial Administration 2.516. You may find this rule at www.flcourts.org through the link to the Rules of

Judicial Administration provided under either Family Law Forms: Getting Started, or Rules of Court in the

A-Z Topical Index.